Uncovering the Best Clean Links Alternatives for a Safer, Cleaner Web Experience
Clean Links, an add-on designed to convert obfuscated and nested links into clean, plain URLs and remove pesky affiliate/tracking tags, has been a valuable tool for many. It helps users avoid redirects, tracking parameters (like UTM, AFF, REF), and deceptive links, operating in either a DOM traversing or event delegation mode. However, if you're seeking a different approach, more specialized features, or simply want to explore other options for a cleaner, more private browsing experience, you're in the right place. This article will guide you through the top Clean Links alternative options available today.
Top Clean Links Alternatives
While Clean Links offers robust functionality, several other browser extensions and tools excel in specific areas of link cleaning and privacy protection. Whether you're looking for simplicity, advanced tracking removal, or broader platform support, there's an alternative for you.
Pure URL
Pure URL is an excellent open-source alternative available across Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, Chrome, Haiku, Opera, and Firefox. It automatically removes extraneous garbage like "utm_source=*" from URLs, which are often used for Google Analytics tracking but aren't necessary for the core functionality of the link. Its simplicity and wide platform support make it a strong contender for those prioritizing straightforward UTM parameter removal.
Link Cleaner
Link Cleaner is a free and open-source browser extension for Web and Firefox that focuses on cleaning URLs before you visit them. It specifically targets and removes utm_* parameters on item pages from popular sites like AliExpress and Amazon, along with other general tracking parameters. This makes it a great choice for online shoppers who want to reduce their digital footprint.
Neat URL
Neat URL is another robust open-source option for Web, Vivaldi Browser, Chrome, and Firefox users, designed to clean URLs by removing parameters such as Google Analytics' utm parameters. It offers a core feature of tracking protection, ensuring that your browsing remains more private by stripping away common tracking elements found in URLs.
Untrack Me
Untrack Me is a powerful free and open-source browser extension available for Web, Chrome, Safari, Opera, and Firefox. Its primary function is to remove the parts of URLs that are used to track you across the web. Emphasizing privacy, Untrack Me offers strong tracking protection, making it an excellent choice for users deeply concerned about their online anonymity.
UTM Stripper
UTM Stripper is a free and open-source browser extension specifically designed to strip Google Analytics (UTM) tokens from URL query strings. Available for Web, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, it offers dedicated tracking protection against one of the most common forms of online tracking, making your URLs much cleaner and more private.
Redirector
Redirector is a versatile open-source tool for Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, Vivaldi Browser, Chrome, Haiku, Opera, and Firefox that automatically redirects to user-defined URLs on certain pages. While not strictly a link cleaner, its ability to bypass certain intermediary pages or unwanted redirects can contribute to a cleaner browsing experience, acting as a different kind of Clean Links alternative for specific use cases.
Redirect Cleaner
Redirect Cleaner is a free and open-source solution for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Firefox users that specifically targets and cleans redirects from links. It handles common redirect patterns like "www.example.com?url=www.mozilla.org", effectively getting you to your intended destination without unnecessary detours. This makes it a direct and effective Clean Links alternative for handling redirect-based obfuscation.
The world of browser extensions offers a rich selection of tools to enhance your online privacy and improve your browsing experience by cleaning up messy URLs. Whether you prioritize removing tracking parameters, bypassing redirects, or simply desire a more streamlined web, exploring these Clean Links alternative options will help you find the perfect fit for your specific needs.