[](https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/stargazers)
[](https://github.com/yokoffing/betterfox/stargazers)
# Betterfox
# Betterfox 140 ESR
[about:config](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/about-config-editor-firefox) tweaks to enhance [Mozilla Firefox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/).
These prefs are applicable for [Firefox ESR 140.0](https://support.mozilla.org/kb/switch-to-firefox-extended-support-release-esr). <sup>[^more info](https://support.mozilla.org/kb/firefox-esr-release-cycle)</sup>
## Made for everyday browsing
Using regular Firefox? [Switch back to the main branch](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox).
[Faster](https://medium.com/@mihirgrand/comparing-popular-firefox-forks-6fa83fdfdaad#:~:text=31%25%20more%20than%20vanilla%20Firefox), more private and secure — without using third-party code.
Betterfox is an opinionated preference list inspired by the [law of diminishing returns](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1206/1*lcOcxriV_II_lZuXQYLoXg.jpeg) and the [minimum effective dose](https://medium.com/the-mission/less-is-more-the-minimum-effective-dose-e6d56625931e).
## Required reading
## Required reading
0) Create a [backup profile](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/wiki/Backup).
0) Create a [backup profile](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/wiki/Backup).
1) Download the user.js file [here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/main/user.js) (Right click > `Save Link As…`).
1) Download the user.js file [here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/esr140/user.js) (Right click > `Save Link As…`).
2) Review both [Common Overrides](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides) and [Optional Hardening](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening) to make any necessary changes.
2) Review both [Common Overrides](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/wiki/Common-Overrides) and [Optional Hardening](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening) to make any necessary changes.
3) Open Firefox. In the URL bar, type `about:profiles` and press **Enter**.
3) Open Firefox. In the URL bar, type `about:profiles` and press **Enter**.
4) For the profile you want to use, click **Open Folder** in the **Root Directory** section.
4) For the profile you want to use, click **Open Folder** in the **Root Directory** section.
@@ -20,74 +17,6 @@ Betterfox is an opinionated preference list inspired by the [law of diminishing
1) Get an **ad blocker** like [uBlock Origin](https://addons.mozilla.org/blog/ublock-origin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-ad-blocker/) with our [recommended filters](https://github.com/yokoffing/filterlists#guidelines).
1) Get an **ad blocker** like [uBlock Origin](https://addons.mozilla.org/blog/ublock-origin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-ad-blocker/) with our [recommended filters](https://github.com/yokoffing/filterlists#guidelines).
2) Enable **DNS-level protection** with your chosen [provider](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening#secure-dns) to further protect against security threats, ads, and trackers.
2) Enable **DNS-level protection** with your chosen [provider](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/wiki/Optional-Hardening#secure-dns) to further protect against security threats, ads, and trackers.
## Simple goals
1) **Minimalism:** get what isn't needed out of the way
2) **Efficiency:** unleash Firefox's ability to be fast and performant
3) **Privacy:** protect your data without causing site breakage
## Simple configs
`Fastfox`, `Securefox`, `Peskyfox`, and `Smoothfox` are guides to settings within Firefox.
The `user.js` — a configuration file that controls Firefox settings — is curated from these guides.
| List | Description |
|:---------:|-------------|
| [Fastfox](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/Fastfox.js) | Increase Firefox's browsing speed. Give Chrome a run for its money!|
| [Securefox](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/Securefox.js) | Protect user data without causing site breakage. |
| [Peskyfox](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/Peskyfox.js) | Provide a clean, distraction-free browsing experience. |
| [Smoothfox](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/Smoothfox.js) | Get Edge-like smooth scrolling on your favorite browser — or choose something more your style. |
| [user.js](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/blob/main/user.js) | All the essentials. None of the breakage. This is your `user.js`. |
## Recognition
### Browser Integration
> [!IMPORTANT]
> While the browsers listed below incorporate Betterfox to some extent, they often modify it in ways that reduce its effectiveness. For optimal results, apply the `user.js` file even when using Firefox forks.
* [GhoSTORIES with Franz & Pete](https://anchor.fm/ghostories/episodes/S2E6-We-Talking-Ghostery-Dawn----Again-er0q02/a-a4o5vmh) | 17:05–18:40 (Feb 2021)
### Articles
* [Español] [Firefox is an excellent browser, but this small modification makes it much faster and more private](https://www.genbeta.com/a-fondo/firefox-excelente-navegador-esta-pequena-modificacion-hace-mucho-rapido-privado-asi-funciona-betterfox) (Jan 2025)
* [Browsers for Daily Use](https://anhkhoakz.neocities.org/blog/browsers-for-daily-using/#firefox-but-hardened) (Jan 2024)
* [Avoiding Manifest V3 – Escaping the Ad-Pocalypse](https://www.xbitlabs.com/avoiding-manifest-v3/) (Dec 2023)
* [German] [Pulse Browser Review: Firefox fork with Turbo tweaks and Opera sidebar](https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tipps-Software-Pulse-Browser-Review-ein-Firefox-Fork-mit-Seitenleiste-wie-bei-Opera-35644139.html#:~:text=Noch%20mehr%20Speed%2DFeatures) (Apr 2023)
* “I use this one ... The performance is absolutely amazing. There’s definitely a huge difference when it comes to loading sites.” - [DIRIKtv](https://youtu.be/N8IOJiOFVEk?t=16)
* "BetterFox ... will provide good-enough privacy and help with performance." - [Qdoit12Super](https://old.reddit.com/r/browsers/comments/139h4my/suggestion_for_finding_3_good_privacy_focus/jj3n3qn/?context=2)
* "...drastically changed the experience with Firefox for me. Improved speed, security, smoothness, and removed clutter." - [AppDate](https://www.appdate.lk/technology/2023-browser-showdown/#:~:text=Used%20the%20BetterFox%20user%20config%20settings%20with%20some%20overrides%20which%20drastically%20changed%20the%20experience)
* "Firefox with uBlock Origin extension and tuned with Betterfox is faster than Safari." - [cugeloid](https://elephas.app/blog/best-browsers-mac#what-is-the-best-browser-for-mac-according-to-redditandnbsp)
* "I don't think I could use Firefox without Betterfox." - [Professional_Fun4616](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/15y815f/the_people_behind_betterfox_have_this_awesome/jxb7cir/?context=3)
* "The best collection of tweaks available." - [AuRiMaS](https://old.reddit.com/r/MozillaFirefox/comments/15cc1vk/about_changes_in_aboutconfig/jtyx910/?context=3)
* "FF is now much snappier!" - [whotheff](https://old.reddit.com/r/firefox/comments/z5auzi/firefox_not_properly_usingrecognizing_gpu_poor/iy36hyz/)
* "...the experience is so good now I don’t think I’ll go back to any of the chromium based browsers." - [Mr_Compromise](https://old.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/zwioe1/what_browser_will_you_be_using_in_2023_please/j1wmbxo/)
## Support
## Support
If you like the project, leave a :star: (top right) and become a [stargazer](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/stargazers)!
If you like the project, leave a :star: (top right) and become a [stargazer](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox/stargazers)!
Blocking a user prevents them from interacting with repositories, such as opening or commenting on pull requests or issues. Learn more about blocking a user.
yokoffing