Pick Firefox if
You want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine.
The catch. A few web apps are tested in Chrome first, and it runs Firefox add-ons rather than Chrome extensions.
Firefox vs Orion
Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine. Orion is best for Safari’s engine with any extension.
Pick Orion if
You want Safari’s engine and battery life with Chrome and Firefox extensions on top.
The catch. It is Apple-only, it has no split view, and some extensions only partly work.
Firefox vs Orion, feature by feature
| Firefox | Orion | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Gecko | WebKit |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, in settings | Yes, in the View menu |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | One per window |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Profiles, each as its own app |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Trackers, not ads | Built in, ads and trackers |
| Extensions | Firefox add-ons | Chrome and Firefox extensions |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS, iPhone, iPad |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Price | Free | Free; Orion+ from $5/month |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Firefox better than Orion?
Neither wins everywhere. Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine; Orion is best for Safari’s engine with any extension. Pick Firefox if you want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine. Pick Orion if you want Safari’s engine and battery life with Chrome and Firefox extensions on top.
Do Firefox and Orion block ads?
Firefox: Trackers, not ads. Orion: Built in, ads and trackers.
Which extensions do Firefox and Orion run?
Firefox: Firefox add-ons. Orion: Chrome and Firefox extensions.
Where do Firefox and Orion run?
Firefox: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android. Orion: macOS, iPhone, iPad.
Are Firefox and Orion free?
Firefox: Free. Orion: Free; Orion+ from $5/month.