ExpressVPN vs Firefox VPN Extensions: Which to Choose?

ExpressVPN for Firefox: Quick Setup and ReviewExpressVPN is one of the most widely recognized virtual private network (VPN) services, known for strong encryption, fast servers, and user-friendly apps. This article explains how to set up ExpressVPN for use with Firefox, describes what to expect from the browser extension, examines privacy and performance implications, and offers practical tips and alternatives.

What ExpressVPN for Firefox actually is

ExpressVPN provides two relevant pieces for Firefox users:

• A desktop VPN app that routes all your device’s traffic (including Firefox) through an encrypted VPN tunnel to an ExpressVPN server.
• A Firefox browser extension that acts as a remote control for the desktop app. The extension cannot create a VPN tunnel on its own; it requires the ExpressVPN desktop app to be installed and running. The extension also offers a proxy-only mode on some platforms to route only browser traffic.

Key fact: The Firefox extension is primarily a controller for the full VPN app; it does not independently provide system-wide VPN protection.

Quick setup — step-by-step

1. Sign up and download

   • Create an ExpressVPN account on the ExpressVPN website.
   • Download and install the appropriate ExpressVPN desktop app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).

2. Install the Firefox extension

   • Open Firefox and go to the official ExpressVPN extension page on Mozilla Add-ons.
   • Click “Add to Firefox” and confirm permissions. The extension will appear in your toolbar.

3. Pair the extension with the desktop app

   • Launch the ExpressVPN desktop app and sign in.
   • Open the extension; it should detect the desktop app and pair automatically. Follow any on-screen prompts to allow the connection.

4. Connect and use

   • From the extension you can choose a server location and press “Connect.” This will instruct the desktop app to connect to the selected server.
   • Once connected, your Firefox traffic (and other traffic on the device) is routed through ExpressVPN.

5. Optional: Proxy-only/browser-only mode

   • On platforms and plans that support it, the extension can be set to route only browser traffic through ExpressVPN (a SOCKS5 or HTTPS proxy). This is useful when you want the rest of the device to use the normal network while Firefox uses the VPN.

Features of the Firefox extension

• Remote control of the desktop VPN (connect/disconnect, server selection)
• Location picker and quick-connect button
• Split tunneling / browser-only proxy option (where supported)
• Built-in leak protection when used with the desktop app
• Lightweight interface integrated into Firefox toolbar

Privacy and security considerations

• When used with the desktop app, ExpressVPN offers strong encryption (typically AES-256) and a no-logs policy. ExpressVPN’s extension by itself does not establish the encrypted tunnel; the desktop app does.
• The browser extension requests permission to access browser tabs and requests in order to manage connection status and implement proxying. This is necessary for the extension’s functionality but may be a concern for privacy-minded users who prefer minimal browser permissions.
• DNS/WebRTC leaks: With the desktop app active, ExpressVPN aims to prevent DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks. Test using online leak-test tools if you want to confirm.
• Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which has favorable privacy laws and no mandatory data-retention requirements.

Performance and speed

• Using the desktop app gives the best overall performance because it routes all traffic through optimized native network drivers.
• The extension’s browser-only proxy mode can be slightly faster for browser tasks because it only tunnels browser traffic, but overall speed depends on server distance, local network conditions, and the chosen protocol.
• ExpressVPN consistently ranks high in independent speed tests, but actual throughput varies. If speed is critical, choose a nearby server and try different protocol settings in the desktop app (e.g., Lightway, OpenVPN, or WireGuard where available).

Pros and cons

Practical tips

• Always install the desktop app first, then the Firefox extension; pairing is smoother that way.
• Use the Lightway or WireGuard protocols when available for better speed and latency.
• Enable kill switch (Network Lock in ExpressVPN) in the desktop app to prevent traffic leaks if the VPN disconnects.
• If you only want browser privacy without a system VPN, use the extension’s proxy/browser-only mode, but be aware it may not protect other apps.
• Test for DNS and WebRTC leaks after connecting.

Alternatives and when to choose them

• If you want a browser extension that acts independently (no desktop app required), consider standalone browser VPN extensions like NordVPN’s browser extension (note: many “VPN” extensions are proxies, not full VPNs).
• For strict minimal permissions and open-source preference, consider browser privacy add-ons (uBlock Origin, HTTPS Everywhere) combined with a separate VPN app.
• If budget is a concern, look at lower-cost VPNs with browser extensions, but review independent audits and logging policies first.

Final verdict

ExpressVPN for Firefox is best used as a pair: the ExpressVPN desktop app plus the Firefox extension. The extension makes the VPN convenient to control from the browser and can offer browser-only proxying when needed, but it does not replace the desktop app for system-wide encrypted protection. For most users seeking privacy, speed, and ease of use with Firefox, ExpressVPN (desktop app + Firefox extension) is a solid, reliable choice.