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Waterfox (64-Bit)

CNET Editors' review

Waterfox is a 64-bit version of Firefox. The browser's developers modified the Firefox source code specifically for machines running 64-bit versions of Windows. Software designed for 64-bit Windows editions can take advantage of faster RAM and processing speeds and greater stability in 64-bit systems. Just converting Mozilla's source code for 64-bit Windows doesn't do enough to make Waterfox stand apart from Firefox and other Firefox-based Web browsers; other unique tweaks help it exploit the speed of 64-bit systems. As the Waterfox Web site states, speed is its mission.

When we first opened Waterfox, it displayed our bookmarks and other personal data from Firefox. When it comes to looks and extras, Waterfox doesn't disappoint in a side-by-side comparison with the latest Firefox release. Waterfox has a family resemblance to other Mozilla-based browsers, with a dark blue Start button instead of Firefox's orange. Otherwise, Waterfox looks and functions like Firefox, including its various customizable features and options. Our add-ons, extensions, and plug-ins worked in Waterfox, too, including Microsoft's Office and Silverlight plug-ins. Waterfox also has regular updates.

We could tell with just a few quick trips to familiar sites that Waterfox is fast, so we visited some of our favorite browser speed test sites to see how it stacks up against the competition, including Firefox and our current default, Chrome. For the most revealing results, we threw Peacekeeper's HTML5 torture test at each, pitting Waterfox against the site's Chrome benchmark and our own copy of Chrome.

This online benchmarking tool separates the smartphones from the gaming desktops with a series of increasingly grueling tests that took some 5 minutes to run through. Waterfox bested Firefox but not Chrome, both in speed and HTML5-rendering capability, though the results were close enough to make it a matter of choice. Raw speed tests with CNET's Bandwidth Meter produced much closer results. Chrome held a consistent edge, but Waterfox is fast, too. Subjectively, it "feels" fast, which might be the advantages of 64-bit operation. In any case, we like Waterfox a lot. If you prefer Firefox but run 64-bit Windows, give Waterfox a try.

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All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    4.0 stars

    out of 35 votes

    • 5 star: 20
    • 4 star: 5
    • 3 star: 5
    • 2 star: 1
    • 1 star: 4
  • Current version:

    4.8 stars

    out of 4 votes

    • 5 star: 3
    • 4 star: 1
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 0
    • 1 star: 0
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-4 of 4

  • 5.0 stars

    "Solved all my Firefox 18 problems"

    April 5, 2013  |   By gary7654

    Version: Waterfox (64-Bit) 18.0.1

    Pros

    No more freezing videos or other issues.

    Cons

    There are no cons.

    Summary

    I have windows 7 64 bit. waterfox works much better than firefox on 64 bit machines. I've always preferred firefox for default browser and now with waterfox it works great again.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "It IS fast!"

    March 2, 2013  |  

    Version: Waterfox (64-Bit) 18.0.1

    Pros

    It is very fast. I tried this after getting fed up with IE freezing. Obviously its a Firefox clone but I think that its cooler in blue lol.

    Cons

    Non so far.

    Summary

    I have made this my default browser. I'm impressed with its speed and cos its Firefox it has everything else that you need. Got 64-Bit? Get this.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "FAST, free and easy as Fx to use.!!!"

    February 14, 2013  |   By GCG1000

    Version: Waterfox (64-Bit) 18.0.1

    Pros

    GUI is exactly the same as Fx. Very nice browser.

    Cons

    None at this point.

    Summary

    Worth a shot!

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "AWESOME, BEST BROWSER I'VE EVER USED !! GG MOZILLA"

    February 7, 2013  |   By I_Smell_Burnt_Toast

    Version: Waterfox (64-Bit) 18.0.1

    Pros

    Everything, stuff loads faster for some reason. Videos used to load for a second, now they start up right away. I only installed it yesterday but it has been best browser I've ever used by far, and I've used a lot. I've tried Chrome, Firefox, IE, Opera, and a few more that i can't think of atm. This is the only one of all those browsers that i actually notice a performance difference.

    Cons

    None, everything working perfectly, and FAST!!!

    Summary

    Great product, will probably never switch browsers again. For me to make an account here just to write a review on this product is saying something for me ! Give it a try people you wont' be disappointed !

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

Results 1-4 of 4

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Waterfox (64-Bit)