BLOG

Anti-Tracking Software: A Guide to Protecting Your Online Privacy

Discover the best free anti-tracking software to protect your privacy. Compare top tools to stay anonymous online and secure your data.

hero image blog

📆 Last update:

07/2025

Key Takeaways

If you're worried about online tracking — those invisible trackers that collect your data for targeted ads or worse — you're not alone. Anti-tracking software is THE essential ally to regain control of your online anonymity.

TotalAV sur un macbook

What is Anti-Tracking Software (or Anti-Tracking)?

Anti-tracking software is a tool that prevents websites, advertisers, and third parties from tracking your online activity.

It blocks third-party cookies, tracking scripts (like those from Google or Facebook), and even advanced techniques like fingerprinting (based on your browser, IP, or habits).

Unlike a simple ad blocker, which mainly targets ads, anti-tracking goes further by protecting your secure browsing against the monitoring of online activity and targeted advertising. In 2025, with more than 80% of sites using trackers (according to Statista), these tools are crucial for the prevention of trackers and the management of cookies.

What is the Difference between Anti-Tracking Software and a Classic Ad Blocker?

🛡️ Difference between Anti-Tracking Software and a Classic Ad Blocker
🔍 Tool Type 🎯 Main Objective 🧠 How It Works 👀 What It Blocks 💡 Examples
Ad Blocker Hide visible advertisements Filtering known advertising scripts and visual elements Banners, pop-ups, pre-roll videos AdBlock Plus, Brave, AdGuard (ad mode)
Anti-Tracking Software Prevent invisible online tracking Analysis and blocking of third-party trackers, cookies, fingerprinting Tracking scripts, advertising cookies, digital fingerprints uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, NordVPN (Threat Protect)
Hybrid Combine both approaches for complete protection Integrates ad-blocking lists + intelligent tracker detection Visible ads + invisible trackers uBlock Origin, AdGuard Premium, TotalAV

The Best Anti-Tracking Software Available in 2025

Here is a list of the top options, based on reviews from TechRadar, PCMag, Cybernews, and reviews in 2025. There are browser extensions (easy for novices), comprehensive software, and built-in features. I added TotalAV (antivirus with anti-tracking) and NordVPN (VPN with anti-tracking features via Threat Protection Pro), as requested.

🛡️ Anti-Tracking Tools 2025 – Comparison of the Best Solutions for Privacy-Conscious Users
🧩 Software/Extension 🔓 Free/Paid 💻 Compatibility ✅ Key Benefits ⚠️ Limitations ⭐ Rating (out of 5) 💰 Price (2025)
NordVPN Paid PC / Mac / Mobile Ultra-fast VPN + Threat Protection, blocks ads, trackers, and malware No free version, VPN priority over anti-tracking 4.8 $59/year
TotalAV Paid PC / Mac / Mobile WebShield anti-tracking, integrated antivirus, powerful anti-malware Renewal more expensive than introductory price 4.7 $29/year intro ($129 renewal)
uBlock Origin Free Browsers (PC / Mac / Mobile via browser) Ultra-lightweight blocker, highly effective, open source Manual configuration needed for advanced options 4.9 $0
Privacy Badger Free Browsers Machine learning, easy to use Less effective against classic ads 4.7 $0
AdGuard Free / Paid PC / Mac / Mobile Complete protection, powerful blockers, dedicated mobile app Limited features in free version 4.8 $29/year (premium)
Norton AntiTrack Paid PC / Mac / Mobile Advanced fingerprinting protection, integrated VPN May slow down some systems, high cost 4.6 $49/year
Avast AntiTrack Paid PC / Mac / Mobile Erases browsing history, alerts on tracking attempts May slow down browser performance 4.5 $39/year
Brave Browser Free PC / Mac / Mobile Built-in blocker, crypto reward model, fast and secure Not available as a standalone extension 4.8 $0
Ghostery Free / Paid Browsers Clear visualization of trackers, educational interface Free version limited, premium features paid 4.4 $4/month (premium)

These ratings come from averages on Chrome Store/PCMAG/CyberNews (July 2025), where NordVPN dominates for privacy (10M+ users), TotalAV for ease.

Are There Effective Free Solutions?

Yes! uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger are great and free, blocking 90% + of trackers (EFF 2025 tests).

Brave is a free browser with built-in anti-tracking.

