The Best Browser Extensions for Privacy and Security 2024

We’ll show you the benefits of different browser extensions for your privacy and security, including VPNs, password managers, and more.

Patti Croft, Author

Steph Trejos, Editor

Last updated Mar 21, 2024

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Browser extensions can not only enhance your browsing experience, they can also enhance your privacy as you browse. A virtual private network (VPN) like Surfshark can mask your IP address to protect you from unsafe networks and hide your online activity. Ad blockers like Total Adblock blocks more than just ads — they can also block trackers from collecting your data.

We’ll cover various types of browser extensions, including VPNs, antivirus, and even free services that can help you maintain your privacy and security online.

In this article

Best VPN extensions
Best password manager extensions
Best ad and tracker blocker extensions
Best antivirus extensions
Best free extensions
How to add extensions to your browser
FAQs on browser extensions for privacy and security
Bottom line

Best VPN extensions

If you use a VPN or are interested in incorporating one into your online security arsenal, we have some recommendations for browser use. A VPN is designed to give you a secure and private internet connection and hide your IP address. Many people who travel use VPNs because they help ensure hackers cannot access their information.

Even if you don’t travel, a VPN is good protection for your home network or when you use public Wi-Fi. Since public networks are not secure, a VPN can mask your internet traffic. We’ve gathered a few of the best VPN browser extensions for your consideration.

Surfshark

4.9

Editorial Rating

On Surfshark's website

VPN

Surfshark

79% off + 2 months free

All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

You’ll get a quality VPN with Surfshark. It’s secure, thanks to features like a kill switch, and comes with extras like smart DNS. A kill switch is a nice plus that allows you to disconnect your device if your VPN connection drops. Smart DNS lets you access content that may not be available in your area and can be used on smart devices.

It also offers an unlimited number of device connections and is compatible with numerous browsers, like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

We must mention that Surfshark is also headquartered in the Nine Eyes alliance territory. These are countries that have agreed to share information with each other, meaning that some of your internet activity may be tracked and recorded for their use.

Get Surfshark | Read Surfshark Review

NordVPN

4.9

Editorial Rating

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Too many confusing plans

With NordVPN, you get a high-security level and fast internet connection speeds. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to keep all your information secure. If you’re looking for an interface that’s easy to use but still includes lots of features, NordVPN won’t disappoint. You’ll get access to a large network with over 6,000 servers, and it works with popular streaming platforms like Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.

There’s no need to be concerned with compatibility either, as this VPN has extensions that work with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

However, Nord offers several plans but no free option. And to get the lowest monthly price, you must pay for one year of service in advance, which could be steep. If price is a concern, other providers like Surfshark may be a better choice.

Get NordVPN | Read NordVPN Review

ExpressVPN

Get ExpressVPN | Read ExpressVPN Review

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN that offers fast speeds and an intuitive interface. It also works with different streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. There’s no shortage of compatibility options, as ExpressVPN is compatible with multiple operating systems, smart devices, and browser support for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

The downside to ExpressVPN is that it’s a little pricey. Plans start at $6.67/mo (billed annually), which is more than Nord and Surfshark. It’s also missing a few of the features we’d like to have, like malware and antivirus protection.

4.6

Editorial Rating

On ExpressVPN's website

VPN

ExpressVPN

Save 49% (3 months free)

Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Best password manager extensions

If you’ve never used a password manager, you may be missing out on important data security. A password manager can store your login credentials securely while keeping a record of your usernames and passwords. Many also store credit card numbers and bank account data. Password managers are good for cybersecurity because most use encrypted storage to prevent hackers from gaining access to your data and threatening your online safety.

NordPass

4.8

Editorial Rating

On NordPass's website

NordPass

50% off + 3 months free

Strong encryption and security
User-friendly interface
Free version is limited to one device at a time

From the makers of NordVPN, NordPass can organize your login credentials, credit cards, safe notes, and more. It includes lots of multi-factor authentication options for better security including authentication apps, security keys, and backup codes to keep all this information safe.

NordPass has extensive compatibility, with extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera.

However, the free plan lacks features like password health to identity weak passwords, data breach scanning, and emergency access. Otherwise, we're pretty impressed by NordPass.

