What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Five features brought ZDNET writer Jack Wallen back to Firefox: a broader theming engine, vertical tabs, Multi-Account Containers, a built-in VPN in beta, and AI features he was able to try in pre-alpha. His account, published August 24, 2026, describes a personal change of heart—not a controlled comparison or proof that Firefox will suit every user.
Why Wallen returned to Firefox
Wallen’s case was cumulative: changes over time made the browser feel more like the one he wanted to use. His experience is useful as a list of workflows to consider, but it does not establish that Firefox is faster, safer, or better than another browser for everyone.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Availability matters, too. Some of the features he discussed were tied to Nightly or Beta, and Smart Window was still pre-alpha in his account. Mozilla announced a refreshed design on September 29, 2026, and said it was beginning to roll out across desktop and mobile. That announcement highlights easier access to vertical tabs, tab groups, and split view, along with controls for AI features and Enhanced Tracking Protection. A rollout announcement does not mean every feature is already available to every user or platform.
The five features that won him back
1. More extensive themes
Wallen said the Nightly theme engine let him style more than the toolbar, including menus and messages. He liked that the available choices felt subtle and quick to apply. That is his assessment of the Nightly experience; Mozilla’s later design announcement confirms a broader visual refresh but does not independently verify every detail of the theme engine he described. Read Wallen’s account and Mozilla’s design announcement.
#1 Best Overall
2. Vertical tabs
Wallen prefers tabs arranged vertically because he finds them easier to scan and organize. That benefit is a matter of workflow and preference, not a measured efficiency gain. Mozilla’s September 2026 announcement also lists vertical tabs among the features receiving easier access as the redesign rolls out. If you often have many tabs open, a vertical layout may be worth trying; if you rely on a compact horizontal tab strip, the change may not help you.
3. Multi-Account Containers
Containers keep cookies separated by browsing context, which can help you use multiple accounts in the same browser. For example, you can keep work and personal sign-ins apart rather than repeatedly logging out and back in. Mozilla describes this as a way to separate browsing contexts—not a guarantee of anonymity or complete protection from tracking. See Mozilla Support’s overview of Firefox privacy and security features.
4. A built-in VPN, then in beta
In his August 24, 2026 article, Wallen described Firefox’s built-in VPN as a beta feature being rolled out gradually to Nightly and Beta users, with account sign-in noted. That is a time- and channel-specific account, not evidence of current general availability. Check Firefox’s own release and account information for your region and channel before expecting to see it. The article does not establish that the feature is the same as, or a substitute for, a separate paid VPN service.
5. AI features with controls
Wallen wrote about Smart Window, locally hosted models, chat history called Moments, and choosing a chatbot provider in the sidebar. His Smart Window observations came from pre-alpha testing and his own setup; they should not be read as a promise that every user can access the same features, models, or providers.
Mozilla’s later design announcement says users can turn AI features off. Its Firefox privacy notice, effective May 4, 2026, also says some features use small language models downloaded to the device. That does not mean all AI activity is local, nor does it establish that every AI feature works the same way. Mozilla also says it collects certain technical and settings data for core functionality, so Firefox should not be described as collecting no data. Details are in the Firefox Privacy Notice.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to decide whether these changes matter to you
The useful question is not whether five features sound impressive, but whether they address a real point of friction in your browsing. Consider the task each one serves:
- Want a more personal interface? Look at the theme options available in your Firefox version and channel.
- Struggle to find open tabs? Try vertical tabs if they are available to you, and see whether the layout fits your screen and habits.
- Use separate accounts? Containers can keep cookie contexts apart, but they are not an anonymity tool.
- Interested in the VPN or experimental AI? Verify availability for your channel and region rather than assuming a beta or pre-alpha feature is in the stable release.
- Care about moving between devices? Mozilla says Firefox Sync can carry bookmarks, passwords, open tabs, and more across devices; see its Firefox features page.
Mozilla’s September 29, 2026 design announcement is the relevant update for the redesign rollout and current framing of its controls. For the broader feature history, Mozilla also published a review of Firefox updates in 2025.
Recommended Free Tools
What this story does—and does not—show
Wallen’s return is a firsthand account of how a changing set of features fit his preferences. It is not a browser benchmark, an independent security audit, or evidence that Firefox’s experimental features are broadly available. The strongest reason to take the story seriously is also its most limited one: features such as tab organization, separated account contexts, and interface customization can make a browser feel like a better fit for a particular person.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
