Recently I wrote that Firefox is slow .... and now there is a new version: 70 :) It's better, much better. Firefox now has a new faster Javascript Baseline Interpreter and compositor improvements that... (I quote from mozilla) "reduce power
consumption, speed up page load by as much as 22 percent, and reduce
resource use for video by up to 37 percent".
Apart from Mozilla marketing: Firefox now works quickly and efficiently. I recommend, check it out for yourself.
When you have 100+ tabs open FF is uses the least memory and runs faster than any other browser I have used (Chrome, Vivaldi, Brave, Opera, never really got into Safari because of the lack of customisation, extensions and integration into other platforms).
My problem is that there are some essential extensions I want to use but they are not available on FF (e.g. Gmelius, Hubspot etc.).
Like
Version 70.0.1
2 answer(s)
Robert86
08 November 2019
Have you talked/complained to the authors of those 'essential extensions' about what security/processes are lacking to allow them to run on the current Firefox versions?
Like (1)
Version 70.0.1
dogwithsocks
08 November 2019
I have not. HubSpot is not even planning to build an extension for FF. I know, it's just a small issue over all, but it affects the workflow of my business. Although, I still believe that FF is the best browser at the moment.
I have more confidence in FF than any other browser when it comes to paying attention to my interests and protection and privacy.
Like (3)
Version 70.0
1 answer(s)
darkwing52
25 October 2019
ps - I don't understand why a review from 2009 should get the top spot. It is hardly relevant 10 years later, except for the link to acid3. The "most helpful" algorithm needs to have a time decay built into it.
It's the best browser and moved out from Chrome for security reasons. Chrome is having lot of Adware and collecting too much of data leaving behind without any option to disable.
I am still using 61.0 because that is when the comments section in the bookmarks was removed. Does anybody know if it has been added back in yet? As much as I would love to upgrade, I find myself using Chrome a lot more, so I can keep my comments section in Firefox.
Like
Version 69.0
1 answer(s)
Mcr
18 September 2019
This add-on may interest you: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/bookmark-notes/
Some nice additions/improvements for FF 69:
For our users on macOS, battery life and download UI are both improved:
macOS users on dual-graphics-card machines (like MacBook Pro) will switch back to the low-power GPU more aggressively, saving battery life.
Finder on macOS now displays download progress for files being downloaded.
Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) rolls out stronger privacy protections:
The default standard setting for this feature now blocks third-party tracking cookies and cryptominers.
The optional strict setting blocks fingerprinters as well as the items blocked in the standard setting.
The Block Autoplay feature is enhanced to give users the option to block any video that automatically starts playing, not just those that automatically play with sound.
For our users in the US or using the en-US browser, we are shipping a new “New Tab” page experience that connects you to the best of Pocket’s content.
Support for receiving multiple video codecs with this release makes it easier for WebRTC conferencing services to mix video from different clients.
Thank you for letting us know about this! We have now updated this page to show the most recent release notes. Unfortunately, those were not available when we originally updated our listing to 69.0. Thanks again, your help is very much appreciated!
It is still a good browser, trying to adapt to new times. I don't know about the Windows version, but the Mac version is still slow. Consumes a lot of resources (especially when playing video). Rather, it is no longer an interesting alternative to Chrome or Safari, even though Firefox is still trying to modernize. The only plus may be that it does not belong to Apple or Google - for many people it matters.
Like (1)
Version 69.0
4 answer(s)
Scion777
03 September 2019
Utter rubbish, badbadger. If FF is not running faster than Safari or Chrome on your Mac, you have something wrong on your machine. FF is customizable with many, many more extensions than Chrome, let alone Safari.
Like (1)
Version 69.0
badbadger
03 September 2019
@Scion777 Although you really wanted to improve reality, unfortunately firefox is slow :)
Like
Version 69.0
Mikael-B
06 October 2019
@badbadger is actually right, @Scion777. Safari uses less resources to play back HTML5 video, in my tests about half. However, this seems to come at a price. This Linus tech Tips video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po5iEqDDv3U will only show in 1080p in Safari 12.1.2 while Firefox 69.0.1 allows up to 2160p resolution.
