Waterfox: Private, Customizable Browser Based on Firefox

Waterfox describes itself as a free, open-source browser focused on privacy out of the box and on customization. It’s a good fit if you like Firefox’s engine but want fewer data-collection features and more control over the look.

Privacy features

• Built-in ad blocking: No extension needed for basic ad blocking.
• Private, anonymised DNS: DNS lookups are handled privately.
• No telemetry and no data collection.

Make it look your way

Waterfox lets you choose between several browser styles (Nova, Proton and Photon), a range of colour palettes, light or dark mode, and horizontal or vertical tabs. Its home page has an interactive preview of these options.

How to download

1. Click Download to open Waterfox’s official download page.
2. Choose your platform: macOS (Universal disk image), Windows (x64 or ARM64 installer) or Linux (package repository or generic tarball).
3. An Android version is available on Google Play.

Each download on the page has a SHA512 checksum you can use to check the file, and the release notes for each version are linked from the same page. The source code is on GitHub.

Waterfox or LibreWolf?

Both are Firefox-based and privacy-focused. LibreWolf uses stricter defaults such as deleting cookies on close and strong anti-fingerprinting, which can break some sites. Waterfox aims for privacy without as much friction, plus more visual customization. If you’d rather stay with Mozilla’s own build, get Mozilla Firefox.