Mozilla is reinventing Firefox for Android, and you can test the new version now

Taking the fight to Chrome

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Mozilla is overhauling Firefox for Android, and it’s giving you an early peek. A test version of the next-gen browser,Firefox Preview, is now available to download from theGoogle Play Storeso you can try it for yourself

Firefox Preview borrows several features fromFirefox Focus– a lean mobile browser designed for privacy and productivity – but not quite so pared-back.

Both browsers use the same GeckoView engine, whereas most mobile browsers use Blink – the engine used by Google Chrome. Mozilla claims that switching to GeckoView gives it more independence because it’s no longer limited by Google’s preferences (which are based on its commercial interests).

“Building Firefox for Android on GeckoView also results in greater flexibility in terms of the types of privacy and security features we can offer our mobile users,” Mozilla said in a press release.

Sleek and simple

Firefox Preview also takes several design cues from Focus, including a minimalist, uncluttered design. Unlike Focus, however, it offers a choice of light or dark interfaces (which you can choose manually or set to respect your Android settings).

There are also some more significant differences. One of the most noticeable ones is the search/URL bar, which appears at the bottom of the screen rather than the top. In our experience this takes a little getting used to, but does make it easier to focus on the content you’re reading. A pull-up tab above the URL bar provides quick links for bookmarking or sharing the current page.

Another new feature is Collections, which let you save a set of related sites in a named group for quick access (a form of bookmarks, but more organized),

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

The final, polished version of the new Android browser will be available to download later this year. We’ll keep you updated when we know the exact date.

Cat is TechRadar’s Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She’s been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she’s a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.

WhatsApp will soon help you spot misinformation – here’s how

Google Messages on Android could soon get a big photo-sharing boost

I review TVs for a living and this record-low price on the Hisense U8N is one of the best early Black Friday deals I’ve seen