Mozilla's Firefox browser has long offered a free, integrated VPN service that earned praise for its generous 50 GB monthly data cap. Now, this already impressive tool is gaining a highly requested feature: the ability to select your server location. This update, rolling out initially in Firefox 149, gives users in key regions more control over their online privacy and performance. Below, we explore seven common questions about this new capability and what it means for Firefox users.
1. What is the new feature added to Firefox's free built-in VPN?
Mozilla has introduced server location choice to its free VPN feature inside Firefox. Previously, users could only rely on a default proxy server selected automatically. Now, you can manually pick from a list of available countries to route your internet traffic through. This gives you more control over your apparent geographic location, which is useful for accessing region-locked content, optimizing connection speeds, or simply adding an extra layer of privacy flexibility. The update began with Firefox 149 on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and was expanded to more regions in subsequent versions.
2. Which regions were initially supported and how did the rollout expand?
The server location feature first launched for users in the UK, USA, France, and Germany with Firefox 149. Shortly after, Canada was added with Firefox 150. Mozilla has indicated that more countries and server locations will be added over time, based on user demand and infrastructure capabilities. The rollout was gradual to ensure stability and performance. If you're in one of these supported regions, you can expect to see a new dropdown menu in the VPN settings area of Firefox.
3. How does this VPN protect user privacy?
Firefox's integrated VPN works by routing your browser's traffic through a secure proxy server hosted by Fastly. This masks your real IP address, making it harder for websites, advertisers, or snoopers to track your location and browsing habits. The connection is encrypted between your browser and the proxy, adding a layer of security on public Wi-Fi networks. Unlike some free VPNs, Mozilla's offering does not log your activity or sell your data—a key reason it has earned positive reviews from privacy advocates.
4. What are the usage limits and requirements for Firefox's VPN?
The VPN is available at no extra cost to anyone using the Firefox browser. The most notable limit is a generous 50 GB of data per month, which is significantly more than many other free VPN offerings. There is no cap on connection time or number of sessions, though it only covers browsing within Firefox itself—it does not protect other apps or the entire system. The only requirement is that you must be in one of the supported countries and using a recent version of Firefox (149 or later on Windows, macOS, Linux). No credit card or sign-up is needed; it's built right into the browser.
5. How does the server location choice improve the VPN experience?
Adding server location choice gives users several practical benefits. First, you can optimize speed by selecting a server closer to your physical location or to the websites you're accessing. Second, you can bypass geographic restrictions on content, such as streaming shows available only in certain countries. Third, it provides additional privacy by letting you appear to be in a different region, confusing trackers that rely on location data. Before this feature, the VPN always chose the best server automatically—fine for privacy, but less flexible. Now power users have the control they needed.
6. What technology powers this VPN service?
The underlying infrastructure relies on Fastly, a content delivery network and edge cloud platform. Mozilla partnered with Fastly to provide secure, high-performance proxy servers. The VPN uses the HTTP CONNECT method within Firefox to establish a tunnel through the proxy, ensuring all browser traffic is encrypted. This architecture allows for low latency and high throughput, which is why Mozilla can offer a 50 GB monthly cap without significant cost. It also means the VPN is native to Firefox—no separate application or extension is required.
7. How does this compare to other free VPNs?
Most free VPNs impose strict data caps (often 2-10 GB monthly), require sign-ups, or log user data for advertising. Mozilla's offering stands out with its 50 GB monthly limit, no account creation, and strong privacy reputation. The addition of server location choice brings it closer to premium VPN features. However, it is limited to Firefox browser traffic only and does not cover other apps or system-wide protection. For users already on Firefox, it's an excellent free tool; those needing full-device VPN may still consider paid services.