Best VPNs for Firefox 2023
Firefox has great privacy tools, but you should still use a VPN to round out your digital security.
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Last Updated on Jul 10, 2023
- Offers an extension specifically designed for working with Firefox
- Offers tutorials for improving your safety and security
- Lets you choose your server country in Firefox version
- Unlimited devices means you can use it on any device where you’ve installed Firefox
- No need for a desktop client to utilize the VPN
- Firefox version of the VPN includes a kill switch
- Supplements Firefox’s built-in security and privacy measures
- Use Firefox to access Netflix content libraries in multiple countries
- Responsive customer service with expertise in Firefox issues
This VPN offers split-tunneling, torrenting, and one of the lowest prices we’ve seen.
As of January 2022, Firefox maintains a solid 4.2 percent of the browser market.1 That amounts to some 217 million users.2 And, it’s no wonder Firefox is so popular. The browser is great for those who want to protect their privacy, with built-in features like enhanced tracking protection and a warning every time you create an insecure password.
If you’re using Firefox on an unsecured network, though, you’re still going to need a VPN to keep you safe. Luckily, we’ve put together a complete guide to all the VPNs that work best with Firefox. Let’s jump right in.
Best VPN Deals
| Ivacy VPN | $1.00 per month with 5-year subscription |
|---|---|
| Private Internet Access | $2.03 per month with 3-year subscription |
| Surfshark | $2.30 per month with 2-year subscription |
| NordVPN | $4.13 per month with 2-year subscription |
The Best VPNs for Firefox
- NordVPN - Best VPN for Firefox Overall
- Surfshark - Best VPN for Firefox With Split Tunneling
- Private Internet Access VPN - Best VPN for Firefox With Dynamic IP Addresses
- Ivacy - Most Affordable VPN for Firefox
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Firefox
| System |
NordVPN
|
Surfshark
|
Private Internet Access VPN
|
Ivacy
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
| Ratings | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Netflix | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes, on Windows and Androids | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IP addresses | Shared (static) or dedicated | Dynamic or static | Dynamic or dedicated | Dedicated |
| Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, 14 Eyes member? | No | No | Yes | No |
| Multi-hop | Yes | No | No | No |
| Contract lengths | 1 month, 1 year, 2 years | 1 month, 1 year, 2 years | 1 month, 1 year, 3 years | 1 month, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years |
| Maximum monthly price | $11.95 | $12.95 | $9.95 | $9.95 |
| Best monthly price | $4.13 | $2.30 | $2.03 | $1.00 |
| Read Review | NordVPN Review | Surfshark Review | Private Internet Access VPN Review | Ivacy Review |
By the Numbers: With over 200 million users, Firefox is one of the top three browsers on the market, just behind Chrome and Safari.
A Detailed List of the Best VPNs for Firefox
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1. NordVPN
NordVPN is at the top of our list of Best VPNs for a reason. There just isn’t another VPN out there that protects us as well as NordVPN does. The company is located in Panama, outside of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes jurisdictions. Its privacy policy guarantees it doesn’t hold onto any of our sensitive data. Plus, it uses the latest technology, including AES-256 encryption and multi-hop. All of that starts at $4.13 per month with a two-year contract, making NordVPN a great value.
What We Like
- Headquarters in Panama
- Strict logging policy
- Firefox extension
- Multi-hop technology
What We Don’t Like
- Torrenting only available on some servers
- No phone support
- Static IP addresses
- Unreliable kill switch on iOS devices
Panama Headquarters
We like the fact that NordVPN is located in Panama. Why? Because Panama is definitely outside the surveillance alliances known as Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes. Member countries have signed pacts to share digital intelligence with one another. If law enforcement from any one of them shows up with a warrant, they can force a company to turn over customer information. By setting up its headquarters in Panama, NordVPN keeps our data safe from this kind of government snooping.
Privacy Policy
NordVPN provides us with yet more assurances our information is private by maintaining a strict privacy policy. Of course, all VPNs collect some customer data. They need it for billing purposes and to keep the service running at peak efficiency. NordVPN, though, keeps as little as possible. It never keeps track of our browser activities or our IP addresses. In fact, the company is so sure about its policy that it regularly invites auditing companies like PriceWaterhouseCoopers to perform random checks. So far, it’s managed to achieve a perfect record.
Multi-hop
Finally, just to add one final layer of protection, NordVPN uses multi-hop. This relatively new technology routes our internet signal through not just one but two or more servers. Since each server provides us with its own encrypted tunnel, this means we’re at least doubly encrypted every time we sign on. It’s virtually impossible for hackers to track us when we’re on NordVPN.
