VPN FOR FIREFOX: 10 tested services (2022)
Firefox users are often more advanced and experienced than users of other web browsers. Perhaps that’s why the VPN services that support this browser are usually of a higher level. And there aren’t a lot of them. I conducted an in-depth comparison and chose the 5 best paid and 5 good free services that more than others correspond to the high quality of Firefox.
Table of contents:
- What distinguishes a VPN for Firefox?
- Best VPN for Firefox based on the Test Results
- Best Free VPN for Firefox
Why is Virtual Private Network for Firefox in demand despite the possibility of installing a VPN app for the entire OS?
As a rule, this is due to the fact that many users do not need to protect all computer programs and apps. This is justified in cases where you just need to bypass the blocks, geo-restrictions or hide your real IP address when visiting a site. In addition, using a VPN add-on can be simply more convenient.
Which add-on to choose?
The question is not even in the add-on itself as much as in which VPN service to prefer, because the add-on’s characteristics largely depend on the technical equipment of the company that provides VPN services.
We will go through the top 10 VPN services that possess the best technical specifications and offer the most stable and functional add-ons for Firefox. 5 of them are paid, and 5 others are free.
- ExpressVPN: Premium level VPN provider. The only one who offers a browser add-on from which you can control the protection of the entire computer. Supports unlocking geo-restricted video content.
- NordVPN: One of the largest providers with a good reputation. In addition to the main features, it is effective for streaming Netflix and other video services.
- Surfshark: The combination of powerful functionality and a very low price. Dynamically developed.
- PIA: The add-on of this service is suitable for those who need a large number of settings for connection parameters.
- ZenMate: Simple convenient add-on for any browser.
- ProtonVPN: Good speed and choice of countries. 1GB per month. Registration needed.
- Windscribe: Traffic limited to 10 GB per month. Whitelist. Registration needed.
- hide.me: Good speed and no registration needed, 10GB per month, 3 countries. Connection failures are possible.
- CyberGhost: Free add-on from the largest VPN provider. Isn’t developed. Somewhat unstable.
- DotVPN: Unlimited traffic, but limited speed. Blacklist IP Addresses.
- Recommendation: To familiarize yourself with the work of VPNs on Firefox, I advise you to use not free VPNs, but paid subscriptions with the possibility of a refund. All 5 paid providers listed in this review have a 30 day money-back guarantee. In practice, this is more than enough to test their performance. Free add-ons are much slower and have a significantly smaller selection of countries. In addition, most of them often use a monthly traffic limit.
What distinguishes a VPN for Firefox?
Basically, the add-on for the web browser isn’t a VPN but a proxy. And this is the main drawback of such add-ons. The only exception is software from ExpressVPN, where the add-on is used to manage the VPN app of the entire system. If desired, you can configure protection only for Firefox in it. This scheme is considered more efficient and universal.
All the other web browser solutions that I know are effective for masking an IP address, but they also have some features that I want to tell you about.
Here are a few pros and cons of using a VPN add-on:
Pros:
- Instant connectivity to the server. In fact, no connection happens. This is only an activation of browser settings.
- Does not affect the work of apps that do not need a VPN.
- Connection failures with the proxy do not slow down the operation of all computer programs.
Cons:
- Basically, this is not a virtual private network but a proxy.
- Does not protect any programs except for the web browser.
- Not suitable for torrenting.
- Works only on Windows, Mac and Ubuntu, is not used for mobile devices
As you can see, there are arguments both in favor and against VPN add-ons. It all depends on what the VPN is for and on what devices it will be used.
VPN for Firefox can only be used for:
- Unblocking sites
- IP address spoofing
- Accessing geo-restricted content (unblocking Netflix and other video services)
But many other important tasks it won’t help you with.
Here is a short list of inaccessible features for a Firefox add-on:
- Can’t be used on browser versions for smartphones and tablets.
- Does not protect communication in messengers (Telegram, Skype, WhatsApp and others).
- Not applicable for torrenting.
- Does not have many useful features available in full VPN apps. These are double VPN mode, invisible use mode, Shadowsocks technology, port forwarding, DNS settings, encryption standard selection and much more.
Thus, when choosing a VPN add-on, you need to understand that only part of the technology for a secure connection will be available.
However, there is good news for those who have doubts. For all VPN services presented in this review, the subscription extends to 5 or more devices at a time. Therefore, at any time, you can switch from the add-on to using a fully functional application, as well as launch a VPN on mobile gadgets and even on TV platforms and game consoles.
Read on to find out which VPN providers are best for use on Firefox and why.
Best VPN for Firefox based on the Test Results
I determined the VPN add-on that scored the most points based on the results of my 6-month test. It was ExpressVPN. As I said, this service offers an add-on that can protect the entire computer.
The second one was NordVPN. It is ideal for those who want to protect only the Firefox traffic.