Get NordPass | Read NordPass Review

Roboform

4.7

Editorial Rating

On RoboForm's website

RoboForm

Affordable password manager
No history of data leaks or being hacked
Free plan lacks key features

Roboform has a free version and paid-tier plans. If you get the free version, you’ll have access to features like unlimited password storage, autofill, and a password generator. The paid plans start at $3.98/mo and they come with extras like access on all devices, the ability to grant and receive emergency access, and complete password sharing capabilities.

Roboform's only drawbacks may its hard-to read privacy policy and customer support. The policy webpage uses plain text, so it can be difficult to parse. We also found customer support to be limited, especially if you opt for the free plan, and slow to respond.

Get Roboform | Read Dashlane Review

Keeper

4.5

Editorial Rating

On Keeper's website

Keeper

Password manager with ample security features
The extension works with almost any browser
Autofill may not always work

This password manager works with almost any browser. User data is stored in one vault to keep everything private and secure. Like some other options, Keeper will allow you to store credit card and banking information. It also comes with a security audit feature that shows you if the software considers your password strong enough.

If you’re looking for the downside to this software, it may take some time to learn how to use the interface. Also, the autofill extensions may not always work, and that can be a drag if you’re in a hurry. The pricing is reasonable, though, starting at $2.92/mo for the one-user plan.

Get Keeper | Read Keeper Review

Best ad and tracker blocker extensions

Have you ever wanted to browse the internet anonymously? You might like to rid yourself of those intrusive ads that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Ad and tracker blocking tools can get rid of those ads as well as protect your online privacy.

Total Adblock

4.3

Editorial Rating

On Total Adblock's website

Ad Blocker

Total Adblock

Special deal: Save 75% off

Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
Free version excludes top 15,000 websites

With Total Adblock, you get plenty of features, like security from malicious websites and unwanted ad blocking. The software also lets you manage trusted websites and whitelist sites you want to support.

It’s compatible with some of the most frequently used web browsers, like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, and has an option for iOS and Android devices.

The free version of Total Adblock excludes the top 15,000 websites, so that may not help you block many ads. While using the free version, some users reported frequent pop-ups encouraging an upgrade to the Premium plan, which can be annoying.

Get Total Adblock | Read Total Adblock Review

AdGuard

The AdGuard extension works on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. It also works on multiple platforms, so compatibility is not an issue. If you want a modern interface with software that focuses on private data security, AdGuard is a top product. It also works well for blocking intrusive ads on YouTube and Facebook.

AdGuard has browser compatibility with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Brave, and Yandex.Browser. However, you must use the desktop app rather than the extension to get the most functionality out of the product. This might make some hesitant to download the extension. For instance, if you want faster page loading times, you’ll need the desktop app. The AdGuard welcome page also mentions partial functionality from the extension, which isn’t encouraging.

Read AdGuard Review

Best antivirus extensions

If you don’t use an antivirus, what are you doing with your online life? In all seriousness, antivirus software has become a necessity, with over 450,000 new malware pieces detected every single day. You don’t want to take chances with your internet security, which means you want the best antivirus with the features you need most.

McAfee WebAdvisor

McAfee has been the tried and true standard for many years. You likely won’t find anyone who hasn’t heard of this antivirus.

Its browser extension, McAfee WebAdvisor, also comes with antivirus software and gives you extra browsing security. It blocks malware and phishing sites to give you more peace of mind while online.

If you don’t want to purchase an entire antivirus suite, that’s not a problem. You can download McAfee WebAdvisor for free.

Get McAfee WebAdvisor | Read McAfee+ Premium Review

Norton Safe Web

Since the internet is a sea of online possibilities, it also includes too many online threats to name, such as malicious websites, computer viruses, and spyware. All Norton plans with device security come with Norton Safe Web, a phishing protection browser extension that will let you know how safe a website might be before you even access it. The browser extension analyzes sites you visit to provide you with safety ratings.

Norton Safe Web also comes with online banking protection and phishing protection. It’s compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Get Norton Safe Web | Read Norton 360 Antivirus Review

Bitdefender Traffic Light

Made by the popular Bitdefender antivirus, Traffic Light is a browser extension that provides extra security while online. It’s a free extension that blocks malicious website pages and phishing attempts. It also identifies trackers so you can be aware of those pesky websites trying to keep tabs on your online activities.

Bitdefender Traffic Light works with multiple browsers, like Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox.

