3 extensions to use for anonymous browsing – and what that even means

The idea behind anonymous browsing is simple: It masks your IP address and location to make it appear that you are located in a different region. This can be beneficial because it prevents third parties from discovering your personal information and identity.

You might think that Incognito (or Private) mode is the easiest way, but it’s not. Why? Incognito mode doesn’t actually anonymize your search. Incognito mode is all about deleting your history, cookies, and other browser information. Incognito is a very good tool to use, but it doesn’t anonymize your browser and activity.

Also: How to use Tor browser (and why you should)

You could also enable Secure DNS (or DNS over HTTPS), but that’s only going to encrypt your searches.

That being said, there are a few extensions for your web browser that can help you browse anonymously. They aren’t perfect, but if using the likes of Tor Browser isn’t for you, you might try one of the following extensions.

Again, if you really value your privacy, go with Tor Browser.

On installing extensions

Installing extensions on either Chrome or Firefox-based browsers is actually quite simple. All you do is visit the extension page in your browser’s extension/add-on store and then click “Add to X” (where X is either Chrome or Firefox). In Firefox, you’ll be prompted to verify the installation, but that’s all there is to it.

Remember: Always ensure a browser extension is safe before installing it. I might suggest using an extension, but bad things could have happened between the time I made the suggestion and the time you installed it. So, do a bit of vetting before installing anything. 

1. AnonymoX

AnonymoX is an extension for an anonymous and private internet. With this extension, you can browse anonymously and change your IP address and country. Essentially, AnonymoX acts like a VPN and allows you to switch countries and browse anonymously with a single click. 

Also: 5 browser extension rules to live by to keep your system safe in 2025

The only caveat to using AnonymoX is that the free version includes ads and limits speed and bandwidth. For that reason, I only recommend using this extension when you absolutely need to be anonymous. Don’t leave this one on 24/7; otherwise, you might wind up frustrated with how your browser’s speed has taken a hit.

If you want more features, you’ll have to pony up for the Premium edition, which adds unlimited traffic, faster downloads, an additional layer of encryption, no ads, and more than 61 additional identities. The Premium version costs $6.55 per month. 

You can find AnonymoX for Chrome and Firefox-based browsers.

2. Browsec VPN

If you’re sensing a theme, you should. VPNs are a solid method of gaining anonymity while browsing, and Browsec VPN is a solid option for this. This particular extension offers secure IP changing, free multiple virtual locations, traffic encryption, and more. This is a one-click extension that allows you to quickly enable/disable and change countries with ease. 

Also: The best VPN services (and how to choose the right one for you)

You can also use the Smart Settings feature to auto-start the VPN for specific websites, auto-bypass the VPN for selected sites, and use preset countries for certain websites. If you need more features, you can upgrade to the Premium version ($1.99 per month) and add faster speeds, over 40 countries to choose from, timezone matching, the ability to configure specific servers for specific sites, and additional smart settings.

You can install Browsec VPN for both Chrome and Firefox-based browsers.  

3. DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

From my perspective, DuckDuckGo is the most trustworthy of the bunch. This extension sets DuckDuckGo as your default search, avoids website trackers, enforces encryption, adds email protection, prevents fingerprinting, blocks tracking cookies, and more. The one thing you won’t find with DuckDuckGo is a VPN. However, if you upgrade to the Pro subscription ($9.99 per month), you get the DuckDuckGo VPN, which encrypts your information and hides your IP address. 

Also: I found a malicious Chrome extension on my system – here’s how and what I did next

There’s another caveat to this: The Pro edition only works with the DuckDuckGo Browser. So, if you want to stick with just the extension, I suggest adding a VPN into the mix so you not only get the benefits of DuckDuckGo (especially tracker blocking and encryption), but you’ll enjoy anonymous browsing as well. I’ve tested DuckDuckGo along with Proton VPN, and the combination works great.

You can install DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials for Chrome and Firefox-based browsers.