Mozilla is experimenting with a free, built-in browser-only VPN inside Firefox — a beta feature called Firefox VPN (formerly “IP concealment”)(Free Browser-Only VPN Feature)
. Unlike the paid Mozilla VPN, this version only encrypts web traffic within Firefox and is currently being tested by a limited, randomly selected group of users. The move represents a significant step in making privacy more accessible for everyday browsing.
What Is Firefox VPN and How It Works
Per Mozilla’s own support documentation, Firefox VPN routes only the traffic that originates in the Firefox browser through Mozilla-managed VPN servers. This means that while other apps and background services on your device are unaffected, your browsing within Firefox gains an additional layer of encryption and IP concealment.
To access the feature during beta, users need a Mozilla account. Selected testers see a prompt in the Firefox toolbar. Once enabled, they can toggle the VPN on/off. Mozilla states there are no data caps or speed limits currently for beta participants — a generous allowance compared with many free VPNs.
Privacy, Logging, and Data Handling
Mozilla is making a strong privacy promise with Firefox VPN. According to its support page:
The service collects only technical data, like whether a connection succeeded, failures, and the amount of data used.
Data linked to the user account is deleted after 3 months.
Critically, the VPN does not log which websites you visit or the content of your communications — that stays private.
Aggregate bandwidth statistics are retained for long-term planning, but these are anonymized and cannot be traced back to individual users.
This hints that Mozilla is positioning Firefox VPN as a privacy-respecting option — not just a marketing gimmick.
Why Mozilla Is Testing This Feature
Mozilla’s Connect page (their community forum) outlines the motivation: they want to build the best VPN-integrated browser. The Firefox team plans to keep the first version simple (browse, encrypt, hide IP), then iterate by learning from early users.
This experiment aligns with Mozilla’s long-term mission: giving users more native privacy tools without necessarily asking them to leave the browser or subscribe to paid services.
How Firefox VPN Compares to Other Built-In Browser VPNs
Firefox isn’t the first browser to offer built-in VPN-like protection. Here’s how it stacks up:
Microsoft Edge: Edge has a built-in VPN (called Edge Secure Network) that also routes browser traffic. However, Edge’s VPN often comes with bandwidth restrictions or data limits — unlike Firefox’s unlimited beta so far.
Opera: Opera has offered a built-in VPN for years, but its privacy model and performance vary. With Firefox VPN, Mozilla leverages its own servers and a privacy-first ethos.
Full-device VPNs: Products like Mozilla VPN (paid) or other third-party services encrypt all device traffic. By contrast, Firefox’s browser-only solution is lighter and more focused, but doesn’t protect non-browser apps.
Risks, Limitations & Things to Consider
Limited to browser traffic: If you stream, game, or use other apps, their traffic won’t be protected by Firefox VPN.
Beta access only: Not all users can try it — Mozilla is selecting testers at random. (The Register)
Server location constraints: Currently, traffic is routed through U.S.-based VPN servers. That means no server switching yet for geo-spoofing.
Potential future limits: While Mozilla currently imposes no data restriction for beta users, this could change in a wider rollout.
Trust and performance trade-off: Built-in VPNs may not be as feature-rich or as high-performance as standalone premium VPN apps, but they can strike a good balance for casual privacy needs.
What This Means for Users
Everyday privacy boost: For users who want a quick, low-friction way to hide their IP inside Firefox, this provides meaningful protection.
Lightweight alternative: Since it’s browser-only, Firefox VPN is less resource-intensive than a full VPN service.
On-ramp to paid VPN: Mozilla clearly suggests that users who need system-wide protection or advanced features should consider Mozilla VPN.
Community feedback matters: By limiting testers, Mozilla can refine the product based on real-world usage before a broader rollout. They explicitly invite feedback via their Mozilla Connect forum.
Conclusion
Mozilla’s “Firefox VPN” experiment represents a bold, user-friendly push to embed privacy directly into the browser. With encryption, IP masking, and minimal logging, it offers a meaningful layer of protection for Firefox users — especially those who don’t want or need a full-device VPN.
While still in beta, the fact that it’s free, built-in, and built by Mozilla gives it significant credibility. If the test goes well and access is expanded, Firefox VPN could be a compelling default privacy shield for everyday browsing. For now, the invite-only model underscores Mozilla’s careful, data-driven approach: start small, learn fast, and grow privacy from the browser outward.
Sources & Verification
Mozilla Support: Use Firefox VPN (“IP concealment”) (support.mozilla.org)
The Register: Mozilla recruiting beta testers for built-in Firefox VPN (The Register)
TechRadar: Mozilla is experimenting with a free-built VPN in Firefox (TechRadar)
PCWorld: Free integrated VPN alternative to paid Mozilla VPN (PCWorld)
