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Mozilla Firefox vs Private Internet Access

Mozilla Firefox logo

Mozilla Firefox

Technology

Fast, private & safe web browser

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Private Internet Access logo

Private Internet Access

Cybersecurity

Long-standing VPN service with a large server network and flexible multi-year plans

From
$11.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Mozilla Firefox has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Mozilla Firefox no longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR); Private Internet Access monthly plan is priced noticeably higher than the discounted multi-year commitments, penalizing short-term users.
  • They diverge on capability: Mozilla Firefox covers Enhanced tracking protection, Private Internet Access covers Split tunneling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Mozilla Firefox and Private Internet Access actually diverge.

Attributes where Mozilla Firefox and Private Internet Access differ
AttributeMozilla FirefoxPrivate Internet Access
Starting priceFree$11.99/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Androidwindows, mac, linux, ios, android
CategoryTechnologyCybersecurity
Founded2004Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Mozilla Firefox

  • Enhanced tracking protection
  • Private browsing
  • Customizable interface
  • Add-ons support
  • Cross-device sync
  • Built-in screenshot tool
  • Reader mode
  • Picture-in-picture

Only in Private Internet Access

  • Split tunneling
  • Kill switch
  • Ad and tracker blocking
  • Dedicated IP add-on
  • Bundled antivirus add-on

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Mozilla Firefox

  • Open-source web browser with privacy-focused designnot Private Internet Access
  • Automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default)not Private Internet Access
  • Private browsing mode for anonymous web sessionsnot Private Internet Access
  • Built-in password managernot Private Internet Access
  • Multi-platform synchronisation across devicesnot Private Internet Access
  • Developer tools and debugging capabilities for web developmentnot Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

  • Encrypting traffic on public Wi-Fi with a kill switchnot Mozilla Firefox
  • Blocking ads and trackers network-wide via MACEnot Mozilla Firefox
  • Maintaining a consistent connection identity with a dedicated IP add-onnot Mozilla Firefox
  • Committing to a long-term plan for a lower effective monthly ratenot Mozilla Firefox

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Mozilla Firefox

  • No longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR)
  • No longer supported on macOS 10.14 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR)

Private Internet Access

  • Monthly plan is priced noticeably higher than the discounted multi-year commitments, penalizing short-term users.
  • Dedicated IP and antivirus are paid add-ons rather than included features.
  • Headquartered in a jurisdiction whose privacy reputation some competitors market against, despite audited no-logs claims.
  • App interface is less streamlined than some higher-priced premium VPN competitors.

Pricing, plan by plan

Mozilla Firefox

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Mozilla Firefox review.

Private Internet Access

$11.99/month
  • Monthly$11.99/month
    • Billed month to month
    • Full server network access
    • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 1-Year$3.1/month
    • Billed annually at $37.19
    • Full server network access
  • 2-Year$2.19/month
    • Lowest advertised rate, billed every 2 years
    • Full server network access

Which should you pick?

Choose Mozilla Firefox if

  • You need enhanced tracking protection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want private browsing.
Mozilla Firefox review

Choose Private Internet Access if

  • You need split tunneling.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux, ios, android.
  • You also want kill switch.
Private Internet Access review

Questions people ask

Is Mozilla Firefox or Private Internet Access better?
Neither clearly leads. Mozilla Firefox starts at Free and Private Internet Access at $11.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Mozilla Firefox or Private Internet Access?
Mozilla Firefox has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Mozilla Firefox and $11.99/month for Private Internet Access.
Does Mozilla Firefox or Private Internet Access run on more platforms?
Mozilla Firefox runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Private Internet Access runs on windows, mac, linux, ios, android.
Can I use Mozilla Firefox for free?
Yes. Mozilla Firefox has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Private Internet Access starts at $11.99/month.
What is Mozilla Firefox best used for?
Mozilla Firefox is most often used for open-source web browser with privacy-focused design, automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default), private browsing mode for anonymous web sessions, built-in password manager. Of those, open-source web browser with privacy-focused design and automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default) are not what Private Internet Access is typically brought in for.
What can Mozilla Firefox do that Private Internet Access cannot?
Mozilla Firefox covers Enhanced tracking protection, Private browsing, Customizable interface, Add-ons support. Private Internet Access covers Split tunneling, Kill switch, Ad and tracker blocking, Dedicated IP add-on.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Mozilla Firefox: How much does Firefox cost?

Firefox is free to download and use. No pricing tiers, subscriptions, or payment plans are offered for the standard browser.

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