Dark Reader
Dark Reader: An open-source browser extension for adjustable, site-specific dark themes. Ranked #10 of 19 in Browser Extensions by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source dark mode across major browsers.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source dark mode across major browsers
- Free planYes
- Supported browsersChrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge; Android support via Firefox and Edge
- Founded2014 · London, United Kingdom
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Adjust brightness, contrast, sepia, and saturation per site
- Choose Dynamic, Filter, Filter+, or Static theme modes
- Use allowlists, blocklists, custom typography, and settings sync
Where it doesn't
- Theme generation can vary by site and mode
- The Safari app is a separate paid-support route
- Its focus is website appearance, not broader browser customization
Our verdict on Dark Reader
Dark Reader generates dark themes for websites and suits people who want to control how individual pages look across supported browsers. It is open source and has a free main browser extension, with official versions linked for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Android support is available via Firefox and Edge, and the vendor also offers a Safari app for Apple devices. Its settings cover both broad use across websites and selective use on chosen domains.
The extension offers four theme-generation modes: Dynamic, Filter, Filter+, and Static. Users can adjust brightness, contrast, sepia, and saturation, apply custom filter settings per site, and set a custom font and text stroke. Allowlist and blocklist entries can use domain patterns, while automatic disabling can avoid sites that already have dark themes. This gives Dark Reader substantial control over its specific job; it is a focused appearance tool rather than a general-purpose browser utility.
The main extension is classified as free, and settings can use browser storage sync or local APIs. On mobile, the listed Android route is through Firefox and Edge; the vendor separately offers a Safari app for Apple devices as a paid-support route. Support channels include email and documentation. Dark Reader is a good fit for people seeking open-source dark mode with per-site controls and multiple theme approaches. Those looking for broader browsing features, or a single identical experience across every browser and site, should consider a more general alternative.
Your product? Our editors can test Dark Reader in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Dark Reader pricing
Dark Reader fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported browsers | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge; Android support via Firefox and Edge |
| Open source | Yes |
| Works offline | Not verified |
| Mobile extension | Yes |
| Cross-device sync | Yes |
| Deployment | Browser extension, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Chrome extension, iOS, macOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | darkreader.org |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Dark Reader
- GhosteryA free, open-source browser extension with broad blocking controls and tracker reports.9.4
- Adblock PlusA free ad blocker with filter-list controls and paid tools for hiding cookie pop-ups.9.2
- uBlock OriginDeep filter-list and custom-rule controls, with browser availability varying by channel.9.1
See all Dark Reader alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Dark Reader is ranked in 5 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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