Search the Chrome Web Store for “porn blocker” and you’ll find dozens of options. Many look alike, but they differ a lot in how well they block, how they treat your data, and what happens when you actually hit a blocked page.
Here are eight things worth checking before you install one.
1. Does it block before the page loads?
Some blockers wait until a page has loaded, then cover it up. That means you may see the content for a moment first. Look for a blocker that checks the address before the page appears.
2. Does it catch sites that aren’t on a list?
Lists of known adult sites are useful, but new sites appear constantly. A good blocker also looks at the page itself: its title, description and text. The best ones weigh where words appear, so a single word in a news article doesn’t trigger a block.
3. Does it handle search and safe search?
A lot of adult content arrives through search results. Check whether the blocker turns on strict safe search for you, and whether it hides explicit results and thumbnails on search pages.
4. Can you keep what you need open?
Overly strict blockers catch health information, sex education and medical sites. You should be able to add a site or keyword to a whitelist that always wins over the block rules, without turning protection off.
5. What does it do with your browsing?
This is the big one. A blocker sees every page you open. Read the privacy policy and look for clear answers:
- Does it send the websites you visit anywhere?
- Does it require an account or email?
- What, if anything, does it collect, and can you turn that off?
We go deeper on this in is your porn blocker private?
6. What happens on the blocked page?
Most blockers show a wall that says “blocked” and nothing else. That stops the click but leaves you alone with the urge. A blocked page that offers something to do, like a timer, a breathing exercise or a way to reach a friend, is far more useful in the moment.
7. Does it work in incognito?
Chrome turns extensions off in incognito by default. Any blocker will need you to allow it there. A good one tells you when it’s off. See how to block porn in incognito mode.
8. How hard is it to switch off?
Be realistic about what you need. Some blockers add locks, passwords or partner approval before you can disable them. These matter most for children and for people who want extra friction. If that’s important to you, check for it before installing.
How Safe View measures up
We built Safe View around this list, so here’s an honest summary:
- Blocks before the page loads, using over 1,000 known adult sites and keywords.
- Catches unlisted adult pages with an on-device page check, while keeping news and health articles readable.
- Forces strict safe search on five search engines and hides adult search results.
- Whitelist always wins.
- Private: no account, and it never sends the websites you visit, your keywords or anything you type. Anonymous usage counts are on by default and can be turned off in Settings.
- Six tools on the blocked page: urge timer, trigger check-in, focus session, your reasons, reach out and guided breathing.
- Reminds you about incognito when it isn’t allowed.
- No lock or password yet. If you need a blocker that’s hard to disable, Safe View doesn’t offer that today.
