Description
You like the Firefox engine and its extensions, but not the mismatch between a privacy pitch and telemetry that is on by default. Turning it all off means picking through about:config, and an update may quietly reset some of it.
Waterfox is the Firefox fork that has already done that work. Data collection and telemetry are removed from the source, not merely switched off, and ad blocking plus private DNS ship enabled. It also keeps freedoms Firefox has narrowed over time, and offers three interface themes — Nova, Proton and Photon — so you can go back to a layout you liked. Windows, macOS and Linux, free and open source.
Telemetry removed at source: The collection code is stripped before compilation, so no setting can be flipped back by an update.
Ad blocking and private DNS: Most ads and trackers are blocked without an extension, and DNS queries go through an encrypted, anonymised path.
Three interface themes: Switch between Nova, Proton and Photon to get the Firefox layout you actually prefer.
Firefox extensions work: Userscript managers, ad blockers and password tools install normally, and container tabs are still there.
Its own release rhythm: Tracks Firefox ESR security updates without following changes driven by commercial partnerships.
Open source everywhere: Official builds for Windows, macOS and Linux, source published, free for personal and commercial use.
Waterfox is the Firefox fork that has already done that work. Data collection and telemetry are removed from the source, not merely switched off, and ad blocking plus private DNS ship enabled. It also keeps freedoms Firefox has narrowed over time, and offers three interface themes — Nova, Proton and Photon — so you can go back to a layout you liked. Windows, macOS and Linux, free and open source.
Features
Telemetry removed at source: The collection code is stripped before compilation, so no setting can be flipped back by an update.
Ad blocking and private DNS: Most ads and trackers are blocked without an extension, and DNS queries go through an encrypted, anonymised path.
Three interface themes: Switch between Nova, Proton and Photon to get the Firefox layout you actually prefer.
Firefox extensions work: Userscript managers, ad blockers and password tools install normally, and container tabs are still there.
Its own release rhythm: Tracks Firefox ESR security updates without following changes driven by commercial partnerships.
Open source everywhere: Official builds for Windows, macOS and Linux, source published, free for personal and commercial use.
