5 Best Free VPNs for Firefox Browser That Are Fast (2024)

Free VPNs are often bad news for Firefox users who value speed and security. The fastest and most secure VPNs typically require a subscription fee because maintaining a robust, reliable network of servers isn't cheap. Free options frequently suffer from slow speeds, data caps, and less secure encryption protocols.

However, not all free VPNs are created equal, and some fare better than others, depending on what you need. For activities like simple private web browsing, a free or freemium VPN might suffice. But for consistent speed, security, and good unblocking capabilities, I always recommend going for a low-cost premium VPN.

During my tests of over 30 free and premium VPNs tailored for Firefox, the standout was ExpressVPN. It offers impressive speeds, military-grade encryption, and ample reliable servers spread across numerous countries. While not entirely free, you can try ExpressVPN without risk for up to 30 days, thanks to its trustworthy money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is hassle-free if you’re not 100% happy with it. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Firefox in 2024

Best Free VPNs for Firefox — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Firefox Browser With Impressive Speeds and Robust Security

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Tested November 2024

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN offers the Lightway protocol, which enhances your speed on Mozilla Firefox. This protocol is ideal for Firefox browsing on mobile devices like iOS and Android. When testing Lightway, it used less data than other protocols — a data overhead was only 5%, while for OpenVPN protocol 17%. Using the VPN’s US servers, I recorded an average download speed of 88Mbps (just a 12% drop), which is impressive as many VPNs slow you down by over 30%.

While in the US, I got excellent speeds — way above the 25Mbps needed for UHD streaming

There are apps for all major platforms like macOS, Windows, and Linux. You can also install an extension for Firefox to use the VPN straight from your browser. It’s available in 17 languages and has useful features like location spoofing (which matches your HTML5 geolocation data in Firefox to the IP of your chosen VPN server) and HTTPS Everywhere that automatically directs you to the more secure HTTPS version of the sites you visit.

Military-grade encryption and zero-knowledge DNS safeguard your data from prying eyes, meaning ExpressVPN is great for private Firefox browsing. Network Lock (a kill switch) disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, effectively preventing your location from being exposed. Additionally, IP/DNS/WebRTC protection keeps your real IP address and browser data hidden, providing an extra layer of security against malicious attacks.

Though not entirely free, you can try ExpressVPN without risk due to its 30-day money-back guarantee. I requested a refund and received it within 2 days. Plus, the service frequently offers generous deals to lower the price. Opting for the 12-month plan, I received a 82% discount and 3 extra months for free for a final price of just $4.99/month (covering up to 8 devices at the same time). A 7-day free trial for mobile (iOS and Android) is also available.

Useful Features

• Unlimited bandwidth. Unlike the majority of free VPNs, ExpressVPN doesn’t cap how much data or bandwidth you get each month. So you can browse or stream on Firefox without hitting any restrictions.
• Split tunneling. This feature lets you split your internet traffic: some can go through ExpressVPN for extra security, while other apps use your normal, unencrypted connection. For example, I used it to keep my Firefox browsing safe with the VPN while my banking app ran on a regular internet connection (to avoid triggering CAPTCHA).
• P2P support. All 3,000 ExpressVPN’s servers support in-browser torrenting, saving you the hassle of searching for a P2P-enabled server.
• Audited zero-logs policy. ExpressVPN doesn’t store any records of your Firefox browsing activities, and it’s based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands. This is crucial for those who prioritize privacy, as it ensures that even if the service is subpoenaed, there’s no data to hand over.

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data on a Free Plan for Unrestricted Firefox Browsing

Available on:

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN is an entirely free service with no data or speed limitations, allowing uninterrupted streaming on Firefox. I find this notable, as most free VPNs restrict data to a few gigabytes per month. Case and point — I binge-watched One Piece on my Crunchyroll account without facing usage constraints or location issues.

I didn’t experience interruptions or disconnections during my online sessions

When testing Proton VPN, the service delivered fast speeds. This is thanks to WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator, which employs various technologies to overcome CPU limitations and enhance connections. When enabled, I recorded a 22% speed reduction (78Mbps), while without this feature, the drop was around 28%.

With a kill switch and leak protection, your Firefox online activities are safe, even if your VPN connection drops. The implementation of AES-256 encryption ensures your data's confidentiality, while the Stealth protocol enhances privacy by making your VPN usage harder to detect. Best of all, Proton VPN’s no-logs policy is audited by Securitum, a rarity among free services.

It's important to note that the free plan lacks customer support besides online knowledgebase and restricts connections to a single device at a time (paid users get 10). As such, I had to choose between using the VPN on my smartphone or laptop. You also only get access to servers in 6 countries (the premium service offers 112 locations), and none of them can be used for torrenting.

