Why it's a strong pick

Stylus gives you control over how sites look, not just a dark switch. It is open source under GPL-3.0, and its code is public on GitHub. The README says the Chrome Web Store build is for modern Chrome (version 128 and up), and the project's build scripts include a Manifest V3 build. Its latest repo release came in September 2026.

What it does

The README calls it a browser extension to restyle websites via CSS themes. You manage user styles, also called userstyles, that change how sites look. That includes dark themes. A style manager page keeps them in one place.

Key features

CSS themes. Restyle sites with styles you install or write.
UserCSS. The README lists support for UserCSS.
Live reload. Edit in an external editor or IDE and see changes reload.
Style manager. Manage all your styles in one page.
No analytics. The README calls "No analytics/tracking" its foundational principle.
Open source. The code is public under GPL-3.0.

Who it's for

Stylus is for people who want to restyle sites with community or self-written CSS: dark themes, cleaner layouts, hidden clutter. It is not a one-click dark mode. You install or write styles. If you want a one-click switch, see Dark Reader.

What permissions does Stylus ask for?

We could not read the permission list of the Chrome build, so check the install prompt. The extension is built to run on all sites so it can apply your styles to any page you choose. That is broad access. Read the prompt before you add it, and install only styles you trust.

Is Stylus Manifest V3?

Yes, for the Chrome Web Store build, per the project's README and build scripts. The README says the store build is for modern Chrome (version 128 and up). It also offers a separate file with an -mv2 suffix for older Chromium browsers that still use Manifest V2.

What does it do with my data?

The README says "No analytics/tracking" is its foundational principle. That is the developer's own statement, not an audit. We did not find a separate privacy policy. Styles you install are CSS that runs on pages you visit, so read the CSS or use only styles you trust.

How is Stylus different from Dark Reader?

Dark Reader darkens sites for you with one click. Stylus applies CSS styles that you pick or write, so you control each site. That takes more work, but you can change more than color. Both are on this site. See our Dark Reader page.

FAQ

Is Stylus free? The README describes it as free software under GPL-3.0. It does not state a price.

Do I need to know CSS? No, you can install ready-made styles. Knowing CSS helps if you want to write or edit your own.

Which Chrome version does it need? The README says Chrome 128 or newer for the store build.

Good to know

Styles you install run on the pages you visit. Read the CSS first, or install only styles from sources you trust. Start with one site, and check that the style does not hide anything you need.

Other dark mode & reader tools to compare

Stylus is one of 10 picks in our Dark Mode & Reader Tools guide:

Dark Reader: An open-source dark mode for websites. Free extension, with brightness, contrast and sepia controls.
Night Eye: A dark mode extension that adjusts each page's elements instead of flipping every color. Free Lite plan with limits, paid plans above it.
Midnight Lizard: An open-source colour-scheme tool for websites. Dark, light and grayscale modes plus a blue-light filter.
Reader View: A reader extension built on Mozilla Readability. Opens an article in a clean page, with fullscreen reading and text-to-speech.
Reader Mode: A distraction-free reader with accessibility tools, highlighting and text-to-speech. Free plan with limits, paid Premium.
Chrome Reader Mode: A reader mode that can also save articles offline, highlight and take notes. The listing is now titled Quiet Reader.
Turn Off the Lights: Dims the page around a video player and adds a Night Mode for dark pages. Open source (GPLv2), free, supported by donations.
Just Read: A reader mode for article pages, made by one developer. Free core, paid subscription for extras.
Clearly Reader: A reader mode with an AI assistant. A free plan, plus paid Pro and Subscription plans.