Other VPNs also showed excellent test results, but have minor flaws which I will discuss later.
Comparison of the main characteristics of the VPN add-ons of the five best services
| Service | Ranking (out of 10) | Speed, Mbps | Country selection | Torrenting | Netflix | Price (monthly |
| ExpressVPN | 10 | >100 | 94 | + | + | $6.67-12.95 |
| NordVPN | 10 | >60 | 59 | - | + | $4.13-11.95 |
| Surfshark | 10 | >50 | 61 | - | + | $2.49-12.95 |
| CyberGhost VPN | 9 | >70 | 30 | - | - | $2.25-12.99 |
| ZenMate | 8 | 60-80 | 74 | - | + | $2.22-10.99 |
Also read our review of the best VPNs for Windows
ExpressVPN
Main advantages
- High speed
- Protects all programs
- Locations in 94 countries
- Netflix and Hulu support
While testing it on Firefox, ExpressVPN showed the best results. At the same time, it is one of the fastest VPN providers and protects traffic more reliably than other add-ons.
As I said, it is not just a proxy add-on, but a complete tool to protect the traffic of the entire OS.
ExpressVPN is also a service with one of the largest country reach. VPN locations are available in more than 170 cities in 94 countries.
5 reasons why ExpressVPN is on the first position:
- Streaming support (Testing showed that the provider has the most consistent unblocking of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney +, etc., of all the VPNs).
- Are you using torrent sites? ExpressVPN will protect not only the browser traffic, but also the bittorrent client traffic.
- Great country coverage.
- High speed. Very few VPN services support connections at speeds over 100Mbps.
- Full privacy. ExpressVPN uses diskless servers. These servers cannot log user activity.
I should also note that the service has a safe jurisdiction offshore on BVI (not subject to political and economic pressure).
Add-on possibilities:
- Full computer protection
- Protection against leakage of real geo-data through the browser
- WebRTC leakage protection
- HTTPS Everywhere
- Recommended locations
This is a great combination of features. For example, geo-data protection is extremely rare in browser add-ons.
I also want to note the stable support for unlocking geo-limited content of popular video services. ExpressVPN does this not only for the most popular regions, such as the US, UK, FR, JP, but also for most other countries.
Price
The table lists the ExpressVPN tariff plans
| 1 month | 6 months | 1 year | |
| Price (monthly) | $12.95 | $9.99 | $6.67 |
| Money-back guarantee | + | + | + |
The functionality of the Firefox add-on and software for other platforms does not depend on the duration of the subscription.
Conclusion
- ExpressVPN is one of the leading premium services.
- A unique opportunity to control the traffic protection of the entire device from a web browser.
- Compatible with Firefox on Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Translated into 16 languages.
- It supports any other platforms and allows you to connect up to 5 devices to your subscription at once.
Read more:
NordVPN
Main advantages
- High speed
- Confirmed security
- Lots of positive reviews on Reddit
- Netflix and Hulu support
The NordVPN add-on is less functional than ExpressVPN’s one but it is practically not inferior to it in speed and a bit easier to use. At the same time, it makes the basic functions of hiding IP addresses, names of visited sites and traffic encryption no less efficient.
It also confidently supports unblocking Netflix or other streaming services and bypasses site blocking.
NordVPN has a secure jurisdiction in Panama. Also, over its 8-year history, there are no known cases of the issuance of personal user data at the request of the authorities.
Add-on possibilities:
- Stable connection support
- Strong data protection
- 5800+ servers in 59 countries
- Protection against malicious websites
- WebRTC Leakage Lock
Price
The table lists the NordVPN tariff plans
| 1 month | 1 year | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $11.95 | $4.92 | $4.13 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Functionality on a router or on other platforms does not depend on the duration of the subscription.
Conclusion
- NordVPN is ideal for using on Firefox
- Compatible with Firefox on Windows, Mac and Linux
- Suitable for watching videos in any quality
- Effectively protects the user's location and other personal data
Read more:
Surfshark
Main advantages
- Low price
- Confirmed security
- Useful functionality
- Support of Netflix and Amazon Prime
As you already understood, we will talk about the most affordable of our 5 best VPN services, Surfshark, which offers a functional add-on for Firefox with the ability to block ads and trackers.
It successfully passed all security tests, so it can be used for any purpose which you need to mask the IP address.
The provider also bypasses the geo-restrictions of streaming services.
Add-on possibilities
- Stable connection support
- Servers in 61 countries
- Tracker Protection
- Ad blocker
- Translated into 9 languages
Price
The table lists Surfshark VPN plans.
| 1 month | 6 months | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $12.95 | $6.49 | $2.49 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
The functionality of the Firefox add-on and software for other platforms does not depend on the duration of the subscription.
