Browser Extensions · head to head
Dark Reader vs HTTPS Everywhere
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Dark Reader cannot modify PDF files displayed in browsers; HTTPS Everywhere product discontinued as of January 2023
- They diverge on capability: Dark Reader covers Dark mode, HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Dark Reader and HTTPS Everywhere actually diverge.
| Attribute | Dark Reader | HTTPS Everywhere |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | free |
| Platforms | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera |
| Founded | 2014 | 1990 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Browser Extensions).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Dark Reader
- Dark mode
- Custom brightness
- Contrast adjustment
- Site-specific settings
- Safari support
Only in HTTPS Everywhere
- Automatic HTTPS
- Encryption enforcement
- Rule-based upgrading
- Observatory integration
- Opera support
Both cover
- Chrome support
- Firefox support
- Edge support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Dark Reader
- Applying dark mode to websites that don't natively support itnot HTTPS Everywhere
- Reducing eye strain for night-time or extended browsingnot HTTPS Everywhere
- Per-site brightness, contrast, and sepia customizationnot HTTPS Everywhere
- Toggling dark mode on/off per domainnot HTTPS Everywhere
- Accessibility use for light-sensitive usersnot HTTPS Everywhere
HTTPS Everywhere
No use cases recorded yet. See the HTTPS Everywhere review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Dark Reader
- Cannot modify PDF files displayed in browsers
- Performance impact on devices with limited resources
HTTPS Everywhere
- Product discontinued as of January 2023
- Functionality now built into all modern browsers natively
- No longer receives security updates or maintenance
Pricing, plan by plan
Dark Reader
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Dark Reader review.
HTTPS Everywhere
Free- FreeFree
- Automatic HTTPS upgrade
- Rule sets
- Custom rules
Which should you pick?
Choose Dark Reader if
- You need dark mode.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge.
- You also want custom brightness.
Choose HTTPS Everywhere if
- You need automatic https.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
- You also want encryption enforcement.
Questions people ask
- Is Dark Reader or HTTPS Everywhere better?
- Neither clearly leads. Dark Reader starts at Free and HTTPS Everywhere at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Dark Reader or HTTPS Everywhere?
- Dark Reader starts at Free and HTTPS Everywhere at Free.
- Does Dark Reader or HTTPS Everywhere run on more platforms?
- Dark Reader runs on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge. HTTPS Everywhere runs on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
- Can I use Dark Reader for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Dark Reader best used for?
- Dark Reader is most often used for applying dark mode to websites that don't natively support it, reducing eye strain for night-time or extended browsing, per-site brightness, contrast, and sepia customization, toggling dark mode on/off per domain. Of those, applying dark mode to websites that don't natively support it and reducing eye strain for night-time or extended browsing are not what HTTPS Everywhere is typically brought in for.
- What can Dark Reader do that HTTPS Everywhere cannot?
- Dark Reader covers Dark mode, Custom brightness, Contrast adjustment, Site-specific settings. HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS, Encryption enforcement, Rule-based upgrading, Observatory integration. Both handle Chrome support, Firefox support, Edge support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Dark Reader: Is Dark Reader free to use?
Yes, Dark Reader is completely free with no ads and no tracking. It does not send user data anywhere.
SourceHTTPS Everywhere: Is HTTPS Everywhere still maintained?
No. HTTPS Everywhere was retired in January 2023 because major browsers added native HTTPS upgrade features, making the extension obsolete.
SourceDark Reader: How can I customize the dark mode in Dark Reader?
Users can configure brightness, contrast, and sepia filter settings to suit their specific needs, and selectively enable or disable Dark Reader for specific websites.
SourceHTTPS Everywhere: What functionality did HTTPS Everywhere provide?
The extension automatically redirected HTTP connections to HTTPS when available, improving encryption and privacy on unencrypted websites.
SourceDark Reader: What browsers does Dark Reader support?
Dark Reader is available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge browsers across desktop and mobile platforms.
SourceHTTPS Everywhere: What is the recommended replacement?
Modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari now include built-in HTTPS upgrade features that automatically redirect to secure connections, making HTTPS Everywhere unnecessary.
SourceDark Reader: Does Dark Reader work offline?
Yes, Dark Reader runs entirely on your device with no external dependencies. It analyzes web pages locally to generate dark themes.
Source