Mozilla has added a free, built-in VPN to Firefox, giving users a simple way to hide their IP address without paying for a separate service. The feature runs inside the browser and works in the background, which makes it a notable move in a market that has long pushed paid subscriptions or unreliable free tools.
That said, free VPNs are not automatically safe. When they come from unknown providers, they can expose user data or contain security flaws that undermine privacy instead of protecting it.
Mozilla says the Firefox 149 update includes the new VPN and describes it as part of the company’s broader privacy principles. The company positions the tool as a trustworthy option built directly into its browser.
Among free VPN services, Proton VPN’s free tier is widely considered one of the strongest options available. It is still limited compared with the paid version, however, since it does not let users manually pick a server or connect multiple devices at the same time.
Best for light browsing
Mozilla’s VPN technology has undergone independent security audits from Cure53, has addressed security issues over time, and uses WireGuard, which gives it a solid technical base.
Even so, the free browser-based version is not the same as a full VPN app. It only protects traffic that goes through Firefox, not activity from other apps or system processes.
Security expert Jacob Kalvo, CEO of Live Proxies, says that limitation can create a misleading sense of complete protection for people who are not deeply technical. The tool covers browser traffic only, not the entire device.
For casual browsing, it can still be useful, especially for users who do not already pay for a VPN. Kalvo also notes that the 50GB data cap is fairly generous for a browser-only service.
But for sensitive data, business intelligence, or large-scale use, he does not recommend relying on it. In his view, it is a controlled, limited-use product rather than a full privacy solution.
