Firefox gets a free built-in VPN with 50GB of monthly data

Firefox is rolling out a free built-in VPN that offers users up to 50GB of protected browsing each month, placing IP masking directly inside the browser itself. The VPN will available initially in beta form to desktop users in the US, the UK, Germany, and France.

Every website visit automatically shares an IP address so the site knows where to send information back to the device. That same address can also hint at a person’s location and allow browsing activity to be linked across multiple sites.

SEE ALSO: Mozilla is packing new features into Firefox

Using public Wi-Fi networks carries risks because others on the same connection could spy on browsing activity. Routing traffic through a proxy hides the original IP address, so websites and networks see the proxy’s address instead.

Turning the VPN on takes a single click inside the browser, with no separate downloads or extra software required. Once active, browsing traffic passes through a proxy network that replaces the user’s IP address before reaching websites.

VPN traffic

Mozilla includes 50GB of free VPN browsing each month, which will be enough to cover everyday activities like reading articles, shopping online, or logging into banking sites, but won’t last long for streaming or downloading large files.

Reaching the monthly limit will pause the VPN protection until the next cycle begins, and the browser will alert users and ask them to confirm they are happy to continue browsing without it.

Because it’s built into Firefox, the VPN (obviously) only protects traffic inside the browser, which means other apps on the same device aren’t secured. If you want full-device protection you’ll need a separate subscription to another VPN. Firefox’s creator suggests Mozilla VPN with unlimited data across multiple devices, but there are plenty of other choices available.

Free VPN services often raise concerns about data collection or hidden advertising, so Mozilla is keen to stress that it does not sell browsing data or inject ads into browser traffic.

Firefox already includes tools like tracker blocking, anti-fingerprinting, and private browsing, so the new VPN is another welcome security addition for users.

Access to the feature is being rolled out gradually starting with Firefox 149. This will give Mozilla time to gather feedback and overcome any potential issues before expanding the rollout to additional countries.

What do you think about Firefox adding a free VPN? Let us know in the comments.