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Head-to-head · Privacy Browsers

Waterfox vs LibreWolf

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Waterfox #3 in Privacy Browsers 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Waterfox
LibreWolf #5 in Privacy Browsers 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit LibreWolf

Waterfox leads on 0 checks, LibreWolf on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreWaterfox · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth

Waterfox scores higher on our rubric for privacy browsers: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Waterfox is the better fit for free privacy with everyday browser features. LibreWolf is the better fit for privacy-focused Firefox desktop users.

  • Waterfox fits best

    Free privacy with everyday browser features

  • LibreWolf fits best

    Privacy-focused Firefox desktop users

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Waterfox 9.2/10 Visit ↗ LibreWolf 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #3 in Privacy Browsers #5 in Privacy Browsers
Best for Free privacy with everyday browser features Privacy-focused Firefox desktop users
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Waterfox 1/4 · LibreWolf 1/4
Tracker blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Ad blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Built-in VPN Not checked yet Not checked yet
Open source ✓ ✓
Specs
Fingerprint protection Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Both Both
Our review
Pros
  • Built-in ad, tracker, pop-up, and overlay blocking
  • Enhanced Tracking Protection with Standard, Strict, and Custom modes
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android with sync support
  • Includes uBlock Origin with custom filter lists
  • Adds strict tracking, cookie, URL, and fingerprinting protections
  • Free, open-source software with telemetry removal
Cons
  • Support channels are centered on documentation
  • No paid tier for users seeking premium browser features
  • No built-in AI features
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop use
  • Firefox Sync requires manual enablement
  • Support is centered on community resources and documentation
Our verdict

Waterfox is a free, open-source web browser for privacy-conscious users who want control over tracking, browsing data, interface layout, and extensions. Built on Mozilla’s Gecko engine, it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Its…

Read the review →

LibreWolf is a free, open-source, community-driven desktop browser based on Firefox. It is designed for people who want stronger privacy and security settings without starting with a standard browser configuration. Its focus suits…

Read the review →
  1. WaterfoxPrivacy Browsers 9.2Free plan
  2. LibreWolfPrivacy Browsers 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Waterfox — where it wins

    • Built-in ad, tracker, pop-up, and overlay blocking
    • Enhanced Tracking Protection with Standard, Strict, and Custom modes
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android with sync support

    Where it doesn't

    • Support channels are centered on documentation
    • No paid tier for users seeking premium browser features
    • No built-in AI features
  • LibreWolf — where it wins

    • Includes uBlock Origin with custom filter lists
    • Adds strict tracking, cookie, URL, and fingerprinting protections
    • Free, open-source software with telemetry removal

    Where it doesn't

    • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop use
    • Firefox Sync requires manual enablement
    • Support is centered on community resources and documentation

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update