Mozilla is working to make Firefox include a built-in free VPN directly in the browser. The company has launched a testing program to fine-tune the experience and strengthen browsing protection without requiring the installation of extensions or third-party applications.
The initiative is in a limited beta phase and is aimed at a small, select group of users. The goal is to evaluate its impact on navigation, usability, and overall satisfaction, with a roadmap that will gradually add features as development progresses.
What Mozilla is preparing with Firefox VPN
The new function, internally called Firefox-VPN, will be embedded in the browser itself. Its aim is to offer more protection and security at no additional cost, easily and without leaving the usual interface.
By integrating into Firefox, this tool aims to facilitate the use of the virtual private network with one click, prioritizing the comfort and privacy when faced with complex configurations. It will be rolled out gradually to refine the experience before general release.
How it will work at first
In this first stage, Mozilla will limit access to a small group of testers and will progressively add capabilities. With this approach, it will analyze stability and satisfaction metrics to fine-tune performance.
The initial version will allow you to connect to a VPN with automatically assigned location, with no option to select a country at the start. By default, it will connect to the server with the best performance, which may not be ideal for those looking to circumvent regional blocks.
Access to the function will appear through an icon near the search bar and its use will be restricted to the browser itself. There's no set date for general deployment, although it's expected to reach desktops and mobile devices in the coming months.
It does not replace Mozilla VPN
Mozilla clarifies that Firefox's built-in VPN It is not the same as Mozilla VPNThe latter will continue to be available as a subscription service with more advanced features and the ability to use it on up to five devices.
The proposal integrated into the browser will be free and exclusively local (only protects traffic within Firefox). Both options will coexist to cover different needs without completely overlapping.
Privacy and data management
According to Mozilla, the built-in VPN will not record the sites visited nor the content of communications. However, it will collect anonymous technical data, such as the volume of data consumed or the success of connections, for diagnostic purposes.
These data will be kept for a maximum of three monthsRecipients can decline the invitation with a pop-up message ("No, thanks"), and if they accept, they can always disable the feature from the Plugins and Themes menu.
Context and competition in browsers
Firefox is one of the main browsers on the market, although its share remains below that of Chrome according to recent figures from StatcounterThe arrival of privacy-focused features could help improve adoption.
Other browsers such as Opera now offers built-in VPNBrave, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge already offer some form of built-in VPN. Mozilla, for its part, is pursuing an ambitious vision: to make Firefox the go-to browser with a built-in VPN, fine-tuning the experience through controlled testing and phased rollouts.
Everything points to Firefox taking a major step forward in privacy with a built-in free VPN debuting in limited beta, with automatic connection to the best available location and without replacing Mozilla VPN. data Collect It will be technical and anonymous, with short retention, and the general release is planned progressively on desktop and mobile.
