Tool Insights
Home > Tools > Tool Details

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.
Black dot centered on a transparent background.
A red round push button with a white dot in the center on a black base.
Black solid circle on a white background.
Vector illustration of a large white and purple feather.
Purple dot on a transparent gray grid background.
White dot on a solid black background.

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 features compared to Others
Clean interface Less feature depth than others
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.
White cursor pointer clicking on a blue dotted line with a small blue square at the end.
Black square with a fine white pixel border on a transparent background.
White scientific dot or connector symbol on a transparent background.
White circle with black dots scattered unevenly inside, resembling Braille pattern.

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).
Black dot centered on a white background.
Black dot on a white background.
Black circle with a white dot in the center on a transparent background.
White dot on a solid black background.
Black dot centered on a white square background.
Blue circle with a white checkmark in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about this tool’s features, usage ,Compares, and support to get started with confidence.

What is Ghostery and what does it offer?
Plus sign icon with small dots forming a grid inside the shape.

Ghostery is a privacy and ad-blocking browser extension designed to help users detect, block, and control online trackers. It improves browsing speed while enhancing privacy and transparency.

How does Ghostery protect user privacy?
Green circle with a white plus sign in the center.

Ghostery identifies trackers, scripts, and ads running on websites and allows users to block them. By limiting data collection, it helps reduce tracking and protects personal information while browsing.

Is Ghostery easy to use?
Mathematical equation with a large plus sign highlighted in yellow background.

Yes, Ghostery is beginner-friendly with a clean and intuitive interface. Users can enable automatic blocking or customize settings easily without needing technical knowledge.

Can Ghostery be used with other privacy tools?
White plus sign on a transparent background.

Yes, Ghostery works well alongside VPNs, secure browsers, and other privacy extensions, providing an additional layer of online privacy and security.

Who should use Ghostery and what are the benefits?
Mathematical puzzle image showing a 9+4=2 equation with colorful number tiles on a blue grid background.

Ghostery is ideal for users who value online privacy and faster browsing. Benefits include reduced tracking, improved page load speeds, better control over data sharing, and a more private web experience.

Ghostery
White text reading 'COMING SOON' on a dark blue background with scattered light particles and a glowing horizontal light effect.
#Privacy #TrackingProtection #Security
Free
Security, Privacy & Backup

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

Five white stars in green squares indicating a five-star rating.
8.07.2021
Trustpilot company logo featuring a green star above the word Trustpilot in white on a dark background.

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

Smiling young man with short brown hair wearing a white shirt, set against a dark blue background with yellow circular patterns.
Tom W.
Marketing Manager
trustplilot-img
06/10/2025
Trustpilot logo featuring a green star above the white text 'Trustpilot' on a dark blue circular background.

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

Smiling young man with dark hair and light facial hair on a dark blue background with yellow circular accents.
Alex Carter
Freelancer
Five white stars in green squares representing a five-star rating.
03/09/2025
Trustpilot logo featuring a green star above the word 'Trustpilot' on a dark blue circular background.

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

Smiling man with beard and glasses wearing a gray suit jacket and white shirt against a light gray background.
Ryan Blake
SaaS Consultant
Five white stars on green squares indicating a five-star rating.
12/08/2025
Trustpilot logo with a green star and white text on a dark background.

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

Smiling young woman with long brown hair wearing a gray blazer and white shirt against a plain light background.
Sarah Mitchell
GrowthWave Agency