- Firefox 149 adds a built-in free VPN starting March 24
- It has a cap of 50GB monthly data in US, UK, Germany, France to start
- Mozilla is also launching a set of new tools to boost 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 is introducing a free built-in VPN for Firefox 149 that allows users to mask their online activities without having 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 that effectively hides 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 the “sketchy arrangements” associated with some free services, noting that the new VPN is “built on our data principles and commitment to being the world’s most trusted browser.”
However, this new privacy perk comes with some notable strings attached. At launch, the free VPN will roll out exclusively to users in the US, UK, Germany and France. In addition, Mozilla is introducing a data cap that limits users to 50 gigabytes of protected browsing data each month.
Alternatives and data limits
If you just need a tool to securely check email or read the 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 likely burn through that data long before the month ends.
If you fall into the high-use camp, you might want to look at dedicated standalone software. Providers like Proton VPN Free and Hide.me Free offer excellent alternatives for users who need more data without spending a penny.
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 is coming to Firefox?
The introduction of a free VPN is just one part of a much wider browser overhaul. As we’ve previously reported, Mozilla places great emphasis on giving users control over their browsing experience, including strict opt-in controls for its latest generative tools.
Alongside the VPN, the upcoming Firefox 149 update will be introduced Split viewwhich allows users to place two web pages side by side in a single window for easy multitasking. A new one Tab Notes feature will also roll out along with one opt-in Smart Window tool that uses artificial intelligence to summarize articles and provide quick definitions right on the page.
Ajit Varma, head of Firefox, emphasized the scope of the upcoming release, arguing that the Firefox roadmap for 2026 “is the most exciting we’ve developed in a while.”
“We’re solely focused on building the best browser, and our features over the next few months and beyond are driven by feedback from our community,” she added.
Varma also noted that Mozilla “prioritizes 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 24th.
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