Like (1)
Version 69.0.2
Younkint
12 October 2019
FF is as slow as molasses for me; almost unusable. While I've followed all of Mozilla's instructions to clean it up, refresh it, etc, it's still a no go. I was forced to switch browsers and am now using the Chrome-based Vivaldi. The difference in speed is astounding – night and day. I've been with FF since the beginning, but the sloth-like performance is now a deal-breaker.
68.0.1 completely eats your CPU. Almost 400%. This is ridiculous.
Like (5)
Version 68.0.1
4 answer(s)
Mdewakanton
14 August 2019
The same with 68.0.2 just released. To tell the truth, Firefox has always been a memory hog. It's only getting worse.
Like (3)
Dr-Sparks
02 September 2019
Today, MacUpdate offers for download Firefox 69.0. Strangely enough, at https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ the download is still Firefox 68.0.2, How come? Can I trust the 69.0 version when the developer still doesn't offer it?
Like (1)
Version 69.0
Dr-Sparks
04 September 2019
I noticed today that Mozilla now offers a 69.0 version. It's slightly larger than the version MacUpdate offered two days ago.
My favourite browser! Only thing I don't like is that it doesn't work like other mac apps. Like when I option-click on its icon in the dock, I want it to hide all other apps, not show me an option screen...
Chrome and Firefox let users data leak thru their extensions.
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/07/dataspii-inside-the-debacle-that-dished-private-data-from-apple-tesla-blue-origin-and-4m-people/?
This is one more reason to stop using both browsers.
Like
Version 68.0.1
2 answer(s)
Aargl
07 August 2019
So what are the browsers that you rely on?
Like
zlazkow
07 August 2019
Safari is number one. No complaints. Brave is fine, but don't really use it. Years ago liked to use Opera, but it was before I switched over to Mac back in 2008. I'm curious about Microsoft new browser. More and more reports how Windows is on par with Mac. A lot of sites with detailed comparisons. Looks like new Windows is going to make many Mac users move to Windows.
Yup and it's URGENT: UPDATE NOW time again. There's a new Firefox zero-day flaw being actively exploited in-the-wild.. That's extremely bad. Read all about it:
Firefox 67.0.4 Released — Mozilla Patches Second 0-Day Flaw This Week https://thehackernews.com/2019/06/firefox-0day-vulnerability.html
"After patching a critical actively-exploited vulnerability in Firefox 67.0.3 earlier this week, Mozilla is now warning millions of its users about a second zero-day vulnerability that attackers have been found exploiting in the wild...."
URGENT: UPDATE NOW to 67.0.3 ! ! !
Read all about it:
"Security vulnerabilities fixed in Firefox 67.0.3 and Firefox ESR 60.7.1"
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/security/advisories/mfsa2019-18/#CVE-2019-11707
"Awoogah! Awoogah! Firefox fans urged to update and patch zero-day hole exploited in the wild by miscreants
Just make sure you're running the latest version"
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/06/18/firefox_zero_day_patch/
"Mozilla says it has already received reports that the flaw is being actively exploited in the wild by miscreants, making it critical for users to install the latest patched versions of the browser."
This update is total crap: it doesn't work at all, had to go back to previous version... whoever developed this rubbish should be sacked... may have to abandon Firefox for good. Really browned off with Mozilla!
Like
Version 67.0
1 answer(s)
zsky
06 June 2019
Surely you already filed a bug with exact version infos and steps to reproduce and debug data so that Mozilla can fix the problems you are seeing? https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/home
In FF67.0 the ZombieLoad mitigation is enabled in MacOS 10.14.5 and later. Well worth the updates if paranoia is your thing. Staying off those dodgy sites also works. Enjoy.
I am leaving Firefox for Opera. I am tired of reinstalling broken extensions with every new version. That is silly. A browser that user can not use his way? Why for? Good bye.
Like
Version 66.0.5
3 answer(s)
Scion777
22 May 2019
Who writes extensions, for the most part? Mozilla? No, the extension's developer does. Who puts out beta nightly releases for developers to test and update their extensions before official release (and provide feedback for anything that Mozilla needs to fix before release)? Mozilla does. Your complaint is wildly inappropriate.
Like (2)
@timi
22 May 2019
FF 67 restored many extensions that were disabled for no reason.
Like (1)
Derekcurrie
19 June 2019
As is documented in earlier comments... Firefox v66.0.3 contained a security certificate Mozilla forgot to update. When it lapsed, it killed all extensions. Firefox v66.0.4 fixed the problem, no need to reinstall extensions.
