- Firefox 149 will add a built-in free VPN starting March 24
- You are limited to 50GB of monthly data in the US, UK, Germany, and France to start.
- Mozilla is also launching a set of new tools to increase productivity.
Firefox is gearing up for its biggest browser update in years, and privacy advocates have a big reason to celebrate.
Starting March 24, Mozilla will introduce a free built-in VPN for Firefox 149, allowing users to mask their online activities without needing to install external software or pay a premium subscription.
The virtual private network (VPN) feature works seamlessly in the background by routing your browser traffic through a proxy, effectively hiding your IP address and location from the websites you visit.
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Finding the best VPN can often be a minefield of hidden costs and security risks, but Mozilla claims its native tool is completely different.
According to the company’s official blog post, the feature actively avoids "sketchy fixes” associated with some free services, noting that the new VPN is "built on our data principles and our commitment to being the world’s most trusted browser.”
However, this new privacy benefit comes with some notable conditions. At launch, the free VPN will roll out exclusively to users in the US, UK, Germany, and France. Additionally, Mozilla is imposing a data cap, limiting users to 50 gigabytes of protected browsing data each month.
Alternatives and data limits
If you just need a tool to securely check emails or read news on public Wi-Fi, a 50GB monthly limit is a generous allowance. But if you plan to stream HD video or download large files, you’ll probably use up that data long before the month is over.
If you fall into the heavy usage group, you may want to look for dedicated standalone software. Providers like Proton VPN Free and Hide.me Free offer great alternatives for users who need more data without spending a dime.
Cheap VPN services like Surfshark and Private Internet Access can also be valuable alternatives for those who need a reliable streaming or P2P VPN tool, starting at the equivalent of $1.99 and $1.98, respectively.
What else comes with Firefox?
The introduction of a free VPN is just one part of a much larger overhaul of the browser. As we previously reported, Mozilla is putting a big emphasis on giving users control over their browsing experience, including strict subscription controls for its latest generative tools.
In addition to the VPN, the next Firefox 149 update will introduce Split Viewallowing users to place two web pages side by side in a single window for easy multitasking. a new Tab Notes The feature will also be implemented, along with a subscription smart window tool which uses AI to summarize articles and provide quick definitions right on the page.
Ajit Varma, head of Firefox, emphasized the scale of the upcoming release, arguing that Firefox’s 2026 roadmap "is the most exciting we’ve developed in quite some time.”
"We are solely focused on creating the best browser, and our features over the next few months and beyond are driven by feedback from our community,” he added.
Varma also noted that Mozilla is "prioritizing features that give users real power, choice, and strong privacy protections, built in a way only Firefox can.”
With a new visual design and a new mascot called Kit, the revitalized browser officially launches on March 24.
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