Mozilla is launching a free built-in VPN on Firefox 149 but with some conditions

Date:
Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:05:21 +0000

Description:
Mozilla is adding a free built-in VPN to Firefox 149. But with a strict 50GB data limit and restricted geographic availability, will it replace your dedicated app?

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now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Firefox 149 is adding a built-in free VPN starting from March 24 It has a cap of 50GB of monthly data in the US, UK, Germany, France to start Mozilla is also rolling out a set of new tools to boost productivity Firefox is gearing up for its biggest browser update in years, and privacy advocates have a
major reason to celebrate.

Starting March 24, Mozilla is introducing a free built-in VPN for Firefox
149, allowing users to mask their online activities without needing to
install external software or pay for 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. Article continues below You may like AdGuard VPN browser extension lands on Firefox for Android and gets a visual boost Best browsers with a built-in VPN Should we all be using VPN browsers?

Finding the best VPN can often be a minefield of hidden costs and security risks, but Mozilla claims its native tool is entirely different.

According to the company's official blog post , the feature actively avoids the "sketchy arrangements" associated with some free services, noting that
the new VPN is "built from our data principles and commitment to be the world's most trusted browser".

However, this new privacy perk comes with some notable strings attached. At launch, the free VPN will exclusively roll out to users in the US, the UK, Germany, and France. Furthermore, Mozilla is imposing a data cap, limiting users to 50 gigabytes of protected browsing data every month. Alternatives
and data limits If you only need a tool to securely check emails or read the news on public Wi-Fi, a 50GB monthly cap is a generous allowance. But if you plan to stream HD video or download large files, you will likely burn through that data long before the month ends.

If you fall into the heavy-usage camp, you may want to look at dedicated standalone software. Providers like Proton VPN Free and Hide.me Free offer superb alternatives for users in need of more data without spending a dime.

Cheap VPN services like Surfshark and Private Internet Access may also be valuable alternatives for those in need of a reliable streaming or P2P VPN tool, starting at the equivalent of $1.99 and $1.98, respectively. Today's best VPN deals NordVPN 2 Year 2.59 /mth View +3 months free Surfshark 24 Months 1.49 /mth View Proton VPN 2.39 /mth View +4 MONTHS FREE ExpressVPN 24 month 1.74 /mth View +4 MONTHS FREE Private Internet Access 24 Month 1.57
/mth View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices What else is coming to Firefox? The introduction of a free VPN is just one part of a much broader browser overhaul. As we previously reported , Mozilla is putting a heavy emphasis on giving users control over their browsing experience, including strict opt-in controls for its latest generative tools. What to read next Firefox will have an AI kill switch as it faces massive
user backlash Your full software kit for ditching Big Tech in 2026 Firefox just got a kill switch for every intrusive AI feature

Alongside the VPN, the upcoming Firefox 149 update will introduce Split view
, allowing users to put two web pages side-by-side in a single window to easily multitask. A new Tab Notes feature will also roll out, alongside an opt-in Smart Window tool that uses AI to summarize articles and provide quick definitions directly on the page.

Ajit Varma, head of Firefox, emphasized the scale of the upcoming release, arguing the Firefox roadmap for 2026 "is the most exciting one weve developed in quite a while."

"Were solely focused on building the best browser , and our features over the next few months and beyond are driven by the feedback from our community,"
she added.

Varma also noted that Mozilla is "prioritizing features that give users real power, choice and strong privacy protections, built in a way that only
Firefox can."

With a fresh new visual layout and a brand-new mascot named Kit, the revitalized browser officially launches on March 24. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!



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