As for Opera: It used to be Norwegian. Now it's Chinese. As such, I personally know of no reason to trust it. I have no doubt that the criminal government of China could and would compromise it for their own surveillance purposes. And anyway, it's just another branch of Chromium! For something actually secure as well as being Chromium, I'd go for the Brave Browser. It's excellent.
√ Verified. Firefox v66.0.4 repairs the incredible boner move Mozilla pulled in version v66.0.3. IOW, now all the extensions work again. You don't have to fiddle with anything. They just work.
Of interest: Mozilla screwed up v66.0.3 for Windows as well. So don't feel lonely.
Like
Version 66.0.4
3 answer(s)
Mcr
07 May 2019
Readers please note, for some add-ons, including myself, some extensions had to be re-enabled after the update.. Mozilla also advises that configuration settings for SOME extensions may be reset to defaults after update 66.0.4. Just mentioning this as a PSA; folks after update you should check add-ons and settings. In some cases, you may have to quit and restart FF
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Aargl
08 May 2019
My opinion: one might accept that from a dilettante developer, but frankly, from Mozilla... "LMAOWROTF" describes pretty well what I felt after a while — Lucky me, I'm still using Waterfox as my main browser. :-D
Like
Derekcurrie
08 May 2019
DETAILS: 'Firefox armagg-add-on: Lapsed security cert kills all browser extensions, from website password managers to ad blockers' https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/05/06/mozilla_firefox_add_on_expiry/
"The source of the trouble was identified in a bug report as the expiration of an intermediate signing certificate, which is used to authenticate third-party Firefox add-ons, also known as extensions. With the cert's unanticipated demise, Firefox stopped allowing these add-ons to run or be installed."
Another episode in my despaired attempt to come back to FF: Launching it today, it disabled nearly all my webextensions (regular, updated, etc.) saying they couldn't be verified, with no way to reenable or reinstall them! :-o Just the usual message as for XUL extensions to try and find an alternative. What kind of piece of sh.. is that? :-o Some may say that's not a reason for a half-star, well I don't know of any other regular browser acting this way. :-( Why should I lose my time trying to cure what's supposed to be a solid browser?
Like
Version 66.0.3
2 answer(s)
Aargl
04 May 2019
The explanation: https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/03/a-glitch-is-breaking-all-firefox-extensions/ Looks like Mozilla has a huge love for footguns... ;-)
Like (1)
Aargl
05 May 2019
Looks like the cure is on its way: https://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/66.0.4/ (no release notes yet)
version 66 is now fabulous. The ONLY browser that really protect your privacy from digital sharks. Hint : install "multi-account-containers" AND "Temporary Containers" AND check "automatically". All what you do will be isolated. Just perfect! Fast and lean, many thanks to the team. Safari is still faster but it is a data sieve.
I'd really like to come back to Firefox — that was my main browser for years before Quantum — but I still have issues, even after finding tricks for restoring a decent UI, even after finding other tricks to kinda workaround what was working before and is impossible now (loading a local file in New Tab Override, for example — while you can make it load a remote web page! Where is the security behind that stupid decision? :-o ). It's not always Mozilla's direct guilt, but webextensions have implications for third party devs choices: 1Password webextension is unable to communicate with the 1Password app before v6.8, so I'm stuck with other browsers that won't use webextensions or must switch to a different password manager... Speed wise, I still consider that claims for FFQ to be faster were just advertising: generally Chromium seems faster and I don't see that huge a difference compared to Waterfox or pre-Quantum versions of FF (talking about the time it takes to display a single page). In fact, I've just tried loading Amazon on those browsers (Chromium, Waterfox and FFQ): precisely 12s for all of them! That proves that the bottleneck is not the browser, if it was needed.
Actually you can. Open Safari > File > Export Bookmarks. Import the resulting HTML file in Firefox > Bookmarks > Manage Bookmarks. Then the bottom icon with the star > HTML Import.
Firefox is heading into a good direction. The recent changes are really nice. In version 66 keyboard shortcuts for addons are finally coming back after being broken for several years. Can't wait for that.
Firefox is the best. It's fast enough, extendable, and widely compliant with every webpage. And it works with older hardware and doesn't spy on you like Google does. I just don't understand why people like Chrome. Even wirelessly printining from your computer to your own wireless printer requires going thru Google cloud print. Why? Firefox doesn't. No ther browser does that. It's called spying. Forget Chrome. Go Firefox.
