F

Firefox

SaaS alternative

Open-source desktop and mobile browser built on the independent Gecko engine, developed by Mozilla.

Category
Browser · SaaS alternative
Cost
Free
Country
US
Licensing
FOSS
Platforms
Linux · macOS · Windows · iOS · Android
+ what works
  • +Independent Gecko engine, the only major non-Chromium and non-WebKit browser
  • +Total Cookie Protection and Enhanced Tracking Protection enabled by default
  • +Continues to support Manifest V2 and the full webRequest API, so uBlock Origin runs unrestricted
  • +MPL 2.0 source, reproducible builds, and forks like LibreWolf available for stricter defaults
watch out for
  • Default telemetry is on; opting out requires digging into settings
  • February 2025 terms update softened Mozilla's previous "no data sale" wording
  • Heavy financial dependence on Google search-deal revenue creates a structural conflict
  • Mobile Firefox on iOS is forced onto WebKit by Apple, so Gecko only ships on Android and desktop

Firefox is the only major browser not built on Chromium or WebKit, which keeps a third rendering engine alive and the web standards process less captured. Enhanced Tracking Protection is on by default and includes Total Cookie Protection, which partitions cookies per site so they cannot follow you across the web. Firefox sends technical and interaction telemetry by default; this can be turned off in settings. In February 2025 Mozilla updated its terms and dropped the explicit "we don't sell your data" promise, switching to softer language about aggregated and de-identified data sharing with partners. Mozilla Corporation is US-based and roughly 85 percent of its revenue comes from a search-default deal with Google, which a 2025 antitrust ruling left in place.

google-chromesafari
#foss · #gecko · #mpl · #tracking-protection

Did this work for you?


Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first.

Add a comment