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Vivaldi vs Firefox
Which is the better browsers for Mac in 2026?
We compared Vivaldi and Firefox across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. For most users in 2026, Firefox is the better choice because it's open source. Read our full breakdown below.
Vivaldi
Web browser with built-in email client focusing on customization and control
Free
VS
Firefox
Web browser focused on privacy
FreeOpen Source
Visual Comparison
Firefox
Firefox — Official Website
Our Verdict
For most users in 2026, Firefox is the better choice because it's open source. However, Vivaldi remains a solid option for users who prefer its unique features.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Vivaldi | Firefox |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Web Browsers | Web Browsers |
Quick Install
Vivaldi
brew install --cask vivaldiFirefox
brew install --cask firefoxLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is Vivaldi?
Founded by Jon von Tetzchner, the co-founder of Opera, Vivaldi was born from a dissatisfaction with the simplification of modern browsers. By 2026, Vivaldi has cemented its reputation as the most feature-rich browser on the market, operating on the philosophy that 'options are good.' Built on the Chromium engine (the same backend as Google Chrome), it offers perfect compatibility with modern web standards and the vast library of Chrome extensions. However, unlike Chrome, Vivaldi strips away Google's tracking code and layers a highly flexible proprietary interface on top. Its defining characteristic is the sheer volume of built-in tools: a fully functional mail client (Vivaldi Mail), a Calendar, a Feed Reader, and a translation tool are all native to the browser. Vivaldi views the browser not just as a window to the web, but as a productivity suite. It offers features like Workspace isolation, split-screen tab tiling, and mouse gesture customization that other browsers require extensions to achieve. For Mac users, Vivaldi offers a unique proposition: a cross-platform powerhouse that syncs settings meticulously between devices, allowing you to carry your bespoke digital environment wherever you go.
What is Firefox?
Firefox, developed by the non-profit Mozilla Foundation, stands as the last major browser to use its own rendering engine (Gecko/Quantum) rather than relying on Google's Chromium project. This distinction is critical in 2026; using Firefox is an active vote for the health of the open web, preventing a single corporate entity from dictating web standards. Firefox focuses heavily on user agency and privacy. Its 'Enhanced Tracking Protection' automatically blocks trackers, cryptominers, and fingerprinters without breaking websites. Beyond the engine, Firefox has evolved into a sleek, modern browser that feels incredibly responsive on macOS. It pioneered features like Picture-in-Picture (which it still does better than anyone else) and Multi-Account Containers, a feature that allows users to sign into multiple accounts on the same site simultaneously (e.g., two Gmail accounts) in separate, color-coded tabs. Mozilla's commitment to no-profit-motive development means the browser serves the user, not advertisers, resulting in a cleaner UI and a transparent data policy that appeals to security professionals and casual users alike.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Tab Management
CriticalVivaldiExcellent
Vivaldi is unrivaled here. It offers Two-Level Tab Stacks, allowing you to group tabs and view them in a second row. You can position the tab bar on the left, right, or bottom. 'Tab Tiling' lets you view multiple sites in split-screen within a single window. Features like 'Hibernate Background Tabs' allow you to save memory without closing pages. It is the ultimate tool for managing hundreds of open tabs.
FirefoxGood
Firefox handles horizontal tabs well and offers a scrollable tab strip. Its standout feature is 'Multi-Account Containers,' which color-codes tabs by context. However, it lacks native vertical tabs (without CSS hacks or sidebar extensions) and tab stacking is less sophisticated than Vivaldi's native implementation. It relies on the 'Simple Tab Groups' extension to match Vivaldi's organizational power.
Verdict: Vivaldi's native vertical tabs and stacking capabilities are lightyears ahead of Firefox's default offering.
Privacy & Security
CriticalVivaldiGood
Vivaldi includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker that is effective and highly configurable. As a company, they promise not to track you or sell data. However, because it relies on the Chromium engine, it is occasionally slower to patch zero-day engine vulnerabilities than the source project, though they are generally very fast. It is secure, but the codebase is shared with Google.
FirefoxExcellent
Firefox's Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) is the industry benchmark. It isolates cookies to the site where they were created (Total Cookie Protection), effectively killing cross-site tracking. Being open-source and non-Chromium means it is less susceptible to Google's Manifest V3 changes that might weaken ad blockers. Mozilla's transparency reports and non-profit status add a layer of trust.
Verdict: Firefox wins due to its advanced fingerprinting protection and total isolation from the Chromium ecosystem.
Customization
HighVivaldiExcellent
You can customize absolutely everything in Vivaldi without knowing a line of code. You can remove UI buttons, move the address bar to the bottom, change the corner rounding of themes, and edit context menus. You can even schedule themes to change with the time of day. It provides a 'Settings' menu that is practically an operating system manual.