Like (2)
Version 65.0.1
1 answer(s)
Macinman
01 March 2019
To answer your question, at least for me: I keep Chrome around for native Google cast / Chrome Cast support. I do own a ChromeCast ultra, but the function is also built into other devices. Now with that said, I can cast from within iOS apps, and I do, but also having the option on the desktop is nice as well. Safari, only supports AirPlay, and Firefox doesn't seem to do either.
Gave this a try the other day after ignoring it for a long time. It looks good, and I like the UI, but it doesn't play nice with my ad/malware blocker, Adguard. Sorry, Mozilla! I'm not going to turn off my protection.
Like
Version 65.0.1
2 answer(s)
joy_node
19 February 2019
What's not working? Saw there is a Firefox plugin for Adguard. I would recommend switching to uBlock Origin add-on in Firefox.
Like (2)
David1
19 February 2019
@joy_node, you probably saw the Adguard Ad Blocker, which works similarly to the uBlock Origin that you recommend. I would still have to disable Adguard Pro, which is a much more extensive and effective ad blocker than either one of these.
Version 65.0 -A few nice improvements with this version. Enhanced tracking protection and new, simplified content blocking settings And Firefox now supports Handoff on macOS.
Firefox 64.0.2 appears to have been broken by MacOS X v10.14.3. A box pops up "Profile Missing": "Your Firefox profile cannot be loaded. It may be missing or inaccessible." Clicking OK -> Firefox Quits without further ado or notice.
Since FF version 62 our favorite game (i.e. miramagia.de) doesnt work anymore. After login the startup-screen shows "Loading Portal", some seconds later the game quits by FF. The same on version 63 and 64. Back to 61.0.2 that works perfectly.
Like
Version 64.0.2
1 answer(s)
sllsr
13 January 2019
Find a new favorite game... you should not be using Adobe Flash in 2019. Quick outlook: Firefox 69 will disable Flash by default and that is a good design decision.
PROBLEM. 64.0.2 broke many links with Youtube Audio and Video Downloader extension. Damn. I don't think this has happened in years. Not like this. Hopefully the FF extension(s) will be updated pronto.
Speedometer 2.0 index on Firefox 64 is 87.39.... Google Chrome reaches 97,85. safari still leads with a whopping 129,13. In other words: Firefox is slow on the Mac at least...
Firefox complaints +1 833 272 0777__Do like Firefox and the changes since version 57. The container extension allows me to work efficiently as a developer. https://addons.mozilla.org/de/firefox/addon/multi-account-containers/ Also this browser is OpenSource which means a great deal to me and can't be said about Chrome and Safari.
Great browser since version 57, fast and stable. Altough since version 63 I have problems with syncing my bookmarks. Password sync was great and worked very good, much better than the cumbersome password sync of Safari. Chrome is no option for me. Using a browser built by a marketing company ? I hope Mozilla fixes the sync problems.
Like (1)
Version 63.0.3
2 answer(s)
lesv
17 November 2018
You may want to add your vote to this bug or add your experience: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1508035
I'm doing this as a separate comment, as well as a reply to Yesterday's thread:
Firefox 63.0 is officially out today. It pulled down through the auto update this morning, and it can also be downloaded from here: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=firefox-com
I got notified that Firefox 63 was released, but the internal updater still says 62.03 is the latest. Was this miss information on MacUpdate's part, or has it just not populated to the auto updater yet?
Like (1)
Version 63.0
4 answer(s)
Macinman
22 October 2018
Wanted to add, that the download at firefox.com, is also 62.03. Last time this happened, Macupdate had a hacked version,, or had wrong info.
Like (4)
Mousee
22 October 2018
Thanks Macinman, and I can confirm that the latest version on the Mozilla site is still 62.0.3. BEWARE before updating with the links provided by Macupdate; check with the developers sites first, always.
Like (1)
Macinman
22 October 2018
Thanks Mousee for the confirmation. Usually MacUpdate has been accurate as when they announce a new release of Firefox, I have it already, or when I go to about Firefox, it downloads.via the auto updater, or it's on the official Firefox site. Hopefully if this was a hack these posts prevented another crypto infection like what happened before.
