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Linux · Internet

Firefox

Firefox is a fast, private web browser developed by Mozilla.

Open sourceFreeFlatpak
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License
MPL-2.0
Latest version
158.0 (October 7, 2026)
Developer
Mozilla
Installs
200,251 (Flathub, 30 days)
Install Website ↗
Firefox screenshot
Firefox screenshot
Firefox screenshot

What is Firefox?

Firefox has been around since 2004, originally a fork of the Mozilla Application Suite. Over the years it has become a mainstream browser, competing with Chrome, Edge and Safari. It is built on open‑source code and is maintained by a large community.

It targets users who want a secure, privacy‑focused browsing experience without sacrificing speed. The interface is familiar to Windows users: a toolbar, bookmarks, and a menu bar.

Compared to Chrome or Edge, Firefox offers tighter tracking protection and more customization options. It feels slightly slower on very old hardware, but on modern systems it is on par with its competitors.

Best for: Users who value privacy and open‑source software but still need a feature‑rich browser.

Key features of Firefox

  • Fast page loading
  • Strong privacy controls
  • Customizable UI
  • Extensible with add‑ons
  • Cross‑platform sync
  • Open source
  • Regular security updates

Pros

  • Open source and free
  • Excellent privacy settings
  • Strong community support
  • Regular updates
  • Cross‑platform sync

Cons

  • Occasional performance hiccups on very old hardware
  • Add‑on ecosystem smaller than Chrome's
  • Some web apps work better in Chrome

Windows programs Firefox replaces

Mozilla FirefoxOperaMicrosoft Internet ExplorerGoogle Chrome

How to install Firefox on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefox
Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install firefox
Debiansudo apt install firefox-esr
Fedorasudo dnf install firefox
Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S firefox-i18n-es-mx
openSUSEsudo zypper install MozillaFirefox

Tips for Windows users

Most Windows users will find the layout similar. Bookmarks can be imported from Chrome or Edge via the Import feature. Keyboard shortcuts are largely the same: Ctrl+T for new tab, Ctrl+W to close, Ctrl+Shift+N for a private window. Firefox also supports the same HTML, CSS, and JavaScript file types, so no conversion is needed.

Recent releases

  • 158.0 —

Firefox: frequently asked questions

Is Firefox safe on Linux?

Yes, it is actively maintained and receives regular security patches.

Can I sync my data across devices?

Firefox Sync lets you sync bookmarks, passwords, history, and open tabs across any platform.

Does Firefox support extensions?

Yes, extensions are available from the Mozilla Add‑ons site and can be installed directly.

What about performance on older hardware?

It may be slightly slower on very old machines, but overall performance is comparable to other browsers.

Updated