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2. Surfshark
One of Surfshark’s real strengths is how many convenient features it offers. It isn’t just that you can access Netflix or do some torrenting. With split tunneling, you can connect to the VPN and the regular internet at the same time. With unlimited devices and unlimited simultaneous connections, you don’t have to pick and choose which devices you use to log on. More options means more productivity.
What We Like
- Split tunneling
- Unlimited devices and unlimited simultaneous connections
- Torrenting capabilities
- Choice of static or dynamic IP addresses
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively slow speeds
- Must set up Windows kill switch manually
- No phone support
- Relatively high price
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is a handy little feature Surfshark offers that enabled us to log on to the regular internet at the same time we were connected to the VPN. That means when we were out and about, we could use public Wi-Fi for things like Pandora and still get a secured connection for transferring sensitive work files. We saved valuable bandwidth and kept our speeds as fast as possible.
Unlimited Devices
If you use just one device, maybe Surfshark isn’t for you. For the rest of us, though, the fact that the company lets users install its software on an unlimited number of devices is a lifesaver. In fact, with Surfshark we were able to use all those devices at once since it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections – all for one Surfshark price. This meant we didn’t have to choose between laptops, phones, tablets, readers, etc., which kept our productivity high.
Torrenting
We would certainly never advocate violating copyright laws. Still, there are a lot of digital files out there to download, and not all of those are protected content. Whether you’re looking for open-source research or free-use photographs, Surfshark’s torrenting capabilities mean you’ll never have trouble tracking down what you need. Plus, if you do decide to push the legal limits, Surfshark’s encryption protocols will ensure you can do so in anonymity.
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3. Private Internet Access VPN
Private Internet Access is among the fastest VPNs out there, especially if you’re using a Windows device. In fact, if you take advantage of the company’s WireGuard protocol and switch from AES-256 to AES-128, you can go even faster. Sure, those aren’t the safest settings, and we don’t recommend them, but it’s always nice to have options.
What We Like
- Fast speeds for Windows
- Dynamic IP addresses
- Firefox compatible
- Intuitive, easy-to-use app
What We Don’t Like
- Located in the U.S., which means it’s a Five Eyes member
- Spotty customer service
- No multi-hop
- Slow speeds on Macs
Dynamic IP Addresses
Private Internet Access keeps us just a little safer than other companies by providing us with dynamic IP addresses. If you’re not quite clear on how VPN IP addresses work, they come in two basic types: static and dynamic. Static addresses are the same every time you log on. True, you share an address with others, which helps to conceal your identity. However, dynamic addresses change regularly so it’s harder for anyone to track where you go and what you do.
Protocol Options
Not everyone realizes how important the protocol is to the way their VPN operates. Protocols, though, are the instructions for how your data gets from your device to the VPN’s server. That’s a pretty essential component. The cool thing about Private Internet Access is that it offers a choice of protocols. You can use OpenVPN, which, because it’s open-source, has become the gold standard for security. You can use PPTP or IPSec/L2TP. You can even use WireGuard, which is fast becoming the go-to alternative for OpenVPN because it’s faster but still open-source. On top of these choices, you can also speed up your connection by switching from AES-256 encryption to AES-128, though if you do you’ll sacrifice security.
FYI: Both OpenVPN and WireGuard are open-source protocols. OpenVPN has been around longer so it’s been tested, but WireGuard uses about 99 percent less code so it runs faster.3
Fast Windows Speeds
Every VPN slows down your connection to some extent. That’s bound to happen when you run any kind of complex program. The goal, then, is to minimize the slowdown as much as possible. Anything under 65 percent is a good score. Private Internet Access is fast across the board, whether we’re talking about download, upload, or ping speeds. That’s particularly true when it comes to Windows devices. In fact, in our tests, Private Internet Access slowed our Windows laptop latency by just 25 percent. Download and upload speeds were even better. Downloads slowed by 15 percent, while uploads slowed by just six percent. You won’t find that kind of speed anywhere else at Private Internet Access’ price.
Speed Test Speed Without the VPN Speed With the VPN Percentage Difference Ping (Windows) 12 ms 16 ms 25 percent Ping (Macs) 14 ms 14 ms 0 percent Upload (Windows) 41.37 mbps 39.13 mbps 6 percent Upload (Macs) 25.9 mbps 18.12 mbps 31 percent Download (Windows) 72.37 mbps 61.67 mbps 15 percent Download (Macs) 37.05 mbps 12.93 mbps 65 percent -
4. Ivacy
Ivacy is a specialized VPN. It only offers dedicated IP addresses for those users who want the security of a VPN but the convenience of an IP address that never changes. Even so, it comes with all the security features you’d expect from a great VPN, like split tunneling, Netflix access, and a strict logging policy. Plus, you won’t find a cheaper starting price anywhere else. You can get five years of Ivacy VPN for just one dollar a month.
