Firefox vs Chrome – Which Browser is Better?

March 15, 2024 By Nancy William No Comments 6 minutes

Firefox vs Chrome: Which one trumps the other? If you are tired of choosing between the best secure browsers, look no further! Chrome and Firefox are two of the oldest and most reputable options. Both come with extensive and strength-packed features.

Google Chrome vs. Firefox

Security tip – Even though Google Chrome and Firefox are relatively safe to use, they can’t prevent websites from logging your data, promoting malicious ads, or even hacking your account passwords through Keystroke Logging. This is why we recommend using FastestVPN browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. It secures your browsing, connection, and data and even unlocks numerous websites in every country.

However, there are some differences between the Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers. Chrome is known for its intuitiveness and ease of use, while Mozilla focuses more on privacy and security.

Let’s look into the pros and cons regarding both these leading browsers’ features and performance.

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Google Chrome vs Mozilla Firefox – Performance, Speed, Security & More

Deciding between Chrome and Firefox? It’s a close call! While Chrome trumps in loading speed and offers a variety of extensions or add-ons, including patching vulnerabilities, Firefox takes the privacy crown with built-in protections.

However, both offer top-notch online security features that eliminate threats and detect malware intrusions.

So, which will it be? In our Firefox vs Chrome debate, we’ll highlight the overall performance and features that both web browsers offer.

Firefox vs Chrome Speed – Which is Faster?

Browser performance is crucial. Lag and delays are frustrating, especially for multi-tab users (which almost everyone is!) So, the browser speeds of Chrome and Firefox are what you need to keep in mind before settling.

The “Chrome vs Firefox” debate heats up regarding speeds. Chrome has long been admired for its swiftness, and many user opinions reflect this. But is this perception still accurate? Yes, but also no. This is because some user reviews also reflect that Firefox speeds are just as fast in certain areas. Chrome and Firefox have always been in a race for dominance, which is no wonder why both browsers are constantly making improvements.

So, coming to the verdict of Firefox vs Chrome browser speed, we tested both with the FastestVPN website, and here are the results:

Chrome speed

Firefox vs Chrome speed

DOMContentLoaded time – 6.38 s

Firefox speed

Chrome vs Firefox speed

DOMContentLoaded time – 7.17 s

Jumping to a conclusion, both Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome have fast loading times, but Chrome’s was faster.

Google Chrome vs Mozilla Firefox Performance

Other than speeds, the overall performance of both Chrome and Firefox matter tremendously. For us to tap into which performance was better, we’ll take its RAM usage under consideration. It’s a fact that the lower the RAM usage, the better the performance. Through this, your device runs smoother.

The “RAM usage champion” title in the Chrome vs. Firefox duel remains elusive. While Chrome tends to be known for its higher resource needs, new reports on Reddit indicate that Firefox is now taking up way more RAM space.

However, the overall performance results in the Chrome vs Firefox debate often vary. Its performance is calculated on the verdict of different users, each being different.

At times, both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox web browsers outdo themselves. This also depends on various factors like the cache that is not cleared up or even the number of tabs opened.

In short, there is no exact verdict on the performance of Chrome and Firefox. The number of tabs opened, data stored, add-ons, and more varied. It also depends on how often you use a certain browser.

Google Chrome vs Mozilla Firefox -Security and Privacy

Firefox and Chrome prioritize user safety with robust security features.

Chrome Security

Chrome leverages Google Safe Browsing to identify and block malicious websites while also monitoring saved passwords for breaches, informing users about them. Additionally, both browsers receive regular updates (Chrome every six weeks) to address newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Chrome incorporates privacy-enhancing features to mitigate user data exposure. In “Incognito mode,” browsing history, cookies, and site data are not persistently stored, minimizing online tracking footprints.

Furthermore, Chrome leverages process sandboxing, a security mechanism that isolates each website’s execution environment, preventing malicious code from compromising other system components. This compartmentalization approach enhances overall system security and data protection.

Firefox Security

Despite Chrome’s security offerings, Firefox surpasses its capabilities in user privacy through a privacy-centric design philosophy.

