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 Vivaldi
Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine. Vivaldi is best for customising everything.
Pick Vivaldi if
You want tabs on any side, tab stacks, tiling and a setting for nearly everything.
The catch. The number of options takes time to learn, and its interface is not open source.
Firefox vs Vivaldi, feature by feature
| Firefox | Vivaldi | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Gecko | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, in settings | Yes, tabs on any side |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | Several, with Tab Tiling |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Workspaces and profiles |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Trackers, not ads | Built in, ads and trackers |
| Extensions | Firefox add-ons | Chrome Web Store |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Open source | Yes | Partly — the interface is closed |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Firefox better than Vivaldi?
Neither wins everywhere. Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine; Vivaldi is best for customising everything. Pick Firefox if you want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine. Pick Vivaldi if you want tabs on any side, tab stacks, tiling and a setting for nearly everything.
Do Firefox and Vivaldi block ads?
Firefox: Trackers, not ads. Vivaldi: Built in, ads and trackers.
Which extensions do Firefox and Vivaldi run?
Firefox: Firefox add-ons. Vivaldi: Chrome Web Store.
Where do Firefox and Vivaldi run?
Both run on macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android.
Are Firefox and Vivaldi free?
Both are free.