Waterfox

An independent Firefox-based browser with privacy defaults and built-in ad blocking.

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 5
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Waterfox

Waterfox is a long-running independent browser based on Firefox. It started as a 64-bit Firefox build and now positions itself as a privacy-friendly Firefox alternative that keeps sites working. It removes Mozilla telemetry, ships with tracking protection and built-in ad blocking, and adds customisation options for tabs, toolbars and the interface, including more classic layouts. Because it shares the Gecko engine, it supports Firefox extensions and themes. Its defaults are gentler than LibreWolf's, so fewer sites break, though it also offers less hardening. The project has changed ownership over the years and is now independent again; it is funded by a default search partnership. Updates follow Firefox's extended support releases with some delay. It is free and open source, and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. It suits people who want a privacy-leaning Firefox with a bit more customisation and without Mozilla's data collection.

Best for: Firefox users who want privacy defaults and extra customisation without breakage.

What works

Built-in ad blocking and tracking protection
Supports Firefox extensions and themes
Gentler defaults than heavily hardened forks

Why people leave

Updates lag behind Firefox
Less hardening than LibreWolf
Small team behind it

Top Waterfox alternatives

See all 5

1
LibreWolf
More aggressive privacy hardening with uBlock Origin included.
66.5
2
Firefox
Faster security updates directly from Mozilla.
62.6
3
Floorp
Firefox-based with workspaces and even more customisation.
59.6
4Pa
Pale Moon
Classic XUL extensions and interface on its own engine.
57.2
5
Zen Browser
Modern sidebar-first Firefox-based design.
55.3

Why people left Waterfox

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Waterfox: common questions

Is Waterfox free?

Yes. Waterfox is free, open-source software.

Is Waterfox open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at BrowserWorks/Waterfox.

What platforms does Waterfox run on?

Waterfox is available for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.

What are the best alternatives to Waterfox?

The highest-ranked Waterfox alternatives right now are LibreWolf, Firefox and Floorp. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 Waterfox alternatives

Waterfox facts

3 of 3 verified

Open source: Yes, free; Checked Oct 25, 2026waterfox.net(opens source in a new tab); “Waterfox is a free, open source web browser focused on privacy out of the box and customisation to your taste.”
Ad blocking: Built in; Checked Oct 25, 2026waterfox.net(opens source in a new tab); “It has built-in ad blocking, private and anonymised DNS, no telemetry and no data collection.”
Platforms: Android, Linux, macOS, Windows; Checked Oct 25, 2026waterfox.net(opens source in a new tab); “Get Waterfox for Android Get Waterfox for Linux Get Waterfox for macOS Get Waterfox for Windows Free and open source.”