Firefox vs Firefox Focus: Should You Switch

Firefox Focus is a unique browser developed by Mozilla. It might seem odd to have another Mozilla product when Firefox Quantum is already available on multiple platforms.

Firefox Focus is a web browser that prioritizes your privacy and eliminates site trackers. It also helps you stay focused while browsing. But is it enough to replace Firefox entirely? Let’s find out!

Limited Availability

Firefox Focus is only available on Android and iOS. Desktop users are currently unable to access it. Mozilla may eventually release the browser for PCs and Macs, but as of now, it is strictly a mobile application.

Firefox, on the other hand, is available on any device you own, and its Private mode is similar to Firefox Focus’s anonymity features. So, you won’t miss anything when it comes to preserving your privacy.

To download Firefox Focus, go to the Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). Installing it won’t affect your existing Firefox installation, so you can use both if you want.

Minuscule App Size

If you need to save storage space or reduce bandwidth, the Firefox Focus download size of 2.8MB is much smaller than Firefox.

Even on a slow Internet connection, Firefox Focus can be downloaded and ready to go in mere seconds. The iPad version of the browser weighs just 19MB, which is insane!

Focused User Interface

The name ‘Firefox Focus’ makes perfect sense. Launch the browser to find a barebones interface with just a URL bar on a purplish interface.

Firefox Focus is the best web browser for those who want to stay focused and avoid distractions. It eliminates annoyances like Pocket Recommendations, Top Sites, and Highlights, allowing you to browse without interruptions.

The user interface is fine, but opening new tabs is a nasty surprise. You can only have one tab loaded, which is frustrating.

But Firefox Focus helps you stay focused by preventing you from loading multiple sites. Stick with Firefox for the complete browsing experience.

Complete Tracking Protection

Firefox Focus is a dedicated browser that provides complete tracking protection. It blocks all trackers and eliminates advertisements and pop-ups. You can easily see the number of blocked trackers in the URL bar, and the numbers are impressive.

Firefox also has its tracking protection features, but you might still encounter ads and pop-ups. If you hate advertisements and prefer staying anonymous while browsing, use Firefox Focus.

Private tabs in Firefox are okay, but on mobile, you never know when you might accidentally use a normal tab for anonymous surfing. This doesn’t happen with Firefox Focus, which is always private.

Faster Browsing Speeds

Compared to Firefox, Firefox Focus loads quickly because it blocks tracking modules and ads. Even slow sites are more responsive due to the reduced web elements on the pages.

You consume less bandwidth with Firefox Focus. Even on a poor cellular connection while travelling, the app will eventually load your websites. Additionally, Firefox Focus works well on low-end smartphones and tablets.

If a lack of tabs didn’t bother you, then this surely will. Firefox Focus doesn’t support bookmarks. Mozilla, fire that guy who came up with the idea to forgo such basic functionality!

However, there’s a workaround to force Firefox Focus to autofill your favorite sites. This involves using the AutoComplete list to manually add site links. It’s an arduous process, but worth it if you’ve got a few sites that you need to visit immediately.

Bookmark-heavy users may find Firefox Focus to be a nightmare.

Supports Cookie Functionality

Firefox Focus is extremely aggressive about privacy. It almost feels like it doesn’t allow any site cookies, but thankfully it does. You can still make purchases or do any tasks that require cookie functionality.

Cookies are automatically deleted once you exit Firefox Focus, making Firefox the best choice for serious work and for sites to remember you on subsequent browsing sessions.

Doesn’t Require Closing

Firefox Focus prioritizes privacy and takes measures to ensure the security of your browsing activity. Exiting the browser removes your browsing history, but what if you don’t force-quit your apps?

Instead, utilize the Erase button at the top of the screen to instantly clear cookies and browsing data. It’s a quick way to clear the screen and refocus on another task. Intuitive.

No Add-ons

Firefox on Android offers a wide variety of useful add-ons for easily enhancing your browsing experience. From ad-blockers to password managers, you’ll find plenty of useful options. However, things are different with Firefox Focus, as it does not support any add-ons.

On iOS, Firefox doesn’t support add-ons, so Firefox Focus is the same in that regard.

Limited Customization

Firefox offers a wide range of options, but Firefox Focus is different. It only has a few options, such as changing the default search engine and choosing which trackers to disable.

If you like customization, stick to Firefox. But if you don’t want to ruin the default settings, Firefox Focus is the best since it excels right out of the box.

So, Is It Worth Switching?

Firefox Focus is sometimes barebones and in no way justifies a complete switch from Firefox, which also has its own Private tabs with bookmarking and multiple tab support — something that Firefox Focus lacks.

But if you do want to stay focused on one task at a time, consider Firefox Focus as something extra that you can use if needed. And thanks to its small download size and memory usage, there’s really no reason to not have it installed alongside Firefox.

Next up: Worried about your browsing activity privacy? Compare Firefox Focus and DuckDuckGo in-depth.