A VPN has multiple uses but protecting users’ privacy and freedom while they browse the Internet might be the most popular. It’s also no secret that some websites and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) restrict access to and sell user activity data to advertisers, and And while you might feel comfortable browsing with Firefox, since it’s built for security and privacy, hiding your IP with a VPN conceals your identity and location. It also leaves no trace about connection history or browsing activity, provided you’re using a VPN provider with a strict zero-log policy. With that said, let’s demonstrate how to add a VPN in Firefox.
1. Add a VPN via Firefox Add-ons
The primary way for adding a VPN to Mozilla Firefox is through Add-ons, more specifically, extensions. Here’s how to select the VPN service and add it to Mozilla Firefox:
1. Installing the extension
Let’s get the easy part out first. Follow these steps to add a VPN to Mozilla Firefox:
- Enter “about:addons” into the address bar or visit the Mozilla Addons page.
- Switch to the Extensions tab, then search for your desired VPN extension.
- On the extension page, click on Add to Firefox.
- On the pop-up, click on Add.
- Click on Okay to confirm.
- Your VPN is installed. Start using it by clicking on its icon in the top right corner. Or, if you already have too many extensions, from the drop-down list.
2. Choosing the VPN provider
Now for the hard part. While searching for the ideal VPN provider for Firefox, you’ll encounter two types of extensions:
1. Standalone
Standalone VPN extensions can be:
Free
These VPN extensions work independently, commonly without a user account. Most of them are free VPN services that offer simple controls, but limited speed, bandwidth, and server network. They rarely feature any form of encryption, and even when present, the algorithm uses a weaker cipher. Additionally, they commonly lack protection from IP, DNS, Flash, and WebRTC leaks. Such extensions can bypass geo-blocks on most websites but seldom on streaming services. Finally, whether a VPN provider upholds a no-log policy or sells data to advertisers to recoup the operating costs requires research on your part. A notable representative is Hola VPN.
Paid
Even though you must pay to use it, these types of VPN Firefox add-ons are still free. A good way (but not foolproof) is to check whether you must sign up for an account and log in before you can use them. They usually have an iron-clad zero-logging policy and webRTC leak protection. Additionally, they offer a large server network and can circumvent anti-VPN measures on mainstream streaming services. Most of them offer 256-bit AES military-grade encryption and come with unlimited bandwidth and data usage. ZenMate VPN is a good example of this.
2. App-dependent
The vast majority of VPN browser extensions for Firefox offered by the leading VPN providers are app-dependent. In other words, a VPN app must be installed and running, because it provides the necessary functionality. The extension only acts as the “remote control” of the app and does close to nothing on its own. Also, both the VPN app and the VPN Firefox extension are free and downloaded from the provider’s website, but useless without login credentials and an active subscription. Luckily, many such VPN services offer a free trial, allowing you to try before you buy. Some notable examples include ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
2. Add a VPN proxy to Firefox
Many VPN providers provide settings required to access their VPN servers, allowing users to set up a VPN proxy connection manually. This eliminates the need to install extensions, often comes with encryption through HTTPS or SOCKS5, and stops users from fretting if the VPN is enabled because it always is. In contrast, changing a VPN location requires manual editing, and the settings might expire. If that’s your preference, follow these steps to manually set up a VPN proxy in Firefox:
- Click on the hamburger menu button.
- Go to Settings.
- Select the General panel, then the Network Settings section.
- Click on Settings again, and the Connection Settings dialog opens.
- Switch to Manual proxy configuration.
- Select the option your VPN provider instructs, most likely “HTTPS Proxy” or “SOCKS Host”.
- Fill out the required fields: “IP address” or “hostname“ and “port“.
- Click on OK, and if requested, enter your username and password.
3. Use Mozilla VPN (Limited access)
Mozilla launched its VPN service, Mozilla VPN, in July 2020. It’s only available in 12+ countries, with more to come. And, while it’s currently available on Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS, we don’t doubt an extension is on the way. The apps adhere to Mozilla’s no-logging policy, use WireGuard security protocol, and offer device-level encryption. Moreover, Mozilla VPN has access to a network of 400+ servers in 30+ countries, supports up to 5 devices simultaneously, and has a 30-day money refund guarantee.
