# IPFS Companion

> Connect your browser to a local Kubo IPFS node

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/ipfs-companion](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ipfs-companion)

## Overview

- **ID:** `ipfs-companion`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** IPFS Shipyard
- **Category:** web-development,download-management,privacy-security
- **Daily users:** 2,645
- **Weekly downloads:** 31
- **Rating:** 4.78 / 5 (72 ratings)
- **Version:** 3.4.0
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-21
- **First published:** 2015-03-22
- **Size:** 2.96 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-11
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/ipfs-companion/)
- **Website:** [https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-companion/issues](https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-companion/issues)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/ipfs-companion/privacy/](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/ipfs-companion/privacy/)

## Description

IPFS Companion enhances your browsing experience by integrating the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) directly into your browser. It works alongside a locally running IPFS node—via IPFS Desktop or command-line daemon—to enable features such as support for ipfs:// addresses, automatic loading of content through IPFS gateways, and easy file import and sharing. Users can preview peer connections, manage gateway settings, and execute common IPFS tasks like pinning files and accessing the Web UI dashboard right from their browser.

IPFS is a decentralized, peer-to-peer hypermedia protocol focused on creating a faster, safer, and more resilient internet by eliminating centralized hosting. IPFS Companion empowers users to browse and share content that remains available and uncensored, staying true to the open web vision. Whether you’re a developer, researcher, or enthusiast, this extension offers seamless interaction with distributed web technologies, facilitating adoption and exploration of IPFS.

## Rankings

- #1,835 — Overall
- #158 — Download Management
- #197 — Web Development
- #340 — Privacy & Security
- #6 — company
- #23 — compare

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `alarms`
- `idle`
- `tabs`
- `notifications`
- `proxy`
- `storage`
- `unlimitedStorage`
- `contextMenus`
- `clipboardWrite`
- `webNavigation`
- `webRequest`
- `webRequestBlocking`

### Host permissions

- `<all_urls>`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** Very high risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Moderate risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
- This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

IPFS Companion is praised for effectively integrating IPFS into Firefox and promoting decentralization. Users appreciate the initiative's potential and hope for native browser support. However, common complaints include slow new tab loading and repeated offline/online gateway notifications. Additionally, users highlight the lack of mobile compatibility and need for updates, especially for Firefox on Android.

### Pros

- Integrates IPFS into the browser effectively, offering neat functionality.
- Promotes a decentralized and open web, seen as a groundbreaking initiative.
- Many users find it interesting and useful, showing positive enthusiasm for the project.
- Users desire native integration with browsers like Firefox, indicating strong interest and potential future support.

### Cons

- Causes slow loading of new tabs post-installation, impacting user experience.
- Repetitive notifications about IPFS gateway fluctuations are annoying to users.
- Lack of updates and compatibility with Firefox for Android is noted, limiting usability on mobile devices.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ipfs-companion)