Get Bitdefender Traffic Light | Read Bitdefender Total Security Review

Best free extensions

If you’re on a budget and don’t want to buy a browser extension, you’re in luck. Some free products are still good at protecting your web browsing. These options prove that the best ad blockers don’t always come with a hefty price tag.

uBlock Origin

If you’ve ever watched your web browser begin to drag, you know the frustrations of many users. It happens often, especially when numerous tabs are open. We like uBlock Origin because it is designed to give you optimized memory and CPU power usage. That’s a feature many want because it allows for faster page loading time and easier, smoother scrolling.

If that isn’t enough, it’s also promoted as a “wide-spectrum content blocker,” which means it has plenty of features to make you happy but won’t overwhelm you while it does so. You can download uBlock Origin for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera for free.

If there’s anything negative to report, it might be that uBlock Origin could potentially interrupt other security extensions. It is open-source software, so some features require technical knowledge that all users may not possess. We have to give the designers credit, though. These areas will indicate that they’re only suitable for technical users, so you know before you go!

Read uBlock Origin Review

Adblock Plus

Adblock Plus is an ad blocker that is compatible with most platforms, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera. It also works with iOS. Adblock Plus helps speed up page loads because you won’t have the annoying ads to bog the browser down. You’ll also get a whitelisting feature so you can still support the websites you enjoy while blocking ads from other sites.

A potential issue some users have with Adblock Plus is that you need a paid subscription to block videos and not receive survey requests. There are also fewer features for Safari.

Read Adblock Plus Review

Ghostery

Ghostery will prevent websites from tracking your online adventures. It won the 2018 SXSW Interactive Innovation Award for Privacy & Security because of its high ratings.

Ghostery comes with whitelisting and blacklisting options so you can support your favorite creators and block websites you deem unsafe. You can use Ghostery on most platforms, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge. It also has an app extension for iOS and Android devices.

You may want to be cautious when using the extension with Safari, as the performance may be weaker than with other browsers. It’s also not available on Chrome for Android. Otherwise, you get plenty of features for free with this browser extension.

Read Ghostery Review

1Blocker

Many Mac users find that security products either don’t work well for Apple devices or leave certain features exclusive to Windows. 1Blocker is an ad blocker for macOS and iOS, which is appealing to Apple fans. You can customize what kinds of ads, widgets, and comments you see when you’re online. It was built exclusively for Safari and includes a firewall. It’s also fantastic for parents because you can even block adult sites.

The only downside to 1Blocker may be that there are no smart toggles for Safari on iOS, and some app functions didn’t work as well using the ad blocker when we tested it.

Read 1Blocker Review

How to add extensions to your browser

Now, you should learn how to add them to your current web browser. Of course, these steps may vary depending on the browser, but there are some basic steps.

For this example, let’s say you want to add a Chrome extension. Here’s how easy it is to get up and running:

Open the Chrome Web Store.
Look for the Chrome privacy extension you want.
Click Add to Chrome. If the extension asks for permission, grant it.
Click Add extension.

That’s how simple adding an extension is for most browsers. You may need to adjust your privacy settings to give the browser access, but that’s not a hassle and only takes a few seconds.

FAQs on browser extensions for privacy and security

What is the best Chrome extension to stop tracking?

AdLock is a good Chrome extension that is best for stopping social media trackers. That keeps various media types from following your internet usage and creating profiles of your online habits.

Can Chrome extensions be tracked?

By using fingerprinting, you can be tracked online when using a Chrome browser extension. Fingerprinting is the process of learning what makes your device unique and then using that information to identify your internet movements.

Are there unsafe extensions for Chrome?

There are always risks associated with using Chrome extensions. As with any other software, some products are unsafe. Reading reviews helps determine if the software is safe and if other users have had any issues with the product.

How do I optimize Google for maximum privacy?

You can optimize Google for maximum privacy by adjusting your privacy settings. In Chrome, these are under your Settings tab, and you can clear browsing data and change browsing traffic so that it doesn't track your online history.

Bottom line

By now, you see there are numerous extensions available to keep your data private and secure while you’re online, including VPNs, password managers, ad and tracker blockers, and antivirus. The challenge is deciding which browser extensions you may want to try first, but you can't go wrong with any of the options on this list.

If you want to dive deeper into VPNs for browsers, you can read up on the best VPNs for Google Chrome.

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

4.9

Editorial Rating

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft is a seasoned writer specializing in technology, with three years of experience. With a B.S. in Computer Science and a background as a technical analyst and security specialist, she covers a range of topics like data security and parental control software.