Firefox vs Waterfox – Which Browser is Safer to Use?

We give you the honest answer

Mozilla Firefox is an open source software, which means that any user can access its code. If you know what you’re doing, you can make changes to the existing code, and release a brand new browser. That’s how Waterfox came to be. It is a browser originally based on Mozilla Firefox code.

There are other similar projects based on Firefox, likePale Moon, andBasilisk. However, Waterfox has gotten the most attention as an independent browser.

What Is Waterfox?

Waterfox is a browser based on Firefox code. The following reasons contributed to the success of Waterfox:

Waterfox is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems. There’s also an Android version available to download for free in the Google Play Store if your smartphone or tablet runs 64-bit Android.

Firefox vs Waterfox: Which One Is Safer to Use?

When Firefox Quantum and Firefox 57 were released, many users weren’t happy with the transformations even thoughit was much faster than its predecessorbecause they dropped the traditional Firefox extensions and interface everyone knew. In that regard, Waterfox seemed like a better alternative as it could match Quantum’s speed and alsokeep the add-ons.

However, since Mozilla released Firefox Extended Support Release or Firefox ESR, there aren’t too many differences between Firefox ESR and Waterfox. In fact, Waterfox feels like Firefox ESR with a few settings changed.

Let’s look at how the telemetry function works in both browsers. Firefox collects this data and sends it to the developer (Mozilla) to improve the browser. You can read exactly the type of information that iscaptured here. If you consider that a violation of your privacy, Waterfox might appeal to you since it’sfree of telemetry. However, in Firefox ESR you can easily disable this function and stop your data from being sent to Mozilla.

The biggest issue with the Waterfox browser is the slow security updates. Since Waterfox is based on Firefox ESR, the Waterfox developers have to wait for Mozilla to release the security updates and then work on integrating them into Waterfox.

This may take them anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks after the security patches have been released for Firefox ESR users. This may leave your computer vulnerable to all sorts of attacks.

How to Implement Waterfox Features in Firefox

If you find certain Waterfox features appealing, you can tweak the Firefox browser settings to get the privacy features of Waterfox and enjoy the best of both browsers.

Waterfox disablesPocketby default, while Firefox (especially Firefox Quantum) has Pocket deeply integrated within the browser’s working processes. The good news is that you can remove Pocket from Firefox with just a few clicks.

Open Firefox and start a search. Hover over thePocketicon in the search bar, right-click it, and selectRemove from Address bar.This gets rid of Pocket.

If you don’t like the idea of telemetry data being sent to the developer, you can disable that function also.

To do that, follow the pathOptions(Windows) orPreferences(Mac) >Privacy & Security>Firefox Data Collection and Useand edit the preferences for sharing telemetry data with Mozilla.

Digital Rights Management or DRM is technology that allows online video and audio services, like Netflix, to enforce their own requirements when the content they provide is being played. Waterfox has the DRM feature disabled by default. This will, however, prevent you from watching DRM protected content from sites like Netflix.

To disable DRM-controlled content, go toOptions(Windows) orPreferences(Mac), then scroll down until you seeDigital Rights Management (DRM) content. DeselectPlay DRM-controlled contentto disable it.

Which Browser Should You Choose?

We recommend using Firefox because it receives security updates on release. If you have used both browsers you will realize that the advantages that Waterfox initially had over Firefox no longer apply.

Share your thoughts on whether you prefer Firefox vs. Waterfox in the comments section below.

Anya is a freelance technology writer. Originally from Russia, she is currently a full-time Remote Worker and Digital Nomad. With a background in Journalism, Language Studies, and Technical Translation, Anya couldn’t imagine her life and work without using modern technology on a daily basis. Always looking out for new ways to make her life and location-independent lifestyle easier, she hopes to share her experiences as a tech- and internet-addict through her writing.Read Anya’s Full Bio

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