Ghostery Private Browser being discontinued, but privacy lives on

Ghostery has announced that it will be sunsetting its Ghostery Private Browser (formerly known as Dawn). While the move marks the end of an era for the standalone browser, it’s not the end of Ghostery’s mission to protect users from ads, trackers, and all things creepy-crawly on the web. Instead, the company is doubling down on its privacy tools where they’re needed most.

The Ghostery Private Browser launched during a time when mobile privacy options were about as common as Wi-Fi on a plane: possible, but not guaranteed. For years, it carved out a niche as a go-to option for privacy-conscious Android and iOS users, earning solid reviews and loyal fans along the way.

However, the mobile browsing landscape has changed. Safari on iPhone began supporting web extensions with the update to iOS 15, opening the door for Ghostery’s features to integrate directly into Apple’s default browser. Meanwhile, as of 2024, Firefox on Android now allows any add-on, making it a serious contender for privacy-first users. Simply put: maintaining a standalone privacy browser doesn’t make as much sense anymore when Ghostery’s tools can shine within existing browsers.

For those wondering, the company is nudging its users to keep Ghostery’s magic alive by switching to other platforms where its tools thrive:

• On Android: Firefox + Ghostery Tracker and Ad Blocker = unstoppable duo.
• On iOS and iPadOS: Safari paired with Ghostery offers smooth ad and tracker-blocking.
• On Desktop: Since Ghostery Private Browser was Firefox-based, users can make an easy jump to Firefox with Ghostery’s tools installed.

And if you’re devoted to Chrome, Edge, or >Opera? No worries. Ghostery 10, the latest iteration of the Tracker and Ad Blocker, works seamlessly across those browsers too, offering new features, a slicker interface, and compliance with the tricky Manifest V3 rules that have hobbled some other ad blockers.

Sure, losing the Ghostery Private Browser feels like bidding farewell to a reliable friend. After all, it’s been well-loved by tech reviewers. PCMag handed it an impressive 4.0 out of 5 rating, calling it “Excellent,” while Cybernews scored it a solid 4.1/5, applauding its robust ad-blocking, strong encryption, and ability to neutralize trackers.

Wired even recommended Ghostery as one of the best privacy browsers out there, alongside other notable names like DuckDuckGo and Brave. And if you were hunting for a Chrome alternative? PCWorld said Ghostery was one of the best options for privacy-focused folks.

But Ghostery isn’t disappearing. It’s evolving. By shifting focus to its Tracker and Ad Blocker tools, Ghostery is leaning into what it does best: protecting users’ privacy without asking them to switch browsers entirely.

Ghostery’s team promises that this isn’t the end — it’s just a change in direction. With Ghostery 10 now live, users get an updated experience that combines a cleaner design, stronger privacy defaults, and more precise control over how trackers and ads are handled.

So while the Ghostery Private Browser may be sailing off into the sunset, Ghostery’s privacy-first mission is alive and well. Whether you’re team Firefox, Safari, or Chrome, you can still keep ads and trackers at bay with Ghostery in your pocket.

As Ghostery itself put it: “Our goal remains the same: to protect your privacy and enhance your browsing experience, wherever you are on the web.”