As cyber threats grow more sophisticated in 2025, protecting your online activity is no longer optional — it’s essential. Browser extensions offer a fast and effective way to enhance your privacy and secure your data in real-time. From blocking trackers and encrypting connections to stopping malicious scripts, the right tools can drastically reduce your exposure to digital threats. In this guide, we’ve handpicked the 10 best browser extensions for security and privacy that work seamlessly with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and other major browsers.

1. HTTPS Everywhere

Nearly all websites online use either HTTPS or HTTP. As you probably know, HTTPS connections are pretty much more secure than HTTP website configurations.

This is where HTTPS Everywhere comes into the picture which enhances online security and privacy by ensuring that web connections use the secure HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) protocol whenever possible.

It encrypts communications with many major websites, making browsing more secure. When you visit a website, the extension automatically rewrites HTTP URLs to HTTPS whenever a secure connection is available.

Here are some of the features of HTTPS Everywhere:

  • Automatically rewrites HTTP URLs to HTTPS whenever possible
  • Capable of reducing the risk of session hijacking
  • Guarantees Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) protection

HTTPS Everywhere goes beyond basic online protection to deliver data breaches from third parties, including hackers, governments, and internet service providers (ISPs).

Besides, it prevents websites from tracking your browsing history and targeting you with personalized advertising.

HTTPS Everywhere
HTTPS Everywhere

2. Privacy Badger

The internet is awash with invisible trackers. This explains why your browsing sessions are full of personalized adverts and suggestions based on your browsing history. Interestingly, Privacy Badger can help you block these trackers and adverts.

Privacy Badger works by observing the behavior of websites and blocking any third-party trackers that are following you across multiple websites without your permission.

Privacy Badger also blocks trackers that are used to collect your personal information, such as your browsing history, cookies, and device ID.

Here are some of the features of Privacy Badger:

  • Automatically blocks invisible trackers that are following you across multiple websites.
  • Safeguards your personal information.
  • Improves your browsing performance by blocking unnecessary scripts and images.
  • Makes it more difficult for websites to target you with personalized advertising.

Privacy Badger is designed to empower users with control over their online privacy while still allowing non-intrusive content to load. The extension blocks unwanted tracking elements thereby preventing the collection of data without the user’s consent, fostering a more private and secure online experience.

Privacy Badger
Privacy Badger

3. uBlock Origin

Another browser extension that brings together superior ad-blocking and reliable filtering capabilities is uBlock Origin. This free and open-source extension stands out as one of the most popular ad blockers available and is known for its effectiveness and efficiency.

This powerful ad blocker offers a wide variety of features, including ad blocking, cookie blocking, third-party tracker blocking, malware blocking, and customizability. It is undoubtedly the kind of extension you need for top-notch online privacy and security.

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Here are some of the features of uBlock Origin:

  • Blocks nearly all types of ads, including banner ads, video ads, pop-up ads, and pop-under ads.
  • Eliminates cookies on your browser.
  • Effectively blocks third-party trackers.
  • Highly customizable.

uBlock Origin has garnered widespread acclaim for its reliability, efficiency, and commitment to user privacy. With its comprehensive ad and tracker blocking capabilities, compatibility across major browsers, and user-controlled whitelisting features, uBlock Origin stands out as a top choice for individuals seeking to enhance their online browsing experience while prioritizing privacy and security.

uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin

4. DuckDuckGo

Unlike most tools included in this article, DuckDuckGo is not an extension. Instead, is a privacy-focused search engine and browser that prioritizes user anonymity and safety while browsing the internet.

Notably, it is designed to provide a secure and private search experience, free from tracking and data collection.

With additional features like instant answers and bangs for quick searches on other platforms, DuckDuckGo offers a comprehensive and private alternative to mainstream search engines.

Here are some of the features of DuckDuckGo:

  • Accepts anonymous browsing.
  • Provides instant answers to search queries in the form of “zero-click info.
  • Enforces encrypted connections (HTTPS) for all searches.
  • Features a built-in tracker-blocking mechanism.

Launched in 2008, DuckDuckGo distinguishes itself from other search engines by emphasizing user privacy, avoiding personalized search results, and not tracking users across the web.

It offers a variety of features that make it a viable alternative to Google Search, including privacy-focused search results, instant answers, Bangs, and customizable settings.

DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo

5. LastPass

Managing passwords is one of the most challenging undertakings for internet users. You risk losing them to fraudsters or forgetting them. But this nightmare can be a thing of the past if you leverage LastPass. This password manager helps you create, store, and manage passwords.

Here are some of the features of LastPass:

  • Stores and encrypts passwords in a vault.
  • Helps users create strong, randomized passwords.
  • Simplifies the login process by automatically filling in usernames and passwords on websites.
  • Allows users to store and secure sensitive notes like credit card information.
  • Supports two-factor authentication.
  • Conducts security audits, highlighting weak, reused, or compromised passwords.

With features like password generation, cross-platform syncing, and security audits, LastPass addresses the complexities of maintaining strong, unique passwords across various online accounts.

Besides, it offers a variety of other features to help you protect your online security, such as two-factor authentication, secure password sharing, and dark web monitoring.

