# LibreWolf

Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026

Privacy-focused Firefox fork without telemetry

Category: Web Browsers · Free · Replaces Brave Origin ($60) · [Official website](https://librewolf.net)

## Install with Homebrew

`brew install --cask librewolf`

## Quick take

LibreWolf is still a solid privacy Firefox fork in August 2026, shipping 153.x macOS builds for Apple Silicon and Intel. The product is free and opinionated in the right ways for anti-telemetry users. The score is tempered by distribution risk: Homebrew's September 2026 cask disable date means Mac owners must own their update path. If you accept that, LibreWolf remains one of the best daily privacy browsers in the Firefox family.

Best for: Privacy-conscious Firefox users who want stricter defaults, Mac users who prefer uBlock Origin full power over Chromium MV3 limits, People willing to install from official DMGs and self-update, Cross-platform users aligning Windows/Linux/macOS browsers

## What is LibreWolf?

LibreWolf is a privacy-focused browser built from the latest Firefox stable source with telemetry disabled, strict default settings, and hardened configuration. It aims to give Firefox's extension ecosystem and rendering engine without Mozilla's telemetry, forced defaults, or sponsorship-driven start experience.

As of August 2026 LibreWolf remains **actively built and distributed** for macOS. The official macOS install page lists **librewolf 153.0.3-1** DMGs for **Apple Silicon (arm64)** and **Intel (x86_64)**, with release artifacts on Codeberg. Homebrew still exposes `brew install --cask librewolf`, but the Homebrew formulae page marks the cask **deprecated with a disable date of 1 September 2026**, important operational news for Mac users who only update via brew. Plan to migrate to official DMGs or another channel before that disable date if you rely on Homebrew exclusively.

LibreWolf is free and open source. There is no paid tier. You trade some convenience (stricter fingerprinting/resistance defaults can break awkward sites; updates via DMG are manual unless scripted) for privacy defaults closer to a security guide than stock Firefox.

Competitive set in 2026: stock **Firefox**, **Mullvad Browser**, **Tor Browser** for higher anonymity, **Brave** for Chromium+Shields, **Zen Browser** (Firefox-based with active 2026 releases), **Dia** as Arc's successor, and Safari. Community discourse remains polarized, privacy advocates recommend LibreWolf as a daily Firefox fork, while some browser marketers dismiss the UX. That debate has not killed the project; versioning continues to track modern Firefox releases (150+ series in mid-2026).

On Apple Silicon Macs, install the arm64 DMG, grant necessary permissions, and expect occasional Gatekeeper/quarantine friction common to unsigned or community-notarization workflows, follow LibreWolf FAQ notes if macOS marks the app as damaged/broken after updates.

Honest take: LibreWolf is alive and current in August 2026, but the Homebrew deprecation clock makes distribution hygiene part of the product decision. If you want Firefox without Mozilla telemetry and will manage updates, it remains excellent. If you need zero-maintenance Mac updates, evaluate Firefox, Brave, Zen, or Safari instead.

## Features

- **Firefox Engine Without Mozilla Telemetry Defaults.** Built from current Firefox stable sources so security patches track Mozilla, while LibreWolf strips telemetry and many phoning-home defaults.
- **Hardened Privacy Settings Out of the Box.** Strict tracking protection, resistFingerprinting-oriented defaults, and privacy-preserving configuration so you start closer to a hardened profile than stock Firefox.
- **uBlock Origin Friendly / Extension Ecosystem.** Retains Firefox extension compatibility so uBlock Origin and other privacy tools work at full capability, a major reason people leave Chromium MV3 limitations.
- **Regular Version Bumps (153.x in Aug 2026).** macOS builds listed at 153.0.3-1 demonstrate continued packaging against modern Firefox releases rather than an abandoned fork frozen on old ESR.
- **Apple Silicon and Intel DMGs.** Official arm64 and x86_64 macOS packages from dl.librewolf.net / Codeberg releases. Architecture-specific downloads avoid Rosetta surprises.
- **Open Source & Community Packaging.** Sources and build pipelines are public; community documents Homebrew, DMG, and compile-from-source paths, with the caveat that Homebrew cask deprecation is scheduled for 2026-09-01.
- **Multi-Platform Availability.** Windows, Linux distro packages, and macOS builds for users who want the same privacy browser across machines.

