Waterfox is touted as a privacy-focused web browser, derived from the Firefox source code, aiming to maintain a balance between speed and user privacy. Users appreciate the absence of intrusive elements that might come from Mozilla, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking a more minimalistic experience. The comments highlight a desire for a browser that retains essential features while removing potentially privacy-infringing components. This makes Waterfox a straightforward option for users unhappy with recent changes in Firefox, especially around privacy policies.