Firefox has recently rolled out a free built-in VPN feature for its desktop browser, though its availability is being gradually extended. This feature reached some users, including myself on an Ubuntu system, with no prior announcements—just a new button appearing in the toolbar.
Currently, the VPN is available only to users in specific countries: the UK, the USA, France, and Germany, and is exclusive to desktop versions. For mobile users on Android or iOS, this feature is not yet present.
How the Firefox VPN Functions
To utilize the free VPN, users must sign in with a Mozilla account. This account, if not already created, is free and allows for syncing of browsing history and saved information across devices.
Mozilla has introduced this feature with two possible motivations: promoting its paid Mozilla VPN service or enhancing user privacy directly within the browser. The VPN operates by routing browser traffic through Fastly proxy servers, encrypting the connection using TLS. This means that only the proxy’s IP address is exposed to websites, keeping the user’s true IP hidden.
It’s important to note that some services necessary for maintaining a proper VPN connection are deliberately excluded from VPN routing to ensure effective functionality, particularly for public Wi-Fi sign-ins. However, for general browsing, the VPN effectively masks the IP address within Firefox.
The Firefox VPN provides users with a bandwidth limit of 50 GB per month, which resets automatically. If users approach their limit, the browser will alert them and confirm whether they wish to continue browsing.
Enabling the VPN
When available, enabling the VPN is straightforward:
- Click the VPN button in the toolbar.
- Sign in with a Mozilla account.
- Click the VPN icon again to toggle protection on and off.
Users can also specify websites to exclude from VPN routing via the toolbar settings, which can be handy if certain sites don’t work well with the VPN active.
Is It Worth Using?
While this free VPN does not allow users to select the geographical location of the proxy server, it serves as a useful everyday browsing tool. It’s particularly beneficial for casual web surfing and provides adequate security when using public Wi-Fi. However, users who are hoping to bypass geo-restrictions or perform heavy streaming may find this VPN limited due to its automatic server selection and monthly data cap.
Mozilla has stated it does not sell user data or inject ads through this service, distinguishing it from many free VPN offerings that monetize user information. Overall, it is suitable for users looking for basic protection during standard web use.
Is the free VPN feature available to you? Have you encountered any issues while using it? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences.