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Browser Extensions · head to head

HTTPS Everywhere vs Web Developer

HTTPS Everywhere logo

HTTPS Everywhere

Browser Extensions

Encrypt the web automatically

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Web Developer logo

Web Developer

Browser Extensions

Web developer toolbar for browsers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: HTTPS Everywhere product discontinued as of January 2023; Web Developer the Web Developer browser extension is licensed GPL-3.0 per its GitHub repository (github.com/chrispederick/web-developer), which states 'All files are distributed for free under the terms of the GNU General Public License,' confirming it has no vendor pricing model to compare.
  • They diverge on capability: HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS, Web Developer covers CSS inspection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which HTTPS Everywhere and Web Developer actually diverge.

Attributes where HTTPS Everywhere and Web Developer differ
AttributeHTTPS EverywhereWeb Developer
Founded19902003

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera), 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 HTTPS Everywhere

  • Automatic HTTPS
  • Encryption enforcement
  • Rule-based upgrading
  • Observatory integration

Only in Web Developer

  • CSS inspection
  • Form debugging
  • Image analysis
  • Element outlining

Both cover

  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support
  • Opera support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

HTTPS Everywhere

  • Forcing encrypted HTTPS connections on websites that support itnot Web Developer
  • Preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networksnot Web Developer

Web Developer

No use cases recorded yet. See the Web Developer review.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

HTTPS Everywhere

  • Product discontinued as of January 2023
  • Functionality now built into all modern browsers natively
  • No longer receives security updates or maintenance

Web Developer

  • The Web Developer browser extension is licensed GPL-3.0 per its GitHub repository (github.com/chrispederick/web-developer), which states 'All files are distributed for free under the terms of the GNU General Public License,' confirming it has no vendor pricing model to compare.

Pricing, plan by plan

HTTPS Everywhere

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Automatic HTTPS upgrade
    • Rule sets
    • Custom rules

Web Developer

Free
  • FreeFree
    • CSS tools
    • Form tools
    • Image tools

Which should you pick?

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.
HTTPS Everywhere review

Choose Web Developer if

  • You need css inspection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
  • You also want form debugging.
Web Developer review

Questions people ask

Is HTTPS Everywhere or Web Developer better?
Neither clearly leads. HTTPS Everywhere starts at Free and Web Developer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, HTTPS Everywhere or Web Developer?
HTTPS Everywhere starts at Free and Web Developer at Free.
Does HTTPS Everywhere or Web Developer run on more platforms?
Both run on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use HTTPS Everywhere for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is HTTPS Everywhere best used for?
HTTPS Everywhere is most often used for forcing encrypted https connections on websites that support it, preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networks. Of those, forcing encrypted https connections on websites that support it and preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networks are not what Web Developer is typically brought in for.
What can HTTPS Everywhere do that Web Developer cannot?
HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS, Encryption enforcement, Rule-based upgrading, Observatory integration. Web Developer covers CSS inspection, Form debugging, Image analysis, Element outlining. Both handle Chrome support, Firefox support, Edge support, Opera support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

HTTPS 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.

Source
HTTPS Everywhere: What functionality did HTTPS Everywhere provide?

The extension automatically redirected HTTP connections to HTTPS when available, improving encryption and privacy on unencrypted websites.

Source
HTTPS 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.

Source
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