Extensions
Wiser Browser believes in extension freedom -- install what you want, from any source.
Extension Freedom #
Wiser Browser is committed to full extension freedom. Unlike Chrome, which maintains a blocklist of extensions and can remotely disable installed extensions, Wiser Browser never interferes with your installed extensions. You decide what runs in your browser.
All Chrome Web Store extensions are compatible with Wiser Browser. You can install them directly from the Chrome Web Store or from any other source. Wiser Browser does not perform "install verification" against a Google-controlled allowlist, and no extension will be silently disabled or removed.
This means you can use ad blockers (including Manifest V2 ad blockers with full webRequest API access), privacy tools, developer utilities, and any other extension without restrictions.
Manifest V2 support: Wiser Browser continues to support Manifest V2 extensions alongside Manifest V3. Extensions like uBlock Origin (MV2) will continue to work with full blocking capabilities.
Sideloading #
Sideloading allows you to install extensions from sources other than the Chrome Web Store, such as GitHub releases, developer websites, or your own locally built extensions. Wiser Browser treats sideloaded extensions as first-class citizens -- they have the same capabilities and permissions as Web Store extensions.
To sideload an extension, enable Developer Mode on the extensions page (wiser://extensions), then either load an unpacked extension folder or drag-and-drop a .crx file onto the extensions page. Wiser Browser will not nag you with warnings about sideloaded extensions or disable them after a period of time.
This is particularly useful for developers testing their own extensions, users who prefer extensions not available on the Web Store, and organizations that distribute custom internal extensions.
Security note: While Wiser Browser supports sideloading, please exercise caution when installing extensions from unknown sources. Only install extensions from developers and sources you trust. Malicious extensions can access your browsing data regardless of the browser's privacy protections.