Browser Extensions for Filtering & Productivity

Beginner 5-10 minutes per extension

Guide to browser extensions that provide content filtering, distraction blocking, and productivity features for safer web browsing.

Prerequisites:

  • • Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari browser
  • • Ability to install extensions
  • • Admin access to prevent extension removal (recommended)

Browser Extensions for Safety

Browser extensions are lightweight add-ons that enhance your web browser with additional features. For internet safety, extensions can block inappropriate content, remove distractions, enforce time limits, and provide accountability.

Important Limitation: Browser extensions only work in that specific browser and can be disabled if the user has permission. Use them as an additional layer, not as your only protection method.

Content Filtering Extensions

BlockSite

Available for: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

Cost: Free with premium options ($5/month)

Features:

  • Block specific websites and apps
  • Adult content filtering
  • Scheduling (block during work/study hours)
  • Focus mode to prevent distractions
  • Password protection
  • Sync across devices (premium)

Best for: Blocking specific distracting sites, time-based blocking

WebFilter Pro

Available for: Chrome

Cost: Free

Features:

  • Category-based website filtering
  • Custom blacklists and whitelists
  • Password protection
  • Block by keywords in URL

Best for: Simple, free category filtering

SafeSurf

Available for: Chrome

Cost: Free

Features:

  • Adult content blocking
  • Safe search enforcement
  • YouTube restricted mode
  • Password protected settings

Best for: Basic free protection for families

Time Management & Productivity Extensions

Stay Focused

Available for: Chrome

Cost: Free

Features:

  • Block sites after reaching time limit
  • Schedule blocking for specific days/times
  • Nuclear option (blocks sites for hours)
  • Require typing long phrases to unblock

Best for: Self-control, productivity, studying

LeechBlock NG

Available for: Firefox, Chrome, Edge

Cost: Free and open source

Features:

  • Up to 30 custom block sets
  • Time-based blocking with schedules
  • Time limits per day/hour
  • Delay before accessing sites
  • Password protection and lockdown mode
  • Highly customizable

Best for: Power users, flexible scheduling, open source preference

Cold Turkey Micromanager

Available for: Chrome (requires desktop app)

Cost: Free (Pro version $39 one-time)

Features:

  • Very difficult to bypass
  • Block websites, apps, and even your entire computer
  • Schedule blocks in advance
  • Frozen Turkey mode (blocks can't be disabled early)

Best for: Serious procrastination problems, exam prep

Freedom

Available for: All browsers (desktop/mobile app)

Cost: $40/year

Features:

  • Cross-device blocking (computer + phone)
  • Website and app blocking
  • Locked mode (can't disable during session)
  • Recurring schedules

Best for: Cross-platform needs, mobile + desktop

YouTube-Specific Extensions

Video Blocker

Available for: Chrome, Firefox

Cost: Free

Features:

  • Block YouTube channels
  • Block videos by keyword
  • Hide recommendations sidebar

Unhook

Available for: Chrome, Firefox

Cost: Free

Features:

  • Remove YouTube recommendations
  • Hide comments, trending, homepage feed
  • Keep search functional
  • Reduces rabbit-hole browsing

DF YouTube

Available for: Chrome, Firefox

Cost: Free

Features:

  • Remove distracting YouTube elements
  • Hide comments, related videos, trending
  • Customizable which elements to hide

Preventing Extension Removal

Chrome (Managed by Organization)

  1. Use Chrome Enterprise or Family Link supervised account
  2. Extensions installed by admin can't be removed by user
  3. Requires Google Workspace or Family Link setup

Firefox

  • Limited options to prevent removal
  • Consider blocking Firefox installation if child uses managed Chrome

Password-Protected Extensions

  • Many extensions offer password protection
  • Prevents disabling without password
  • Not foolproof (can be bypassed by removing extension)

System-Level Blocking

  • Use device-level parental controls to prevent browser changes
  • Standard user accounts (not administrator) prevent installations
  • Combine with DNS filtering as backup
Limitation: Tech-savvy users can often bypass browser extensions. Use multiple layers of protection and don't rely solely on extensions for serious filtering needs.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Quick and easy to install
  • Many free options available
  • Lightweight (minimal performance impact)
  • Highly customizable
  • Good for productivity and focus
  • No system-wide changes needed
  • Easy to try different options

Limitations

  • Only works in one browser
  • Can be easily disabled or removed
  • Doesn't work in apps or other browsers
  • Not suitable as sole protection method
  • No mobile protection (usually)
  • Can be bypassed with private browsing (sometimes)
  • Requires separate setup per browser/device