Useful Features

• No ads. In contrast to many free VPNs, Proton VPN's free version doesn't bombard you with intrusive in-app ads.
• Firefox extension. The VPN offers an official browser extension that lets you switch all kinds of settings, including Secure Core (that enhances privacy and security by reducing risks from compromised VPN servers), WebRTC leak protection, and split tunneling.
• Open-source apps. Aside from being located in privacy-focused Switzerland, Proton VPN is open-source. This allows for code transparency and community contributions that improve security and privacy.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — 5 Simultaneous Connections to Protect All Your Firefox Devices

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www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN offers the advantage of connecting an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Unlike many other free VPNs that typically support only one device at a time, Avira lets you protect your entire household's Firefox browsing. The apps are user-friendly, and I found the interface intuitive, with helpful pointers and graphics.

Avira Phantom VPN clearly displays how much data you have used

During my Avira Phantom VPN speed tests, I recorded an average drop of 33%, which is impressive for a free service. While it doesn't reach the level of premium services like ExpressVPN, this performance suffices for uninterrupted Firefox browsing.

A significant drawback is the lack of manual server selection on the desktop apps with the free plan. Avira automatically connects you to the fastest server based on your location, preventing you from choosing a specific IP address for content unblocking. Fortunately, the mobile apps grant you complete access to the entire server network, which you can use with Firefox mobile.

The service also offers a data cap of 500MB per month. However, by registering with your email address, you can boost your monthly data allowance to 1GB, which is only suitable for casual browsing. It’s also important to be aware that access to customer support is limited unless you have a Pro account.

Useful Features

• Strong online protection. The VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy to protect your browsing data from snoops.
• Good device compatibility. Avira Phantom VPN is available for free on Mac, Android, iOS, and Windows, allowing you to make full use of the unlimited connections it offers.

4. Hide.me — Highly Customizable Security for Safe Web Surfing on Firefox Browser

Available on:

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

Hide.me's free plan lets you customize security features to boost your Firefox browsing safety. You can select from 5 protocols, including the rapid WireGuard, secure OpenVPN, mobile-friendly IKEv2, and the balanced SoftEther. It also lets you set up Stealth Guard, which prevents Firefox from going online without the VPN. Similarly, you can customize the Firefox extension by enabling WebRTC leak protection and the SOCKS5 proxy.

It also has a decent no-logs policy that has been independently audited

The service includes a Bolt feature that enhances browser speeds. While connected to a New York server, my speeds were reduced by approximately 36%. As such, this allowed me to download a 4GB public domain film in 8 minutes and 20 seconds. Hide.me was also fast enough for streaming local content during my tests.

Hide.me's free plan offers 10GB of data per month, which is fine for small Firefox downloads. While it’s 10 times more than what Avira Phantom VPN offers, it can be limiting if you're planning to stream — it allows you to stream in standard definition for up to 10 hours. Also, keep in mind that the free plan only allows you to use the service on one device at a time.

Useful Features

• Firefox extension. It can be added to your browser with one click, and it’s easy to use.
• 24/7 live chat. Hide.me stands out by offering 24/7 live chat support for assistance, a feature uncommon among free VPNs and even some paid ones.

5. Hotspot Shield — Proprietary Hydra Protocol for Fast Browsing on Firefox

Available on:

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield's Hydra protocol delivers reliable speeds, making it suitable for smooth browsing on Firefox, even over long distances. I found an average drop of 25% on both nearby and long-distance servers (US and Singapore), which isn’t bad for a free VPN.

Hydra is the fastest protocol on the list

This VPN is also good for torrenting, thanks to its support for P2P file sharing, even with just a few server options available. Despite concerns about potential network congestion from the limited number of servers, I didn't encounter any slowdowns during file downloads.

Moreover, Hotspot Shield includes a malware blocker that actively protects against dangerous websites when browsing on Firefox. While the free version offers basic protection, premium users enjoy more robust defenses against phishing and scams.

Sadly, Hotspot Shield is supported by ads, and its privacy policy states that it collects certain user information, like an IP address, to serve these ads. However, it assures users that it doesn’t log detailed browsing activity.

Useful Features

• Unlimited data allowance. Hotspot Shield's free VPN app provides unlimited data, so you can browse on Firefox without worrying about data caps.
• Auto-Protect. This feature is designed to activate the VPN as soon as your device connects to a potentially unsafe public network.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Firefox VPN Features

If you’re struggling to choose, check this comparison table for a quick view of my top recommendations. Compare free servers, speed, and security — essential features for seamless Firefox browsing.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for Firefox

Each VPN on my list provides valuable features for fast and private browsing on Firefox. But if you want to conduct your own evaluations, here's a checklist to follow:

• Fast speeds. Opt for a VPN that doesn't slow your connection by over 50%, allowing seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming on Firefox.
• Ample data allowance. While unlimited data is rare for free VPNs, ensure the offered data meets your Firefox browsing needs.
• Extensive server network. Pick a VPN with a global server network to access content from different locations on Firefox.
• Strong security and privacy. Prioritize a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy to safeguard your Firefox data and prevent unauthorized access.
• Compatibility and support. Choose an easy-to-use VPN compatible with your device, and look for live chat support in case you have any issues with the VPN.

