Chrome is fast, capable, and one of the best browser options when convenience matters. However, it’s not the most privacy-focused browser, and relying on Chrome alone isn’t enough for online privacy.
So, I started using some extensions as part of my Chrome privacy setup. Each one addresses a different privacy concern, ensuring I stay protected as I browse the web. If you’re not planning on ditching Chrome for other privacy options, you can use these same extensions.
Bitwarden
Secure, encrypted passwords without the chaos
Managing passwords is a critical task, and if done wrong, it could threaten your online and data security. Even though most browsers have built-in password managers, I never let my browser handle my passwords. Chrome’s built-in vault, for instance, is not as private as I would like. It holds credentials linked to your Google account, and these are visible across devices and could potentially get exposed if your account is compromised. I prefer a tool that centralizes passwords safely, without tethering them to big tech.
Bitwarden fills the gap, and it has a Chrome extension that is unobtrusive. It generates high-entropy passwords that I would not be able to remember on my own. Bitwarden also offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring only I can read my vault even if I use it across several devices.
However, what’s most notable is how effortless it is to use. It autofills forms and makes choosing unique, strong passwords across sites easy. It locks down an aspect of my digital life while disappearing into my workflow. The core features are free to use.
uBlock Origin Lite
Lightweight, low-resource content blocking for Chrome
A relentless flood of trackers, ads, and malicious scripts could be the biggest threat to privacy and performance online. There are several ad blockers, but many are heavy, intrusive, or tied to “acceptable ads” programs. I stick to uBlock Origin Lite, created by the developers of the original uBlock Origin. It offers fast, reliable protection, adapts to Manifest V3, and does not bloat system resources.
It uses declarative filtering, so the extension doesn’t need to run scripts constantly; the browser applies the rules. This implementation keeps CPU and memory use to a minimum while the extension effectively cuts the vast majority of unwanted network requests. The backbone of its protection comes from industry-standard lists like EasyList and EasyPrivacy.
uBlock Origin Lite sacrifices certain advanced dynamic filters from the original uBlock Origin. However, it effectively restores page speed lost to ads, avoids clutter, and shields you from trackers. It is an install-and-forget layer of security.
Privacy Badger
Smart, adaptive tracker-blocking from the EFF
The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Privacy Badger observes how third-party domains behave as you browse. Unlike list-based blockers that rely on pre-compiled lists, Privacy Badger detects domains tracking your activity across multiple sites and intervenes promptly, making it the perfect complement for tools like uBlock Origin Lite.
Privacy Badger recognizes domains that repeatedly use cookies, local storage, or other tracking techniques as non-consensual trackers, and blocks them without breaking pages. It is also smart and will learn and adapt to your specific browsing habits, offering you tailored protection.
Even though it is an install-and-forget extension, it offers a visual guide. Green indicates safe, yellow shows partially blocked domains, and red indicates fully blocked domains. This color code makes online tracking understandable and gives you an idea of how surveillance ecosystems work in real time.
This extension also sends Global Privacy Control (GPC) and Do Not Track signals that request companies honor your privacy preferences.
Decentraleyes
Local CDN protection that shields you from hidden tracking
Many modern websites run essential scripts from CDNs like Google Hosted Libraries. This is great for accelerating development, but it allows the CDN operators to track visits across websites that use their hosted files.
Decentraleyes is my favorite Chrome extension to cut off this tracking. Rather than allowing the website to request these scripts, it blocks the call and serves a local, bundled copy instantly. The local resources are included in the extension, making sure that the pages you visit remain fully functional while keeping your data offline. This reduces IP exposure and fingerprint leakage.
Decentraleyes is open source and complements the other extensions in my security stack, quietly removing a tracking category that is easy to overlook.
PrivacyRedirect+
Turn Big Tech links into private, tracker-free alternatives
PrivacyRedirect+ has a unique approach to privacy and security. Rather than merely blocking surveillance, it aims to avoid it entirely. Once the extension is enabled, you’re redirected to a more privacy-respecting, open-source front-end when you click a link meant for YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, or Google Maps.
You’ll still be viewing the same content. However, your browser won’t be connecting to the original platform’s tracking infrastructure. This enables you to bypass fingerprinting, behavioral profiling, and silent data harvesting where they may be happening.
The benefit of using this extension is that you can browse seamlessly without any change to your workflow, while also cutting off potential privacy leaks. This extension is one of the lesser-known privacy options I love to include in my Chrome setup.
A final layer of control
The goal is to remove the ambient risk inherent in everyday browsing, and each of these extensions eliminates a risk you may not often encounter. From weak passwords and invisible trackers to CDN monitoring and platform-level profiling, these extensions help you browse with greater data security.
Having a privacy stack of extensions is great. You can also enable certain security settings within the browser to increase data privacy.