Host name rewriter

Name: Host name rewriter
Rating: 3.2142857142857144 (14 reviews)
Author: Mattias Lundberg

Rewrite URLs for using a different host when accessing a web page.

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Host Name Rewriter is a Chrome extension designed to rewrite host names in URLs when accessing web pages. Whether you click a link or manually enter a URL, this tool redirects the host to your specified alternative domain, enabling flexible and efficient browsing.

For example, accessing 'example.com/something' can be redirected automatically to 'mydomain.com/something'. Subdomains are handled specifically; rewriting 'example.com' won't affect 'sub.example.com' unless a separate rule is set. Setup is simple — configure your rewrite rules via the extension's options or toolbar button. Continuous improvements include interface upgrades and performance enhancements, ensuring reliable URL rewriting and a smooth user experience.

Extension

By:

Users:

Rating:

Version:

1.3.0 Last updated: 2017-10-14

Creation date:

2017-10-14

Risk:

Permissions:

storage
webNavigation
tabs

Size:

28.02KB

Full description:

Source:

Chrome Web Store

Data ingested on:

2025-07-17

Ranking

# 32,019 ▼ 97

Other rankings

#24847 in Workflow & Planning ▼ 60 #23 in name keyword 26 ▼ 4 #86 in example keyword 7 ▼ 15 #108 in rule keyword 9 ▼ 9

User reviews

Users find the Host name rewriter Chrome extension useful for hostname management and debugging, particularly with intranet sites and VPNs. It offers a simple way to rewrite hostnames without editing system files. However, several users report it doesn't handle form POST requests or redirects well, sometimes requiring manual refresh. It may cause infinite loops without safety checks and doesn't rewrite cookie domain attributes, limiting completeness. Some find the extension slower over time, and rule management has minor glitches, but overall it serves its purpose effectively for many users.

Pros

Useful for managing hostname rewriting especially for intranet or internet link problems.
Helps in debugging websites, better alternative to editing hosts file.
Generally works well for hostname mapping and rewriting.
Simple, lightweight extension with effective functionality.

Cons

Does not work properly with form POST payloads or certain redirects; requires manual refresh after redirect.
Does not affect all aspects like cookie response headers domain rewriting.
Logic flaws such as causing endless loops without warning and issues managing multiple rules for the same host.
Slows down the browser performance over time.

Recent reviews

Not working with payload (form post)

To*****, 2023-09-20

It doesn't work. I was trying to add sort of hostname entries for intranet sites. (Using it as a DNS) here is some sample entry yash-2.foo.com 10.2.3.4

Ma*****, 2021-04-28

Pretty much useless extension. Doesn't do what's advertised. Does not even look as the advertised image of it. Don't waste your time

kl*****, 2021-03-06

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

Host name rewriter requires a few sensitive permissions. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
High ****** ********* ** * ****** ******** ******** ********** * ******* ******* *****

Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Chrome extension may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Chrome extension reputation on Chrome Web Store, the amount of time the Chrome extension has been around, and other signals about the Chrome extension. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Chrome extension.

Host name rewriter has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

High This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
Low **** ********* *** ******* **** **** * ****** **** ***** ******** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Good **** ********* *** **** **** *******

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