Browser
Recommendations
The only browser I can safely recommend is Librewolf. Other forks of Firefox are slow with security updates, and Firefox itself is becoming an AI browser. The problem with Librewolf is that it is very heavily focused on privacy, and unusable for laymen by default. It clears cookies on close, which means logging you out of every website, etc.
I personally am using Zen browser but can't recommend it, for the reason above. I am also considering switching to Librewolf. If I ever switch to Librewolf, I will create a config that is much more useable for laymen and will explain how to apply it.
EDIT:
I made a LibreWolf config here (docs)! Read the librewolf.overrides.cfg carefully before using it.
Extensions
I recommend running a few extensions to make your life better on the internet:
uBlock Origin
Best adblock extension on the market. Use this one, not any other. You can consider Ad Nauseam instead, but I recommend this one.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/
ClearURLs
This extension removes tracking elements from URLs.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/clearurls/
Decentraleyes
This blocks website from requesting well-know websites (Google Hosted Libraries) for JS libraries and instead serves them locally. This addon complements adblockers like uBlock Origin.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/decentraleyes/
Privacy Badger
Block and learns to block hidden trackers.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/privacy-badger17/
Consent-O-Matic
Automagically denies cookies on most websites.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/consent-o-matic/
CanvasBlocker
If not using LibreWolf or having enabled WebGL in LibreWolf, I recommend installing it. It prevents website from accessing a few things, like WebGL.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/canvasblocker/
Don't Track Me Google
Removes Google's link conversion to see on which websites you clicked.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/dont-track-me-google1/
SponsorBlock
Automagically skip sponsors (and more with some config) on YouTube videos.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/sponsorblock/
Unhook
Remove all kinds of things from YouTube like shorts, comments, suggestions, etc.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-recommended-videos/
YouTube No Translation
Disable auto-translation of titles, audio, descriptions, etc.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-no-translation/
FastStream Video Player
Replaces your video player on streaming websites with a good one.
Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/faststream/