Original author(s) | Alex Kontos |
---|---|
Slogan | The Lightning Fast Browser |
Stable release |
51.0.1
|
Development status | Active |
Operating system | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Engine | Gecko |
Platform | x86-64 |
Type | Web browser |
License | Mozilla Public License |
Website | www |
Waterfox is an open-source web browser based on Mozilla Firefox for 64-bit Windows, macOS and Linux systems. It is compiled using various compilers and uses Intel's Math Kernel Library, Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 and Advanced Vector Extensions. It is compatible with most Firefox add-ons and 64-bit NPAPI browser plug-ins. Waterfox contains modifications designed to take advantage of 64-bit system architecture and provide speed improvements over Mozilla's flagship browser. Waterfox also removes Adobe DRM, the Pocket feature and standard data collection of Firefox, and claims compatibility with Windows XP 64 bit.
As of Waterfox version 50.0, Linux builds are also available and are built with Clang
32-bit Firefox outperformed 64-bit Waterfox in Peacekeeper browser benchmark tests run by TechRepublic in 2012, and 64-bit Waterfox slightly outperformed 32-bit Firefox in tests run by Softpedia in 2014. However, in 2016 64-bit Waterfox performed worse than 64-bit Mozilla Firefox in the Kraken, SunSpider, JetStream, and Octane 2.0 benchmarks. Benchmarks were once available on the developers website but have since been removed. Waterfox was presented at an event called “Pitch@Palace” at St. James Palace for Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
To date Waterfox has had over 5,000,000 downloads spanning 180 countries. The default search engine of the browser is Ecosia.