#Privacy #TrackingProtection #Security
Free
Security, Privacy & Backup

Ghostery

Description

Ghostery is a privacy-focused browser extension and application that detects and blocks tracking technologies.
Ghostery empowers users to browse the web with greater privacy and security by revealing the often-hidden network of trackers, ads, and analytics scripts deployed by third parties on virtually every website. It provides a detailed view of these technologies, allowing users to selectively block them, thereby preventing data collection and enhancing page loading speed. Beyond basic ad blocking, Ghostery focuses on identifying and managing the multitude of tracking entities that monitor user behavior, making it a critical tool for digital privacy advocates.

Key Applications

  • Privacy Protection: Prevents third-party trackers from collecting browsing data and building user profiles.
  • Ad Blocking: Eliminates intrusive advertisements, leading to a cleaner browsing experience.
  • Performance Improvement: Speeds up page load times by blocking unnecessary scripts and ads.
  • Digital Transparency: Offers insights into the trackers present on any given webpage, fostering informed decisions.

Who It’s For

Ghostery is ideal for internet users who prioritize online privacy, seek to avoid targeted advertising, and desire a faster, cleaner browsing experience. It's particularly useful for individuals concerned about data collection by ad tech companies, marketers, and analytics providers, as well as for those who want granular control over their digital footprint.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
✔️ Provides deep insights into all detected trackers on a page. ✖️ Can occasionally break website functionality or content display.
✔️ Offers granular control to block specific trackers or entire categories. ✖️ Premium features (like VPN, anti-phishing) require a paid subscription.
✔️ Effectively blocks ads and improves page loading speeds by removing bloat. ✖️ May consume more browser resources compared to simpler ad blockers.
Pros Cons
Very beginner-friendly Limited backlink data compared to Ahrefs
Clean interface Less feature depth than Semrush
Helpful community and resources Can feel slower at scale

How It Compares

  • Versus uBlock Origin: Ghostery offers detailed insights into specific trackers and companies, while uBlock Origin is often praised for its ultra-lightweight resource usage and highly efficient blocking of ads and trackers through filter lists.
  • Versus Privacy Badger: Ghostery provides more direct control over individual trackers detected on a page. Privacy Badger, developed by the EFF, automatically learns and blocks trackers based on their behavior, offering a more hands-off approach to privacy.
  • Versus Brave Browser: While Brave has built-in ad and tracker blocking, Ghostery can be used as an additional layer of protection or within other popular browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) to achieve similar privacy benefits without switching browsers entirely.

Bullet Point Features

  • Tracker and Ad Blocking: Comprehensive blocking of advertising, analytics, and social media trackers.
  • Tracker Insights: Reveals the types of trackers present on a website and the companies behind them.
  • Blocking Control: Allows users to block or unblock individual trackers, categories of trackers, or all trackers globally.
  • Anti-Tracking Protection: Prevents companies from monitoring user behavior across websites.
  • Enhanced Privacy Features: Offers additional tools like anti-phishing, anti-malware, and VPN services in its premium suite (Ghostery Midnight).

Disclosure

All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners. Use is for educational and informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement. Links are to third-party sites not affiliated with Barndoor AI. Please see our Terms & Conditions for additional information.

Reviews from Our Users

Ghostery
8.07.2021
Ghostery

"Overall, I like the core features, but the mobile UI still feels a bit clunky. Hope they fix this in future updates."

Ghostery
Tom W.
Marketing Manager
trustplilot-img
06/10/2025
Ghostery

"Their support team actually listens to feedback! I’ve seen new features added within weeks. That’s impressive.''

Ghostery
Alex Carter
Freelancer
03/09/2025
Ghostery

"Some advanced options take a bit of time to understand, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly powerful."

Ghostery
Ryan Blake
SaaS Consultant
Ghostery
12/08/2025
Ghostery

"I’ve tried several similar tools, but this one stands out for its clean interface and automation features. Totally worth the subscription."

Ghostery
Sarah Mitchell
GrowthWave Agency