The default global rule blocks requests unless users allow them.
Some sites rely on third-party scripts or other resources, so users may need to inspect the logger and create exceptions.
Evidence source ↗u
uMatrix
uMatrix is a free, open-source browser extension for controlling network requests by website and content type. Its source repository was archived in 2021.
Editorial overview
Aggregated Overview
The extension offers detailed, scoped controls and request logging at no charge. Its advanced interface, expected site breakage in default mode, and archived project status reduce ease-of-use and support assessments. The user-sentiment figure reflects Mozilla's published rating only.
This profile combines documented product information and independent evidence where available. It is not a hands-on test unless TechZella explicitly identifies one.
uMatrix Decision Snapshot
A quick way to understand who this product may suit, where its limits matter, and which facts are most relevant before you compare alternatives.
Best suited to
Experienced Firefox users who want to inspect and control requests by domain and content type, and are willing to manage site-specific rules.
Look elsewhere if
Users seeking a maintained extension, simple setup, centralized organizational administration, or dependable support may find the archived project a poor fit, and should evaluate alternatives such as uBlock Origin instead.
Platforms
Android, Firefox
TechZella assessment
6.6/10
Overview
uMatrix is an open-source browser extension that lets users allow or block web requests using a matrix of destination domains and request types. Its controls cover resources such as scripts, frames, cookies, images, stylesheets, and XHR requests.
Mozilla lists it for Firefox and Firefox for Android. However, the project’s GitHub repository was archived on July 21, 2021, and Mozilla lists version 1.4.4 as last updated July 20, 2021. That history is an important consideration for users who need ongoing maintenance or support.
uMatrix — What Sets It Apart?
These are the product-specific differences that may matter when deciding whether the software fits your workflow. They are based on documented evidence rather than a universal ranking.
- Its matrix combines request types and destination domains, allowing rules to be changed by site and resource class.
- The built-in logger displays attempted requests, including requests blocked by the extension.
- Mozilla's listing says uBlock Origin can also create global and local rules, making it a potential replacement for users already using its advanced features.
6 key claims verifiedOur editorial team checked this profile against vendor documentation, product documentation, supporting sources. Supported by 2 documented sources.
uMatrix Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides request controls organized by both destination domain and resource type.
- Includes a logger for reviewing allowed and blocked requests.
- Supports global rules and site-specific exceptions.
- Free and licensed under GPLv3.
Cons
- The default block-all strategy can break websites and requires users to configure exceptions.
- The project repository is archived and the Mozilla listing has not been updated since 2021.
- The matrix and rule-precedence model are described as intended for advanced users.
- Current Firefox availability is verified, but the historical Chrome Web Store link did not resolve to an identifiable listing during research.
uMatrix Gotchas & Operational Limits
These are documented constraints or practical friction points that may matter before you adopt the product.
The GitHub repository is archived and read-only.
Users should account for the lack of ongoing project maintenance when evaluating browser compatibility and support expectations.
Evidence source ↗The developer's Chrome Web Store link currently resolves to a page without an identifiable product title.
Do not assume the historical Chromium distribution link provides a currently installable listing.
Evidence source ↗uMatrix Pricing & Plans
Free
$0
Not applicable
Free browser extension distributed under GPLv3. No paid plans or trial terms were found in the reviewed official materials.
Check current pricing →Pricing may change. Verify current plans on the vendor's website.
uMatrix Features
Request filtering
- Allow or block requests by destination domain and request type
- Apply rules globally or to individual sites
- Control cookies, CSS resources, images, scripts, XHR requests, frames, and other resources
- Set a block-by-default or allow-by-default global strategy
Inspection and lists
- View attempted network requests in the logger
- Use bundled third-party host lists
- Enable or disable listed host files
Alternatives
uBlock Origin is a relevant product to compare. Mozilla’s uMatrix listing notes that uBlock Origin also supports global and local rules through dynamic filtering and suggests investigating its advanced features. Users comparing the two should consider whether they need uMatrix’s dedicated matrix interface or prefer uBlock Origin’s combined filtering features.
