Side by side

Mozilla Firefox vs Waterfox

Both stand on web browsers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Mozilla Firefox

Free plan Open source AndroidExtensioniPhone+4

Firefox combines cross-device browser features, extensions, and privacy controls without a listed price. Review its privacy notice and settings for details relevant to your preferences.

Visit Mozilla Firefox

Waterfox

Free plan Open source AndroidExtensionLinux+2

Waterfox offers a free browser with built-in blocking, private-tab handling, and encrypted DNS. Users who want its separate Private Search service pay $5 a month.

Visit Waterfox

The facts

	Mozilla Firefox	Waterfox
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Runs on	Android, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows	Android, Extension, Linux, Mac, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Waterfox Private Search: $5 a month
Plans published	1	2
Maker	Mozilla Firefox	Waterfox
Website	firefox.com	waterfox.com
On web browsers	#1 of 154	#4 of 154

Mozilla Firefox: what it does well

Free and open source.
Available across desktop, mobile, and extension platforms.
Syncs bookmarks, passwords, and open tabs.
Total Cookie Protection isolates cookies between websites.
Thousands of free extensions are available.

What to know first

Uses standard tracking protection, not another listed level.
Some users’ DNS requests go through a resolver service.

Waterfox: what it does well

Blocks ads, trackers, pop-ups, and overlays by default on desktop.
Private-tab data clears when the last private tab closes.
Users can change or disable the default DNS setup.
Sync data is end-to-end encrypted.
No premium tier or payment is required for the browser.

What to know first

Chrome-only extensions do not transfer automatically.
Sync requires signing in with a Mozilla account.
Waterfox Private Search costs $5 a month.

Alternatives to Mozilla Firefox Alternatives to Waterfox The whole list