The 17 Best Chrome Privacy & Security Extensions

How to Add Chrome Extensions

Adding extensions to Google Chrome is very simple. To do so:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store
2. Click Extensions in the left-hand menu

3. Find the extension you’d like to add

4. Click Add to Chrome

5. Review the permissions you’re giving the extension, and if you’re happy with it, click Add extension  

6. The extension will now be added as a button on your toolbar.  

The 17 Best Google Chrome Privacy & Security Extensions

When it comes to privacy and security, more than one type of app fits the bill. From virtual private networks (VPNs) to add-blockers, there are several extensions that can help keep your data private and secure.

So, here are the 17 best privacy and security extensions for the Google Chrome browser, in no particular order.  

1. uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is one of the most trustworthy and best Chrome extensions for privacy. The creators of uBlock Origin call it a “wide-spectrum content blocker” rather than an ad blocker.  

With a huge amount of customizability, users who want the deepest privacy protection can achieve it. However, it also provides an Easy Mode for less technical users that provides most of the features without much work required on the user’s part.  

2. XQ Secure Gmail

XQ Secure Email is an email-based extension that lets you encrypt and track messages in Gmail and Outlook. By using XQ Secure Mail, you ensure that the contents of your messaging remain private and secure, inaccessible to unauthorized third parties.  

This is especially useful for businesses since email compromise has become one of the most common cyberattacks performed on businesses. XQ can also notify you when an attack occurs, letting you respond quickly and reducing the damage the hacker is able to do.

3. TeamPassword

TeamPassword is an effective password-sharing solution for collaborative teams that need to juggle multiple logins. With a cloud-based platform, you are able to easily share access to your apps, tools, and services so that your team has instantaneous access wherever they are.  

With a Google sign-in feature and browser extension capabilities, TeamPassword gives one-click access to their accounts without interrupting their workflow.  

Further, TeamPassword introduces additional security to team logins. It produces randomized, unique, complex passwords on request and acts as a password manager, storing your passwords securely so that you don’t have to.

4. Ghostery

The Ghostery Privacy Suite is a collection of tools (many of which are free) that you can use to block trackers and ads and boost your privacy online. The Ghostery privacy extension is one of the most popular ad-blockers used today.  

Ghostery can block trackers from ad networks, site analytics, customer interactions, social media, and more.

However, some aspects of Ghostery are less than ideal. For example, their Human Web and Ghostery Rewards services collect data from users (though it remains anonymous) for use in advertising and promotions.  

Ghostery costs $4.99 per month, but the Chrome browser extension is free.

5. Windows Defender Browser Protection

The Windows Defender extension is an anti-phishing, anti-malware service provided by Microsoft. It is one of the best Chrome extensions for safety and helps protect you from malicious links in emails and websites, and prevents you from downloading malware from dangerous websites.

Windows Defender Browser Protection also provides you with a real-time indicator of harmful sites according to their continuously up-to-date database of socially engineered sites.

6. AdBlocker Ultimate

AdBlocker Ultimate blocks ads on all websites, features anti-malware and anti-tracking capabilities, and improves browser performance by removing unwanted content.  

AdBlocker Ultimate includes the Ultimate Privacy Filter, which helps you block an extensive list of online trackers. Further, the extension blocks domains that are known for spreading malware, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs.

7. SiteJabber

SiteJabber is the leading website for online business reviews. They feature a community of users who input their opinions and experiences of different online businesses so that other users can determine the safety and validity of the sites they visit.  

The SiteJabber extension lets you access reviews and ratings for every website you visit. This helps you determine which sites are safe and secure by alerting you with a red, yellow, and green light system.

8. Click&Clean

Click&Clean is a secure Chrome extension that helps you delete your browsing data, open windows, search history, cookies, downloads, form data, temporary files, caches, and more from your web browser.  

With one click, Click&Clean helps you protect your private data. It also helps you find privacy issues (such as online trackers) and manage your cookies so that third parties don’t have access to your browsing data.

9. uMatrix

uMatrix is a point-and-click matrix-based firewall – but what does that mean? Essentially, it allows you to prevent or allow requests to your browser that are made from the websites you visit. This includes things like scripts, iframes, and adverts that can result in a frustrating user experience, or worse, steal your private data.

10. Blurweb.app  

Blurweb.app is an extension that lets you blur images, text, and other website elements with a single click so that you can share your screen without giving away private information. The extension lets you control blur intensity, maintain blurred areas even if you reload pages, and hide tab titles if desired.

11. PrivacyBadger

Privacy Badger is a Chrome extension that automatically learns to detect and block hidden trackers while you browse. It also sends the Global Privacy Control signal to help you opt out of data sharing agreements, and prevents websites from tracking you using the Do Not Track signal. Trackers who ignore these requests will be blocked immediately.

12. ExpressVPN

The ExpressVPN Chrome extension helps you spoof your location and access international content easily from your browser. ExpressVPN prevents websites and HTML5 from discovering your IP address and location, helping you to maintain your privacy online.

13. Malwarebytes Browser Guard

Malwarebytes Browser Guard blocks trackers, pop-ups, and browser hijackers, and filters unwanted ads and content (like credit card skimmers). It also prevents you from accessing known malicious websites.  

Malwarebytes Browser Guard also has the world-first feature of being able to detect and block tech support scams.

14. DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

DuckDuckGo is a well-known search engine that gives users control over their privacy by preventing filter bubbles and blocking content farms. Privacy Essentials is their web browser add-on that helps block third-party trackers from websites that you visit.

Further, DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials displays a Privacy Grade for each website, indicating how trustworthy it really is. When used in conjunction with the DuckDuckGo search engine, it helps protect your search history, as well.

15. Unshorten.link

Link-shortening services like Bit.ly and Tiny.cc introduce trackers into the link so that the owner can monitor who opened their links. With the Unshorten.link Chrome extension, any link you click will be automatically expanded and any trackers will be automatically removed.

16. NoScript

The NoScript Chrome extension only allows certain elements (like JavaScript, Flash, Java, and other executable content) to run with your permission. This preemptive approach prevents hackers and scammers from exploiting many security vulnerabilities, effectively protecting your data online.

17. Clario Secure Browsing

Clario Secure Browsing is our very own privacy and security extension for Google Chrome. It helps you avoid malicious websites, block annoying ads and online trackers that spy on your browsing habits, and block browser notifications.

With Clario Secure Browsing, you can browse without pesky interruptions and know that your activity isn’t being tracked. If you accidentally open a dangerous website, Clario will alert you so that you can avoid any malicious code embedded within.  

Also, simply click the Clario Secure Browsing icon to see a report for the website you’re visiting – it will tell you if anything is wrong.  

Pros of Clario Secure Browsing:

• Free and powerful ad and tracker blocker
• Easy to set up and use – get it once and put your mind at ease
• Completely private – Clario won’t collect or sell your data

Final Thoughts

Staying safe online is becoming harder every year as scams and cyberattacks become more common and sophisticated. And with the average user spending so much time browsing the web, preventing websites from accessing your data is the best way to stay secure.  

That’s where Clario can help. The Clario Secure Browsing Chrome extension blocks unsafe sites and trackers that are trying to spy on your online activity.