VPNs ensure your safety online, especially today when there are multiple threats to a user. From online surveillance to targeted marketing, people tend to use the internet for their benefit and agenda. However, a VPN is often the last line of defense against such fallacies. Many providers make it so that their service can penetrate cross-platform barriers. They make exclusive VPN client software for specific operating systems.
However, these clients provide tunneling to the whole device. Unless a provider offers split tunneling, every application on the device will have to access a VPN for connectivity. But what if you want to protect only your browser? That’s why VPN services offer browser extensions. A VPN browser extension can aid users directly without relying on the clients. Thus, most leading VPN providers offer browser extensions. Therefore, today’s article will cover one of the most popular web browsers, Mozilla Firefox, and the best VPNs for Firefox.
However, remember that depending on a browser extension for your VPN needs can also backfire. Sometimes an extension is only a simple proxy. Meaning, it can spoof your public IP address but will not encrypt your traffic. Depending on such VPNs can be dangerous. Therefore, we advise using proper VPN clients instead of browser extensions.
What is Firefox?
Mozilla Firefox or simply Firefox, as the fans prefer, is an open-source and free web browser. In 2002, the Mozilla Foundation, together with its subsidiary, the Mozilla Corporation, developed and created it. What sets it aside is the integration of the Gecko rendering engine. It can display web pages according to the latest and future anticipated web standards. The developers and clique alike hail Firefox as the browser of the future. More so, the title is well deserved.
Firefox has continued advancement in browser technology, as it kept on adopting and integrating newer technologies. Be it Quantum that promotes parallelism or a more intuitive user interface, Firefox has advocated for insight and technical advancement. Firefox is a universal browser, available across platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, and even smartphones (Android and iOS). The Mozilla Firefox project started due to the overwhelming demand of the Mozilla community, who wanted a stand-alone browser instead of an application bundle.
Back then, it was a project named “Phoenix.” During the beta phase, though, Firefox proved its mettle by outshining the then-dominant Microsoft Internet Explorer. The final product got unveiled before the public on November 9, 2004. The official launch saw an over-enthusiastic welcome and broke records when the browser witnessed over 60 million downloads within a mere nine months.
At its high, Mozilla enjoyed a market share of 32.21% in 2009. But soon enough, Google came out with their very own browser (Chrome), and this led to the fall of Firefox. As of 2021, Firefox captures around 8.3% of the desktop web browser market, making it the fourth most popular desktop web browser. It comes after Google Chrome (66.3%), Safari (9.8%), and Microsoft Edge (9.5%).
Best VPNs with standalone Firefox extension
Some VPN extensions are standalone products. It means you don’t have to install the VPN client to use them. You can find many VPN add-ons for Firefox. However, only a few of them are factual VPNs. Consequently, we have divided our list into two. Both include VPNs that cater to Firefox and have an extension available for them. However, the first part of the list mentions those providers that have standalone products. Whereas, the latter part lists VPN extensions that rely on clients.
1. NordVPN
The first VPN on the list is the well-known NordVPN. It has been around for a decade. Although it started with a single client and a handful of servers, today, NordVPN has undoubtedly one of the largest VPN networks with over 5500 servers in 60 different countries. Moreover, NordVPN claims that its extension can encrypt browser traffic and prevent IP leaks. Furthermore, the provider offers a unique feature known as CyberSec that prevents malware and adware infestation.
As if that wasn’t enough, the extension allows you to auto-connect as soon as you run Firefox. NordVPN comes with the latest encryption, authentication, tunneling, and protocols. It has intuitive and advanced features. To learn more, you can give our NordVPN review a read.
2. CyberGhost VPN
Second on the list is CyberGhost VPN, another trendsetter. The providers offer a free Firefox extension that doesn’t require the desktop client version. However, we warn you: it is not as secure as the desktop client. Nonetheless, for first-time VPN users or those on a budget, this is undoubtedly a godsend opportunity. It’ll let them experience firsthand what a VPN is and how it functions. Furthermore, the premium version is cheap and has great value for money.
CyberGhost VPN allows users to choose from 7500+ servers in over 90 locations. The service is robust and provides all the market standard features like kill switch and Smart DNS. It employs state-of-the-art encryption with the latest protocols, alongside the 45-day money-back guarantee. Overall, it’s a superb choice for beginners. You can learn more about CyberGhost VPN in our review.
3. SaferVPN
Lastly, we have the SaferVPN, a new entry. The service is relatively new, with a substandard global network of 700 servers in 30 countries. However, the provider delivers an independent Firefox extension free of cost. However, many tend to avoid this VPN as it plies from the US and offers the bare minimum in functionality.
No, it doesn’t provide enhanced security on the extension. What impressed us is the ability of the VPN provider to bypass blocks and its speed. The price tag is also appealing. Thus, if you are tight on the budget, you can give this a go. Or, you can use the extension for free without downloading the client app. If you are wondering about this VPN, you can head over to our detailed SaferVPN review.
Best Firefox VPNs
This is the second category we spoke of. Here are our top two Firefox VPNs:
1. ExpressVPN
No one can compile the best VPNs list without including the uncrowned king. ExpressVPN, in our humble opinion, is what a VPN should be. Although it has fewer servers, around 3000 in 90 countries, the provider has a tier A network. Meaning: it owns every server on the grid. This already guarantees privacy to an extent. Furthermore, the provider practices PFS (perfect forward secrecy) and no-logs policy. Coupled with Bitcoin payment, it is one of the most private VPN services out there.
Coming back to the topic of extensions, ExpressVPN provides one for Firefox. Though, it is a part of the desktop client package and not a standalone product. However, the extension is not a proxy but a bona fide VPN with encryption capabilities. It also prevents IP and WebRTC leaks. While the providers offer top-notch services, it comes off as a bit pricey. You can read our Express VPN review for further assessment.
2. Surfshark VPN
Lastly, we have SurfShark on our list. It provides a fast VPN extension that can bypass geo-restrictions. Furthermore, the service is cheap and affordable. The provider has over 3200+ servers in 64 countries that allow for a fast VPN connection with limitless bandwidth and zero latency. Other plus points include a decent ad blocker and unlimited simultaneous connections. Hence, SurfShark is one of the leading VPNs for Firefox.