- Home
- Privacy browsers
- IronFox
IronFox
IronFox · founded 2024
What it is
IronFox is a free, open-source browser for Android that centers on privacy controls. It blocks trackers and ads, provides advanced fingerprint protection, and includes protections against malware and phishing. IronFox says it does not collect, store, or sell user data. Its changes to Firefox include removing tracking libraries such as Adjust and Sentry, removing proprietary libraries, and replacing Google Mobile Services with open alternatives including microG and UnifiedPush. The browser is built from the latest Firefox release, providing its basis for features, security patches, and bug fixes. By default, it clears browsing history, cache, download history, and open tabs when closed. It also enables DNS over HTTPS with maximum protection and no fallback, using Quad9 by default, alongside HTTPS-Only Mode, proxied Google Safe Browsing, and basic per-site process isolation. IronFox supports end-to-end encrypted Firefox Sync. It requires Android 5 or newer, a supported ARM or x86_64 architecture, and 512 MB of free disk space. The project notes it cannot defeat sophisticated fingerprinting, Firefox-based browsers have security deficiencies compared with Chromium on Android, and disabled DRM support may prevent some streaming playback.
For and against
For
- Free and open source.
- Blocks trackers and ads.
- Clears browsing data on exit by default.
- Supports encrypted Firefox Sync.
- Does not collect, store, or sell user data.
Against
- Requires Android 5 or newer and 512 MB free space.
- Cannot defeat sophisticated fingerprinting.
- Some DRM-protected streaming may not play.
- Firefox-based browsers have noted Android security deficiencies.
The verdict
IronFox pairs tracking and data-clearing controls with an open-source Android browser. Its limits include fingerprinting resistance, some DRM playback, and stated Firefox-based security deficiencies on Android.
Who it suits
IronFox may suit Android users seeking an open-source browser with privacy protections and Firefox Sync. Its stated limitations matter for people concerned about sophisticated fingerprinting, Android browser security, or DRM streaming.
Plans and prices
IronFox
Free and open source · Android 5 or newer · 512 MB free disk space required
Read 8 Oct 2026 · ironfoxoss.org
On the record
- Ad blocking
- Yesironfoxoss.org · read 19 Sep 2026
- Browser Experience
- Presents itself as clean, fast, and privacy-respecting.ironfoxoss.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Device requirements
- IronFox requires Android 5 (API 21) or newer, a supported ARM, ARM64, or x86_64 architecture, and at least 512 MB of free disk space.ironfoxoss.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The maker provides downloads through Accrescent, its own F-Droid repository, Obtainium, and direct APK downloads.ironfoxoss.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- IronFox is available through Accrescent, its F-Droid repository, Obtainium, and direct downloads.ironfoxoss.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- DRM limitation
- IronFox disables Encrypted Media Extensions, which can prevent playback of some DRM-protected streaming content.ironfoxoss.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Fingerprinting limit
- The maker says IronFox cannot defeat sophisticated fingerprinting and recommends Tor Browser when a threat model calls for that level of protection.ironfoxoss.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Fingerprint protection
- advancedironfoxoss.org · read 19 Sep 2026
- Firefox Sync
- IronFox supports Firefox Sync, and users can configure a custom sync server.ironfoxoss.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Google Replacement
- Replaces Google Mobile Services with open alternatives.ironfoxoss.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- IronFox supports UnifiedPush notifications without Google Play Services; users need to install and configure a distributor app.ironfoxoss.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Known limitation
- IronFox says it cannot defeat sophisticated fingerprinting and recommends Tor Browser for threat models such as whistleblowers, political dissidents, and journalists.ironfoxoss.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Network privacy
- IronFox enables DNS over HTTPS with Max Protection through Quad9 by default.ironfoxoss.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Open Alternatives
- Names microG and UnifiedPush as open alternatives.ironfoxoss.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Open source
- IronFox is free and open source, and says it removes proprietary libraries from Firefox through deblobbing.ironfoxoss.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Open Source
- IronFox is presented as free and open source.ironfoxoss.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Platform security limitation
- The maker notes that Firefox-based browsers, including IronFox, have security deficiencies compared with Chromium, especially on Android.ironfoxoss.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy controls
- By default, IronFox clears browsing history, cache, download history, and open tabs on exit.ironfoxoss.org · read 7 Oct 2026
