# uMatrix

> Point & click to forbid/allow any class of requests made by your browser. Use it to block scripts, iframes, ads, facebook, etc.

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

## Overview

- **ID:** `umatrix`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Raymond Hill
- **Category:** privacy-security
- **Daily users:** 14,497
- **Weekly downloads:** 299
- **Rating:** 4.79 / 5 (759 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.4.4
- **Last updated:** 2021-07-20
- **First published:** 2015-05-12
- **Size:** 1.39 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-10
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/umatrix/)
- **Website:** [https://discourse.mozilla-community.org/t/support-umatrix/5131](https://discourse.mozilla-community.org/t/support-umatrix/5131)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/umatrix/privacy/](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/umatrix/privacy/)

## Description

uMatrix is an advanced matrix-based browser firewall designed for users seeking full control over web requests. It lets you selectively block or allow different classes of requests such as scripts, iframes, cookies, ads, and tracking pixels on a per-domain basis with simple point-and-click controls.

This powerful extension enhances privacy by preventing unwanted data downloads, tracking, and execution without relying solely on curated blacklists. Its intuitive matrix interface displays domain names against request types, allowing you to whitelist or blacklist entire rows, columns, or specific cells efficiently. Users can operate in either "block all by default" or "allow all by default" modes according to their preferences.

With uMatrix, you gain complete visibility and management over what your browser loads and executes, speeding up browsing, improving privacy, and safeguarding against tracker profiling. It is ideal for advanced users who want granular request control while browsing the web.

## Rankings

- #618 — Overall
- #141 — Privacy & Security
- #45 — iframe
- #57 — math
- #73 — class
- #73 — point

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `browsingData`
- `cookies`
- `privacy`
- `storage`
- `tabs`
- `webNavigation`
- `webRequest`
- `webRequestBlocking`
- `<all_urls>`

### Content script matches

- `*`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** Very high risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Low 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 medium 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

uMatrix is a powerful, user-driven blocker with granular control and good integration with uBlock Origin. It’s praised for design and effectiveness in blocking ads, trackers, and scripts. However, development seems slowed or paused, with calls for resurrection. Common downsides include resetting per-page allowances, unreliable persistence, CPU usage after updates, and the absence of a dark mode. Despite stability and maintenance concerns, it remains a highly capable privacy tool for those who want precise control over website behavior.

### Pros

- Powerful, granular blocking that removes ads, trackers, and unnecessary scripts.
- Fine-grained per-site control over what to block or allow.
- Strong synergy with uBlock Origin, enhancing overall site privacy.
- Brilliant design and usability that makes complex blocking manageable.
- Still highly useful even if development has slowed or paused.

### Cons

- Development appears halted or abandoned; many users hope for resurrection.
- Resets approved requests on pages and doesn't reliably save per-page allowances.
- Recent updates can cause high CPU usage, impacting performance.
- No built-in night mode/dark theme; users want a dark UI.
- Some users experience site breakage or instability due to blocking decisions.

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