LastPass
LastPass

6. Disconnect

Disconnect is a browser extension and mobile app that helps you protect your privacy online by blocking third-party trackers, which are invisible trackers that websites use to track your online sessions.

Developed by Disconnect, Inc., this extension is designed to block unwanted tracking elements, enhance page loading speeds, and protect users from various online threats.

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Here are some of the features of Disconnect:

  • Blocks a wide range of tracking elements, including cookies, scripts, etc.
  • Offers an enhanced privacy mode.
  • Protects you from malicious malware websites.
  • Improve page loading speeds.
  • Includes Wi-Fi security features that protect you from potential threats on public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Can whitelist specific websites or elements.

Disconnect will help you block third-party trackers, prevent websites from sharing your data without your permission, and enforce HTTPS encryption whenever possible.

Finally, Disconnect offers a privacy dashboard where you can see how it has protected your data.

Disconnect
Disconnect

7. NoScript

If you are looking for an extension that is dedicated to blocking scripts, NoScript is a perfect choice. The free and open-source browser extension enhances your online security by blocking JavaScript, Java, Flash, and other plugins from running on untrusted websites.

Interestingly, this tool is available on FirefoxSeamonkey, and other Mozilla-based browsers. It stands out as a powerful tool if you want a robust defense against malicious scripts, cross-site scripting attacks, and other web-based security threats.

Here are some of the features of NoScript:

  • Allows you to selectively block JavaScript, Java, Flash, and other executable content on webpages.
  • Protect against XSS attacks by blocking potentially harmful scripts.
  • Includes features to defend against clickjacking.
  • Enforces Content Security Policy (CSP) on websites.
  • Prevents click fraud by blocking scripts that might engage in fraudulent activities.
  • Allows users to block frames and iframes.

NoScript’s whitelist-based approach, anti-XSS security, anti-clickjacking protection, and customizable settings offer a high degree of control and security to users.

While it requires a degree of user involvement to manage the whitelist effectively, NoScript provides a valuable layer of defense against potential security vulnerabilities present on various websites.

NoScript - Browser Extension
NoScript – Browser Extension

8. NordVPN

NordVPN offers an array of features to help you protect your privacy and security online. It encrypts your traffic to ensure that your ISP, government agencies or anyone else does not collect your data or track your activities.

It comes as a browser extension for ChromeFirefox, and Edge and is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV.

Here are some of the features of NordVPN:

  • Encrypts your internet traffic with AES-256 encryption.
  • Features a server network of over 5,500 servers in over 60 countries.
  • Its kill switch component automatically initiates disconnection if your VPN is not connected.
  • Its DNS leak protection feature prevents your DNS requests from leaking outside of the VPN tunnel.
  • The split tunneling component ensures that you can choose which apps to use the VPN on.

NordVPN offers a fast and encrypted internet connection, hiding user data from cybercriminals and providing secure and private access to the internet. Even more, the service includes malware protection, remote file access, and a dark web monitor.

NordVPN Browser Extension
NordVPN Browser Extension

9. Decentraleyes

One of the most common online threats that you will encounter is the chance of content delivery networks (CDNs) tracking your online activities. But you do not have to fret about it as the Decentraleyes browser extension can enhance your online privacy by blocking content delivery networks (CDNs) from tracking your online activities.

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This extension works by replacing CDN requests with local files, reducing the need for external requests and enhancing privacy. More interestingly, it will remarkably improve your website loading times and reduce bandwidth usage while protecting user privacy

Here are some of the features of Decentraleyes:

  • Enhances user privacy by preventing third-party CDNs from tracking users.
  • Eliminates latency and speeds up page loading.
  • You can whitelist specific domains or resources.
  • Automatically updates its locally stored resources.

Decentraleyes is open-source and does not collect any user data, making it a reliable and secure option for individuals seeking to enhance their online privacy.

If you are new to Decentraleyes, I recommend starting by enabling it on a few trusted websites. You can then gradually enable it on other websites as needed.

Decentraleyes
Decentraleyes

10. Malwarebytes

Anyone looking for a browser extension that focuses on malware protection should consider Malwarebytes. This software is dedicated to finding and removing malware, including rogue security software, adware, and spyware.

While a free version of this software exists, you stand to enjoy additional features such as scheduled scans, real-time protection, and a flash-memory scanner with its paid version.

Here are some of the features of Malwarebytes:

  • Features advanced malware detection and removal capabilities.
  • Its real-time protection feature actively monitors the system for potential threats.
  • Can easily block malicious domains and websites.
  • Offers protection against software vulnerabilities.

Malwarebytes is a well-established cybersecurity solution that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in detecting and removing malware. It is often used alongside traditional antivirus software for additional online security.

Also worth noting is that the mobile version of Malwarebytes offers powerful virus protection, an anti-virus cleaner, spam blocker, and VPN features for secure browsing.

Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes

Conclusion:

In a world where your digital footprint is constantly monitored, browser extensions are powerful allies in your fight for privacy and security. The 10 extensions featured here offer a range of protections — from ad blocking and anti-tracking to script control and HTTPS enforcement. Install the ones that fit your needs, keep them updated, and enjoy a safer, more private browsing experience in 2025 and beyond.

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