Iceraven and Ironfox browser comparison

Iceraven and Ironfox browser comparison

Iceraven and IronFox are both open-source browsers for Android, each offering privacy and customization features but with different emphases and user audiences.

Core Features #

FeatureIceravenIronFox
Privacy & TelemetryReduced telemetry, customizable123Strongly privacy-hardened, all telemetry removed456
Add-ons/ExtensionsExtensive support, larger list than stock Firefox178Supports Firefox Android extensions6
CustomizationAbout:config, more desktop-like options127Advanced privacy defaults, stripped-down interface456
Speed & PerformanceComparable to Brave/Chrome; resource-optimized89Lightweight, slightly faster than stock Firefox6
Main FocusCustomization, extension and power-user features12Privacy, de-bloated and anti-tracking465
UpdatesCommunity-driven, slower but steady210Active, responsive to user issues54
Official ChannelsGithub APK releases, not on Play Store128F-Droid/Accrescent, Github, not on Play Store46

Iceraven Browser #

  • Built on stable Firefox for Android, with a focus on more add-on availability and configuration options like about:config1112.
  • Appeals to users who want to replicate desktop Firefox’s customization and plugin experience on mobile111.
  • Releases and updates are maintained via Github and aren’t distributed via the Play Store128.
  • Some comments note the lack of warranties or guarantees for security; best used by power users familiar with browser internals12.

IronFox Browser #

  • Derived from Mull (itself a privacy-focused Firefox fork), with aggressive tracking and telemetry removal456.
  • Prioritizes user privacy, blocks telemetry by default, and comes with strict tracking-protection settings46.
  • Keeps features like Firefox Sync; disables or restricts features leaking data (such as WebGL, unless manually enabled)46.
  • Distributed via alternative app stores like F-Droid, Accrescent, and Github; not available on Play Store46.
  • Some advanced privacy features may result in compatibility issues with certain websites, especially those relying on features IronFox disables by default4.

Summary #

Iceraven is ideal for those wanting a “power-user” browser with deep customization and a broad add-on library, making it similar to desktop Firefox in spirit1117. IronFox is best for users who place privacy first, seeking a Firefox-based browser that automatically strips out telemetry and unnecessary features for a lightweight, secure experience54612. Both offer more control and privacy than standard Firefox for Android, but Iceraven focuses on flexibility while IronFox focuses on privacy hardening. 1314151617181920

  1. https://github.com/fork-maintainers/iceraven-browser ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. https://avoidthehack.com/best-privacy-browsers-android ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34832512 ↩︎

  4. https://hyperborea.org/reviews/apps/ironfox/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. https://www.reddit.com/r/browsers/comments/1jwx045/whats_your_opinion_on_ironfox/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfV5bG0ZxOk ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  7. https://github.com/fork-maintainers/iceraven-browser/issues/756 ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  8. https://iceraven-browser.en.uptodown.com/android ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  9. https://www.reddit.com/r/browsers/comments/1irci61/i_changed_my_mind_about_firefox_on_android_after/ ↩︎

  10. https://forum.f-droid.org/t/what-is-a-good-option-as-firefox-alternative/17437 ↩︎

  11. https://www.ghacks.net/2021/08/05/is-iceraven-the-better-firefox-for-android-mobile-browser/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  12. https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/ironfox-a-new-mull-fork/23638 ↩︎

  13. https://www.wilderssecurity.com/threads/iceraven-browser-an-open-source-fork-of-the-new-firefox-web-browser-for-android.439448/ ↩︎

  14. https://github.com/fork-maintainers/iceraven-browser/issues/691 ↩︎

  15. https://www.reddit.com/r/androidapps/comments/w8b23d/whats_the_difference_between_firefox_fennec/ ↩︎

  16. https://www.libhunt.com/compare-iceraven-browser-vs-bromite ↩︎

  17. https://www.libhunt.com/compare-Waterfox-vs-iceraven-browser ↩︎

  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVmG3ZjCouw ↩︎

  19. https://www.libhunt.com/compare-iceraven-browser-vs-Mull-Fenix ↩︎

  20. https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/ironfox-a-new-mull-fork/23638?page=5 ↩︎