Privacy comparison · 2026
Firefox vs Google Chrome
Firefox and Google Chrome are often weighed against each other. This side-by-side compares how each protects you by default, whether the code can be inspected, who runs it, and how to pick the more private option.
Side by side
| Firefox | Google Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Web browser | Web browser |
| Default protection | Enhanced Tracking Protection on by default | No tracker blocking by default |
| Open source | Yes | Partial |
| Operator | Mozilla | |
| Jurisdiction | United States (Mozilla) | United States (Google) |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Firefox
Firefox uses Mozilla’s own Gecko engine rather than Chromium and enables Enhanced Tracking Protection (blocking many third-party trackers and cookies) by default. It is fully open source and backed by a non-profit-owned organisation.
Privacy strengths
- ✓Independent Gecko engine — not built on Google’s Chromium
- ✓Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks many trackers by default
- ✓Fully open source with strong extension and customisation support
Caveats
- !The strictest tracker-blocking mode can occasionally break sites
- !Some Chrome-only extensions are not available
Google Chrome
Chrome is built on Google’s Chromium project but adds proprietary Google components. It does not block third-party trackers or ads by default, and Google’s business is built on advertising, so signed-in browsing can feed Google’s ad profile.
Privacy strengths
- ✓Fast, compatible with essentially every website
- ✓Huge extension library (a tracker blocker can be added manually)
Caveats
- !No third-party tracker or ad blocking by default
- !Made by Google, whose core business is advertising
- !Signed-in browsing can be linked to your wider Google profile
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Firefox and Google Chrome?
Firefox: Firefox is an open-source web browser from Mozilla with Enhanced Tracking Protection enabled by default. Google Chrome: Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser, built by Google, with no third-party tracker blocking enabled by default.
Which is more private by default, Firefox or Google Chrome?
Firefox — Enhanced Tracking Protection on by default. Google Chrome — No tracker blocking by default. Choose based on which default matches how you use it.
Are Firefox and Google Chrome open source?
Firefox: yes, open source. Google Chrome: partly open source.
Is Firefox good for privacy?
Firefox enables Enhanced Tracking Protection by default, is open source and uses its own engine, making it a strong mainstream choice for privacy — and it can be hardened further in settings.
Does Chrome protect my privacy by default?
No. Chrome does not block third-party trackers or ads out of the box. You can improve it by adding a privacy extension such as GeraGuard, but the defaults favour compatibility over privacy.
Whichever you choose, block trackers everywhere
GeraGuard is a free Chrome extension that blocks trackers on every site and alerts you to data breaches. Install in 30 seconds.
Add GeraGuard to ChromeRelated comparisons