Waterfox is an independent, open-source web browser built on the same Gecko engine and codebase as Mozilla Firefox. It was originally created by Alex Kontos and is now developed under Waterfox Limited, with a focus on user privacy, minimal telemetry, and compatibility with Firefox extensions. Because it shares Firefox's rendering engine, most websites and add-ons behave the same as in Firefox.
How Waterfox Differs From Firefox
Waterfox uses the same underlying Gecko engine as Firefox, so page rendering and extension compatibility feel familiar, but the two browsers differ in their default settings and development model. Waterfox ships with telemetry disabled by default and is developed independently of Mozilla, with its own release schedule and privacy-first configuration choices.
Waterfox Features
- Telemetry Disabled by Default — no data collection sent back to the developer out of the box.
- Firefox Extension Compatibility — supports add-ons built for the Firefox/Gecko ecosystem.
- Built-in Privacy Controls — tracking protection and cookie controls configured for privacy from first launch.
- Cross-Platform — available for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.
- Independent Development — maintained separately from Mozilla with its own release schedule.
- Sync — sync bookmarks, history and settings across your own devices.
- Open-Source Codebase — source code is publicly available for review.
How to Install Waterfox
- Open the official download page using the button on this page to get the genuine Waterfox installer.
- Choose your operating system's build — Windows, macOS, Linux or Android.
- Run the installer and follow the setup prompts.
- Import bookmarks and passwords from your current browser if offered during first launch.
- Review privacy settings in the preferences menu to confirm they match your needs.
Is Waterfox really free?
Open Source. Waterfox is free, open-source software available at no cost.
How to download Waterfox safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for www.waterfox.net — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering Waterfox. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to Waterfox
Other free web browsers software worth comparing before you decide:
Firefox
The open-source browser Waterfox is built on top of.
Brave
A Chromium-based browser with built-in ad and tracker blocking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Waterfox based on Firefox?
Yes, it is built on the same Gecko engine and much of the same codebase as Mozilla Firefox.
Is Waterfox free?
Yes, Waterfox is free and open source.
Does Waterfox collect telemetry?
No, telemetry is disabled by default, unlike Firefox's default configuration.
Can I use Firefox extensions in Waterfox?
Yes, Waterfox supports extensions built for the Firefox/Gecko add-on ecosystem.
Is Waterfox available on mobile?
Yes, Waterfox offers an Android browser in addition to its desktop builds.
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People also search for
The terms visitors use to find this page. Each one lands here because it describes the same program.
Searches from India
Waterfox is identical worldwide — these are search phrasings, not different downloads. Every one of them gets the same official build from www.waterfox.net.
