1. Are free Mozilla Firefox VPN browser extensions secure?

It’s always tempting to look to free VPNs, but they’re never going to provide the same level of protection compared to an audited service. Remember, you’re trusting the company with your personal data, and it’s not a good idea to scrimp if you’re worried about privacy.

Meanwhile, free extensions are often prone to poor performance, due to the number of users on their servers at any given time.

Consider NordVPN, used in the examples above. Their Firefox extension blocks WebRTC leaks and gives users access to the CyberSec feature that stops ads and malicious websites from attacking your device. You’re unlikely to see similar features with the majority of barebones free services.

2. Does a VPN browser extension provide the same protection as a VPN?

No. In reality, it’s typically a proxy extension, which means it’s a lightweight option in comparison. Fewer features are to be expected, and it’s more akin to a proxy service on steroids. After all, you’re only connected via the browser – not via an app that has the power to modify network settings. 

Options like ExpressVPN offer a workaround by allowing the user to control a full-featured VPN app via the browser extension. That means all of your online activity is protected by the VPN, not just what passes through your browser. (On the other hand, that sounds like using a normal VPN with extra steps.)

3. Do VPN extensions work with all browsers?

It’ll depend on the VPN service you’ve selected, as well as your browser of choice. For example, NordVPN works with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.

There are a few providers that also have extensions for Opera, though this is much rarer. (Private Internet Access, Hola VPN, and ZenMate are a trio of examples.)

4. What if I want to connect to a specific country?

Most VPNs have servers in popular locations like the US, the UK, and Germany. If you need to connect to a more obscure region, ensure that the VPN service has coverage in the area.

5. Is the new Mozilla VPN the best service to use with Mozilla Firefox?

If you’re using a Mozilla browser, does it make sense to pair it with the new and improved Mozilla VPN? Ironically, they actually don’t have a Firefox extension as of now, so it’s not ideal for the purposes of this list. However, it could be worth checking out if you’re looking for a new VPN app.

6. Is a VPN browser extension safe?

A VPN browser extension is safe as long as you stick with a reputable provider. As we’ve mentioned, free providers aren’t ideal in terms of online privacy, and they could be siphoning your data on the side. We’d stick with an audited service, so you won’t have to take any logging/data claims at face value.

7. What are WebRTC leaks?

A WebRTC leak is a browser issue, rather than a VPN issue. “Web Real-Time Communication” is used for voice, video chat, and P2P sharing without the need for additional browser extensions. This can expose your real IP address even if the VPN is working correctly, but it can be solved by using an extension that will disable WebRTC in the browser.

This isn’t always 100% effective, so we would periodically perform a WebRTC leak test. Here is a free test provided by ExpressVPN.

8. Would you use a VPN app or a VPN browser extension?

If given the option to pick and choose, we’d always opt for a full VPN service compared to a more lightweight VPN browser extension. 

Of course, it’s not always possible to install apps on a device, and there are a myriad of reasons why an extension might be the way to go. In the end, it comes down to user preferences and privacy needs.