Firefox 149 Integrates VPN Function Directly Into the Browser

March 24, 2026, 5:03 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

Whether in a café, on a train, or at home on Wi-Fi, surfing the internet leaves digital traces. Many users, therefore, turn to a VPN to encrypt their connection and hide their IP address.

An upcoming version of Firefox will integrate a VPN directly into the browser. Separate software will no longer be necessary. The new feature aims to make browsing more secure and simplify access.

Launch Planned with Firefox 149

The introduction of the new feature is planned for Firefox version 149. According to Mozilla, it is set to be released on March 25, 2026. The VPN can be activated directly through the browser’s interface and will then operate in the background.

When the feature is active, data traffic is routed through the provider’s servers. This makes it difficult for websites and internet providers to easily identify the actual IP address. It is based on the already known Mozilla VPN service, which was previously offered separately and is now integrated directly into the browser.

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Limitations in Use

Despite the name, it is technically not a full-fledged VPN. The provider describes the solution as a proxy. It only reroutes data traffic within the browser. Other applications or system processes on the device remain unaffected.

For occasional browsing, the free offer may be sufficient. However, with intensive use, clear limits become apparent:

The free data volume is 50 gigabytes per month.
Data-intensive applications like streaming quickly consume the allowance.
Geoblocking generally cannot be bypassed.

For more extensive needs, paid premium VPNs are necessary in practice.

A Mozilla account is required to use the free version. At launch, the offer will be available in countries including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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Additional New Features in the Browser

In addition to the integrated VPN, Firefox 149 brings additional innovations. This includes a split-view feature that allows two websites to be displayed side by side in one window. This makes it easier to compare content or transfer information.

Additionally, Mozilla is working on a notes feature for tabs, allowing users to save notes on open pages. Also new is the AI tool “Smart Window,” which provides summaries, explanations, or comparisons directly while browsing, without leaving the current page.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.