Free anti-tracking software to enhance your online privacy

What is web tracking?

Web tracking is the practice of collecting and storing information about users’ behavior online. Unlike zero-party data gathering, web tracking is usually done without the awareness of the person being tracked. Web trackers can collect:

• IP addresses and location;
• Browsing history;
• Information about your behavior on websites;
• Information about the browser and device you use.

While advertisers use web tracking to build your online profile and offer more relevant ads, this information can also be used for phishing attacks, identity theft, stalkerware, and ransomware. Luckily, there are plenty of free anti-tracking software to protect your anonymity.

Best anti-tracking software

Here is some of the best free software available to prevent tracking.

Disconnect Browser

Disconnect Browser is a partly open-source browser extension and mobile app designed to stop third party trackers and block websites that track your browsing behavior. It gives an overview of the requests the website is sending, letting you choose which ones to allow. Disconnect Browser developers claim that with all the ads blocked, your browsing speed doubles and the battery of your device lasts longer.

Tor Browser

Tor is a free and open-source software that allows users to surf the web anonymously. It uses strong encryption to hide your identity online and prevents websites from collecting your browsing data. Keep in mind, however, that using Tor might slow down your browsing speed, as your traffic goes through a network of relays operated by volunteers around the globe.

Tor was originally created to serve the military, but has become a tool for anyone concerned about their digital privacy.

DuckDuckGo

While we are all used to Google Search, DuckDuckGo is a completely different approach to internet browsing. It blocks third-party trackers and allows you to search the web without being spied on.

Unlike Google, DuckDuckGo shows the same search results to all users without any product advertising. You can also see which websites are trying to track you and learn if they’re safe to use. DuckDuckGo comes both as an anti-tracking app and a browser extension.

Privacy Badger

When some advertiser starts following you across multiple websites, Privacy Badger detects these actions and blocks the advertiser, preventing it from loading its content to your browser. It may also slightly increase your browsing speed, as the browser will have less content to load.

Privacy Badger is an open-source anti-tracker, therefore you can be sure that there is no dodgy corporation hiding behind the developers.

Privoxy

Privoxy is compatible with all major web browsers, making it one of the most popular anti-tracking software. It keeps your browsing anonymous and blocks unwanted ads. Privoxy gives you full control: you can customize privacy settings and read every line of code to make sure no one is snooping on you.

VPN

VPN encrypts your traffic before sending a request to a certain website by redirecting it through a server. This way, it masks your IP address and location, so no snoopers can identify you and build a profile.

While NordVPN is a premium service, you can use NordVPN’s Meshnet feature completely free. This powerful tool allows you to send data between devices along encrypted tunnels, and makes secure file sharing easier than ever.

Although it’s not free, we recommend trying out NordVPN as a whole. Its Threat Protection Pro feature blocks third-party trackers so you can browse the internet without them following you around. It also blocks intrusive and malicious ads to keep you safe online. You can protect up to 10 devices with one NordVPN account. The app also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the service.