Conclusion
- Surfshark VPN is well-suited for universal use on Firefox
- Compatible with Firefox on Windows, Mac and Linux
- Successfully circumvents geo-restrictions of Netflix and other video services
- Translated into 9 languages
- Has useful features
- Low price
Read more:
Private Internet Access
Main advantages
- Useful functionality
- Confirmed security
Private Internet Access (or simply PIA) is perhaps the most functional add-on for Firefox. It has about 10 various options and parameters for the most fine-tuning the protection of the browser and the add-on.
Tracking protection, identity protection, forced HTTPS and others.
Among the shortcomings are the lack of support for unblocking Netflix, Hulu and some other video services and a relatively small selection of countries (about 30).
Add-on possibilities
- Connects to 30+ countries
- Additional privacy protection (over 10 settings)
- Control access to the camera and microphone
- HTTPS Everywhere
- Not suitable for streaming
Price
The table lists the plans for Private Internet Access.
| 1 month | 1 year | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $9.95 | $3.33 | $2.69 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
The functionality of the Firefox add-on and the other software doesn’t depend on the duration of the subscription.
Conclusion
- Very functional add-on
- Good security
- Does not support Netflix
Read more:
ZenMate
Main advantages
- Low price
- Simplicity
- Streaming support
- Good feedback
ZenMate is more suitable for those who do not need any additional features at all. This add-on provides access to servers with good speed in more than 70 countries and supports circumvention of geo-restrictions, but with a low speed.
Perhaps someone may be confused by the German jurisdiction of the service (14 eyes), but personally I do not see this as a problem.
Add-on possibilities
- WebRTC Protection
- Connection to 70+ countries
- Bad for Netflix
- Only PayPal and credit cards accepted
Price
The table lists ZenMate’s pricing plans:
| 1 month | 6 months | 1 year | |
| Price (monthly) | $10.99 | $5.39 | $ 2.22 +6 months for free |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
The functionality of the Firefox add-on and software for other platforms does not depend on the duration of the subscription.
Conclusion
- ZenMate is suitable for general daily use.
- Has affordable prices
- Bad Netflix support (only 3 regions and at low speed)
Read more:
Best Free VPN for Firefox
Unfortunately, the best free VPN for basic OSs ProtonVPN does not offer software for web browsers. Other providers noticeably lag behind it, but still, I found five relatively good VPNs that offer VPN add-ons for Firefox.
The best of these has become TunnelBear. Its main advantage is a good speed and support for circumventing the geo-restrictions of video services.
Other VPNs work more slowly but have their advantages, about which I’ll tell you later.
Warning: All free VPNs have significant drawbacks. For Firefox, this is a limited choice of countries, available traffic (1-10GB per month) or low speed and connection problems.
Choosing a free VPN, we balance between speed, traffic limit, country selection, security and stability. Finding the best option is quite difficult. You need to focus on the main goals for which the proxy add-on will be used.
1. Free TunnelBear
Overview
TunnelBear is #1 among the free VPN add-ons for Firefox for three reasons:
- High speed
- Netflix Support (the only one on our list)
- Convenient location selection on an integrated world map
But along with this there is a big drawback - the monthly traffic limit. At TunnelBear it is 1500MB per month.
So why is TunnelBear on the first position?
Thanks to streaming support that is very popular today and ... a pretty nice paid version. The fact is that, according to statistics, a lot of users, faced with the limitations of free VPNs, are switching to a paid subscription. And TunnelBear is the service that is suitable for this.
Pros and Cons
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2. Free Windscribe
Overview
For some time, Windscribe has improved the speed of free servers and maintained a good limit - 10GB per month.
Despite its limited capabilities (it does not support streaming for free), the service has many connection settings. There are even “invisible" VPN protocols, but in testing of the free version it was not possible to connect through them.
Pros and Cons
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3. Touch VPN
Overview
Third on our list is Touch VPN. This is a gaining popularity VPN provider that is completely free for some platforms and Firefox is among them.
It has unlimited traffic and offers advanced features, but it is slow and loads the processor heavily (tested on Windows 10).
Suitable for surfing on websites with text content or for watching videos with low or medium quality.
Pros and Cons
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4. Free CyberGhost
Overview
CyberGhost VPN is one of the top 10 paid VPN services for most platforms. And the only one of the top 10 that offers a completely free VPN add-on for Firefox.
Unfortunately, this is a very primitive product that has not been updated for a long time, but it has two important advantages:
- Unlimited traffic
- No registration needed to use it.
It is suitable exclusively for intermittent use, as it does not have leakage protection and generally no options for setting up the connection.
Pros and Cons
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5. Free hide.me
Overview
Hide.me offers an add-on for Firefox VPN without a traffic limit but with only three locations, among which there is no US.
As a feature, it has only protection against WebRTC leakage.
There is also Socks mode in the menu, but I couldn’t get it working.
The add-on is suitable for not very sensitive tasks, as there is too little choice of countries and connection failures often occur.
Pros and Cons
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