Firefox Built-In VPN vs Mozilla VPN: What Is the Difference?
Firefox’s built-in VPN is a free browser-level privacy feature. Mozilla VPN is a paid full-device service. This comparison explains exactly what each one protects and which is suitable for different users.
These products share Mozilla branding and require a Mozilla account, but they are not the same service. The built-in feature is designed for simple Firefox IP protection. Mozilla VPN is a separate application intended to protect the whole supported device.
Quick Verdict
It is free, requires no separate application and provides an easy way to mask the IP address used by supported Firefox browser traffic.
It covers compatible applications outside Firefox, has unlimited bandwidth, supports up to five devices and includes additional routing and privacy controls.
Do you need to protect only Firefox browsing, or all supported traffic leaving the device? That difference matters more than the shared Mozilla name.
The Core Difference
Mozilla’s support documentation says Firefox’s built-in VPN routes browser traffic through a secure proxy server and masks the IP address used by Firefox. It does not protect traffic generated by other applications.
Mozilla VPN installs as a separate application and creates an encrypted tunnel for supported device traffic. Mozilla describes it as full-device protection covering apps and services beyond Firefox.
Firefox calls its feature a built-in VPN, but Mozilla’s own technical description identifies it as browser traffic routed through a secure proxy. Mozilla VPN is the standalone full-device virtual private network product.
Firefox Built-In VPN vs Mozilla VPN Comparison
| Feature | Firefox Built-In VPN | Mozilla VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Browser-level IP-protection feature using a secure proxy. | Standalone full-device VPN application. |
| Price | Free for eligible users. | Paid monthly or annual subscription; local pricing varies. |
| Traffic protected | Supported traffic originating in Firefox. | Supported traffic across the device’s apps and services. |
| Normal bandwidth | 50GB per calendar month. | Unlimited; Mozilla advertises no throttling. |
| Current temporary offer | Unlimited through 31 August 2026, then returns to 50GB. | No change; already unlimited. |
| Location choice | Normally five locations; temporarily 28 country locations through 31 August. | 500+ servers across 30+ countries. |
| Devices | Available only to eligible Firefox desktop users during Mozilla’s staged rollout. | Up to five connected devices per active subscription. |
| Mobile support | Mozilla documents the built-in feature for Firefox desktop; no equivalent built-in mobile rollout is listed. | Android 9+, iOS 17+ and iPadOS 14+ are supported. |
| Other browsers | Not protected. | Protected as device applications while the VPN is active. |
| Native applications | Not protected. | Protected as device traffic unless excluded on a supported platform. |
| Per-site controls | Built-in website exception list. | Website-specific controls through the Firefox extension on Windows. |
| Advanced routing | No multi-hop or app-level split tunnelling advertised. | Multi-hop is supported. App exclusions are available on Windows, Android and qualifying Linux systems. |
| Router and console support | No. | Mozilla says routers and gaming consoles are not directly supported. |
| Mozilla account | Required. | Required for normal subscription and device management. |
Which Traffic Does Each One Protect?
| Activity | Firefox Built-In VPN | Mozilla VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Websites in Firefox | Yes | Yes |
| Chrome, Edge or another browser | No | Yes |
| Email applications | No | Yes |
| Games and launchers | No | Generally routed as device traffic; users can exclude apps on supported platforms. |
| Operating-system background traffic | No | Generally covered as part of the device’s internet connections, subject to platform behaviour and exclusions. |
The built-in option is therefore not a substitute for Mozilla VPN when the user needs protection outside Firefox.
Bandwidth and the Temporary Unlimited Offer
Firefox’s built-in VPN normally includes 50GB of data each calendar month. When the allowance is exhausted, protection pauses until the next monthly reset.
Mozilla VPN has no published bandwidth restriction or throttling. This makes it the more predictable option for sustained use, particularly when multiple applications or devices need protection.
Devices and Platform Support
Rolling out to eligible Firefox desktop users. It is not the same feature as a mobile or operating-system VPN app.
Mozilla VPN supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 in 64-bit and ARM editions.
Mozilla lists macOS 13 and later as supported.
Mozilla currently lists Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS and 24.10.
Mozilla VPN supports Android 9 and later.
Mozilla currently lists iOS 17 and later and iPadOS 14 and later.
Mozilla says Mozilla VPN is not directly compatible with routers or gaming consoles. Firefox’s built-in option also cannot protect those devices because it operates inside Firefox desktop.
Locations and Server Choice
Firefox’s standard built-in offering provides five selectable countries: Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. During the summer promotion, Mozilla says eligible users can choose from 28 country locations.
Mozilla VPN advertises 500+ servers in 30+ countries. The larger server network provides more route choices and is intended for ongoing use rather than a temporary browser promotion.
A country option may contain one or more server locations. Mozilla’s built-in summer announcement refers to country locations, while Mozilla VPN advertises a larger number of server endpoints across its supported countries.
Feature Differences
Firefox Built-In VPN features
- One-click activation inside Firefox.
- Automatic or manual browser location selection.
- Per-site enable and disable controls.
- Website exception list.
- Monthly usage display under the normal allowance.
- No separate application installation.
Mozilla VPN features
- Full-device protection on supported operating systems.
- Unlimited bandwidth with no published throttling.
- Up to five registered devices.
- 500+ servers across 30+ countries.
- Multi-hop routing.
- Application exclusions on Windows, Android and qualifying Linux systems.
- Firefox website-specific integration through the Mozilla VPN extension on Windows.
