Privacy Extension Stack: The Exact 5 Extensions to Install

You don't need twenty privacy extensions. Each one adds a little memory use and, depending on its permissions, a little risk. Five well-chosen ones cover the main gaps. Two are from other developers, and three I built for specific problems the big blockers don't handle.

1. An ad and tracker blocker: uBlock Origin Lite

The foundation. It blocks ads and most known trackers using Chrome's Manifest V3 filtering. It's free, open source, and light on resources.

2. A learning tracker blocker: Privacy Badger

Made by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, it watches for third parties that follow you across sites and blocks them, catching some trackers that aren't on filter lists yet. It works alongside uBlock Origin Lite.

3. Cookie banners: Cookie Auto-Reject

Blockers can hide banners, but hiding isn't the same as saying no. Cookie Auto-Reject clicks reject on common consent platforms, so sites record that you declined.

4. IP leaks: WebRTC Privacy Shield

WebRTC can reveal your real IP address, even on a VPN. WebRTC Privacy Shield sets Chrome's WebRTC handling so it can't, with a balanced mode that keeps video calls working.

5. Clipboard access: Clipboard Guard

Some sites read or change what you've copied. Clipboard Guard asks before a site can read your clipboard and tells you when one tries, which matters if you copy passwords or crypto addresses.

Keep the stack healthy

• Install extensions only from the Chrome Web Store, and check who publishes them.
• Review permissions when an extension updates and asks for more.
• Remove anything you stop using. How to audit your extensions walks through it.
• Don't stack several blockers that do the same job; they can conflict and break sites.