Navigateur Brave

For mobile, try DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser (free). They are effective for 80% of users, but for professionals, paid users like TotalAV/NordVPN add extras such as privacy reports.

For what uses (PC/Mac, Browser, Mobile)?

  • PC/Mac : Software like TotalAV/NordVPN, or extensions on Chrome/Firefox.
  • navigator : Extensions like uBlock/Privacy Badger for quick installation.
  • Mobile : Apps like Adguard/NordVPN (Android/iOS), or built-in features like Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention on iOS.

How to Install and Configure Anti-Tracking Software?

  1. Choose your tool : Download from the official site or store (e.g. Chrome Web Store for uBlock, nordvpn.com for NordVPN).
  2. Installation : Click”Add“for extensions; follow Wizard for software like TotalAV.
  3. Setup : Activate blocking by default, customize lists (e.g. add filters for third-party cookies). Test on whatismyipaddress.com to check masking.

Additional Tips for Global Protection

Combine with a VPN (like NordVPN for IP masking). Use private browsers like Tor, enable privacy settings management in Chrome/Firefox, and opt for phishing protection filters. For mobile, activate parental controls if necessary.

In 2025, with 4.9 billion Internet users hunted (Statista), these tools reduce your digital footprint by 70-90%.

nombre de brèches de données dans le monde par entreprise en janvier 2025

If you have questions, test and adjust — your privacy is in good hands!

List of the best anti-tracking software

Protecting your privacy online has never been more important. Faced with the multiplication of trackers, third-party scripts and fingerprinting methods, having appropriate tools is essential. This selection covers all user profiles, from beginners to experts.

1. NordVPN:VPN + built-in anti-tracking

NordVPN Dashboard

For whom? Users looking for complete protection: VPN of NordVPN, anti-advertising, anti-malware and anti-tracking combined.

  • Key features :
    • Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous sites.
    • Protection on all browsers, up to 10 devices.
    • Anti-phishing detection, download monitoring, simple interface.
  • Benefits :
    • Powerful and stable VPN
    • Global solution (VPN, anti-tracking, antivirus)
    • 24/7 support
    • Desktop and mobile application, multiplatform
  • Disadvantages :
    • No free version
    • Higher price than a conventional blocker
    • Less customizable than an open source tool
  • Rates :
    • Basic: from €3.39/month (2-year plan)
    • Plus: €4.39/month (advanced Threat Protection Pro feature included)
    • 30-day trial satisfied or refunded

2. TotalAV: Antivirus + WebShield anti-tracking

TotalAV Antivirus Dashboard

For whom? Those who want an antivirus with built-in web protection.

  • Key features :
    • Blocking malicious sites and phishing attempts
    • Real-time protection against malware and ransomware
    • WebShield anti-tracking, multiplatform application
    • System optimization tools included on top formulas
  • Benefits :
    • Very attractive call price in the 1st year
    • Recognized antivirus protection
    • Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
    • 24/7 customer support
  • Disadvantages :
    • Much more expensive annual renewal
    • WebShield does not block all ads (Total Adblock required)
    • Some features only on higher offers
  • Rates :
    • Premium: from €19/year (then €99/year)
    • Internet Security: €39/year (then €129/year)
    • Total Security: €49/year (then €149/year)

3. uBlock Origin: Advanced open source blocker

For whom? Advanced users looking for a free, powerful and highly customizable blocker.

  • Key features :
    • Dynamic filtering, constantly updated filter base
    • Block ads, trackers, cryptominers, scripts
    • Light, with no impact on navigation
  • Benefits :
    • Completely free, no ads
    • Ultra lightweight (low CPU/RAM consumption)
    • Customizable, highly effective
    • Transparent source code
  • Disadvantages :
    • Learning curve for advanced settings
    • Requires uBlock Origin Lite on Chrome (limitations of Manifest V3)
    • No user support
  • Rates :
    • 100% free (no paid options)

4. Privacy Badger: Smart and scalable blocking

Privacy Badger

For whom? Those who want a tool that is ethical, simple, and that learns how to block trackers.

  • Key features :
    • Blocking based on learning the behavior of trackers
    • Integrated Do Not Track signal
    • Clear interface with blocking indication
  • Benefits :
    • Easy installation, no configuration required
    • Compatible with other blockers
    • Non-intrusive, pedagogical approach
  • Disadvantages :
    • Don't block all ads
    • Uneven results across sites
    • Does not protect against fingerprinting
  • Rates :
    • Completely free (free donation)

5. AdGuard: Cross-platform protection & parental control

AdGuard

For whom? Multi-device users and families.

