Why I Ditched Google Chrome For Firefox Focus Within 10 Minutes Of Using The Mobile Browser

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

• Firefox Focus is simply a information and privacy-focused mobile browser.
• This browser offers a minimal UI and maximum privateness features.
• Firefox Focus is disposable for some Android and iOS.

I've tally nan gamut of web browsers connected Android, and each clip I deliberation I've recovered "the one," I observe a logic not to usage it. That logic mightiness beryllium a cluttered UI, a deficiency of options, aliases not capable security.

Recently, however, I came crossed a browser that checked each nan boxes... particularly wrong nan realm of privateness and security. No, it's not Tor aliases Brave, it's Firefox Focus, which is ironic fixed I'd only precocious sworn disconnected Firefox browsers. However, Firefox Focus is bully capable to make maine place that claim.

Firefox Focus has been astir for a spot and is simply a mobile-only browser that intends to beryllium a elemental and backstage web browser. It delivers connected that promise.

Also: The Firefox I loved is gone - really to protect your privateness connected it now

Imagine stripping a browser to its bare bones and leaving conscionable nan features basal to render pages decently (and quickly) and stay backstage and secure. That's what Firefox Focus is. The UI doesn't see each nan finery recovered successful different browsers (the commencement page offers a URL bar, a paper button, and nan keyboard erstwhile you pat nan URL bar). That's it. 

There are nary bookmarks, suggested sites, news, aliases immoderate different bloated features you mightiness find connected different browsers. Firefox Focus is thin and fresh to do nan 1 point browsers should do... render pages securely and privately.

Firefox Focus is free and tin beryllium recovered successful some nan Google App Store and nan Apple App Store.

What makes Firefox Focus truthful special?

As you've astir apt surmised, Firefox Focus is each astir privacy. 

Also: 5 reasons why Firefox is still my favourite browser - and deserves much respect

If you unfastened nan Settings page, you'll find only 5 sections: General, Privacy and Security, Search, Advanced, and Mozilla. Tap nan General section, and you'll spot only 3 options: Theme, Language, and Make Firefox Focus default browser. It's not until you pat nan Privacy and Security conception that you yet spot what this browser is really each about.

There are plentifulness of options successful nan Privacy & Security conception to guarantee you're getting nan astir retired of Firefox Focus.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

In nan Privacy and Security section, you'll find nan expertise to block:

• Ad trackers
• Analytic trackers
• Social trackers
• Other contented trackers
• Web fonts (aka distant fonts)
• JavaScript
• Cookies
• Potentially vulnerable sites

And past there's nan expertise to usage a fingerprint to unlock nan app, a stealth mode, HTTPS-only mode, and a data-usage ping (to thief Mozilla estimate progressive users).

Also: Too galore tabs? Try these browsers pinch amended tab guidance than Chrome

As for hunt engines, Firefox Focus defaults to Google, but you tin easy alteration it to DuckDuckGo aliases adhd different hunt engine.

How does Firefox Focus perform?

This is nan large mobility you astir apt want to cognize about. Well, I'm happy to study that Firefox Focus is fast. In fact, I don't retrieve seeing a mobile browser that could render pages this quickly. That characteristic unsocial should person your curiosity piqued. When you adhd nan blazing render velocity to nan privateness and information features (along pinch nan minimal UI), you get a web browser that is perfect for mobile devices.

Also: 5 awesome Chrome browser alternatives that put your privateness first

I judge location are 2 reasons why Firefox Focus tin render pages truthful quickly: it's stripped of truthful galore other features, and nan blocking features. Because Firefox Focus tin artifact truthful much, those elements aren't fixed a chance to function, which tin assistance successful speeding up rendering. Firefox Focus is genuinely a lightweight browser that feels arsenic tin arsenic a emblematic app.

Making Firefox Focus my default

It took each of 10 minutes pinch Firefox Focus earlier I decided to make it my default browser. First of all, I see myself a minimalist, and nan Firefox Focus UI is perfectly suited for that aesthetic. Second, nan privateness is difficult to beat. Simple and unafraid are 2 cardinal components for my mobile needs, and I've yet to find a browser that amended addresses those points.

Also: This caller browser won't monetize your each move - really to effort it

Firefox Focus took maine by surprise. After giving up connected Mozilla, I assumed I'd ne'er touch different web browser from nan organization, but this browser has changed my mind, astatine slightest connected nan mobile front. This is besides 1 of those mobile apps I tin highly urge to conscionable astir immoderate personification type. Security and privateness are nan 2 areas each mobile personification should beryllium concerned with, and having a web browser that takes them earnestly should beryllium placed astatine nan apical of your database of apps.

Give Firefox Focus 10 minutes, and I'm assured you'll find yourself mounting it arsenic your default.

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