FirefoxGood
Firefox allows for flexible toolbar customization (drag and drop buttons). Themes are plentiful. However, deep UI changes (like removing the title bar on specific OS versions or changing tab animations) require editing the 'userChrome.css' file, which is a barrier for non-technical users. It is customizable, but not 'GUI-customizable' to Vivaldi's extent.
Verdict: Vivaldi allows granular customization through settings menus, whereas Firefox requires coding knowledge for deep changes.
Extension Ecosystem
HighVivaldiExcellent
Because Vivaldi is built on Chromium, it has full native access to the Chrome Web Store. This gives it access to the largest library of browser extensions in the world. Compatibility is generally 100%, meaning if it works in Chrome, it works in Vivaldi. This is a massive advantage for users who rely on niche productivity plugins.
FirefoxGood
The Firefox Add-ons (AMO) library is extensive and contains most major extensions (Bitwarden, uBlock Origin, Grammarly). However, it is smaller than the Chrome Store. The advantage is that Firefox extensions can arguably be more powerful (e.g., better ad blocking API retention), but you will occasionally find a niche tool that is 'Chrome only.'
Verdict: Vivaldi wins on pure volume and compatibility with the massive Chrome Web Store library.
Performance & Resources
HighVivaldiFair
Vivaldi is feature-dense, which comes at a cost. With Mail, Calendar, and Feeds enabled, it consumes significantly more RAM than a barebones browser. On older Intel Macs, the UI can occasionally feel slightly sluggish compared to the rendering content. It is fast enough for modern M-series chips, but it is not the lightest browser available.
FirefoxExcellent
Firefox's Quantum engine has been optimized heavily for resource management. It handles large numbers of tabs gracefully by suspending unused ones. On macOS, it feels snappy and manages battery life surprisingly well, often outperforming Chromium browsers in long browsing sessions. The 'Shift+Esc' task manager in Firefox makes it easy to kill rogue processes.
Verdict: Firefox is generally lighter on system resources and offers better battery efficiency on MacBooks.
Productivity Tools
MediumVivaldiExcellent
Vivaldi includes a Sidebar that supports mobile versions of websites (Instagram, ChatGPT) alongside your main window. It has a built-in Pomodoro timer, a Notes manager that syncs markdown, a Screen Capture tool, and the aforementioned Mail/Calendar suite. It is a productivity powerhouse that reduces the need to have other apps open.
FirefoxFair
Firefox relies on extensions for most of these features. While it has a sidebar, it is less versatile than Vivaldi's Web Panels. Firefox Pocket is built-in for saving articles, and the PDF editor is quite good, but it doesn't attempt to replace your email client or calendar. It focuses on browsing, leaving other tasks to the OS.
Verdict: Vivaldi's built-in suite of tools (Mail, Calendar, Notes, Web Panels) crushes Firefox's lean approach.
Sync & Ecosystem
HighVivaldiGood
Vivaldi Sync is end-to-end encrypted and syncs everything, including your deep customization settings, notes, and search engines. However, Vivaldi on iOS is restricted by Apple's WebKit engine (though this is changing in the EU). The sync is reliable, but the mobile experience is slightly different from the desktop due to UI constraints.
FirefoxGood
Firefox Sync is robust, encrypting data client-side. The 'Send Tab to Device' feature is seamless. Firefox on iOS is polished and feels very similar to the desktop version in terms of design language. It also syncs open tabs very quickly. It loses points only because it doesn't sync 'browser settings' as deeply as Vivaldi because there are fewer settings to sync.
Verdict: A draw, but Firefox edges ahead slightly due to a smoother, more unified mobile application experience on iOS.
Mac Integration
MediumVivaldiGood
Vivaldi supports macOS shortcuts and looks good, but it uses a non-native UI toolkit to achieve its customization. This means it sometimes feels like a 'guest' on the OS rather than a native resident. It supports TouchID for passwords, but scrolling inertia and trackpad gestures sometimes feel slightly 'Chromium' rather than native Mac.
FirefoxExcellent
Firefox has done significant work to feel native on macOS. It supports native fullscreen behavior, trackpad pinch-to-zoom is buttery smooth, and it integrates well with the Keychain (though it prefers its own lockbox). The UI density respects macOS norms. It feels more like a Mac app than Vivaldi does.
Verdict: Firefox offers a more 'native' macOS feel regarding scrolling physics, gestures, and UI responsiveness.
Who Should Choose Which?
1The Research Student
Vivaldi
For a student managing dozens of PDFs, academic journals, and citation tools, Vivaldi is a lifesaver. The 'Tab Stacking' feature allows them to group all sources for a specific paper into one stack, decluttering the bar. The split-screen 'Tab Tiling' lets them view a lecture video on the left and take notes in Vivaldi's built-in Notes panel on the right without switching windows. The ability to annotate web pages directly helps in data gathering.
