If you’re a Mozilla Firefox user and shopping for a VPN, you’ll find that some of the top providers cater specifically to your needs. Many offer dedicated add-ons for the Firefox browser that provide a more lightweight option to mask your IP while you surf.

If you don’t want to read the full article, below is a summary of our top picks.

Best VPNs for Firefox:

  • NordVPN: Our first choice VPN for Firefox. Securely access streaming sites and remain undetected while browsing online. Comes with 256-bit AES encryption and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best budget option for Firefox. Strong on security, with no connection limits so you can protect every device in your household.
  • ExpressVPN: Great location spoofing, works with Netflix and other streaming site. Impressive and consistent speeds while using Firefox.
  • CyberGhost: Has a huge network of servers around the world and is a great beginner choice for Firefox users.
  • Zenmate: No issues with Firefox and most streaming sites. Simple to use and very secure.

A VPN encrypts your traffic and tunnels it through an intermediary server in a location of your choice. It masks your IP address with one from your chosen location. This means no one can snoop on your activity, and you can securely access geographically restricted websites and apps.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Using a browser add-on — also known as an extension — typically won’t give you the same security as a full VPN and are not ideal for every situation. This is why many VPN providers include them as part of a complete package.

In fact, we recommend signing up for a full VPN service so you’ll have access to desktop apps, mobile apps, and Firefox VPN add-ons to use across your devices and browsers as needed. VPNs are relatively inexpensive and don’t require a lot of tech-savvy to set up.

Best VPNs for Firefox– at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Firefox.

Best VPNs for Firefox

To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of the best VPNs for Firefox users based on the following criteria:

  • Includes a Firefox browser add-on or dedicated support
  • Provides fast and reliable connections
  • Can access popular streaming sites
  • Provides strong security
  • Has a no-logging policy

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works with FirefoxTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN operates a network of more than 5,000 servers in over 59 countries. Its Firefox extension can be used alone, without the use of the app. It, therefore, offers a lightweight alternative to using a full VPN service. What’s more, unlike many proxy extensions, NordVPN claims to encrypt traffic through its Firefox extension as well as provide IP leak protection.

Settings can be configured such that the add-on connects as soon as you open the Firefox browser. A neat CyberSec feature will block suspicious websites to prevent malware and other threats from infecting your device.

A strict no-logs policy makes this provider ideal for the privacy-conscious user. Within the main VPN client, DNS leak protection and a built-in kill switch ensure that your IP is never leaked. Security is provided by military-grade 256-bit encryption.

The basic NordVPN package enables you to connect six devices simultaneously. If you tend you switch between Firefox and Chrome, you’re in luck, as there’s a Chrome extension available too. Note that the Firefox extension for Android has not been fully tested and users might experience glitches.

VPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR FIREFOX:NordVPN is our top choice. Vast network of speedy servers around the globe. Great performer for streaming and torrenting. Strong privacy and security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Hard to beat. Includes 30-day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Firefox plugin for desktop and Android
  • Good for streaming
  • Strong security
  • Plenty of servers
  • Decent speeds
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Can’t select a specific server (location only)

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Works with FirefoxTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a fast, versatile service that offers browser extensions for both Firefox and Chrome. These have been independently audited for security, and allow you to connect to the service’s 3,200+ servers just as quickly as the standard apps do. Further, this VPN allows you to connect as many devices as you like.

This VPN keeps your activities hidden whether you’re using an addon or the full app. It uses 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automatic malware-scanning to protect you against snoopers, although the kill switch is only available in the full apps, not the browser extensions. Surfshark keeps no logs, meaning details of your activities can’t be revealed even in the face of legal pressure.

Surfshark apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark offers strong security, decent speeds, and real versatility at a very reasonable price. Better still, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • No connection limit

  • Speedy servers

  • Powerful security features

  • Keeps no logs

  • Impressive speeds

  • No kill switch in the browser extension

See our full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and comprises a substantial network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. As part of it’s VPN package, it offers dedicated browser add-ons for Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.

While some add-ons are work independently of the VPN application, these are a bit different. They control the desktop app from your browser, so both the desktop app and Firefox addon must be installed for it to work.

Not only does it offer great functionality, but ExpressVPN is also solid when it comes to privacy and security. It stores no logs that can be traced to individual users so your activity cannot be tracked. Security is in the form of 256-bit AES encryption with perfect forward secrecy. Plus you have a kill switch and DNS leak protection for all apps and browser add-ons.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and some wifi routers.

GREAT ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN holds its own. A fast and reliable choice which works with all major streaming services. Works with Firefox. Solid privacy and security. Not the cheapest option. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money back guarantee.

  • Very secure

  • Fast

  • Advanced location spoofing

  • Works with Netflix, Prime, Hulu, ad others

  • Slightly more expensive

  • Addon requires desktop app to be installed

See our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost runs a network of over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. CyberGhost makes a free proxy add-on for Firefox, though it won’t protect you from WebRTC leaks. For that, you’ll need to pay for full version to use with Windows and Mac apps.

The desktop and mobile apps come with an option to automatically connect whenever you encounter an unprotected wifi network. CyberGhost even has a separate list of streaming-optimized servers that allows you to see at a glance which is best for your preferred streaming site. There are servers dedicated to accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.

CyberGhost protects your privacy by maintaining a no-logs policy. Like many others on the list, this provider uses 256-bit encryption which is as good as it gets. You also have a kill switch and DNS leak protection to help protect your IP. A CyberGhost plan enables you to connect up to five devices simultaneously.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.

