JShelter icon

JShelter

An open-source extension that limits the data websites can pull from your browser.

Reviewed by Xplorekit's independent developer · Last checked · How we choose

Add to Chrome Open source · Chrome Web Store · Source on GitHub

Why it's a strong pick

JShelter goes after fingerprinting, which most blockers do not cover. It is open source under GPL-3.0 or later and uses Manifest V3, Chrome's current extension format. Its latest GitHub release is from 27 July 2026. The README names public research and privacy funds behind it.

What it does

The README says JShelter "controls the APIs provided by the browser, restricting the data that they gather and send out to websites". It works a little like a firewall for browser APIs. For example, it can reduce how precise your location is.

Key features

  • Per-site protection levels. Choose how strict it is for each site.
  • Fingerprint farbling. It changes some API results a little, such as Web Audio, so sites get less stable data.
  • Strict workers. Since version 0.24, workers are set to strict by default.
  • Fingerprint Detector. Spots sites that try to fingerprint you. It can use an optional browsingData permission to clear storage.
  • Open source. The code is public on GitHub.

Who it's for

It suits privacy-minded users who want to limit fingerprinting and are happy to tune levels per site. It is not a set-and-forget tool. It is not a VPN, and it does not hide your IP address.

What permissions does JShelter ask for?

A lot. The manifest lists storage, tabs, webRequest, declarativeNetRequest, webNavigation, notifications and scripting. It also asks for host access to all URLs, runs scripts in every frame, and has an optional browsingData permission. Chrome 120 or newer is needed. It acts on every page, so it needs this reach.

What is missing in the Chrome version?

The Chromium Manifest V3 build lacks two features of the Firefox build: Network Boundary Shield and blocking-mode Fingerprinting Detection. The JShelter site says they need blocking webRequest, which Manifest V3 removed. Expect less protection in Chrome than in Firefox, so read what each level does before you rely on it.

Does JShelter collect my data?

The JShelter FAQ says: "JShelter stores all configuration data in the browser or in the user account and does not upload any data to our servers." That is the developer's own statement. We could not read the developer's privacy policy when we checked; read it before installing.

FAQ

Is it open source? Yes, under GPL-3.0 or later.

Will it break sites? It can. Stricter levels may break some sites, so lower the level for a site you trust.

Is it a VPN? No. It limits browser API data. For VPNs, see NordVPN or Proton VPN.

Good to know

Start with the default levels and raise them only where you need to. If a site breaks, lower the level for that site instead of turning JShelter off. The README says the project is still under development, so check the store listing is current. Keep in mind it has broad access to every page.

Other vpn & privacy tools to compare

JShelter is one of 12 picks in our VPN & Privacy Tools guide:

  • ExpressVPN: A browser extension with two modes: a browser-only proxy, or a remote for the ExpressVPN desktop app. It needs a subscription.
  • NordVPN: A proxy extension that routes your browser traffic through NordVPN. It needs a NordVPN subscription.
  • Proton VPN: A browser VPN extension from Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail. It has a free plan and covers browser traffic only.
  • Surfshark VPN: A lightweight Surfshark extension that protects browser traffic and adds ad, tracker and breach-alert tools. The 7-day trial needs payment details first.
  • Privacy Badger: A tracker blocker from the EFF that learns which third parties track you as you browse.
  • Ghostery: An open-source tracker and ad blocker that also removes cookie pop-ups and shows tracker info for each site.
  • DuckDuckGo Search & Tracker Protection: Tracker blocking and HTTPS upgrades from DuckDuckGo. It also makes DuckDuckGo your default search engine.
  • I Still Don't Care About Cookies: An open-source community fork that removes cookie banners on most sites. It hides or accepts them. It does not reject them.
  • ZeroOmega: Open-source proxy switcher for proxies you supply. Not a VPN: it provides no servers.
  • FoxyProxy: Open-source proxy switcher with per-site rules for proxies you supply. Not a VPN: it provides no servers.
  • NoScript: An open-source script blocker that stops JavaScript, embedded objects and media until you allow a site.

This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing — install and permissions are entirely between you and the extension's own publisher.