  • Key features :
    • Apps for Windows, Mac, Android, Android, iOS, browser
    • Parental control, fingerprinting protection (stealth mode)
    • DNS filtering at the network level
  • Benefits :
    • Free version available (1 device)
    • Economic lifetime license
    • Compatible with all OS, advanced filters
    • Responsive customer support
  • Disadvantages :
    • Premium subscription-only features
    • Dense interface for new users
    • Limited parental control on iOS
  • Rates :
    • Personal: €2.49/month (annual) or €79.99 for life
    • Family: €5.49/month (9 devices) or €169.99 for life

6. Norton AntiTrack — Premium Anti-Fingerprinting

Norton AntiTrack

For whom? Premium users who demand the protection of their digital identity.

  • Key features :
    • Active fingerprinting protection
    • Extensions for all browsers
    • Hiding browsing history
  • Benefits :
    • Careful interface, visible privacy score
    • PC and Mac compatible
    • Norton Technical Support
  • Disadvantages :
    • High prices compared to other tools
    • Possible slowdown on some systems
    • Limited mobile features
  • Rates :
    • 1 device: €59.99/year
    • 5 devices: €69.99/year
    • 10 devices: €79.99/year

7. Avast AntiTrack — Affordable anti-tracking for everyone

Avast AntiTrack - free anti tracking software

For whom? Those who want effective, simple and cheap protection.

  • Key features :
    • Fingerprint jamming
    • History cleaning
    • Real-time tracking alerts
  • Benefits :
    • Attractive price (around €31/year for 1 PC)
    • 30-day free trial
    • Integrate with other Avast products
  • Disadvantages :
    • Variable performances depending on browsers
    • Less comprehensive than Norton on fingerprinting
    • Avast data collection history (fixed)
  • Rates :
    • 1 PC: €31.20/year
    • Ultimate bundle (includes VPN, cleaner, etc.): €89.99/year

8. Brave Browser — Anti-tracking browser

Brave Browser  anti-tracking browser

For whom? Users ready to change browsers for native protection without configuration.

  • Key features :
    • Integrated blocking of ads, trackers, scripts
    • Automatic data erasure
    • Private search engine and crypto option
  • Benefits :
    • Free, fast, battery efficient
    • Maximum protection by default
    • Desktop and mobile compatible
    • No need for plugins
  • Disadvantages :
    • Requires to abandon your usual browser
    • Some incompatibilities on some sites
    • No “extension” version for Chrome or Firefox
  • Rates :
    • Free (optional paid VPN)

9. Ghostery: Transparency and tracking control

Ghostery

For whom? Those who want to see exactly who is tracking them and control each script.

  • Key features :
    • Detailed view of blocked trackers
    • Granular blocking per site or tracker
    • Dedicated Ghostery browser possible
  • Benefits :
    • Free basic version
    • Educational interface
    • Real-time visualization, advanced customization
  • Disadvantages :
    • Less effective on YouTube and some platforms
    • Some optional premium features
    • Limited support in the free version
  • Rates :
    • Free, voluntary contributions starting at €1.99/month

Conclusion

Privacy is a great accessory and should be protected at all costs. That's why users should use anti-tracking software to keep their data safe and untraceable.

In this article, we have discussed various free anti-tracking software, among which Disconnect and Privacy Badger are recommended. While it's the best free anti-tracking software, DuckDuckGo is the best browser for its privacy features.

FAQ

What is the best anti-tracking browser?

Disconnect and privacy badger are tools based on extensions that are well known for their anti-tracking features, but DuckDuckGo is a great choice as a browser.

Is there an anti-tracking application?

There are several anti-tracking applications, some of which are listed below:

  1. Disconnect
  2. Privacy Badger
  3. AdblockPlus
  4. DuckDuckGo
  5. Ghostery

Can an antivirus stop trackers?

Some antivirus have additional anti-tracking services like Avast and Malwarebytes.

Is anti-tracking software necessary?

Yes, it is essential because everyone needs to maintain the security and confidentiality of their data.

Which browser is the most private?

DuckDuckGo is considered to be the most private browser.

You’ll Also Love…

Discover other carefully selected articles to deepen your knowledge and maximize your impact.