Waterfox

Waterfox is a free, open-source browser for people who want privacy controls and ways to customize browsing. It uses the Gecko engine and is available on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with browser extensions also listed. On desktop, it blocks ads, trackers, pop-ups, and overlays by default; filter lists and site exceptions are configurable. Private tabs use a separate container, and Waterfox clears their site data when the last private tab closes. DNS lookups are encrypted and routed through an Oblivious HTTP relay. The default setup uses a Fastly-operated relay and Cloudflare-operated resolver, and users can change or disable it. Tree tabs group pages beneath the page that opened them, with options to collapse or move a branch. Firefox WebExtensions are supported, but Chrome-only extensions do not transfer automatically. Regular updates incorporate Mozilla security fixes following the Firefox ESR model. Waterfox says telemetry, health reports, and crash reports are disabled at build time. Sync is off until sign-in with a Mozilla account; synced data is end-to-end encrypted. The browser has no premium tier or required payment.

Waterfox combines built-in blocking, private browsing controls, and tree tabs in a free, open-source browser. Check extension compatibility if you depend on Chrome-only add-ons.

Waterfox suits people seeking a free browser with built-in blocking, privacy controls, and customizable tab organization. It may also suit Firefox WebExtensions users who do not rely on Chrome-only extensions.

Waterfox is a free, open-source browser built on Gecko, with versions for desktop, Android and browser extensions. It suits people who want configurable privacy controls and Firefox WebExtension compatibility; its Chrome-only extension gap is a reason to look elsewhere if those add-ons are essential.

The browser’s strongest case is the combination of desktop blocking, encrypted DNS and unusually flexible tab organization, without a paid browser tier. A separate paid search product is available, but it is optional.

Overview

On desktop, Waterfox blocks ads, trackers, pop-ups and overlays by default. Configurable filter lists and site exceptions let users adjust the rules when a site needs different treatment. That balance is useful for readers who want protection without being locked into one blocking configuration; the stated built-in blocking applies to the desktop browser.

Private tabs use a separate container, and Waterfox clears their site data when the last private tab closes. DNS lookups are encrypted and routed through an Oblivious HTTP relay, which separates the user’s identity from the query. The default setup uses a Fastly-operated relay and a Cloudflare-operated resolver, both of which users can change or disable.

Key features

Privacy controls

Waterfox says telemetry, health reports and crash reports are disabled and locked off at build time. That is a meaningful choice for privacy-minded users who do not want those reporting mechanisms enabled. Sync is disabled until the user signs in with a Mozilla account; synced data is end-to-end encrypted once sync is enabled.

Tree tabs and extensions

Tree tabs nest pages under the page that opened them, and allow users to collapse or move a whole branch together. This is a practical organizational advantage for research or other browsing that creates many related pages. Waterfox supports Firefox WebExtensions, but Chrome-only extensions do not transfer automatically, so users dependent on those add-ons should choose a different browser.

Updates and help

Waterfox incorporates Mozilla security fixes into regular updates following the Firefox ESR model. Its help articles cover browsing, privacy and security, customization, troubleshooting and Android. The company says Alex Kontos founded Waterfox in 2011 and that BrowserWorks Ltd has operated it under his wholly owned independent ownership since 2023.

Pricing

Waterfox itself is free and open source, with no premium browser tier or payment required. That makes its privacy and customization features accessible without a subscription or a stated free-plan cap.

Waterfox Private Search is a separate paid offering at $5 a month, billed $5 a month. It includes unlimited private web, image, video and news searches, and has a 3-day free trial. Users who only need the browser do not need this plan; it is for those who want Waterfox’s private search as a standalone service and potentially as their default search engine.

Platforms

Waterfox supports Android, browser extensions, Linux, macOS and Windows. Its Gecko engine and Firefox WebExtension support are relevant across the browser experience, but Chrome-only extensions remain a compatibility limitation.

Who it's for

Waterfox is a good fit for people who value configurable desktop blocking, encrypted DNS, private-tab cleanup and nested tab organization in a free browser. It also suits users comfortable with Firefox WebExtensions and Mozilla-account sign-in if they want encrypted sync. It is a weaker fit for anyone whose workflow depends on Chrome-only extensions, or who needs the described built-in blocking outside desktop.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Desktop blocking covers ads, trackers, pop-ups and overlays, with filter-list controls and site exceptions for adjusting behavior.
• Pro: Encrypted DNS, private-tab data cleanup and telemetry disabled at build time provide several distinct privacy controls.
• Pro: Tree tabs can be collapsed or moved as branches, helping keep related pages organized.
• Pro: The browser is free, open source and has no premium tier.
• Con: Chrome-only extensions do not transfer automatically, which can rule it out for add-on-dependent users.
• Con: Built-in ad and tracker blocking is described for desktop, not across every supported platform.

Alternatives

Brave Browser is worth considering if you want a free browser with ad and tracker blocking and need its broader Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows platform coverage.

Tor Browser is another free, open-source option for readers comparing privacy browsers.

DuckDuckGo Browser is an alternative for readers considering a free browser with search and browsing protections.

IronFox is an Android-only free, open-source alternative.

SnowHaze is an alternative for readers considering an iOS privacy browser with tracker blocking, ad blocking, fingerprinting protection and Tor integration.

Temple Browser is a free alternative for Android, browser extensions and Windows, with no paid tier or pro upsell.

Midori Browser is a free, open-source alternative across Android, browser extensions, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows that requires no account.

Orion Browser is another option for readers comparing browsers across iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows and browser extensions.

For more choices, browse Privacy browsers or Web browsers.

Verdict

Choose Waterfox if you want a free, open-source Gecko browser with configurable desktop blocking, encrypted DNS and tree tabs. Its strongest reason to buy into the browser is that privacy controls and tab organization come without a browser subscription; its clearest reason to look elsewhere is a need for Chrome-only extensions.