Like (1)
Macinman
23 October 2018
Fireofox 63.0 is officially out today. https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=firefox-com for confirmation. Also, it pulled down from the auto update as well. So it's safe to get it from Mozilla now.
This https://blog.mozilla.org/security/2018/10/10/delaying-further-symantec-tls-certificate-distrust/ is a really bad decision security wise and not at all in users interest. Please re-consider and keep the planned schedule to warn about Symantec Certificates in Firefox 63. That change is more than overdue!
everytime firefox auto updates it breaks itself on my mac, any idea what is going on?
Like
Version 62.0.3
1 answer(s)
kofz
15 October 2018
Have you filed a bug with Mozilla and provided all technical details to help Mozilla understand what could be going wrong on your mac? https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/enter_bug.cgi
Open Source browser and the changes in version 62 are great. Finally revamped the dialog to add bookmarks and searching via tags has now better UI in the URL bar. Loving both changes. Now if MU could update the listing to version 62 would be sweet since v62 contains a ton of relevant security fixes user would want to be sure to be running.
Do like Firefox and the changes since version 57. The container extension allows me to work efficiently as a developer. https://addons.mozilla.org/de/firefox/addon/multi-account-containers/ Also this browser is OpenSource which means a great deal to me and can't be said about Chrome and Safari.
Quite funny: Google Chrome's new design will look a lot like pre-Quantum Firefox! :-D
https://www.ghacks.net/2018/04/23/first-look-at-google-chromes-ui-design-refresh/
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Brave is fine, but don't really use it. Years ago liked to use Opera, but it was before I switched over to Mac back in 2008. I'm curious about Microsoft new browser. More and more reports how Windows is on par with Mac. A lot of sites with detailed comparisons. Looks like new Windows is going to make many Mac users move to Windows.
Read all about it:
Firefox 67.0.4 Released — Mozilla Patches Second 0-Day Flaw This Week
https://thehackernews.com/2019/06/firefox-0day-vulnerability.html
"After patching a critical actively-exploited vulnerability in Firefox 67.0.3 earlier this week, Mozilla is now warning millions of its users about a second zero-day vulnerability that attackers have been found exploiting in the wild...."
https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/home
Could you link your bug?
Your complaint is wildly inappropriate.
As for Opera: It used to be Norwegian. Now it's Chinese. As such, I personally know of no reason to trust it. I have no doubt that the criminal government of China could and would compromise it for their own surveillance purposes. And anyway, it's just another branch of Chromium! For something actually secure as well as being Chromium, I'd go for the Brave Browser. It's excellent.
'Firefox armagg-add-on: Lapsed security cert kills all browser extensions, from website password managers to ad blockers'
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/05/06/mozilla_firefox_add_on_expiry/
"The source of the trouble was identified in a bug report as the expiration of an intermediate signing certificate, which is used to authenticate third-party Firefox add-ons, also known as extensions. With the cert's unanticipated demise, Firefox stopped allowing these add-ons to run or be installed."
Launching it today, it disabled nearly all my webextensions (regular, updated, etc.) saying they couldn't be verified, with no way to reenable or reinstall them! :-o
Just the usual message as for XUL extensions to try and find an alternative.
What kind of piece of sh.. is that? :-o
Some may say that's not a reason for a half-star, well I don't know of any other regular browser acting this way. :-( Why should I lose my time trying to cure what's supposed to be a solid browser?
Looks like Mozilla has a huge love for footguns... ;-)
(no release notes yet)
Scrolling fluid, pages load fast.
It's not always Mozilla's direct guilt, but webextensions have implications for third party devs choices: 1Password webextension is unable to communicate with the 1Password app before v6.8, so I'm stuck with other browsers that won't use webextensions or must switch to a different password manager...
Speed wise, I still consider that claims for FFQ to be faster were just advertising: generally Chromium seems faster and I don't see that huge a difference compared to Waterfox or pre-Quantum versions of FF (talking about the time it takes to display a single page).
In fact, I've just tried loading Amazon on those browsers (Chromium, Waterfox and FFQ): precisely 12s for all of them!
That proves that the bottleneck is not the browser, if it was needed.
https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1508035
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=firefox-com for confirmation. Also, it pulled down from the auto update as well. So it's safe to get it from Mozilla now.
https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/enter_bug.cgi