Software · head to head
SimilarWeb vs Ghostery
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SimilarWeb browser extension data accuracy is lower than full platform; Ghostery database of trackers requires regular updates to remain current
- They diverge on capability: SimilarWeb covers Traffic analytics, Ghostery covers Tracker blocking.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SimilarWeb and Ghostery actually diverge.
| Attribute | SimilarWeb | Ghostery |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web, Browser Extension | Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera |
| Founded | 2007 | 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 SimilarWeb
- Traffic analytics
- Audience insights
- Competitor research
- Industry analysis
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.
SimilarWeb
No use cases recorded yet. See the SimilarWeb review.
Ghostery
- Blocking ads and sponsored content before they loadnot SimilarWeb
- Preventing tracker profiling by replacing identifying data with random valuesnot SimilarWeb
- Automatically rejecting non-essential cookie consentnot SimilarWeb
- Seeing which companies track a given site through WhoTracks.Menot SimilarWeb
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
SimilarWeb
- Browser extension data accuracy is lower than full platform
- Full platform pricing is not transparent and requires quote-based inquiry
Ghostery
- Database of trackers requires regular updates to remain current
- Some sites break functionality when trackers are aggressively blocked
Pricing, plan by plan
SimilarWeb
Free- FreeFree
- Traffic overview
- Engagement metrics
- Similar sites
Ghostery
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Ghostery review.
Which should you pick?
Choose SimilarWeb if
- You need traffic analytics.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Browser Extension.
- You also want audience insights.
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 SimilarWeb or Ghostery better?
- Neither clearly leads. SimilarWeb 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, SimilarWeb or Ghostery?
- SimilarWeb starts at Free and Ghostery at Free.
- Does SimilarWeb or Ghostery run on more platforms?
- SimilarWeb runs on Web, Browser Extension. Ghostery runs on Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera.
- Can I use SimilarWeb for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What can SimilarWeb do that Ghostery cannot?
- SimilarWeb covers Traffic analytics, Audience insights, Competitor research, Industry analysis. 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
SimilarWeb: Is the SimilarWeb browser extension free?
Yes. The SimilarWeb browser extension is completely free to install and use with no paid tiers and no credit card required.
SourceGhostery: 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.
SourceSimilarWeb: How many websites does SimilarWeb cover?
SimilarWeb provides access to intelligence from 1B+ websites and 8M apps, tracks 5B search terms and 250M display ads across 190 countries and 210 industries.
SourceGhostery: What browsers does Ghostery support?
Ghostery is available for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Edge and Safari as a browser extension.
SourceSimilarWeb: How accurate is SimilarWeb extension data?
Browser extension data accuracy is lower than the full platform, but it is adequate for ballpark figures of traffic estimates.
SourceGhostery: What data does Ghostery collect?
Ghostery collects no personal information, ensuring your privacy remains protected while using the extension.
Source