If you're considering switching from Chrome to Firefox — or have switched and are figuring out what's different — here's a practical migration guide covering everything that actually matters.
Passwords
Option 1: Import from Chrome
Firefox → Settings → "Import Browser Data" → Chrome → Passwords.
This works cleanly. Your saved passwords appear in Firefox's built-in password manager (Settings → Privacy & Security → Saved Logins).
Option 2: Switch to Bitwarden
The better long-term move: use Bitwarden instead of either browser's native password manager. It works in both browsers, is open source, and isn't tied to a browser vendor. Import your Chrome passwords to Bitwarden → use Bitwarden in Firefox.
Bookmarks
Firefox → Settings → "Import Browser Data" → Chrome → Bookmarks.
Bookmarks import cleanly. They'll appear under "From Chrome" in your Firefox bookmarks.
Extensions
Most major Chrome extensions have Firefox equivalents on AMO. Check each extension individually — the Firefox version may be slightly different in UI but functionally equivalent.
Extensions with no Firefox version: rare, but some niche developer tools exist only on Chrome. Check the AMO store first before assuming an extension doesn't exist.
Chrome DevTools vs. Firefox DevTools
If you're a developer, you'll notice differences in DevTools. Firefox DevTools is competitive and has some unique features (better CSS Grid inspector, shareable performance profiles). The layout is different but you'll adapt in a week.
What Firefox Does Better Out of the Box
Tracking Protection: Firefox's Enhanced Tracking Protection is on by default. Chrome's equivalent (Privacy Sandbox) is more limited.
Multi-Account Containers: No equivalent in Chrome. Install from AMO: Multi-Account Containers.
Reader View: Built in, press F9. Chrome doesn't have a native equivalent.
Picture-in-Picture: Built in, right-click any video. Chrome added this later.
Privacy Badger + uBlock Origin combo: Both work better with Firefox's enhanced tracking protection than with Chrome.
The New Tab Situation
Chrome's new tab shows Google Search and frequently visited sites. Firefox's shows sponsored shortcuts and top sites — you'll want to disable sponsored shortcuts immediately (Settings → Home → Uncheck "Sponsored shortcuts").
If you want weather and world clocks as your new tab (instead of just a search box), Weather & Clock Dashboard is a clean replacement. MIT licensed, no account, shows live weather + 3-day forecast + world clocks + search.
Sync
If you were using Chrome Sync, your history/bookmarks/passwords are in Google's cloud. Firefox Sync uses a different account (Firefox Account) with E2E encryption by default.
The migration: import from Chrome, then set up Firefox Sync for future cross-device sync.
Timeline
Most people are fully comfortable in Firefox within a week of switching. The main adjustment period is:
- First day: DevTools and bookmark bar feel different
- Days 2-3: You'll reach for Chrome-specific extensions; find Firefox equivalents
- By day 7: The setup is normalized and the privacy benefits are just... the baseline
The most common reason people switch back: a specific work tool (like a Google Workspace app) that runs noticeably better in Chrome. If that's your workflow, a hybrid is fine: Chrome for that one tool, Firefox as your primary browser.
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