GREAT VALUE:CyberGhost is easy to use. A well priced solid performer. Works with Firefox. Can struggle with some popular streaming sites. Comes with a 45-day money back guarantee.

  • Free-to-use Firefox addon

  • Desktop apps are very secure

  • Great speeds

  • Huge network of servers

  • Addon has some security issues

  • Not as advanced as others

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. ZenMate

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android

Website: www.zenmate.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

ZenMate is a Germany-based VPN provider with a substantial network of more than 4,000 servers in 80+ countries. It has been known to have some speeds on the slower side, but when using geographically close serves you can typically surf, stream and download with no issue. Plus, the lightweight nature of the Firefox add-on should speed things up even more. And its one-click connect makes it super convenient.

A ZenMate account enables you to connect up to five devices simultaneously. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

EASY SET UP:Zenmate is easy to install. Works well with Firefox and even Netflix in most regions. Not the fastest choice on this list. 30-day money back guarantee

  • Streams Netflix, BBC, Prime

  • Good security

  • Easy to use

  • Slightly slower than others

Read our full review of ZenMate.

How to enable a VPN with Mozilla Firefox

Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider from the list above you can follow the simple steps below to browse the internet securely with your VPN. In the next section, we’ll explain when to choose the full VPN app over the browser extension if you’re not sure.

Here’s how to enable a VPN with Firefox:

  • Select a secure, privacy-first, VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Next either visit the VPN provider website and download the appropriate VPN app for your device or visit addons.mozilla.org and search for your VPN provider.
  • Allow permissions and install the app/ browser extension.
  • Select a server (for privacy purposes any server is fine, however, if you would like to securely access geo-blocked services while traveling abroad make sure to select a server in a country where the content is not restricted)
  • Wait for the connection to be established then clear your cache and cookies.
  • You should now be able to privately browse the internet through Firefox!

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Firefox

There are several important things to consider when choosing a VPN, especially if you’re interested in keeping your online activities private. We used the criteria below to filter out any services that aren’t up to the task, until only the best VPNs for Firefox remained:

This is actually only the beginning of our testing process. However, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to how our team tests VPNs in case you’d like to know more.

When to use a browser add-on instead of a full VPN

With some of the providers mentioned above, you have the option to use a standalone add-on, also called an extension or proxy extension. One of the main advantages of using an add-on instead of a VPN app is it uses fewer resources due to its lightweight nature.

That being said, this often comes at the expense of security. Many extensions will mask your IP address so that you can prevent your ISP from recording your activity. But it doesn’t encrypt your traffic, leaving your information potentially exposed.

Some add-ons, like the one in the NordVPN package, will encrypt your traffic. Although, it’s important to note that this only applies to the browser you’re using it on. It won’t protect any other browsers or applications running on the device.

The NordVPN add-on also protects access to all sites, even non-HTTPS, and protects against DNS leaks. Again, these are features you won’t typically see with VPN browser extensions.

So what should you use? To put it simply, an add-on is fine in situations where speed is the most important factor, for example for general browsing or streaming. But in cases where security and privacy are important, you’ll be better off using the VPN app. The rare exception would be the NordVPN extension, which does offer a higher level of security than others.

Some are simply lackluster in terms of features. For example, they may have slow speeds, a small number of servers, and low data caps. Many provide a very limited service in the hopes you’ll eventually cough up for a paid plan.

Others have more unscrupulous methods for profiting from users. These include logging user activity, enabling tracking cookies, and presenting annoying ads from affiliates. Since paid plans are relatively inexpensive anyway, they’re probably your best bet.

Even when this is the case, it doesn’t always carry over to add-ons, so it’s something to look out for. Basically, if you have WebRTC enabled and don’t have WebRTC leak protection, you could be exposing your real IP to the sites you visit, even though you’re using a VPN.

Of the providers on our list, NordVPN is the only one with a standalone add-on that provides WebRTC leak protection. ExpressVPN’s add-on works alongside the VPN app, so you’ll enjoy WebRTC leak protection from that one too.

Even with the other extensions, thankfully there’s a fairly simple workaround. All you need to do is disable WebRTC. To do this, first enter about:config in your Firefox browser address bar. You’ll get a warning message about the risk of altering advanced settings. If you’re happy to go ahead, you can click I accept the risk!

In the resulting screen enter media.peerconnection.enabled in the search bar. In the Value column, if it says false, then WebRTC is already disabled. If it says true, you need to change it to false by double-clicking the column.

And that’s it. You can use a leak checker like our DNS leak test tool to see if your IP address is exposed.

Bear in mind that while WebRTC is disabled, you might run into issues when trying to use certain applications that rely on the program. If you need to enable it, simply follow the above steps and change the value back to true.

There’s also Mozilla VPN. This is made by the same company as Firefox, but is a separate, standalone product. Now, at $9.99 USD per month, it’s priced about the same as many premium VPN services, but has a very limited network and essentially acts as a middle-man that sends your data through Mullvad, a great, privacy-conscious VPN that costs about half the price.

However, Firefox is not bulletproof. It has to collect some information (such as your screen size and operating system  in order to help you navigate the internet. Over time, this data can be used to identify you, so we’d recommend reading up on basic cybersecurity concepts and learning how to protect yourself against as many of the internet’s threats as possible. This way, you won’t have to rely on a browser to keep you safe.