Top Firefox-Based Browsers in 2025: Escape Chrome and Prioritize Privacy

Few tech trends have so thoroughly rewritten the landscape as the rise of web browsers anchored in Google Chrome’s Chromium codebase. Chrome now commands a market share that dwarfs its rivals, with StatCounter reporting global usage holding at over 65%, and Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge and Opera nipping at its heels, contributing to Google’s practical monopoly over how the modern web is experienced. This near-hegemony is not only about user numbers but also influence: web standards, site compatibility, and even developer best practices now often begin with Chrome.
Yet, for those keen on privacy, control, and diversity—and, for many, simply a desire to “de-Google” daily life—the browser wars aren’t quite over. Mozilla Firefox remains a storied alternative, and its open-source Gecko engine has spawned a handful of fiercely independent projects. Unlike most of Chrome’s rivals, which merely tinker around Chromium's edges, these Firefox-based browsers offer radical differences, especially in how they guard your data and shape your browsing experience. Today, we’ll dive deep into six such browsers—LibreWolf, Waterfox, Mullvad Browser, Tor Browser, Zen, and Floorp—that challenge Chrome’s dominance not just on philosophy, but with truly compelling everyday features.

Why Firefox-based Browsers Matter in 2025​

Mozilla’s Firefox is the only major browser with a global presence that doesn’t borrow from Chromium. Its continued innovation—think Enhanced Tracking Protection, Total Cookie Protection, and a deeply customizable extension ecosystem—ensures that the browsing world isn’t just a monoculture. But most compelling is how its codebase is open for reimagining: developers can, and do, fork Firefox into tailor-made browsers that outpace even Mozilla in focus on privacy, security, or productivity. For Windows users, the option to escape Chromium while still enjoying modern performance and compatibility is a key attraction.

The Case for Non-Chromium Browsers​

• Web Diversity: Multiple browser engines foster innovation and prevent a few corporations from defining what the web can and cannot do.
• Privacy and Control: Chromium-based browsers (even “privatized” versions) often include mechanisms for Google’s servers to phone home; Firefox forks can strip these out.
• Extension Ecosystem: Firefox’s mature add-on system is alive, offering everything from script blockers to theme customizations.

1. LibreWolf: Privacy With Zero Compromise​

LibreWolf doesn’t just nod at privacy—it builds its entire identity around it. Unlike standard Firefox, LibreWolf disables Firefox Sync and many cloud-centric features on first launch. There’s no account to link, no telemetry, and virtually no opportunity for your activity to be beamed off-device.

• Default Privacy: Strictest tracking protection is enabled right out of the box. This includes Mozilla’s highest levels of cookie isolation and anti-tracking.
• Resist Fingerprinting: This setting makes it nearly impossible for advertisers and trackers to piece together a unique profile based on your device specs, fonts, and browser behaviors. Unlike Chrome's more cosmetic anti-fingerprinting, LibreWolf adopts the full strength of Tor-like strategies without routing through the Tor network.
• uBlock Origin Included: The industry-leading tracker and adblocker comes preinstalled, blocking a wide swath of known trackers, miners, and malvertising domains.
• Simplicity by Design: LibreWolf strips away features like Firefox View and, according to user reports, delivers a UI that's refreshingly clean for modern software. While some may miss power-user touches, the minimalism benefits anyone seeking focus and clarity—especially on resource-constrained Windows hardware.
• Latest Code: LibreWolf stays current with the latest stable version of Firefox, integrating security fixes and standards support as soon as Mozilla ships them.

Critical Analysis​

LibreWolf’s “choose privacy at every turn” approach will resonate with those tired of constant opt-outs, but it might frustrate users needing features like cross-device sync or those who want to fine-tune browser behavior themselves. Unlike Chrome, where privacy must be configured, LibreWolf is privacy-by-default. On the other hand, its smaller development team could mean slower patching or occasional incompatibility with the rapidly evolving web—though, so far, LibreWolf has kept pace with official Firefox. For users who value zero telemetry and a set-it-and-forget-it experience, it’s the Firefox fork that arguably delivers the purest privacy on Windows.

2. Waterfox: Privacy-First, With a Familiar Feel​

Waterfox, as the name cheekily hints, owes much to Firefox—but makes bold tweaks for privacy and customization.

• Zero Telemetry: Unlike Firefox and Chrome, Waterfox collects no data about your usage, not even for “improving performance.” This appeals to users in regulated industries or those simply tired of being a metric.
• Oblivious DNS over HTTPS: A standout technical feature—instead of sending your DNS queries directly to whomever your system is configured to use (often your ISP), Waterfox wraps them in privacy using ODoH, obscuring your activity even further.
• Private Tabs Within Windows: It’s a subtle touch, but Waterfox allows private browsing tabs to be opened alongside regular tabs in the same window. Whereas Chrome and even standard Firefox force these into separate windows, this feature harks back to Microsoft Edge on Windows Phone, adding a layer of browsing convenience.
• Dedicated Search Engines for Private Tabs: With DuckDuckGo as default, private sessions are truly increased in privacy without user intervention.
• Vertical Tabs and Slick Themes: Waterfox offers up-to-date interface tweaks, including vertical tabs for improved workflow (popularized by Microsoft Edge), and broad support for Firefox’s theme library.
• Firefox Compatibility: All Firefox extensions work out of the box, and its Waterfox View mimics Firefox View for cross-device tab access and syncing.

