Waterfox: Private Web Browser icon
Waterfox for Android: A Privacy-Centric Browser Built from Firefox Roots

by BrowserWorks

3.7
ANDROIDCommunication
For users seeking a privacy-focused web browser with deep customization options, Waterfox presents a compelling alternative. This app is a mobile iteration of the open-source desktop browser known for its support of legacy extensions. It positions itself as a tool for those who prioritize data control and a less restricted browsing experience on Android devices.

Detailed Review

Waterfox for Android, developed by BrowserWorks, enters a crowded mobile browser market by emphasizing user privacy and extended customization. Unlike many mainstream options, it builds upon the GeckoView engine, a foundation shared with Mozilla Firefox, but with a distinct focus on stripping out telemetry and providing a more user-configurable environment. The app does not aim to be the fastest or lightest, but rather to serve a niche of technically-inclined users who value control over their browsing data and interface. The core functionality revolves around robust privacy controls and extension support. Key features include enhanced tracking protection that can be finely tuned, the ability to block cryptominers and fingerprinting attempts, and a built-in ad blocker. Crucially, Waterfox supports a wide array of browser extensions, including many legacy add-ons that are no longer compatible with mainstream mobile browsers. This allows for a highly personalized browsing setup, where users can install extensions for tasks like password management, tab organization, or specific site scripting. The browser also offers standard private browsing sessions and a master password lock for added security. In daily use, Waterfox provides a familiar but stripped-down browsing experience. Page rendering is generally reliable, though some users note that it can feel less snappy than Chromium-based alternatives when loading complex, media-heavy websites. The interface is clean and functional, with a focus on providing quick access to privacy toggles and extension management. A practical scenario involves a researcher using specific legacy extensions for data scraping or a privacy-conscious individual navigating sites known for aggressive ad networks, leveraging Waterfox's blocking capabilities to create a cleaner, less monitored session. User feedback, while currently limited as the app is relatively new to the platform, points to appreciation for its philosophical stance on privacy and its unique extension support. Early adopters often cite the freedom to customize their browser beyond what Chrome or Firefox for Android permit as the primary draw. However, some reviews indicate occasional stability hiccups or longer wait times for core updates compared to larger projects. The lack of a built-in syncing ecosystem with the desktop version of Waterfox is also a noted limitation for those invested in the broader ecosystem. Overall, Waterfox for Android carves out a specific niche. It is not the automatic choice for every user, as it requires a willingness to forgo some polish and seamless integration for greater control. For those who actively manage their digital privacy and depend on particular browser extensions to work, Waterfox offers a legitimate and configurable haven. Its value is intrinsically tied to how much a user prioritizes those specific features over raw speed or ubiquitous cross-device syncing.

Key Features

  • Legacy Extension Support: Allows installation of a wide range of classic browser add-ons, enabling deep customization and functionality not possible in most mobile browsers.
  • Enhanced Tracking Protection: Provides configurable settings to block social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, and fingerprinting scripts by default.
  • Built-in Ad & Cryptominer Blocker: Includes tools to block intrusive advertisements and scripts designed to mine cryptocurrency using device resources without consent.
  • Privacy-Centric Design: Ships with telemetry and data collection features disabled by default, focusing on minimizing data shared with the developer or third parties.
  • Clean, Customizable Interface: Offers a straightforward layout with options to modify the start page, toolbar placement, and quick access privacy toggles.

Why Users Love It

Unmatched extension customization
Strong default privacy stance

Perfect for: Tech-savvy users and privacy advocates who want granular control over their browser extensions and data tracking on Android.

Screenshots

Waterfox: Private Web Browser screenshot 1Waterfox: Private Web Browser screenshot 2Waterfox: Private Web Browser screenshot 3Waterfox: Private Web Browser screenshot 4Waterfox: Private Web Browser screenshot 5Waterfox: Private Web Browser screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Waterfox: Private Web Browser's performance in Communication over the last 30 days

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Current Rank

#50

Best Rank

#50

All-time high

Average Rank

#50

30-day average

User Reviews

Seth Barcello
Nov 4, 2025

Best general purpose Gecko Engine (FireFox) browser on the play store. Comparable to Fennec (F-droid), this removes some bloat & telemetry and has more private search alternatives - defaulting to the startpage search engine instead of duckduckgo. Even with dark theme selected, the Waterfox opening icon has a bright white background that is unpleasant to see when browsing in low light.

Kelson Vibber
Oct 30, 2025

Firefox minus the Mozilla telemetry and services. Using it is about the same as using Firefox. Less stuff breaks than in IronFox (which goes a lot further in its privacy protection). Compatible with Firefox Add-ons, supports local translations now, and the one Firefox service it does use is Sync, which is end-to-end encrypted.

Sirt Dirt
Aug 26, 2025

quick, lightweight, no ads and it's not spyware! it's built to support all of firefox's extension and even tab syncing. the UI is clean and we'll placed, easy to use and remember. I have been using waterfox for years and I really liked the experience, it has some bugs but the devs are ready to fix them.

ScorpiiLupi
Sep 8, 2025

Browser is great but the new ui makes things harder on the user for no reason I understand wanting to distance and differentiate yourself from the Firefox browser but this new ui is not it in ease of use. If a new more fluid ui is implemented in the future my rating will increase along with user satisfaction since scrolling to some of the new reviews I'm not the only one with this opinion. Reverting to the previous ui is also a option it was good and fast think about it. OK if so 5 Stars Thanks

Mauricio Rodriguez (MauriS)
Aug 17, 2025

The best fork of Firefox I've used, it's actually fast in android. Looks good and even supports sync.

App Details

Developer

BrowserWorks

Platform

android

Rating

3.7

Last Updated

12/20/2025