Browser extensions
This articles lists browser extensions available for both Firefox and Chromium.
Contents
Privacy
This section lists cross-browser privacy extensions, browser-specific extensions are in Firefox/Privacy#Extensions and Chromium/Tips and tricks#Privacy extensions.
Content blockers
uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is a lightweight, efficient blocker which is easy on memory and CPU. It comes with several filter lists ready to use out-of-the-box (including EasyList, Peter Lowe's, several malware filter lists).
The lead developer of uBlock forked the project and created uBlock Origin. As of July 2015, most of the development is being done on uBlock Origin and the codebases are deviating substantially.
Adblock Plus
Adblock Plus was a popular extension to block ads. Now that it is not blocking some ads on purpose [1], it may be a better idea to use a different blocker like #uBlock Origin.
Advanced control
uMatrix
uMatrix is forked and refactored from HTTP Switchboard. It allows you to selectively block Javascript, plugins or other resources and control third-party resources. It also features extensive privacy features like user-agent masquerading, referering blocking and so on. It effectively replaces NoScript and RequestPolicy. See the old HTTP Switchboard wiki for different ways how to use it.
Cookie AutoDelete
Cookie AutoDelete is an extension that deletes cookies as soon as the tab closes. Supports automatic and manual cookie cleaning modes. (Support for clearing LocalStorage was added in version 2.1, but only for Firefox versions 58+. The same release added support for first party isolation, but only for Firefox versions 59+).
ScriptSafe
ScriptSafe is a browser extension that gives users control of the web and more secure browsing while emphasizing simplicity and intuitiveness.
Automatic tracker blockers
Privacy Badger
Privacy Badger is an extension by the EFF that monitors third-party trackers loaded with web content. It blocks trackers once they appear on different sites. It does not block advertisements in the first place, but since a lot of ads are served based on tracking information these are blocked as well. For more information on the mechanism, see its FAQ.
Disconnect
Disconnect is a open source project aimed at stopping 2,000 third-party sites from tracking a user. It encrypts data sent to popular sites and claims to loads web pages 27 percent faster. Disconnect shows its users, in real time, how many tracking attempts from Google, Twitter, Facebook, and more are stopped. It categorizes tracking attempts into advertising, analytical, social, and content, which makes it easy to monitor how one is being tracked.
Disconnect can also stop side-jacking, which utilizes stolen cookies to steal personal data. It is easy to use and well supported.
Noise generators
AdNauseam
AdNauseam is a lightweight browser extension that blends software tool and artware intervention to fight back against tracking by advertising networks. AdNauseam works like an ad-blocker (it is built atop uBlock-Origin) to silently simulate clicks on each blocked ad, confusing trackers as to one's real interests [2].
TrackMeNot
TrackMeNot periodically issues randomized search-queries to popular search engines and helps you hide your real ones in a cloud of 'ghost' queries.
Miscellaneous
HTTPS Everywhere
HTTPS Everywhere is an extension which encrypts your communication with a website. It forces a connection over HTTPS instead of HTTP wherever possible.
HTTPS Everywhere will be automatically configured and enabled upon restarting Firefox. For information on how to set up your own rules for different websites please visit the official website.
Decentraleyes
Decentraleyes protects you against tracking through "free", centralized, content delivery. It prevents a lot of requests from reaching networks like Google Hosted Libraries, and serves local files to keep sites from breaking. Complements regular content blockers.
Privacy Settings
Privacy Settings provides a toolbar panel for easily altering the browser's built-in privacy settings.
Website customization
Websites can be augmented using user style sheets and JavaScript userscripts.
- Stylus – user style sheets manager, fork of defunct Stylish
- Violentmonkey – open source userscript manager
- Tampermonkey – proprietary userscript manager
Keyboard shortcuts
There are various extensions providing vi-style keyboard shortcuts.