Critical Analysis​

Waterfox lands in a sweet spot: familiar to Firefox users, but tuned for privacy. Its rapid update schedule and active community are promising, but some features lag behind mainline Firefox and there's a perennial question about how sustainable a community-driven fork is compared to well-funded browser teams. Still, for Windows users who want privacy without a learning curve, Waterfox stands as a mature and user-friendly pick.

3. Mullvad Browser: Where Privacy Specialists Take the Lead​

Mullvad Browser is the result of a partnership between the makers of Mullvad VPN and the Tor Project. The goal: create a browser that doesn’t just block tracking, but makes surveillance nearly impossible.

• Expert DNA: With the Tor Project’s engineers in the mix, anti-tracking and anti-fingerprinting technology is best-in-class. Mullvad Browser borrows much of Tor’s browsing hardening without routing all data through the anonymous Tor network.
• Mullvad DNS by Default: This resolves web addresses using a privacy-focused, non-logging DNS resolver, unlike Chrome’s typical use of Google’s DNS infrastructure.
• Automatic History Deletion: By default, all browsing history is wiped when the session ends—a direct nod to operational security practices used in more sensitive fields.
• Bundled uBlock Origin: Out of the box, Mullvad Browser goes heavy on ad and tracker blocking, reducing attack surfaces and minimizing digital “breadcrumbs.”
• No Sync or Account Features: As expected, any feature that could theoretically leak user data (cloud bookmarks, browser sync, and so on) has been excised.

Critical Analysis​

Mullvad is perhaps the most extreme privacy browser outside of Tor, and for good reason: it was built by privacy professionals for privacy professionals. It’s an ideal tool for journalists, dissidents, and those with an acute need to keep activity confidential. The tradeoff is that cloud sync is out of the question, and the browser’s niche profile could result in less compatibility with some SaaS or legacy Windows applications that expect browser fingerprinting or session persistence.

4. Tor Browser: Anonymity at Its Core​

Tor Browser remains the gold standard for anonymous browsing—so much so that it’s often mistaken for merely being a gateway to the “dark web.” But on Windows systems where tracking is the norm, Tor Browser radically increases personal security.

• Traffic Routed over the Tor Network: Every request, every page, is bounced through relays around the globe. Tracing activity back to your device becomes a herculean task.
• Identity Reset and Circuit Switching: You can “reset identity” at any time, wiping cookies, cache, and even the IP routing, and force a new path through Tor’s network of relays.
• Bridge Support: For users in restrictive regions, Tor can leverage bridges—special entry points not publicly listed—to evade censorship and government monitoring.
• Stripped-Down UI: To minimize attack surface, Tor Browser drops many of Firefox’s cloud features. It delivers a straightforward, clutter-free experience.

Critical Analysis​

Tor Browser is not for everyone. While its privacy protections are unparalleled, the tradeoff is slower web performance (due to the multi-hop relay network), and some sites—especially streaming and banking—may block or malfunction due to its anonymity features. On compatibility and ergonomics alone, Tor is best used as a “special tasks” browser, rather than your daily driver on Windows. That said, for those seeking ultimate privacy—for activism, whistleblowing, or bypassing oppressive regimes—there is no alternative more battle-tested.

5. Zen: Rethinking Web Browsing’s Look, Feel, and Flow​

Zen Browser stands out not just for its privacy stance, but for a user interface philosophy that reimagines how we interact with browsers.

• Tab Paradigm Shift: Zen places browser tabs vertically and treats “pinned” tabs as hybrid bookmarks and tabs—they are loaded only when clicked, but stay visually accessible.
• Customizable Aesthetics and Mods: Zen’s interface is vibrant, offering several base color themes and a unique plugin system (“Zen Mods”) that allows in-depth customization—from appearance tweaks to developer tool enhancements.
• Split View: Productivity-focused users can split the browser into multiple, side-by-side views, greatly improving multitasking.
• Custom Keyboard Shortcuts: Power users can assign shortcuts for nearly any action, speeding up common workflows.
• Full Extension Support: Like other Firefox forks, all standard add-ons are available.
• Firefox Sync: The only privacy-heavy fork here that still supports Sync for cross-device data, making Zen ideal for users who want privacy but not at the cost of convenience.

Critical Analysis​

Zen is arguably the boldest rethinking of browser ergonomics since Vivaldi—and that’s saying something. For Windows power users with widescreen monitors, its vertical tab design and split view could be game-changing. However, heavy UI customization and a growing plugin ecosystem bring risk: over-customization can impair reliability, and a small developer base may lead to slower bug fixes. Still, for those bored by cookie-cutter browsers or looking to boost productivity, Zen is a rare blend of style and substance.

