Firefox

Firefox helps you keep everyday browsing organised.

Developer Mozilla

Version 156.0.1 · MPL-2.0 · Windows · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Firefox?Compare Google Chrome, LibreWolf, Zen Browser, Waterfox.Compare alternatives

Firefox helps you keep everyday browsing organised. Open websites in tabs, bookmark pages you visit often and search from the address bar. Built-in protection limits known trackers. Extensions add features such as password management and tools for reading long articles.

A Mozilla account lets you sync bookmarks and other browser data between your devices. This is optional: you do not need an account for ordinary browsing. Reader View removes distracting page elements so you can focus on an article.

Download Firefox

Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.

Switch browsers without losing your data

Start by importing your bookmarks and checking a few saved logins. Before enabling sync, decide which data you want available on your other devices. Install only the extensions you need: if a website stops working, a smaller set makes it easier to work out whether an extension or the browser’s protection is responsible.

Which software suits you?

Compare Firefox with alternatives

Alternatives to Firefox include browsers with a different engine and variants built on Firefox itself. Chrome integrates with Google services. LibreWolf focuses on stricter privacy settings, while Zen and Waterfox each take their own approach to the interface and features. Check your extensions, syncing needs and essential websites before switching.

Differences between Firefox and Google Chrome, LibreWolf, Zen Browser, Waterfox
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
FirefoxYou are viewing this app Firefox combines the Gecko engine, Firefox extensions and Mozilla sync. It is a browser that does not rely on Chromium. Windows, macOS, LinuxMPL-2.0
Google ChromeView this alternative You use a Chrome browser with Google synchronization and access to extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Your Google account connects your browser data to different devices. Windows, macOS, LinuxFreeware
LibreWolfView this alternative You get a Firefox variant with enhanced privacy settings and without Mozilla telemetry. Stricter default settings can affect websites and data retention. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
Zen BrowserView this alternative You work in a Firefox variant with vertical tabs and workspaces. You choose these mainly for organizing multiple tasks within one window. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
WaterfoxView this alternative You use a Firefox-based browser with your own privacy choices and settings. Check the compatibility of the extensions you use every day. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
More alternatives to Firefox (2)
  • Brave

    You block ads and trackers with built-in Shields. You can assess or disable the additional wallet and reward functions separately.

    Windows, macOS, Linux · MPL-2.0 and other open-source licences
  • Safari

    You use Apple's browser on macOS, iPhone and iPad, with iCloud synchronization. This also allows you to choose the link with the Apple ecosystem.

    macOS, iOS · Free to use

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

Firefox suits everyday browsing, research and working with several tabs. It also offers an option if you deliberately want a browser outside the Chromium family. If you depend on an app required by your employer, first check that it supports Firefox and your sign-in method.

Getting started

The download button takes you to the publisher. Choose the release for your operating system and processor.

On first launch, import bookmarks from your previous browser. Try your most important websites before making Firefox your default browser.

Computer requirements

Windows 10 or later; macOS 10.15 or later; Linux

Privacy

Tracking protection and separate cookie storage limit how websites can follow you across different sites. They do not stop a service you sign in to from linking your activity to your account. Firefox Sync encrypts sync data on your devices. Protect both your account and the devices on which your data is decrypted.

Good to know

Strict tracking protection can interfere with a sign-in window or payment page. If an exception is needed, apply it only to that website.

Please note

Give extensions only the permissions their features require. An add-on that can read every website has access to a great deal of information. Private browsing does not erase information saved by a website itself. Before clearing cookies and being signed out of your accounts, make sure you still have your login and recovery details.

Advantages

  • Adjustable tracking protection and a wide choice of extensions.
  • Sync carries your bookmarks and other selected data between devices.
  • Exceptions for individual websites help you investigate problems without changing protection everywhere.

Things to consider

  • Extensions may request access to sensitive browsing data.
  • Strict privacy settings can disrupt parts of a website.
  • Using sync also means managing account access and removing old devices when needed.

Download Firefox

The download page opens in a new tab.

Version history

156.0.1

You get recovery for crashes on certain websites, keyboard control and window behavior on macOS.

  • Web pages with CSS anchor positioning don't let Firefox crash anymore because of the problem described.
  • On Windows a leak of system handles has been fixed. On macOS 27, a restored window does not jump directly back to maximized.
  • With Tab you go directly to the text field of the address or search bar. The search engine button remains accessible with Shift+Tab.
156.0 Security

You get a faster PDF viewer, recovery for video subtitles and solutions for connection problems. Security breaches have also been corrected.

  • The built-in PDF viewer starts up to 45% faster according to Mozilla. Large JPEG images that are displayed in size require less memory and processor time.
  • Subtitles appear again in Picture-in-Picture if you don't enable them until after opening the single video window.
  • Problems with the built-in VPN, DNS over HTTPS and automatically hidden Windows taskbar have been solved.
  • On macOS you can set that Firefox automatically starts when you turn on your computer.
155.0.1

You get solutions for fixed web pages and problems with the sidebar.

What’s new?

  • Pages that combine blur and background filters will no longer let your browser crash because of this problem.
  • After restarting, your sidebar will appear again at the respective hide setting.
  • Your profile icons and the device list will be displayed more correctly.
  • On macOS, some SDR videos still show bright colors.
Report a new version

Is there a newer version of Firefox? Send the version number and a link to the official announcement. Our editors will check it. No login is required.

More from Mozilla

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Our verdict

Firefox is a good choice if you want a versatile browser with adjustable tracking protection and its own browser engine. You can extend its features, but a small set of essential add-ons is usually the best starting point. Judge it by the websites you use every day, your syncing needs and how much browsing data you want to keep.

Switching makes most sense if you want more control over your browser, rather than just a different appearance. Try your usual tasks: signing in, uploading a document, making a payment and, if needed, syncing with your phone. A browser that handles these well is more useful than a long list of settings you never use.

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