In today’s digital age, we rely heavily on the internet for our daily activities, such as shopping, banking, and communicating with friends and family. While the internet has made our lives easier, it has also made us more vulnerable to online tracking.
Online tracking collects and analyzes user data to understand their behavior and preferences, which can be used for targeted advertising or even sold to third parties.
To protect your privacy, you must use anti-tracking software to help you avoid being tracked by websites and advertisers.
In this article, we will explore the 9 best anti-tracking software that you can use to safeguard your online privacy.
Is it worth buying anti-tracking software?
Some of the benefits of using good anti-tracking software are listed below.
- Protection against targeted advertising: Anti-tracking software can prevent advertisers from tracking your online activity and using that data to show targeted ads.
- Protection against identity theft: Anti-tracking software can help prevent identity theft by blocking attempts to collect personal information.
- Increased online privacy: By blocking online tracking, anti-tracking software can increase privacy.
- Protection against malicious websites: Some anti-tracking software can also block access to malicious websites containing malware or other harmful software.
- Enhanced browsing speed and performance: Some anti-tracking software can optimize the browsing experience by blocking unnecessary content, such as ads and tracking scripts.
With the benefits listed above, buying good anti-tracking software is a good decision.
Is VPN better than anti-track?
VPN (Virtual Private Network) and anti-tracking software serve different purposes and cannot be compared as one being better.
While anti-tracking software focuses on preventing websites and advertisers from tracking your online activity, a VPN is primarily designed to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your online privacy.
Using both a VPN and anti-tracking software can provide comprehensive protection for your online privacy.
What is the best anti-tracker software?
1. Privacy Badger – Open-source anti-tracking software
Privacy Badger is a free and open-source anti-tracking browser extension developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).
It is available for popular browsers like Firefox, Chrome, and Opera. It is designed to protect your online privacy by blocking third-party trackers that can collect your personal data without your knowledge or consent.
One key feature of Privacy Badger is that it learns as you browse. It analyzes the trackers on each website you visit and determines which ones are collecting your data and which are not.
Some important features of Privacy Badger include:
- Color-coded tracker indication
- Adaptive learning
- Compatibility with other privacy tools
2. uBlock Origin – Open-source ad-blocker with anti-tracking features
uBlock Origin is a highly effective anti-tracker software that has gained popularity among internet users for its ability to block online trackers and other unwanted content giving it a spot among the best anti-tracker software.
One of the key features of uBlock Origin is its ability to block a wide range of trackers, including those not blocked by other ad-blockers or anti-tracking software.
This includes trackers that use fingerprinting techniques to identify users and those that use more traditional methods, such as cookies and web beacons.
By blocking these trackers, uBlock Origin can help protect user privacy and prevent advertisers and other third parties from collecting data about their online activity.
Some important features of uBlock Origin include:
- Customizable filter lists
- Ability to block a wide range of trackers
- Lightweight and efficient design
3. Ghostery – Effective anti-tracking software
Ghostery is a popular and effective anti-tracking software known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive blocking capabilities. Developed by Cliqz GmbH, Ghostery is available as a free browser extension.
One great feature of Ghostery is its ability to block a wide range of trackers, including advertising trackers, social media trackers, and analytics trackers.
In addition to its blocking capabilities, Ghostery also provides detailed information about the trackers on each website you visit. This information includes the type of tracker, the company that owns the tracker, and the purpose of the tracker.
This allows you to decide which trackers to block and which to allow.
Ghostery is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to protect online privacy and prevent tracking. Its comprehensive blocking capabilities and detailed tracker information features make it one of the best anti-tracking software options available.
Some important features of Ghostery Origin include:
- Detailed information about trackers
- Comprehensive blocking of various types of trackers
- Smart Blocking feature
4. Disconnect – Advanced anti-tracking features
Disconnect is a highly regarded anti-tracking software with a reputation for its advanced features and easy-to-use interface. It is available as a browser extension for web browsers and a standalone application for Windows.
Disconnect can block tracking scripts and third-party cookies used by advertisers, data brokers, and other companies to monitor your online activity.