uMatrix Specifications
| Product type | Browser extension |
|---|---|
| Verified browser | Firefox |
| Verified mobile availability | Firefox for Android |
| License | GNU General Public License v3.0 only |
| Latest version listed by Mozilla | 1.4.4 |
| Mozilla listing last updated | July 20, 2021 |
| Repository status | Archived on July 21, 2021 |
| API | No public API documented in reviewed official materials |
| Integrations | No third-party integrations documented in reviewed official materials |
| Free trial | Not applicable; software is free |
Deployment & System Footprint
Verified installation, hosting, administration, or environment details that can affect implementation.
| Installation or hosting | A browser extension distributed through Mozilla Add-ons, with source code and manual installation instructions linked from GitHub. It is not a hosted SaaS product. Source ↗ |
|---|
Our evidence-based assessment
TechZella Score
A proprietary editorial score based on product capabilities, usability, value, performance, support and user sentiment evidence.
6.6/10Moderate confidence
The extension offers detailed, scoped controls and request logging at no charge. Its advanced interface, expected site breakage in default mode, and archived project status reduce ease-of-use and support assessments. The user-sentiment figure reflects Mozilla's published rating only.
Methodology v1.0. The assessment weighs feature coverage (25%), ease of use (15%), value for money (20%), performance (15%), support (10%) and user sentiment (15%), using researched product evidence and verified review evidence where available. It is a TechZella editorial assessment, not a direct user-review average.
Editorial transparency
Our Review Methodology
Key claims are linked to the sources used to verify them. This evidence record is separate from third-party user ratings.
TechZella evaluates software using documented product capabilities, pricing information, usability and value considerations, independent user evidence where available, and competitive context. The assessment is an editorial review, not a hands-on test unless one is explicitly identified. Our editorial assessment is based on 2 documented sources.
What TechZella adds
- Its matrix combines request types and destination domains, allowing rules to be changed by site and resource class.
- The built-in logger displays attempted requests, including requests blocked by the extension.
- Mozilla's listing says uBlock Origin can also create global and local rules, making it a potential replacement for users already using its advanced features.
Important limitations
- The GitHub repository has been archived since July 21, 2021, and Mozilla lists the latest version as 1.4.4, last updated July 20, 2021.
- The developer describes uMatrix as an advanced-user tool and warns that its default block-all, allow-exceptionally mode can break websites.
- The current Mozilla listing verifies Firefox and Firefox for Android availability. The linked Chrome Web Store destination did not show an identifiable uMatrix listing during research.
Evidence-backed claimsuMatrix rules can control requests by destination domain and request type. uMatrix includes a logger for attempted and blocked connections. The project's GitHub repository is archived. Mozilla lists uMatrix as available for Firefox for Android. Mozilla lists version 1.4.4 as last updated July 20, 2021. uMatrix is licensed under GPLv3.
Mozilla's product listing describes matrix controls for domains and categories including cookies, CSS resources, images, scripts, XHR, frames, and other requests.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05The Mozilla listing describes viewing remote connections and includes a logger screenshot showing request details.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05GitHub states the repository was archived by its owner on July 21, 2021, and is read-only.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05The Mozilla Add-ons listing explicitly identifies Firefox for Android availability.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05The add-on page displays version 1.4.4 and a last-updated date of July 20, 2021.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05The Mozilla listing identifies the GNU General Public License v3.0 only, and the repository identifies the GPL-3.0 license.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05Community feedback
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FAQ
Is uMatrix free?
Yes. The extension is free and its source is licensed under GPLv3.
Which platforms are verified?
Mozilla lists uMatrix for Firefox and Firefox for Android.
Does uMatrix have an API or integrations?
The official materials reviewed describe a browser extension and do not document a public API or third-party integrations.
Is uMatrix still maintained?
The GitHub repository was archived on July 21, 2021. Mozilla lists version 1.4.4 as last updated July 20, 2021.
Can uMatrix break websites?
Yes. Its default block-all, allow-exceptionally mode can prevent resources some websites need. Users can change the default mode or add site-specific exceptions.