Dark Reader vs Ghostery
Dark Reader gives every site an instant dark mode, while Ghostery blocks trackers and shows who is following you.
Ghostery
4.7Privacy-first ad blocker that also blocks trackers and cookie pop-ups.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dark Reader | Ghostery | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Reviews | 13,100 | 19,000 |
| Users | ~7M+ | ~2M+ |
| Pricing | Free | Freemium · Free, Premium from $4.99/mo |
| Category | Productivity | Privacy & Security |
| Developer | Dark Reader Ltd | Ghostery |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 | 2026-08-24 |
| Best for | Late-night readers and anyone with light sensitivity who wants a consistent dark web. | People who want an ad blocker with visible tracker reporting |
Dark Reader features
- Dynamic theming
- Per-site controls
- Scheduling
Ghostery features
- Feature list coming soon.
Dark Reader: pros & cons
- Saves time with automation and shortcuts
- Lightweight and fast
- Easy to set up in seconds
- Regular updates and support
- Some features require a paid plan
- Requests access to the sites you visit
- May slightly increase memory usage
Ghostery: pros & cons
- Blocks trackers and protects your data
- No-log privacy posture
- Privacy-focused design
- Easy to set up in seconds
- Some features require a paid plan
- Requests access to the sites you visit
- May slightly increase memory usage
Final recommendation
These solve different problems: Dark Reader for eye comfort, Ghostery for privacy. Many users run both.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Dark Reader and Ghostery?
Dark Reader and Ghostery overlap in the same job, but they optimise differently: one is tuned for speed and simplicity, the other for depth and control. The side-by-side table above shows the current ratings, install base, pricing and who each one is built for, all synced from the public Chrome Web Store listings.
Can I use Dark Reader and Ghostery together?
In most cases yes — Chrome runs extensions independently. Keep both only if they cover different needs, because each active extension adds memory use, page scripts and one more set of permissions to trust. If their features clearly duplicate, pick one and remove the other.
Is Dark Reader or Ghostery free?
Check the pricing row in the comparison table: it reflects the current model for each extension, whether that is free, freemium with paid limits, or paid only. Free tiers change often, so the store listing linked from each card is the source of truth.
Which one is safer to install?
Compare the permissions each one requests on its Chrome Web Store page and prefer the extension asking for less. Also look at the developer, the last update date and the review count — an actively maintained extension with a large install base and narrow permissions is the safer choice.
How often is this comparison updated?
Ratings, review counts and install numbers are refreshed nightly from the Chrome Web Store, and the editorial verdict is reviewed whenever either extension ships a significant change.
Keep researching
Alternatives, shortlists and other comparisons in the same category.