Privacy and Data Handling
Mozilla says Firefox’s built-in VPN processes technical and interaction data needed to operate and improve the feature. Its examples include connection success or failure and the amount of data used on a particular day. Mozilla says the built-in VPN does not log the websites visited or the content of communications.
Mozilla’s current Subscription Services Privacy Notice gives a more detailed picture for Mozilla VPN. A Mozilla account provides Mozilla with information including the account email address, locale and IP address. For paid subscriptions, Mozilla receives subscription and limited billing records but says it does not store full payment details.
The notice says interaction-data collection for Mozilla VPN is disabled by default and is received only if the user opts in. Mozilla also says IP addresses are temporarily collected in server logs for 90 days for technical, availability, pricing, fraud and abuse-prevention purposes. At the same time, Mozilla states that neither it nor its partner Mullvad maintains logs of the user’s network activity while the VPN service is active.
| Data Category | Firefox Built-In VPN | Mozilla VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Websites and communication content | Mozilla says these are not logged. | Mozilla says neither it nor Mullvad maintains network-activity logs. |
| Account information | A Mozilla account is required. | A Mozilla account is required; Mozilla receives account details including email, locale and IP address. |
| Technical and interaction data | Connection and daily usage information may be processed. | Technical data is processed; optional interaction data is disabled by default and can be opted into. |
| IP-address retention | The cited Firefox support page does not state the same 90-day subscription-service log period. | Mozilla’s subscription privacy notice says IP addresses are temporarily kept in server logs for 90 days. |
| Payment information | Not applicable because the feature is free. | Payment is handled by third parties; Mozilla receives limited billing and subscription records. |
“No network-activity logs” does not mean Mozilla processes no personal or technical data. Account, billing, device, diagnostic and temporary IP-log data are described separately in Mozilla’s privacy notice.
Should You Run Both at the Same Time?
Mozilla recommends that Mozilla VPN subscribers remove the built-in VPN icon from the Firefox toolbar to avoid duplicate protection.
Mozilla does not describe using both as providing additional privacy. Its published guidance is to use the standalone Mozilla VPN for device-level protection and remove the built-in icon.
Use Firefox’s built-in VPN alone when browser-only protection is sufficient. Use Mozilla VPN alone when device-level protection is required.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Your Requirement | Better Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Free IP masking in Firefox | Firefox Built-In VPN | No subscription or separate application is needed. |
| Protection for every supported app | Mozilla VPN | The standalone app protects device traffic beyond Firefox. |
| Permanent unlimited bandwidth | Mozilla VPN | The built-in unlimited offer is temporary. |
| Multiple desktop and mobile devices | Mozilla VPN | One subscription supports up to five registered devices. |
| No extra app installation | Firefox Built-In VPN | The control is integrated into eligible Firefox desktop installations. |
| Multi-hop or application exclusions | Mozilla VPN | These advanced controls are part of the standalone service. |
For occasional Firefox browsing, the free built-in feature is the simpler choice. For ongoing protection across a computer, phone or tablet, Mozilla VPN is the more complete product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Firefox Built-In VPN and Mozilla VPN the same product?
No. The built-in feature protects supported Firefox desktop traffic. Mozilla VPN is a separate paid application for full-device protection.
Is Firefox’s built-in VPN free?
Yes, for eligible users in the staged rollout. A Mozilla account is required, but no paid subscription is needed.
Is Mozilla VPN free for Firefox users?
No. Mozilla VPN is a separate paid subscription. Using Firefox does not automatically include the standalone service.
Does Firefox’s built-in VPN protect Chrome, email or games?
No. It protects supported traffic originating in Firefox. Other browsers and native applications remain outside it.
Which service has unlimited bandwidth?
Mozilla VPN is advertised with unlimited bandwidth. Firefox’s built-in feature is temporarily unlimited through 31 August 2026 but normally has a 50GB monthly allowance.
Can I use Mozilla VPN on a phone?
Yes. Mozilla currently supports Android 9+, iOS 17+ and iPadOS 14+.
Can I use both services together?
Mozilla recommends removing the built-in VPN icon when using Mozilla VPN to avoid duplicate protection.
Which one has more locations?
Mozilla VPN has the larger permanent network, advertised as 500+ servers across 30+ countries. Firefox normally offers five selectable countries and is temporarily expanded to 28 country locations through 31 August 2026.
Which one is better for multiple devices?
Mozilla VPN. One subscription can register up to five supported devices.
Which one should most people choose?
Choose the built-in option for free Firefox-only protection. Choose Mozilla VPN when traffic outside Firefox or multiple devices must be protected.
Written by Martin Needs
Director at NeedSec LTD | Cybersecurity Expert | 10+ Years Experience
“The shared branding is less important than the routing boundary: one protects Firefox traffic, while the other is designed to protect the supported device.”
Sources
- Mozilla Support — Use built-in VPN in Firefox.
- Mozilla Blog — Temporary unlimited bandwidth and 28 locations through 31 August 2026.
- Mozilla — Current Mozilla VPN product features, devices, bandwidth and server network.
- Mozilla Support — How Mozilla VPN works.
- Mozilla Support — Current compatible devices and operating-system versions.
- Mozilla Support — Mozilla VPN Firefox extension and website-specific controls.
- Mozilla Support — App exclusions on Windows, Android and Linux.
- Mozilla Support — Multi-hop routing.
- Mozilla — Subscription Services Privacy Notice.
- Mozilla Support — View and control data collected by Mozilla VPN.
- Mozilla — Subscription Services Terms, including the five-device limit.