Review Summary
Review SummaryFirefox is a non-profit, privacy-focused browser built atop Quantum browser engine instead of Chromium which runs the majority of other browsers on the market.
What this ultimately means is that in exchange for "privacy" you're getting a substantially less supported ecosystem of browser extensions and a higher likelihood of websites not rendering exactly as they were intended due to having less than 3% of global browser marketshare.
Because of that, for most people, we recommend using a Chromium-based browser like that of Arc Browser.
Best Web Browser? Arc vs Chrome vs Safari vs Brave
Best Web Browser? Arc vs Chrome vs Safari vs BraveFirefox Alternatives
Firefox AlternativesNot sure if Firefox is the right fit for you? Check out these alternatives:
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What is Firefox?
What is Firefox?Firefox is one of the only privacy-focused browsers that is not built atop Chromium, in theory giving it further distance from the stronghold that Google has in the browser market.
What this ultimately means is all the Chrome extensions that people use and rely on are not compatible with Firefox unless rebuilt specifically for it. Think of it like iOS, Android, and Windows Phone/BlackBerry (which neither exist anymore, but the point is), you'll typically get developers building for iOS first (think of as Chromium/Chrome), Android second (think of as Webkit/Safari), and then Quantum Browser Engine third (Firefox).
Key Features
Key FeaturesPrivacy Focus
Privacy FocusBecause of that, while you may be choosing a "privacy-focused" browser like Firefox, you're also getting substantially less third-party app support, and a higher chance of websites not performing as intended (like legacy banks or modern sites using newer technology). It simply comes down to there not being enough marketshare for web developers to focus on making everything work properly in Firefox as it only accounts for less than 3% of global marketshare.
Extensions & Compatibility
Extensions & CompatibilityGiven this foundational difference, it means that the millions of Chrome extensions that are accessible to people, are not in Firefox, unless they rebuild it for Firefox, giving people less options if they choose Firefox as their primary browser.
For that reason, most people who use Firefox also use a second browser as well (typically based on Chromium), like Arc Browser, Chrome, or Brave for when they need full features and functionality like full Chrome Extension support.
Revenue & Business Model
Revenue & Business ModelThat said, while they are a non-profit and privacy focused, they still make the far majority of their money from Google ($500M/yr) by having Google as the default search engine. So if you want to be a sustainable browser, you really need to just make a deal with Google in some way.
Some argue that Google is in some way strategically paying Firefox at this point just to make it seem like Chrome is not a monopoly.
Categories
CategoriesFirefox fits into multiple categories based on what it actually helps you do. Each category highlights a different strength and the efficiency points it earned, helping you compare tools not just by features, but by how well they actually perform.
Keep exploring the best software across categories, or explore Firefox alternatives
FAQ
FAQIs Firefox Based On Chromium?
Is Firefox Based On Chromium?No, Firefox is one of just a few browser that is not based on Chromium. Firefox is based on Quantum Browser Engine instead of Chromium.
