Softwr

Browser Extensions · head to head

Ghostery vs Rakuten

Ghostery logo

Ghostery

Browser Extensions

Block ads and stop trackers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rakuten logo

Rakuten

Browser Extensions

Get cash back on every purchase

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Ghostery database of trackers requires regular updates to remain current; Rakuten minimum withdrawal amount of $5.01 creates friction for light users
  • They diverge on capability: Ghostery covers Tracker blocking, Rakuten covers Cash back rewards.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Ghostery and Rakuten actually diverge.

Attributes where Ghostery and Rakuten differ
AttributeGhosteryRakuten
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsFirefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, OperaBrowser Extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Founded20091999

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 Ghostery

  • Tracker blocking
  • Ad blocking
  • Privacy dashboard
  • Enhanced anti-tracking
  • Opera support

Only in Rakuten

  • Cash back rewards
  • Coupon codes
  • In-store offers
  • Price comparisons

Both cover

  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support
  • Safari support

What people use each for

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

Ghostery

  • Blocking ads and sponsored content before they loadnot Rakuten
  • Preventing tracker profiling by replacing identifying data with random valuesnot Rakuten
  • Automatically rejecting non-essential cookie consentnot Rakuten
  • Seeing which companies track a given site through WhoTracks.Menot Rakuten

Rakuten

  • Cash back on online purchases from partner retailersnot Ghostery
  • Cash back on in-store purchases using linked cardsnot Ghostery

Where each one falls short

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

Ghostery

  • Database of trackers requires regular updates to remain current
  • Some sites break functionality when trackers are aggressively blocked

Rakuten

  • Minimum withdrawal amount of $5.01 creates friction for light users
  • Quarterly payout schedule only, with months-long delays between earning and receiving payments
  • Amazon cashback limited to specific categories at 1-3% rates
  • Must click through Rakuten link first or cashback does not register

Pricing, plan by plan

Ghostery

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Ghostery review.

Rakuten

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Rakuten review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Ghostery if

  • You need tracker blocking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera.
  • You also want ad blocking.
Ghostery review

Choose Rakuten if

  • You need cash back rewards.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Browser Extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
  • You also want coupon codes.
Rakuten review

Questions people ask

Is Ghostery or Rakuten better?
Neither clearly leads. Ghostery starts at Free and Rakuten at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ghostery or Rakuten?
Ghostery starts at Free and Rakuten at Free.
Does Ghostery or Rakuten run on more platforms?
Ghostery runs on Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera. Rakuten runs on Browser Extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
Can I use Ghostery for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Ghostery best used for?
Ghostery is most often used for blocking ads and sponsored content before they load, preventing tracker profiling by replacing identifying data with random values, automatically rejecting non-essential cookie consent, seeing which companies track a given site through whotracks.me. Of those, blocking ads and sponsored content before they load and preventing tracker profiling by replacing identifying data with random values are not what Rakuten is typically brought in for.
What can Ghostery do that Rakuten cannot?
Ghostery covers Tracker blocking, Ad blocking, Privacy dashboard, Enhanced anti-tracking. Rakuten covers Cash back rewards, Coupon codes, In-store offers, Price comparisons. Both handle Chrome support, Firefox support, Edge support, Safari support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Ghostery: Is Ghostery completely free?

Yes. Ghostery is a free ad blocking browser extension that you can install without paying a subscription. All of Ghostery's features are completely free to use, including ad blocking, tracker blocking, and cookie consent banner handling.

Source
Rakuten: Does Rakuten charge membership fees?

No. Rakuten is completely free to join and use. There are no membership fees, setup fees, or any charges to members. Rakuten's revenue comes from merchant commissions, not user fees.

Source
Ghostery: What browsers does Ghostery support?

Ghostery is available for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Edge and Safari as a browser extension.

Source
Rakuten: Is there a cost to use the Rakuten browser extension or mobile app?

No, both the browser extension and mobile app are free to download and use at no cost.

Source
Ghostery: What data does Ghostery collect?

Ghostery collects no personal information, ensuring your privacy remains protected while using the extension.

Source
Rakuten: How does Rakuten make money if it's free?

Brands partner with Rakuten and pay commissions to bring them customers. Rakuten shares a portion of these commissions with members as cash back rewards.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Ghostery

More on Rakuten

Keep looking

Other head to heads