Does Firefox have a VPN? What you need to know in 2025

Does Firefox have a VPN? Yes, Firefox offers two different VPN products. 

This can be confusing, as one is a full, paid subscription called “Mozilla VPN”. The other is a newer, “free Firefox VPN” that is currently a beta test. It is built directly into the browser.

This article will clarify the two distinct VPN products Mozilla offers and their key differences.

1. Does Firefox have a VPN? The short answer

Yes, Mozilla, the company behind the Firefox browser, provides two distinct VPN services.

The first is Mozilla VPN. This is a premium, subscription-based service. It is a standalone application that protects your entire device, including all apps and browsers.

The second is the free Firefox VPN. This is a new, built-in browser feature. It is currently in a limited beta test for select users. This service only protects the traffic from your Firefox browser.

2. What is Mozilla VPN (The paid service)?

Let’s first explore Mozilla’s premium, standalone service: Mozilla VPN. This is their full-featured, subscription-based product designed for comprehensive security.

I have used Mozilla VPN for several months and found it to be a decent service. It is straightforward, generally stable, and backed by a trustworthy company. It gets the job done for basic privacy needs.

2.1. How it protects your entire device

The main benefit of Mozilla VPN is its “full-device” protection. This means the app secures all internet traffic from your device, not just your browser. 

When you connect, it creates an encrypted tunnel for everything. This includes other browsers like Chrome, your email app (like Outlook or Apple Mail), gaming clients, and even background system updates. This systemic approach secures your entire digital footprint.

2.2. What are the main features and costs?

The Mozilla VPN service has several key features. Technically, it is built using the WireGuard protocol. This is a modern and fast protocol widely used in the industry for its strong performance.

Regarding its privacy, Mozilla markets the service with a no-logs policy. This is the company’s stated promise that it does not track or store records of your online activity.

However, it is crucial to understand that Mozilla is based in the United States. The US is a core member of the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence-sharing alliance. This jurisdiction is a significant consideration for privacy advocates. While a company may have a no-logs policy, its location in a FVEY country means it operates under laws that could potentially compel it to provide user data to government agencies.

Other features include support for up to five devices on a single subscription. The Mozilla VPN cost depends on the plan you choose, offering both monthly and discounted annual payment options.

2.3. What devices does Mozilla VPN support?

As a standalone application, Mozilla VPN supports all major operating systems. You can install it on:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS

3. What is the free Firefox VPN (Browser-only)?

Now, let’s look at the second service, the free Firefox VPN. This is a much newer, browser-based tool. It is currently a free Firefox VPN beta, meaning it is still in testing.

I have not had the chance to test this service personally. The beta is only available to a small, random group of users. I am hopeful I can try it and report on its performance when Mozilla expands the beta program in the near future.

3.1. What does “browser-only” protection mean?

The most important distinction is its “browser-only” scope. This service is designed to protect only the data you send and receive within the Firefox browser. It encrypts your activity from websites you visit in Firefox.

However, it leaves all other applications on your device unprotected. Your email client, cloud storage app, and other browsers will still use your regular, unencrypted connection.

3.2. What are the limitations of the free version?

Because it is a free beta, this service has clear limitations. It is important to understand that it is not a replacement for a full VPN.

The service offers a limited selection of server locations. This means you will not have a large list of countries to connect to. Think of it as a basic privacy feature for light browsing. It is not a robust security tool designed for heavy use.

3.3. How to check if you have the free Firefox VPN beta

This beta is not available to everyone. Mozilla is rolling it out slowly. To check if you have access:

1. Ensure your Firefox browser is fully updated.
2. Look for a new icon in the Firefox toolbar, often near the address bar. It may look like a shield or be labeled “VPN.”
3. If you do not see this icon, your browser is not yet part of the limited beta test.

4. Key differences: Mozilla VPN vs. Free Firefox VPN

To help you decide which service is right for you, let’s look at the Mozilla VPN vs Firefox VPN comparison.

Here is a simple table showing their main differences:

Feature	Mozilla VPN (Paid)	Free Firefox VPN (Beta)
Cost	Paid subscription	Free
Scope	Full-Device (All apps)	Browser-Only (Firefox)
Features	Full-featured, server choice	Basic protection, limited servers
Security	Strong (WireGuard protocol)	Basic encryption
Data Limit	Unlimited	Unlimited

5. Is the built-in Firefox VPN worth waiting for?

This depends entirely on your needs and your patience.

Since the service is currently a limited beta, there is no official release date, guaranteed feature set, or even confirmation that it will become a permanent, widely available product.

• Who should wait: You should only wait if your security needs are not urgent and you are simply curious about a free, browser-only tool for occasional use (like on public Wi-Fi).
• Who should not wait:  If you need reliable, comprehensive security today, you should not wait. The built-in version (even when final) is unlikely to ever replace a full, paid VPN, as it is only designed to protect browser traffic. If you need protection for all your apps, you should opt for a full-featured paid service. This could be the paid Mozilla VPN or another established provider like NordVPN or Surfshark.

6. What about other third-party VPN add-ons?

When you search the Firefox Add-on store, you will see hundreds of “VPNs.” You must be very careful with these third-party tools.

6.1. Are third-party VPN extensions safe?

Many third-party VPN extensions are not safe. A large number of them are not true VPNs. They are simple proxies that offer weak protection. Some are dangerous, logging your private data and selling it to advertisers.

6.2. How to spot a dangerous or fake VPN add-on

You can look for several clear warning signs to avoid a fake VPN add-on:

• It has a vague or non-existent privacy policy.
• It requests excessive permissions (like access to your history).
• There is no clear company or developer listed.
• It claims to be “100% free and unlimited” with no clear business model.

7. FAQs about does Firefox have a VPN

Here are quick answers to other common questions about Firefox’s VPN services.

8. Conclusion

The answer to “Does Firefox have a VPN?” is a clear yes. Mozilla provides two very different tools for its users.

• Mozilla VPN is a paid, full-device solution designed for comprehensive security.
• The free Firefox VPN is a separate, limited, browser-only beta focused on basic privacy.

My personal experience highlights this difference. I have used the paid Mozilla VPN and found it to be a decent, straightforward service for general privacy.

Regarding the free Firefox VPN, it is important to remember it is still a limited beta. Because it is in an early testing phase and not widely available, it is not yet possible to accurately judge if it is good or suitable for regular use. Its performance, stability, and final feature set are still unknown.

For more in-depth guides on internet safety and privacy tools, explore the Privacy & Security Basics section at Safelyo.