# Just the Browser

6 Hacker News commenters recommended Just the Browser and 11 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 2 of 13 months.

**Verdict:** Recommended for turning off browser AI and other features, with each setting explained on the site. Critics say the install script is overkill for one small policy file.

## Why people recommend it

- Clear explanations of each setting (2 comments): "The website explains each setting that would be turned off, which I find rather informative." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46651050)) "I really appreciate the site/guides." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46652462))
- Offers both options upfront (2 comments): "I think this is a good way to do it -- have both options and tell people about them right at the start of the process." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46652405)) "This is a great way to do it." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46648707))

## What people warn about

- Runs third-party shell scripts users distrust (6 comments): "I'm not sure why I'd run a third-party script to flip low-level browser and system settings I can change myself." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46616033)) "Seems like this is for the people that need to execute random powershell scripts they don't understand" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46648036)) "By getting you run run arbitrary code when in the end all is does is install this policy file" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46871852))
- Overkill for one small policy file (3 comments): "I dont understand the need for an entire website and shell script installer when all it does is download 1 file and put it somewhere." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46650970)) "By getting you run run arbitrary code when in the end all is does is install this policy file" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46871852)) "Suggesting bash/curl'ing to get a 12 lines JSON file is just... Not great." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46646296))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Arkenfox user.js](https://hackerapproved.com/p/arkenfox-user-js.md): 5 recommend
- [BetterFox](https://hackerapproved.com/p/betterfox.md): 5 recommend

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Just the Browser", https://hackerapproved.com/p/just-the-browser/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).