What it does
Waterfox offers a free open-source browser with built-in desktop ad blocking and privacy-focused DNS features.
Waterfox's desktop blocker includes filter-list, site-exception and search-partner-ad controls. Its private tabs share a separate container whose site data clears after the last private tab closes. The source notice identifies most code under MPL 2.0, with other component licenses and separate trademark terms.
The August 2026 policy distinguishes disabled telemetry from necessary and optional connections. Enabled search suggestions send typed characters and an IP address to Waterfox's suggestion proxy; the provider says it immediately discards the IP. Turn suggestions off under Settings > Search. Completed searches go to the selected search engine.
For new profiles, the documented DNS route separates a Fastly relay from a Cloudflare resolver. Settings > Privacy & Security > DNS over HTTPS can change the provider or return to the system resolver. Filter-list downloads and updates also reveal an IP address to their endpoints, while the policy says page filtering happens locally. Match the desktop and profile-specific instructions to the build in use.
Strengths
- Integrated desktop blocking
- Privacy-focused DNS options
Best for
- Users evaluating a maintained independent Firefox-family browser
Sources
- Waterfox - A private, customisable web browser. (Oct 26, 2026)
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/BrowserWorks/Waterfox/current/LICENSE (Oct 26, 2026)
- Licenses (Oct 26, 2026)
- Privacy Policy (Oct 26, 2026)