## How to Install LibreWolf on Mac

Prefer official DMGs for longevity; Homebrew works until the scheduled 2026-09-01 cask disable date.

1. **Download the correct DMG.** From librewolf.net/installation/macos grab librewolf-153.0.3-1 (or newer) for arm64 (Apple Silicon) or x86_64 (Intel).
2. **Install and clear quarantine if needed.** Open the DMG, drag to Applications, and follow FAQ steps if macOS reports the app as damaged/broken (common Gatekeeper friction).
3. **Import bookmarks and set defaults.** Import from Firefox/Chrome, install uBlock Origin if not already present in your build expectations, and set LibreWolf as default only after testing site compatibility.

## Pros

- Tracks modern Firefox security releases while shipping privacy-first defaults
- Free and open source with no premium upsell
- Strong fit for uBlock Origin and Firefox extensions
- Apple Silicon and Intel builds available
- Actively versioned into the 153.x line in mid-2026
- Cross-platform for mixed OS households
- Minimal telemetry compared with stock Firefox
- Community documentation for install edge cases on macOS

## Cons

- Homebrew cask scheduled to disable on 2026-09-01, update story gets more manual
- Strict defaults can break convenience sites
- Less polished onboarding than Brave/Safari/Firefox
- DMG users must self-update carefully
- Occasional macOS Gatekeeper/quarantine friction after installs
- Smaller support surface than Mozilla's official channels
- Not an anonymity suite on the level of Tor Browser

## Analysis: Why a Privacy Fork of Firefox Matters

The relationship between LibreWolf and Firefox, why telemetry removal matters, and the broader implications for browser diversity.

## FAQ

### Is LibreWolf still maintained in 2026?

Yes. Official macOS builds are publishing modern Firefox-based versions (e.g. 153.0.3-1 listed on the install page in August 2026). It is not a discontinued fork.

### Why is Homebrew deprecating the LibreWolf cask?

Homebrew formulae currently mark librewolf deprecated with a disable date of 2026-09-01. Community discussion has linked packaging/notarization economics; regardless of cause, Mac users should plan on official DMGs or another channel.

### Is LibreWolf free?

Yes. Fully free and open source with no official paid tier.

### Does LibreWolf support Apple Silicon?

Yes. Separate arm64 and x86_64 macOS DMGs are published.

### LibreWolf vs Firefox, which should I use?

Use LibreWolf for stricter privacy defaults and less Mozilla telemetry. Use Firefox if you want the path of least resistance for updates and site compatibility.

### Can I use uBlock Origin?

Yes. Firefox-class extension support is a core reason to choose LibreWolf over Chromium browsers that limit adblockers.

### Will some websites break?

Possibly. Resist-fingerprinting and strict tracking defaults can break media players, bank widgets, or bot checks. Keep a secondary browser profile for exceptions.

## Sources

- [LibreWolf home](https://librewolf.net/)
- [LibreWolf macOS installation](https://librewolf.net/installation/macos/)
- [Homebrew cask librewolf](https://formulae.brew.sh/cask/librewolf)
- [LibreWolf MacUpdate listing](https://librewolf.macupdate.com/)
- [Migrating to LibreWolf (2026 notes)](https://www.harrysu.com/2026/migrating-from-firefox-to-librewolf/)
- [LibreWolf Codeberg releases](https://codeberg.org/librewolf/bsys6/releases)
- [X: LibreWolf in privacy browser debate](https://x.com/D3ZTRU3/status/2085449890918789345)

## Related

- [Arc](https://bundl.run/apps/arc)
- [Google Chrome](https://bundl.run/apps/google-chrome)
- [Firefox](https://bundl.run/apps/firefox)
- [Brave](https://bundl.run/apps/brave-browser)
- [Microsoft Edge](https://bundl.run/apps/microsoft-edge)
- [Opera](https://bundl.run/apps/opera)
- [LibreWolf vs Firefox](https://bundl.run/compare/librewolf-vs-firefox)
- [LibreWolf vs Brave](https://bundl.run/compare/librewolf-vs-brave-browser)
- [Free alternative to Brave Origin](https://bundl.run/https:/)

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