I use VPNs and Private Browsing most of the time. The reason for this is simple: I value my privacy and I don’t want Google using it for marketing and/or adverts. But in light of recent events, namely Google’s Incognito Mode not actually being all that private, I decided to give Mozilla’s new Firefox Quantum browser a whirl.
I’ve always been a pretty big fan of Firefox. I like their code of ethics and how they approach the web. They believe in an open web, which is nice, and they also value your privacy and security as a user. Again, something that really appeals to me.
I am not some tin-foil-hat-wearing-maniac, but I like to keep my data and personal affairs private. Though this is fast-becoming impossible with things like Facebook and Google constantly storing and mining your habits, likes, searches, and interests. If you’re on either, there is a myriad of data already stored about you, whether you like it or not.
But I also like convenience; I like using the best tools possible to get things done. And Google’s Chrome browser, for the longest time, has been my go-to for all things web. Hell, I even use a Chromebook, so, yes, I am 100% a Chrome-head and this, combined with my heavy use of Drive, made the switch all the more problematic.
You see, companies like Google know that making users sticky is the only real way to ensure fidelity to their products and platforms in the long run. Get someone embedded in Drive and ChromeOS, and you got a user for life. Same applies to the Chrome browser.
This is why I only made the switch on my phone. For now, anyway.
New Jeans vs. Old Jeans
The best way to describe switching browsers after so many years is like when you buy a new pair of jeans. They don’t seem to fit as well, they’re a little awkward, but slowly you get used to them, though it does take time.
Fortunately, Firefox Quantum is a beautifully designed browser that is packed with tons of features. It also kind of functions in a very similar manner to Chrome, so the switch doesn’t feel so pronounced even at the beginning.
It is super-fast as well, faster than Chrome, and this is obvious from the moment you boot it up. There are differences, I prefer the way Chrome does video, for instance, but that, I would argue, is the only point during my experience that Chrome bested Firefox Quantum.
The UX, layout, and features are all there. Everything feels really well thought out and very user-friendly. Mozilla deliberately made Firefox Quantum extremely lightweight (it’s 30% lighter than Chrome) and this means it takes up less RAM on your phone or PC, making it an ideal choice for those running lower-specced machines.
VERY Private Browsing Mode
Firefox Quantum also has the most advanced private browsing facilities around which, when combined with a VPN, mean your privacy and data are definitely in good hands. Firefox Quantum blocks online trackers and does not remember your history; it blocks hidden trackers that some ads use; and, as a result of this you get faster browsing speeds, as none of these nefarious ad-trackers gets to load.
Mozilla bought Pocket ages ago, meaning you can now add articles to Pocket for reading later. I really love this feature, as I often come across longer articles that I want to read, but don’t have time. With Firefox Quantum, I simply stick them in Pocket for later.
Customisation Options
Mozilla has added a bunch of themes for your consideration as well, so you can make Firefox Quantum look exactly as you want. It also features support for Extensions – LastPass, uBlock, Evernote and more – as well as a completely optimisable Toolbar, where you can drag and drop elements to the places you want them.
On top of this, it will also import your bookmarks, securely save passwords, and, best of all, none of your data is sold for profit to the highest bidders like it is with Facebook and Google.
Is Firefox Quantum Better than Chrome?
Yes and no. I mean, it’s faster and it looks great, but it does lack the polish of Chrome, as well as Google’s now-very-extensive range of plugins and integrations.
On your phone, though, it’s great. I’ve actually gotten completely used to it after a week or so, and I did not expect this to happen after over half a decade’s worth of Chrome use on my Android phone.
Got trust issues with Google? Give Firefox Quantum a whirl. I think you’ll really like it and find that, while not quite up to the standard of Chrome, it is more than capable of handling all your mobile needs.
And things will only get more impressive from here on out. Mozilla is back in contention, after years in the wilderness, and Firefox Quantum very much deserves your time and attention, so be sure to check it out and see how you get along.