Firefox implements stricter data handling practices and integrates additional privacy-enhancing tools, exceeding Chrome’s baseline protection.

Firefox implements a comprehensive privacy architecture exceeding Chrome’s capabilities. Notably, its Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) actively thwarts intrusive trackers by default. This includes cookies, fingerprinting scripts, and even crypto-mining attempts etc.

Furthermore, ETP grants granular control over social media tracking across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, empowering users to block data collection tailored to their preferences selectively.

This level of customization extends beyond Chrome’s baseline protection, allowing users to define their desired privacy balance through refined settings within Firefox’s privacy control center.

Here’s a breakdown of the technical aspects emphasized:

Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP): A Firefox-specific feature actively blocking various tracking mechanisms.
Granular control: Allows for fine-tuned management of specific trackers, including social media tracking.
Customization: Users can tailor their privacy experience through dedicated settings.

Firefox vs Chrome – Which is More Secure?

Chrome may offer some privacy tools, but it’s tied to Google, a data-collection giant known for targeted ads.

This makes privacy buffs nervous, especially since even their new “Privacy Sandbox” seems suspicious. We believe that if you’re looking for privacy and security results in the “Firefox vs Chrome” debate, experts suggest that Firefox is a more private option.

Chrome & Firefox Utility Features

Coming to the set of utility features that make Firefox and Chrome more intuitive. Both these web browsers come with a unique set of features that are usually enabled by default. You can also download a few of its extensions. However, some add-ons are provided by third parties and not available by default. They are:

Utility Features	Chrome	Firefox
Tab browsing	✅	✅
Automatic fill (forms)	✅	✅
Auto-play blocking	❌	✅
Bookmark manager	✅	✅
Text to speech	❌	✅
Spell checking	✅	✅
Search engine options	✅	✅
Reader mode	✅	✅
Web extensions/Add-ons	✅	✅
Reverse image search	✅	❌
In-browser screenshots	❌	✅
Translator tool	✅	❌

Firefox vs Chrome VPN Support

As mentioned, for better security and privacy assurance while browsing online via Chrome or Firefox, it’s best to get a VPN browser extension for it.

This handy tool encrypts your browsing data and hides your IP address, making it harder for others to track you.

FastestVPN offers browser extension VPN apps for both Firefox and Chrome. It not only gives you access to servers in 50+ countries but also comes with an ad-blocker and WebRTC blocking feature for both browsers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Firefox actually better than Chrome?

Chrome and Firefox both have a close call where overall features and performance matter. However, Chrome is faster compared to Firefox and offers a wider library of extensions. On the other hand, Firefox is better for privacy- and security-centric users, with its downside being the overconsumption of RAM.

Who still uses Firefox?

It’s estimated that around 178+ million people still use Firefox. However, the number of Chrome users still took a fast track up the ladder.

Does Firefox use less RAM than Chrome?

No. Firefox uses more RAM than Chrome. This is specifically the case when you have too many tabs open or loaded on your browser.

Is Firefox the safest browser?

According to many users, the 2024 poll for the best and safest browser is Firefox, especially if you’re using Windows or Mac devices.

Should I use Chrome or Firefox for Android?

It depends on your preferences. If you’re going with Firefox, its features are perfect for privacy and security on Android devices. However, Google Chrome for Android has a wider variety of add-ons and extensions that you can also integrate with more Google services.

Is Firefox or Chrome better for Mac?

Chrome for Mac devices wins in speed and offers tons of extensions. However, it lacks privacy. Firefox, on the other hand, prioritizes privacy and security. However, it might be slower and have fewer add-ons. So, choose Chrome for speed and customization or Firefox for privacy and security. Both may face occasional compatibility issues

To Conclude

Coming towards the end of this Firefox vs Chrome “who does it better debate,” it’s safe to say that both browsers have something for users to look forward to. Chrome does have the better speeds and user-friendliness that most people require, but Firefox does offer a better privacy and security suite. All in all, it comes down to your preferences.