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Privacy Badger

Privacy Badger is a free browser extension developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) that automatically detects.

Our take: Privacy Badger is a 100% free, open-source tracker blocker from the Electronic Frontier Foundation that learns which domains spy on you across sites and blocks them — without relying solely on static lists.

Best forIndividuals concerned about online privacy and digital surveillance, users who want to automatically block behavioral advertising trackers, and those looking for a lightweight, list-free tracking blocker
ReviewedPricing: Free
7.8 out of 105 criteria · see breakdown
Try PrivacyFree (open source, no paid tiers ever)
The bottom line

The gold-standard free tracker blocker for privacy-conscious users who want set-and-forget protection backed by the EFF.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isPrivacy Badger — free EFF browser extension that algorithmically blocks behavioral trackers.
Our takePrivacy Badger is a 100% free, open-source tracker blocker from the Electronic Frontier Foundation that learns which domains spy on you across sites and blocks them — without relying solely on static lists.
There are no paid tiers, no premium features, and no subscription whatsoever. It's a pure public-interest privacy tool, actively maintained in 2026 with Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal support added in recent versions.
Why we rate itEFF's decades-long reputation in digital rights makes Privacy Badger uniquely trustworthy — it holds no ad-industry deals and its blocking decisions are transparent, user-adjustable, and verifiable in open source.
The catchNot a full ad blocker; sites that bundle ads with first-party code may still show ads.
The learning model needs browsing time to identify new or rare trackers, and it occasionally over-blocks benign third-party embeds, requiring a manual slider toggle to fix.

Best / not good for

Best for
  • Privacy-first users wanting automatic, list-free tracker blocking
  • Open-source and EFF supporters who value transparent, auditable code
  • Users pairing it with an ad blocker for layered privacy protection
Not good for
  • Users wanting complete ad removal (uBlock Origin is better)
  • High-risk users needing advanced anonymity (use Tor Browser)
  • Enterprise or managed browser deployments requiring central policy controls
Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

  1. Time to value
    Fast: one-click install; blocking starts immediately with no configuration required.
  2. Scale breakpoint
    N/A — single-user browser extension; no multi-seat or team concept; each user installs independently.
  3. Walled garden
    Low: fully open source; settings exportable; no account, no sign-in, no lock-in.
Still a fit?
If none of these block you, start on the free plan.
Try Privacy

A look inside

Privacy Badger product screenshot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Privacy Badger and what does it offer?

Privacy Badger is a privacy-focused browser extension developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) that helps automatically block online trackers which monitor user behavior across websites.

How does Privacy Badger protect user privacy?

Privacy Badger identifies and blocks third-party trackers and scripts that attempt to follow users without consent. It learns as you browse and stops trackers that appear to be spying on your activity.

Is Privacy Badger easy to use?

Yes, Privacy Badger is simple and beginner-friendly. Once installed, it runs automatically in the background and does not require manual setup or technical knowledge.

Can Privacy Badger work alongside other privacy tools?

Yes, Privacy Badger works well with other privacy and security tools such as secure browsers, VPNs, and HTTPS-focused extensions, providing an added layer of protection.

Who should use Privacy Badger and what are the benefits?

Privacy Badger is ideal for users who want more control over online tracking. It helps reduce invasive tracking, improves browsing privacy, and allows users to surf the web with greater confidence and transparency.

Alternatives

  • Step up

    uBlock Origin for full ad and tracker blocking with fine-grained list control.

  • Lighter alternative

    DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials for simpler all-in-one privacy protection in a single extension.

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Tags

#AdBlocker#Privacy#BrowserExtension

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