The 20 Best Privacy and Security Extensions
A data-driven list of the best browser extensions for Privacy & Security. We analyzed user ratings, popularity, and update frequency to bring you the most reliable tools available.
Last updated: December 27, 2025
Privacy extensions are essential tools for anyone looking to regain control over their online experience. They work by actively blocking unwanted trackers and advertisements that follow you across the web. This not only speeds up your browsing but also prevents companies from building detailed profiles of your online behavior.
Many extensions go further, offering to reroute your internet traffic to mask your IP address. This can give you access to geo-restricted content and provide a layer of anonymity. Tools like Hola VPN - Your Website Unblocker aim to simplify this process.
For those primarily concerned with intrusive ads and the data they collect, extensions like AdBlock — block ads across the web and Adblock Plus - free ad blocker are highly effective. They remove annoying banners and pop-ups, making browsing cleaner and more focused.
These extensions act as your first line of defense against pervasive online surveillance and unwelcome interruptions. Regularly using them is a practical step towards a more secure and private internet experience.
How This List Was Made
Our "Best of" lists are generated using a comprehensive, weighted scoring system. We analyze user ratings, giving them a 40% weight to reflect overall user satisfaction. The total number of active users contributes 35%, indicating widespread adoption and proven utility. The ratio of reviews to users, weighted at 15%, ensures rating reliability by confirming sufficient user feedback. Finally, recent update frequency accounts for 10%, prioritizing well-maintained extensions.
