Waterfox

Pros

• A fast, open-source browser that cares about your privacy.
• Works with many Firefox addons and themes.
• Offers account syncing across different computers and devices.

Cons

• Infrequent updates for security.
• Depends on users for further development.

Waterfox is an Internet browser with extra emphasis on security and encryption. This is built with Firefox's source code, so it functions in a similar way and even accepts many Firefox addons for extra functionality. Waterfox is capable of rapid browsing and you'll be safer than with most other browsers due to the extra protection.

Basic Features

Waterfox is basically Firefox with extra security features. It originally differentiated itself by being a 64-bit version of Firefox when Firefox was only offering 32-bit versions, but they have caught up with their own 64-bit program.

While both browsers are now the same in that regard, Waterfox offers some extra encryption and protection support while also giving you all the basic browsing features that you expect. You can save bookmarks to view at a later time, dive into your history to see websites you visited in the past, use addons to improve functionality and even sync across different systems.

Much like Firefox, Waterfox is an open-source browser. This means that people can make their own addons and create new tools to share with the community.

System Syncing

If you want to carry all your bookmarks, addons and history with you, then you'll want to enable system syncing. This means that any computer or device with Waterfox will have all your browser information already loaded into it. If you bookmark a page on one computer, then you'll see the bookmark on another computer when you access it.

You will need to make an account, which some people are wary of because that can potentially reduce the inherent protections of Waterfox. Simply enter your login credentials on another computer or device to have all your bookmarks migrate over.

Firefox Compatibility

Many of the best browsers allow you to use addons. These are like small programs that add new functions to your browser. Each addon is different and they perform a range of functions. For example, some might allow you to directly download streaming videos while others translate text into your preferred language. There are many addons to choose from, but the are usually browser-specific. For example, an addon for one browser usually won't work for another.

Firefox has a tremendous number of addons due to its large user base. While Waterfox is a different program, it's built using the Firefox code. This means that a large percentage of these programs can be added to Waterfox. There are some that won't properly install, but this is uncommon and you can usually find a replacement.

You can also use many of the privacy tools and themes from Firefox. This means you can enjoy the extra protection Waterfox gives you without missing out on your favorite functions or themes.

Fast Browsing

Waterfox is one of the fastest browsers around. Many browsers require a significant amount of RAM just to run the program itself. Waterfox is very lightweight and only uses the exact amount of RAM needed and nothing else. Not only does this improve overall browsing speeds, but it also greatly reduces the lag when switching between tabs or browser gaming. In fact, Waterfox boasts nearly perfect gaming speeds even when playing in the browser.

If you're tired of your browser lagging or having a hard time keeping up with your needs, then Waterfox might be good for you.

Enhanced Privacy

You can get even better privacy protection by turning on Private Browsing. This mode will erase any information that you generate. For example, normally a website would hold onto your login information because it makes it easier to access the website again. While this is convenient, it's also a privacy hazard. Private Browsing erases this information along with cookies, your history and any passwords that you entered while in this mode.

Pros

• A fast, open-source browser that cares about your privacy.
• Works with many Firefox addons and themes.
• Offers account syncing across different computers and devices.

Cons

• Infrequent updates for security.
• Depends on users for further development.