Browser extensions are one of the simplest ways to block trackers, prevent fingerprinting, and keep advertisers from following you across the web. But Chrome's Manifest V3 migration shook up the landscape in 2025, killing or weakening several popular extensions. Here's what actually works in 2026—and what browser you should be using.
The Manifest V3 Shakeup
In mid-2025, Google fully disabled all Manifest V2 (MV2) extensions in Chrome, forcing developers to rebuild their extensions using the more restrictive Manifest V3 framework. The biggest change: MV3 replaced the powerful webRequest API with declarativeNetRequest, which fundamentally limits how extensions can filter content in real time.
The result: some of the most effective privacy extensions were removed from the Chrome Web Store or had their functionality significantly reduced. Firefox and Brave have committed to maintaining MV2 support, making them the best browsers for full-power privacy extensions.
Our Top Recommendation
If you're serious about browser privacy, use Firefox or Brave. They support the full, unmodified versions of the best privacy extensions. Chrome users will need to settle for reduced-functionality MV3 versions of many tools. PrivacyOn recommends pairing a privacy-focused browser with the extensions below—and removing your data from brokers to address the bigger picture.
1. uBlock Origin — Best Overall Ad and Tracker Blocker
Available on: Firefox, Brave (full version) | Chrome, Edge (Lite version only)
uBlock Origin remains the gold standard for blocking ads, trackers, and malicious scripts. It's lightweight, open-source, and incredibly effective. However, the full version was removed from the Chrome Web Store in late 2024 due to Manifest V3 incompatibility.
Chrome users can only use uBlock Origin Lite, which has over 16 million users but significantly reduced filtering capabilities. The developer has refused to build a full MV3 version, stating it would compromise core principles. If you use Chrome and rely on uBlock Origin, this alone is reason enough to switch to Firefox.
2. Privacy Badger — Best for Automatic Tracker Learning
Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
Developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Privacy Badger takes a unique approach: instead of relying on static blocklists, it learns which trackers follow you across sites and automatically blocks them. Over 2–3 weeks of browsing, it builds a personalized blocklist tailored to your habits.
Privacy Badger adapted to MV3 and continues to work well on Chrome. It's an excellent complement to uBlock Origin rather than a replacement.
3. DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials — Best All-in-One Solution
Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, Opera, mobile
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials bundles multiple privacy features into one extension: tracker blocking, HTTPS enforcement, privacy grades for every website you visit, and automatic cookie consent management. It also defaults your search engine to DuckDuckGo.
For users who want a single install-and-forget privacy extension, DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials is the most user-friendly option available.
4. Ghostery — Best Granular Tracker Control
Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera
Ghostery reveals exactly which trackers are active on every page you visit and lets you block them individually. It has successfully adapted to MV3 and works well on Chrome. Its per-site granular controls make it ideal for users who want to see exactly what's tracking them and make case-by-case decisions.
5. ClearURLs — Best Lightweight Companion
Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge
ClearURLs does one thing well: it strips tracking parameters from URLs automatically. When you click a link that includes UTM tags, Facebook click IDs, or other tracking identifiers, ClearURLs removes them before the page loads. It's lightweight, open-source, and runs entirely locally. Use it alongside a broader blocker like uBlock Origin.
6. Firefox Multi-Account Containers — Best for Compartmentalization
Available on: Firefox only
This Firefox-exclusive extension isolates websites into separate cookie jars. You can put Facebook in one container, work accounts in another, and shopping in a third. Each container has its own cookies, storage, and login sessions—preventing cross-site tracking even without blocking anything.
Multi-Account Containers is especially powerful when combined with the Facebook Container extension, which automatically opens all Facebook-owned sites in an isolated container.
Extensions Are Not Enough
Browser extensions protect you while browsing, but they cannot remove personal information that data brokers have already collected and published. Your name, address, phone number, and other details are already on hundreds of people-search sites. Extensions prevent new tracking—data removal services handle what's already out there.
7. Consent-O-Matic — Best for Cookie Banner Management
Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari
Created by researchers at Aarhus University, Consent-O-Matic automatically rejects non-essential cookies on GDPR consent banners. Instead of clicking through cookie popups dozens of times per day, this extension handles them automatically based on your preferences.
Browser Comparison for Privacy Extensions
Not all browsers support privacy extensions equally:
- Firefox: The best choice for privacy extensions. Full MV2 support, broadest extension compatibility, and exclusive extensions like Multi-Account Containers.
- Brave: Excellent privacy features built in (ad blocking, fingerprint protection, Tor windows). Maintains MV2 support for key extensions.
- Chrome: Most restricted due to MV3 enforcement. Full uBlock Origin is gone. Still works with Privacy Badger, Ghostery, and DuckDuckGo.
- Edge: Similar to Chrome's MV3 restrictions. Some additional telemetry concerns.
- Safari: Limited extension ecosystem overall, though Ghostery and Consent-O-Matic are available.
Our Recommended Setup
For maximum browser privacy, PrivacyOn recommends this combination:
- Firefox or Brave as your primary browser
- uBlock Origin (full version) for ad and tracker blocking
- Privacy Badger for adaptive tracker learning
- ClearURLs for stripping URL trackers
- Multi-Account Containers (Firefox) for site isolation
- PrivacyOn to handle data broker removal—the part extensions can't touch
Beyond the Browser: Remove Your Data
Browser extensions stop new tracking, but your personal data is already published on data broker sites across the internet. PrivacyOn removes your information from 100+ data broker and people-search sites, monitors for re-listings, and scans the dark web for your data. Combined with the right browser extensions, you get comprehensive privacy protection both online and off.
Plans start at $8.33/month with family coverage for up to 5 people.