uMatrix

uMatrix

Point & click to forbid/allow any class of requests made by your browser. Use it to block scripts, iframes, ads, facebook, etc.

What is uMatrix?
uMatrix is an advanced Firefox add-on that acts as a matrix-based firewall, highlighting increased privacy. The tool empowers you to control where your browser connects, what type of data it downloads, and what it can execute, making you the ultimate decision-maker. It's primarily designed for advanced users, presenting two modes: relax block-all mode and allow-all mode. Its effective blacklisting prohibits cookies, JavaScript, and tracking pixels, and enables you to whitelist or blacklist requests based on destination and type of data. Additionally, uMatrix provides predefined blacklists for basic protection against trackers and malware sites.
Merlin
Stats
Version: 1.4.4 (Last updated: 2021-07-20)
Creation date: 2015-05-12
Weekly download count: 495
Firefox on Android: Yes
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood: Very low risk likelihood
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • browsingData
  • cookies
  • privacy
  • storage
  • tabs
  • webNavigation
  • webRequest
  • webRequestBlocking
  • <all_urls>
Size: 1.46M
Stats date:

Other platforms

uMatrix
uMatrix (v1.4.4)
4.70 (803) 90,000
Not available on Edge
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Merlin
Summary

uMatrix: A point-and-click matrix-based firewall, with many privacy-enhancing tools.

For advanced users.

uMatrix put you in full control of where your browser is allowed to connect, what type of data it is allowed to download, and what it is allowed to execute. Nobody else decides for you: You choose. You are in full control of your privacy.

Out of the box, uMatrix works in relax block-all/allow-exceptionally mode, meaning web sites which require 3rd-party scripts are likely to be "broken". With two clicks, uMatrix can be set to work in allow-all/block-exceptionally mode, which generally will not break web sites. See https://github.com/gorhill/httpswitchboard/wiki/How-to-use-HTTP-Switchboard:-Two-opposing-views for more details on this topic.

  • See ALL the remote connections, failed or attempted, depending on whether they were blocked or allowed (you decide).

  • A single-click to whitelist/blacklist one or multiple classes of requests according to the destination and type of data (a blocked request will NEVER leave your browser).

  • Efficient blacklisting: cookies won't leave your browser, JavaScript won't execute, plugins won't play, tracking pixels won't download, etc.

  • You do not have to solely rely on just one particular curated blacklist (arguably with many missing entries) outside which nothing else can be blocked: You are in full control.

See more
User reviews
User reviews summary
These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Firefox Browser Add-ons does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Detailed and customizable control over web requests
  • Intuitive and powerful graphical interface
  • Useful for advanced users to enhance privacy and security
Cons
  • Learning curve to fully utilize its functionality
  • Possible loss of saved rulesets without warning
Most mentioned
  • Advanced user tool
  • Useful and well-designed interface
  • Intuitive and powerful graphical interface
Recent reviews
No question, this is the most important addon for who cares about data privacy.
by pvo, 2024-05-03

by geeknik, 2024-04-29

by geeknik, 2024-04-29
View all user reviews
Safety
Risk impact

uMatrix is risky to use as it requires a number of sensitive permissions that can potentially harm your browser and steal your data. Exercise caution when installing this add-on. Review carefully before installing. We recommend that you only install uMatrix if you trust the publisher.

Risk likelihood

uMatrix has earned a good reputation and can be trusted.

Upgrade to see risk analysis details
Screenshots