What We Like
- Low prices
- Access to Netflix
- Split tunneling
- Strict logging policy
What We Don’t Like
- Only offers dedicated IP addresses
- Poor Mac app
- Slow download speeds
- Located in Singapore, a Five Eyes partner
Low Prices Across the Board
You won’t find a legitimate VPN with a price much lower than Ivacy VPN. That’s true whether you’re looking for a month-to-month subscription or a long-term commitment. Month-to-month, Ivacy is $9.95. That’s about three dollars a month cheaper than rival ExpressVPN (see our latest ExpressVPN review to learn more).
Of course, like most VPNs, you’ll save money if you sign up for longer subscription terms. For instance, a one-year plan is $2.41 a month, and a two-year plan is $1.99 a month. Here’s something you won’t find with other VPNs though: a five-year plan for just one dollar a month.
Subscription Length Ivacy VPN ExpressVPN Savings With Ivacy 1 month $9.95 per month $12.95 per month 24 percent 1 year $2.41 per month $8.32 per month 72 percent 2 years $1.99 per month $8.32 per month 76 percent 5 years $1.00 per month $8.32 per month 92 percent Streaming Options
We’re TV junkies, so one of the most important reasons we have a VPN is so that we can access more streaming content from more places. With a VPN, for instance, we can sign on to servers in other countries and get access to all of Netflix’s many different global libraries. Ivacy unlocks all the most popular services, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney-Plus. In addition, you can get a ton of overseas services, from the U.K.’s ITV to Japan’s NHK. Even we’re a little overwhelmed with that much content.
Lots of Servers
Ivacy maintains over 3,500 servers in 100 different countries worldwide. In other words, whether you’re in Mumbai, India, or Vilnius, Lithuania, you’re guaranteed to find a nearby connection. Of course, the closer your connection, the faster your speeds.
Methodology
We’re asked quite a lot how we go about picking the VPNs for a list like this one. The answer is simple: We do our homework. We research and test new VPNs as they come on the market. We return to VPNs we know and re-test. We look at security features, connection speeds, prices, and bonus options like split tunneling. Then we make lots of charts and graphs that compare everything. Only then do we make our choices.
Want to know more about our process? Check out our complete guide to VPNs, or see below for our in-depth description of what we look for.
Firefox Compatibility
No VPN belongs on this particular list unless it works seamlessly with Firefox. That means the first thing we’re interested in is whether a VPN is compatible with the Firefox browser. All of our choices not only integrate well with Firefox but offer extensions specially designed to help you connect.
Security
The whole purpose of a VPN is to keep you safe and secure. Security, though, isn’t as simple as what encryption method a company uses or whether or not its connections leak. Security is a complex web made up of several different elements:
- Encryption: We prefer VPNs that use AES-256 encryption. Sure, you could go with AES-128 and get slightly faster speeds. You wouldn’t get the same level of protection, though. How secure is AES-256? It’s what the U.S. military uses to encrypt its communications.
- Protocols: Protocols are the instructions a VPN uses to connect you to the server. There are a number of protocols out there, each one designed to provide a different benefit. Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), for example, is particularly useful for unblocking streaming content from other countries. When it comes to security, though, OpenVPN is the gold standard in protocols. Because it’s open-source, it has been rigorously tested and improved to the point where it’s virtually guaranteed safe.
- Leak Tests: VPNs are vulnerable to two kinds of leaks: A WebRTC leak can expose your IP address, while a DNS leak can expose your browsing activity. We check VPNs for both. We use an ExpressVPN tool to check for WebRTC leaks and the test at DNSLeakTest.com to check for DNS leaks.
- Multi-hop: Multi-hop technology adds an additional level of security to your VPN connection. The whole point of a VPN is to route your internet connection through a secure server so no one can track your online activities. VPNs that offer multi-hop route your connection through not one but two or more different servers. With each additional server, your security improves exponentially.
- Headquarters Location: We carefully consider where each VPN company is located, and we tend to avoid companies that are headquartered in countries that belong to the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes surveillance alliances. Member countries of those alliances have agreed to share digital intelligence with one another, and that includes spying on their own citizens. Law enforcement agencies can subpoena customer data from any company based in one of these countries. Obviously then, VPNs based outside these alliances are safer than those based inside them.
- Privacy Policy: The government can’t subpoena information about you if the VPN doesn’t hold on to any of that information in the first place. We go over every company’s privacy policy with a fine-tooth comb to find out exactly what data it does and doesn’t keep. Of course, all VPNs record some data, like billing information. They couldn’t operate otherwise. The best VPNs, though, don’t record IP addresses, browsing activity, or timestamps.
