Breaking: Firefox VPN Now Lets Users Choose Server Locations
Mozilla has announced a significant upgrade to its free built-in VPN service within the Firefox browser, adding the ability for users to select their server location. The new feature addresses a key missing component since the VPN's debut, bringing it in line with premium competitors.
The update rolls out in Firefox 149 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, initially available to users in the United Kingdom, United States, France, and Germany. Canada follows with Firefox 150. Mozilla confirmed the expansion in a statement, calling it "a direct response to user demand for more control over their privacy."
“Privacy shouldn’t mean sacrificing flexibility. Giving users the choice of server location empowers them to optimize both security and performance,” said Dr. Elena Torres, a Mozilla privacy engineer.
How the Firefox Free VPN Works
The VPN operates by routing browsing traffic through secure proxy servers hosted by Fastly, effectively hiding the user's real IP address. Previously, Mozilla automatically assigned the best server, but the new update allows manual selection from a growing list of countries.
Users must be logged into a Firefox account to access the VPN. The service remains free with a generous 50 GB per month data limit, making it one of the most attractive privacy tools in the browser market.
Background: Mozilla’s Privacy Push
Mozilla has long championed online privacy, integrating tools like Enhanced Tracking Protection and now a full VPN. The free tier, introduced earlier this year, was praised for its simplicity and high usage cap. However, the lack of server choice limited users who needed a specific location for accessing region-restricted content or testing.
Competitors like ProtonVPN and Windscribe offer similar free tiers, but Mozilla’s deep browser integration and zero-logging policy give it a distinct edge. Industry analysts expect this move to drive Firefox adoption among privacy-conscious users.
What This Means for Users
With server selection, Firefox VPN becomes more versatile. Users can now bypass geo-blocks for streaming or news, reduce latency by connecting to a nearby server, or add an extra layer of anonymity by choosing a different country. The feature is especially valuable for travelers and remote workers.
“This update transforms Firefox from a privacy browser into a complete privacy toolkit,” commented James Whitfield, a cybersecurity researcher at Digital Rights Now. “Mozilla is proving that free doesn't have to mean limited.”
The rollout will continue over the coming weeks, with more regions expected. Mozilla has not disclosed a timeline for server location expansion to other countries. For now, users in the initial five markets can test the feature immediately after updating to Firefox 149 or 150.