6. Floorp: Speed and Productivity, Perfected​

Floorp has recently gained traction among browser enthusiasts, thanks to a razor-sharp focus on performance and work-oriented features.

• Responsive Performance: Users consistently report “snappier” page loads than even Vivaldi or Edge, though hard, independently verifiable speed benchmarks are sparse.
• Built by a Small, Agile Team: Developed primarily in Japan, Floorp keeps up with Firefox's release schedule while layering on unique features.
• Split View Support: While not quite as advanced as Zen’s, Floorp's split view is fast and functional—perfect for research and side-by-side document editing.
• Sidebar Productivity: A collapsible sidebar lets users manage downloads, bookmarks, and history, and even lets you pin favorite sites for instant access—a feature beloved by users of Vivaldi.
• Keyboard Shortcut Customization and Built-In Screenshot Tool: Unlike Chrome, which has limited native screenshot ability, Floorp can capture any visible portion of a webpage—including isolated page elements. Shortcuts can be mapped to dozens of commands.
• Retains Firefox Sync and View: Floorp doesn’t “break” from Firefox’s cloud features, making it an easy upgrade path for current Firefox users.
• Distinct Aesthetics: Although fundamentally Firefox, Floorp’s visual language sets it apart while preserving usability and extension compatibility.

Critical Analysis​

Floorp is possibly the most pragmatic of the Firefox-based browsers discussed here. It invites minimal compromise for users who want speed, productivity, and privacy in one package. The caveat, as always with smaller projects, is sustainability—will Floorp maintain its rapid update schedule if demand grows? So far, the answer is yes.

Comparative Table: Firefox-Based Browsers vs Chrome (At a Glance)​

Browser	Privacy Default	Extension Support	Built-in Adblock	Cloud Sync	Split View	Key Unique Feature
LibreWolf	Extreme	Full (Firefox)	Yes (uBlock)	No	No	Resist Fingerprinting
Waterfox	High	Full (Firefox)	No	Yes	No	Private Tabs in Same Window
Mullvad	Extreme	Full (Firefox)	Yes (uBlock)	No	No	Tor-grade Fingerprinting
Tor Browser	Maximum	Limited	Yes	No	No	Full Tor Network Routing
Zen	High	Full (Firefox)	No	Yes	Yes	Vertical Tabs & Mods
Floorp	High	Full (Firefox)	No	Yes	Yes	Sidebar & Web Element Capture
Chrome	Low (default)	Large (Chrome)	No (optional)	Yes	No	Deep Google Ecosystem

Key Takeaways and Potential Risks​

Notable Strengths​

• Privacy Above All: Each of these browsers provides privacy features out of reach for stock Chrome users—ranging from default tracker blocking to DNS protections.
• Customization: Zen, Floorp, and Waterfox, in particular, cater to power users and productivity seekers, while still providing a familiar base for ex-Firefox or Chrome users.
• Extension Ecosystem: Easy access to thousands of Firefox add-ons means little sacrifice in utility.
• Web and OS Compatibility: All these browsers leverage the up-to-date Gecko engine; you won’t run into the incompatibility that sometimes plagues smaller boutique browsers.

Potential Risks​

• Sustainability: Most forks are maintained by small teams (sometimes a single developer), raising concerns about long-term patching—especially in a world of rapidly evolving web vulnerabilities. Always check for recent releases before committing.
• Site Breakage: Some websites, especially those coded with only Chromium in mind, may not render perfectly—though Gecko’s web standards support is strong.
• Corporate Resistance: Large enterprises and SaaS vendors may optimize workflows for Chromium browsers, with Firefox-based forks left as an afterthought. Compatibility with some online services can lag.
• Update Latency: Even when based on the latest Firefox, smaller forks sometimes fall slightly behind Mozilla on urgent security patches. This risk is minimal for LibreWolf and Floorp, higher for lesser-known variants.
• Missing Features: Hardcore privacy browsers (LibreWolf, Mullvad, Tor) may disable cloud sync, password management, or push notifications—dealbreakers for some.
• Resource Constraints: While some Firefox forks are lighter than Chrome, others can use similar or greater RAM, depending on tab management and active extensions.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Switch​

With Chrome’s market share increasingly resembling that of Internet Explorer in its heyday, the risk of a web ecosystem dictated by a single corporation is growing. Windows users—who have enjoyed decades of browser competition—are now perfectly positioned to support alternatives that align with their values around privacy, customization, and independence. Firefox and its derivatives prove that you don’t need to trade usability for privacy or productivity for open standards.
If you’re frustrated by Chrome—and especially if you want to make proactive choices about data and digital autonomy—these Firefox-based browsers offer a compelling path forward. Try a few. You may find, as countless users have in recent years, that the modern web is richer, faster, and safer when you step off the Google-branded freeway.

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Source: XDA https://www.xda-developers.com/firefox-based-browsers-that-smoke-chrome/