Software · head to head
React Developer Tools vs Ghostery
React Developer Tools
Software
Debug React applications in your browser
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: React Developer Tools react Developer Tools ships under the MIT license as part of the React open source project, free with no commercial tier; support is community GitHub issues only, with no vendor SLA.; Ghostery database of trackers requires regular updates to remain current
- They diverge on capability: React Developer Tools covers Component inspection, Ghostery covers Tracker blocking.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which React Developer Tools and Ghostery actually diverge.
| Attribute | React Developer Tools | Ghostery |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | Unknown |
| Platforms | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera |
| Founded | 2004 | 2009 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 React Developer Tools
- Component inspection
- Props/State viewing
- Performance profiler
- Hooks debugging
Only in Ghostery
- Tracker blocking
- Ad blocking
- Privacy dashboard
- Enhanced anti-tracking
- Safari support
- 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.
React Developer Tools
No use cases recorded yet. See the React Developer Tools review.
Ghostery
- Blocking ads and sponsored content before they loadnot React Developer Tools
- Preventing tracker profiling by replacing identifying data with random valuesnot React Developer Tools
- Automatically rejecting non-essential cookie consentnot React Developer Tools
- Seeing which companies track a given site through WhoTracks.Menot React Developer Tools
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
React Developer Tools
- React Developer Tools ships under the MIT license as part of the React open source project, free with no commercial tier; support is community GitHub issues only, with no vendor SLA.
Ghostery
- Database of trackers requires regular updates to remain current
- Some sites break functionality when trackers are aggressively blocked
Pricing, plan by plan
React Developer Tools
Free- FreeFree
- Component tree
- Props inspection
- State tracking
Ghostery
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Ghostery review.
Which should you pick?
Choose React Developer Tools if
- You need component inspection.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
- You also want props/state viewing.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is React Developer Tools or Ghostery better?
- Neither clearly leads. React Developer Tools starts at Free and Ghostery at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, React Developer Tools or Ghostery?
- React Developer Tools starts at Free and Ghostery at Free.
- Does React Developer Tools or Ghostery run on more platforms?
- React Developer Tools runs on Chrome, Firefox, Edge. Ghostery runs on Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera.
- Can I use React Developer Tools for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What can React Developer Tools do that Ghostery cannot?
- React Developer Tools covers Component inspection, Props/State viewing, Performance profiler, Hooks debugging. Ghostery covers Tracker blocking, Ad blocking, Privacy dashboard, Enhanced anti-tracking. Both handle Chrome support, Firefox support, Edge 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.
SourceGhostery: What browsers does Ghostery support?
Ghostery is available for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Edge and Safari as a browser extension.
SourceGhostery: What data does Ghostery collect?
Ghostery collects no personal information, ensuring your privacy remains protected while using the extension.
Source