Waterfox
Waterfox: Waterfox offers open-source browsing with detailed privacy controls at no cost. Ranked #9 of 145 in Web Browsers by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source users wanting strong privacy controls.
At a glance
- Editor score8.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source users wanting strong privacy controls
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Browser engineGecko
- Founded2011 · Suite 140, 372 Old Street, London, EC1V 9AU, United Kingdom
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Advanced tracking protection with Standard, Strict, and Custom modes
- Open source with built-in ad and tracker blocking
- Syncs bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs, and preferences
Where it doesn't
- No premium tier or payment options are offered
- Synchronization depends on a Mozilla account and Mozilla Sync
- No AI features are included
Our verdict on Waterfox
Waterfox is a free, open-source web browser from BrowserWorks Ltd, based on Mozilla Firefox and the Gecko engine. It is designed for people who want detailed privacy controls alongside everyday browsing features. Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, it combines ad and tracker blocking with Enhanced Tracking Protection, private tabs, password storage, profiles, tab customization, and local website translation.
Privacy is the browser's clearest focus. Enhanced Tracking Protection provides Standard, Strict, and Custom modes, while private tabs keep separate browsing data. Waterfox also includes Oblivious HTTP private DNS, and its browser builds have telemetry and data collection disabled. These controls give privacy-conscious users more ways to manage browsing behavior without requiring a paid plan. Tree tabs and customizable tab layouts add flexibility for people who organize many open pages.
The Free plan costs $0 USD as a one-time price and requires no premium tier or payment. Mozilla Sync can synchronize bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs, and preferences through a Mozilla account, while Mozilla Add-ons supports the browser's extension ecosystem. Sync uses Mozilla's Sync service, and Waterfox states that it is not affiliated with Mozilla. Choose Waterfox if open-source software, privacy controls, cross-device synchronization, and interface customization are priorities. It is less suitable for buyers specifically seeking paid plan options or built-in AI features.
Your product? Our editors can test Waterfox in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Waterfox pricing
Waterfox fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Both |
| Browser engine | Gecko |
| Built-in ad blocking | Yes |
| Tracking protection | Advanced |
| Extension support | Not verified |
| Cross-device sync | Yes |
| Open source | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Compliance & security | GDPR |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | waterfox.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Waterfox
- Google ChromeA complete free browser with broad platform coverage, sync, extensions, and built-in security.9.3
- Microsoft EdgeA free, cross-platform browser suited to Microsoft users who want broad compatibility.9.2
- Mozilla FirefoxA mature, privacy-focused browser for everyday browsing across desktop and mobile.9.1
See all Waterfox alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Waterfox is ranked in 3 of our directories.
Used Waterfox? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Waterfox for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Waterfox is listed in our Web Browsers directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/waterfox/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/waterfox.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update