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Reviewed comparison · verified 2026-09-16

FirefoxvsWaterfoxin 2026

Choose Firefox for Mozilla's primary release and support path; choose Waterfox when its independent service and customization choices fit your desktop workflow.

33 documented facts compared 11 differ 22 identical
BrowserPedia mascot comparing browsers on balance scale

Head-to-head: Firefox versus Waterfox

Firefox

Mozilla · United States

Waterfox logo

Waterfox

BrowserWorks · United Kingdom

Firefox: Mozilla's independent Gecko browser with strong customization, privacy controls, and a separate extension ecosystem.

Waterfox: A Firefox-derived browser that emphasizes customization and compatibility with selected legacy workflows.

Key facts, on one axis

  • Yes
  • Partial
  • No
Gecko
Engine identical
Gecko
Built in
Blocks trackers identical
Built in
Built in
Anti-fingerprinting
Unknown
Built in
Native ad blocking identical
Built in
Unsupported
Chrome Web Store identical
Unsupported
Built in
Sync across devices identical
Built in
Google
Default search
Qwant (DuckDuckGo outside supported regions)
macWinLinAndiOS
Platforms 5 vs 4 of 5
macWinLinAndiOS
4
Privacy & tracking /4
2
3
Extensions /4
3
8
Workflow & tabs /11
9
5
Platforms /5
4

A count of the capabilities each record documents in that category - half a point for partial support. It is a shape, not a score: BrowserPedia does not rank browsers.

Firefox profile Full records Waterfox logoWaterfox profile

What actually differs

See all 33 facts

  • Anti-fingerprinting protection

    Only in Firefox · Privacy & tracking

  • Built-in VPN or proxy

    Only in Firefox · Privacy & tracking

  • Waterfox logo

    Tab trees

    Only in Waterfox · Workflow & tabs

  • Command palette

    Only in Firefox · Workflow & tabs

  • Waterfox logo

    Progressive web apps

    Only in Waterfox · Workflow & tabs

  • iOS

    Only in Firefox · Platforms

Firefox vs Waterfox: every documented fact

Each row is a field from the two browser records. Open a row to read the documented note and its source. Categorical rows carry no colour, because one engine is not better than another.

33 documented facts · 11 differ · 22 identical

Fact
Firefox
Waterfox logoWaterfox

Privacy & tracking

built in
4/4
2/4

Extensions

built in
3/4
3/4

Workflow & tabs

built in
8/11
9/11

Platforms

built in
5/5
4/5

Foundation

Firefox vs Waterfox: common questions

Do Firefox and Waterfox use the same browser engine?
Yes. Firefox and Waterfox both render with Gecko, so page rendering and web compatibility are largely the same. The differences between them are in defaults, bundled features and who ships the updates.
Which blocks trackers by default, Firefox or Waterfox?
Both Firefox and Waterfox document tracker blocking enabled by default.
Can Firefox and Waterfox run Chrome extensions?
Neither Firefox nor Waterfox documents Chrome Web Store support.
Does Firefox or Waterfox have vertical tabs?
Both Firefox and Waterfox document built-in vertical tabs.
What platforms do Firefox and Waterfox run on?
Firefox is documented on macOS, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. Waterfox is documented on macOS, Windows, Linux and Android.
Is Firefox or Waterfox still actively developed?
Firefox is active and Waterfox is active, as of the profile verification dates on this page.

Evidence sources

Continue comparing

4 more reviewed matchups

Best Gecko browsers A ranked shortlist rather than a single pair

BrowserPedia does not rank browsers by a universal score. The verdict is an editorial interpretation of the sourced facts above.

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