Expert Tip: Not All Free VPNs Are Safe for Firefox

Many free VPNs lack reliability. Installing one without thorough research can jeopardize your online security. Moreover, they often impose monthly data caps and intentionally slow speeds to favor paying users. Some freemium services limit server access, hampering your ability to access some online services while traveling (for example, e-banking, news, or shopping apps).

During testing, I identified several free Firefox VPNs with safety concerns. Here are the security risks you should be aware of:

• IP/DNS leaks. Some VPNs can expose your IP address or DNS requests, compromising your security and ability to bypass geoblocks.
• Outdated security. Many free VPNs lack essential features like a kill switch and may not encrypt your data (for example, proxies, Hola VPN, HoxxVPN).
• Malware and viruses. Even reputable providers like Cross VPN have been found to infect users with viruses and malware.
• Annoying ads. Free VPNs often show frequent ads to compensate for the lack of subscribers, causing interruptions.
• Data selling. Free VPNs with unclear no-logs policies can collect and potentially sell your data, including your IP address and browsing history.

So when looking for free VPNs, make sure you steer clear of the following services:

The VPNs I've suggested are secure, but like all completely free options, they have their limitations. For a truly unrestricted and private browsing experience on Firefox, I recommend getting a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Firefox

Does Mozilla Firefox have a built-in VPN?

Mozilla Firefox itself doesn’t have a built-in VPN. Instead, Mozilla offers a separate service called Mozilla VPN, which isn’t integrated directly into the Firefox browser but can be used alongside it. This VPN service requires a separate subscription and is not free. It's also worth noting that this service isn’t available globally. For enhanced privacy and security when browsing on Firefox, consider using a reliable free VPN.

While you can use the private browsing mode on Firefox, this doesn’t make you anonymous on the internet — it just erases your history, cookies, and passwords locally. Websites, local network admins, and your internet service provider can still see what you’re doing online.

Should I pick a VPN extension or an app for my browser?

It depends on your preferences. For added versatility and future needs, consider getting a reliable VPN that provides both a Firefox extension and an app.

VPN extensions are quick to install and easy to use, often offering browser-specific protection, but they can sometimes be proxies rather than a full VPN service. On the other hand, VPN apps provide broader coverage, securing all online activities beyond just the browser.

Using a VPN extension can be sufficient if you mainly use your browser, while a dedicated app offers more comprehensive protection.

Is there a VPN extension for Firefox?

Yes, there are several VPN extensions available for Firefox. These extensions allow you to easily connect to a VPN service directly from your browser, enhancing your online privacy and security while browsing.

Can a free VPN slow down your browsing speed?

Yes, every VPN reduces your speed. However, free VPNs might slow you down more than premium ones, as they often have limited server resources and a large number of users, which can lead to congestion and reduced speeds. It's recommended to choose a reputable and reliable VPN to minimize the impact on your browsing speed.

Additionally, some free VPNs intentionally throttle the connection speed to encourage users to upgrade to their paid plans. However, the extent of speed reduction can vary depending on the VPN service you choose.

What should I do if my Firefox VPN doesn’t work?

Ensure you have an active internet connection. Sometimes, connectivity issues can affect VPN performance. Also, check the steps listed below to troubleshoot the issue if your Firefox VPN isn't working as expected. If the problem persists, reach out to the VPN provider's customer support for assistance. Alternatively, if none of these tricks work, it’s best to get a free VPN that’s proven to work with Firefox.

• Select another server. Try connecting to a different server. The server you initially connected to might be experiencing high traffic or technical issues.
• Restart a VPN. Close and reopen the VPN extension or app. Sometimes, a simple restart or reinstall can resolve connectivity problems.
• Clear cache. Clear your browser's cache and cookies. Cached data can interfere with the VPN's functionality.
• Update your VPN. Make sure you're using the latest version of the VPN extension or app. Updates can include bug fixes and improvements.
• Disable firewalls and antivirus programs. Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software that might be blocking the VPN connection.
• Disable other browser extensions. They might conflict with your VPN.
• Check the VPN settings. Verify that you haven't accidentally disabled the VPN within its settings.
• Restart the Firefox browser. Closing and reopening your Firefox browser can help the browser identify the new connection. You can also update or reinstall Firefox.
• Restart your device. Sometimes restarting the entire system helps get rid of network bugs and errors.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Firefox

Most free VPNs for Firefox aren't fast enough for streaming. They intentionally slow down speeds, limit data, and have few servers. On top of that, some even put your browser data at risk. That said, the VPNs I suggest are safe and work well with Firefox browsers.

Among all tested services, ExpressVPN is my top pick for Firefox. It provides impressive speeds, top-notch security, unlimited data, and a fantastic Firefox browser extension. While not entirely free, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can test ExpressVPN without risk. If unsatisfied, getting a refund is easy.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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