Pro Tip: If your VPN has a DNS or WebRTC leak, your data isn’t secure. DNS leaks reveal your browsing activities, while WebRTC leaks reveal your IP address.
Features
Security is the foundation of a great VPN, but it’s nice to have a few bonus features as well. We’re always interested in companies that offer:
- Access to Streaming Services: With a good VPN, you can log on to other countries’ Netflix libraries as well as streaming services that aren’t available in your own home country. Of course, most of the services out there work hard to block this kind of access, but our favorite companies are excellent at getting around these blocks.
- Split Tunneling: A VPN is essential any time you are using public Wi-Fi. The downside, though, is that VPNs can often use up a lot of bandwidth. Even in the best case, that slows your connection. Worst case? More bandwidth costs you more money. That’s why it’s useful when a VPN offers split tunneling. This feature allows you to log on to the regular internet at the same time you’re using the VPN. That way you can stream music and video through the public Wi-Fi even while you’re using the VPN to transfer sensitive data.
- Torrenting: As mentioned, we love our TV. And sure, we can access tons of streaming content through a good VPN. But every now and then, we want to see something that’s older and a little harder to find. That’s why we’re fans of VPNs that are set up for torrenting. The best VPNs for torrenting come with tools like kill switches, split tunneling, and dedicated torrenting servers.
Speed
A VPN isn’t much use if it slows down your device so much that sites take forever to load and your videos constantly have to re-buffer. When you’re online, speed matters. Of course, every VPN slows your devices down to some extent. The goal is to find VPNs that slow them down as little as possible. We put every VPN through a series of speed tests. We use both a Windows machine and a Mac. First we establish the device’s baseline speed, which is how it performs without the VPN running. Then we enable the VPN and check the speed again. Comparing these two numbers gives us a percentage that we can use to decide just how much the VPN affects the device.
Price
When it comes to price, our standards are pretty simple. We like VPNs with monthly subscription rates less than $13. It helps if the company offers deep discounts for users who are willing to make long-term commitments. A good price for a one-year contract is typically between two to four dollars monthly, and we’ve seen prices as low as one dollar a month for a five-year contract. Of course, the general rule of thumb is that the cheaper the better. We aren’t made of money, after all. Still, the old maxim is usually true: you get what you pay for. We’re willing to pay a little extra to make sure we are well-protected and have features that boost our productivity.
Recap
We can’t emphasize it enough: if you’re using public Wi-Fi, you should really be using a VPN. Otherwise, you’re risking everything from identity theft to ransom demands to government surveillance. You shouldn’t have to give up your favorite browser, though, to get a secure connection. If you’re a Firefox user, there are some great VPNs out there tailor-made for your online experience.
FAQs
Have even more questions about the best VPNs for Firefox? We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most frequently and provided answers.
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What is the best VPN for Firefox?
The best VPN for firefox is NordVPN. Of course, it offers a Firefox extension, but it also comes with all the extras you would expect from a top-tier VPN. Security features include AES-256 encryption, multi-hop technology, and a strict privacy policy. In addition, it comes with split tunneling, torrenting capabilities, and access to all the best streaming services. The month-to-month subscription price is at the high end, but the company offers deep discounts for one and two-year commitments. Other great VPNs for Firefox include Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and Ivacy.
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What is the best free VPN for Firefox?
The best free VPN for Firefox is Privado. Privado’s free plan leverages all the great features of the full-price version, like AES-256 encryption and a choice of protocols that includes OpenVPN. The monthly 10 GB data limit is generous, and there are no speed limits. Best of all, the company has a strict privacy policy. Even with the free plan, you can trust that your data is safe. Hotspot Shield, Atlas VPN, and Surfshark also offer great free options.
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Does Firefox have a built-in VPN?
Firefox does offer a VPN, the Mozilla VPN. The VPN has 400 servers in 30 different countries. You can use up to five devices. A single month costs $9.99 and a year-long plan is available for $4.99 a month.
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How do I add a VPN to Firefox?
Assuming your VPN offers a Firefox extension or add-on, the process for installing it is relatively straightforward:
- Find the add-on/ extension in the Firefox add-on library.
- Click “add to Firefox.”
- Allow the extension to run in private windows.
- Click on the VPNs icon in the top-right corner of your browser window.
- Log on to the VPN.
StatCounter. (2022). Browser Market Share Worldwide.
gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-shareFossbytes. (2021). Mozilla Firefox Lost More Than 30 Million Users Since 2019.
fossbytes.com/mozilla-firefox-lost-more-than-30-million-users-since-2019/Private Internet Access. (2021). Understanding the WireGuard Protocol.
privateinternetaccess.com/helpdesk/kb/articles/understanding-the-wireguard-protocol