It also blocks invisible trackers, such as pixel tags and social media buttons, which can be used to collect data about your browsing behavior.
By preventing these tracking techniques, Disconnect helps to protect your privacy online.
Some important features of Disconnect include:
- Blocks tracking scripts and third-party cookies
- Protects against malware and phishing websites
- Provides secure Wi-Fi connections.
5. AdGuard – Comprehensive anti-tracking software
AdGuard is among the best anti-tracker software because of its comprehensive features and ease of use. It has a wide range of features that allow users to block ads and tracking scripts, malware, and phishing attempts.
The software blocks tracking scripts by default, stopping trackers from gathering user data without requiring users to configure settings manually. This makes it an ideal option for people who want to maintain online privacy without being tech-savvy.
Additionally, AdGuard provides options for customization, allowing users to choose which tracking elements to block or whitelist.
This level of control is ideal for people who want to maintain a balance between privacy and functionality.
Some important features of AdGuard include:
- Blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts
- Automatically blocks tracking scripts
- Wide range of customization options for users
6. Avast Secure Browser – Great anti-tracking software
Avast Secure Browser is a privacy-focused browser with built-in anti-tracking features, making it one of the best anti-tracker software options available.
The browser is based on Chromium, which means it has a similar interface and functionality to Google Chrome, but with additional privacy and security features.
An important feature of Avast Secure Browser is its secure browsing mode. This mode uses encryption to protect your online activity from prying eyes, including ISPs, hackers, and other third parties.
The browser also includes a range of other privacy and security features, such as a password manager, anti-phishing technology, and a built-in ad-blocker.
Some important features of Avast Secure Browser include:
- Built-in anti-tracking technology
- Secure browsing mode
- Comprehensive privacy and security features
7. NordVPN – Advanced privacy and security protections
NordVPN is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that offers advanced anti-tracking features to help protect your online privacy.
One of the key benefits of using NordVPN is that it encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it difficult for third parties to track your online activity.
This means that your internet service provider (ISP), advertisers, and other third parties cannot see what websites you visit or what you do online.
In addition to its VPN features, NordVPN also includes advanced anti-tracking features such as CyberSec. CyberSec is a feature that automatically blocks suspicious websites and prevents ads, trackers, and malware from loading on your device.
Another feature that sets NordVPN apart from other anti-tracking software is its strict no-logs policy. NordVPN does not collect any data about your online activity or browsing history.
Some important features of NordVPN include:
- CyberSec
- Double VPN
- No-logs policy
8. Bitdefender Total Security – Comprehensive anti-tracker features
Bitdefender Total Security is a comprehensive security suite with anti-tracking features, making it one of the best anti-tracker software available.
In addition to anti-tracking, Bitdefender Total Security offers multiple layers of protection against cyber threats such as malware, viruses, spyware, and phishing attempts.
The software regularly updates the latest security protocols and offers real-time protection to ensure your device and online activity are always safe.
It blocks cookies, fingerprinting, and other tracking techniques advertisers and third parties use to monitor your online activity.
Some important features of Bitdefender Total Security include:
- Anti-tracking features
- Password manager
- Regular update
9. Surfshark – Comprehensive privacy and security features
Surfshark is a virtual private network (VPN) service that provides comprehensive privacy and security features, including anti-tracking capabilities. The application offers several features that make it stand out from other providers as anti-tracking software.
This tool has a robust ad and tracker blocker that prevents websites from tracking your online activity. This feature can help you browse the internet without being bombarded with ads based on your browsing history.
Surfshark also offers CleanWeb, a comprehensive suite of privacy and security features, including ad-blocking, anti-tracking, and malware protection.
CleanWeb uses advanced algorithms and blacklists to identify and block trackers and ads. This can help prevent websites from collecting your personal information and tracking your online activity.
Some important features of Surfshark include:
- Multi-hop VPN
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- Whitelist split tunneling
The nine anti-tracker software options presented in this article offer a range of features and functionalities to suit different preferences and needs.
Using one or more of these tools can proactively safeguard your online privacy and help you enjoy a more secure and private browsing experience.