2The Frontend Developer
Firefox
Developers often prefer Firefox for its DevTools, which offer unique CSS grid visualization and font analysis features that Chrome/Vivaldi lack. Furthermore, testing on the Gecko engine is essential to ensure cross-browser compatibility. Firefox's Developer Edition is a staple in the industry. The clean interface allows developers to focus on the code, and the container tabs allow them to test different user login states (Admin vs User) in the same window side-by-side.
3The Social Media Manager
Vivaldi
This user manages five different Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. Vivaldi's 'Web Panels' allow them to keep mobile versions of these social feeds open in the sidebar permanently. They can drag and drop content between pages easily. The built-in heavy-duty session management lets them save a 'Morning Routine' setup that opens all 15 necessary analytics dashboards with one click, saving 20 minutes of setup time daily.
4The Privacy Advocate
Firefox
This user distrusts Google and large tech conglomerates. Firefox is the only major browser not based on Chromium (Google's project). By using Firefox, they support engine diversity. The Multi-Account Containers allow them to isolate Facebook into a 'fence,' preventing it from tracking their browsing on other tabs. The default strict anti-fingerprinting settings provide peace of mind without needing to install and configure uBlock Origin manually.
5The Laptop Traveler
Firefox
Always on the move with a MacBook Air, battery life is the primary metric. Vivaldi's background processes for Mail and Feeds drain power faster. Firefox's energy efficiency on macOS is well-documented. The ability to sync open tabs from their iPhone to the Mac seamlessly allows them to pick up browsing exactly where they left off while commuting. The lightweight nature of Firefox ensures the laptop stays cool during long browsing sessions.
6The Power User / Sysadmin
Vivaldi
This user loves keyboard shortcuts. Vivaldi allows them to remap every single key combo. They can create 'Command Chains'—macros that perform multiple actions (e.g., 'Open specific URLs, tile them vertically, and turn on reader mode') with a single keystroke. The built-in terminal-like 'Quick Commands' (Cmd+E) allows them to navigate the browser purely via text commands, fitting perfectly into a terminal-heavy workflow.
Migration Guide
Vivaldi → Firefox
Migrating from Vivaldi to Firefox is a move toward simplicity. First, export your bookmarks from Vivaldi as an HTML file. In Firefox, use the Library > Import feature. You will lose your 'Tab Stacks' as Firefox doesn't support them natively; you should install the 'Simple Tab Groups' extension immediately to regain similar functionality. You will also lose the built-in Mail and Calendar, so ensure you have set up Apple Mail or Outlook on your Mac to replace them. The biggest adjustment will be the lack of Web Panels; try using the sidebar in Firefox, but expect it to be less capable. Transferring passwords works via CSV export/import, but using a dedicated manager like Bitwarden is recommended.
Firefox → Vivaldi
Switching to Vivaldi is an upgrade in power but requires setup time. On first launch, Vivaldi will offer to import data from Firefox; this works well for bookmarks and history. You should immediately explore the 'Settings > Tabs' section to set up Vertical Tabs if you prefer them. You will need to re-log into extensions, as Firefox extensions (XPI) are not compatible with Vivaldi (CRX). Visit the Chrome Web Store to find alternatives. If you used Firefox Containers, set up 'Vivaldi Profiles' or use a session manager extension to replicate the workflow. Don't forget to configure Vivaldi Mail if you want to consolidate your apps.
Pro Tips
Regardless of direction, always export your passwords to a CSV file and keep it secure during the transfer. Both browsers allow you to import bookmarks from HTML files perfectly. If you rely on specific extensions, check the destination browser's store (Chrome Web Store for Vivaldi, AMO for Firefox) before deleting your old browser to ensure alternatives exist.
Final Verdict
Overall Winner
Firefox
9.2/10
Winner
9.0/10
Runner-up
This is one of the closest comparisons in the Mac software world. Firefox takes the victory by a hair, primarily because it is the better recommendation for 80% of users. It strikes the perfect balance between privacy, performance, and usability. It respects the Mac's battery, respects the user's data, and requires very little configuration to be excellent. Vivaldi, however, is a masterpiece of engineering for the remaining 20%—the power users who want to mold their software like clay. If you love to tinker, ignore the score and download Vivaldi. But for the definitive 'Best Mac Browser' experience that aligns with the ethos of macOS itself, Firefox is the winner in 2026.
Bottom Line: Download Firefox for a private, fast, and 'set-it-and-forget-it' experience; download Vivaldi if you want to turn your browser into a productivity operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, Vivaldi is built on top of Chromium, the open-source engine that powers Google Chrome, Edge, and Brave. However, calling it 'Chrome in disguise' does it a disservice. While it shares the same rendering engine (Blink), Vivaldi has completely rewritten the user interface layer. It does not send data to Google, it disables Google's tracking topics, and it offers customization that Chrome does not. Think of it as a custom-built luxury house sitting on the same concrete foundation as a standard tract home. The foundation is the same, but the experience of living in it is radically different.
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