Want Firefox's add-ons without its telemetry, plus private tabs that sit next to normal ones? Waterfox is a Firefox-based browser with built-in ad blocking, tree tabs and plenty of interface options.
Ad blocking and private DNS
Waterfox’s built-in blocker stops ads, trackers, pop-ups, and overlays before they load. Filter lists and site exceptions are configurable, and search partner ads can be managed separately.
For DNS lookups, the browser supports Oblivious HTTP. It encrypts requests and routes them through a relay so the relay does not see the requested domain, while the resolver does not receive the user's identity.Browser telemetry is removed as well.
Private tabs and tree tabs
Private tabs can sit alongside regular tabs in the same window. Their site data lives in its own container and is wiped once the last private tab is closed, while the normal session carries on.
Tree tabs arrange pages beneath the tab that opened them. Collapse a branch to tuck away related pages, drag a subtree to move a group, or use the nested structure to keep research and work tabs organized.
Browser layout and status bar
The interface offers Nova, Proton, and Photon browser styles, several color palettes, and horizontal or vertical tab layouts.
A status bar displays a link’s destination when the pointer hovers over it. It also shows page-loading progress and provides access to keyboard shortcuts, keeping the full link address visible without a pop-up overlay.
Firefox extensions and browser data
Waterfox uses the Gecko engine and supports Firefox WebExtensions, so many Firefox add-ons work in the browser. Common browser data can be imported, with the available items depending on the browser being imported from.
Pros
- Blocks ads, trackers, pop-ups, and overlays by default
- Keeps private tabs separate from the regular session
- Organizes related pages in collapsible tree tabs
- Offers horizontal or vertical tabs and several browser styles
Cons
- Extensions built only for Chrome cannot be imported
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · Processor with SSE4.2
Can private tabs stay open alongside regular tabs?
Yes. Private tabs share a separate container in the same window. Their site data is cleared when the last private tab closes.
How do tree tabs organize pages?
They nest pages under the tab that opened them. Branches can be collapsed, and entire subtrees can be dragged to reorganize tabs.
Does Waterfox support Firefox extensions?
Yes. Waterfox supports Firefox WebExtensions.