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Unhook

Unhook is a free Chrome, Firefox and Edge extension that hides YouTube recommendations, Shorts, comments and autoplay so you watch only what you came for.

Our take: Unhook is the quickest fix if YouTube keeps eating your time: install it, toggle off the feed and sidebar, and the site becomes a search box.

Best forDistraction-free YouTube
ReviewedPricing: Free
7.0 out of 105 criteria · see breakdown
Try UnhookFree (optional donation)

Unhook is a free browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge that hides YouTube's recommendations, Shorts, comments, end screens and autoplay. It is for anyone who wants to watch the video they searched for without getting pulled into more. It costs nothing and needs no account; donations are optional.

The bottom line

Install it if you watch YouTube in a desktop browser and want fewer rabbit holes.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isA free browser extension that hides YouTube's recommendation and engagement features.
Our takeUnhook is the quickest fix if YouTube keeps eating your time: install it, toggle off the feed and sidebar, and the site becomes a search box.
It has a large user base and a no-data-collection disclosure. It is closed source, has thin support and does nothing for the phone apps, where many people watch.
Why we rate itSimple toggles that remove YouTube's most distracting parts at no cost.
The catchDesktop browsers and Firefox for Android only; closed source with minimal support.

Best / not good for

Best for
  • Focused study or work on YouTube
  • Cutting Shorts and recommendations
  • Shared family computers
Not good for
  • Watching in the YouTube mobile apps
  • People who want player controls like speed and volume
Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

  1. Time to value
    Under a minute: install from the browser store and pick toggles.
  2. Scale breakpoint
    None for one person; there is no admin console for managing many devices.
  3. Walled garden
    None: settings live in the browser and removing the extension restores YouTube.
Still a fit?
If none of these block you, start on the free plan.
Try Unhook

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unhook free?

Yes. Unhook is free on Chrome, Firefox and Edge, with an optional PayPal donation (checked 4 October 2026).

Is the Unhook extension safe?

On the Chrome Web Store the developer discloses that it will not collect or use your data and does not sell it. It is not open source, so the code can't be independently reviewed, and it needs access to YouTube pages to hide elements. Install it only from the official Chrome, Firefox or Edge stores.

What can Unhook hide on YouTube?

The homepage feed, the recommended sidebar, live chat, playlists, end-screen videos and cards, comments, Shorts, Explore and Trending, the header, video info and irrelevant search results. It can also redirect to Subscriptions and disable autoplay and annotations.

Does Unhook work on iPhone or Android?

Not in the YouTube apps. On Android it works on m.youtube.com through Firefox for Android. The iOS app called Unhook in the App Store is a different product from another developer.

Who makes Unhook?

The Chrome Web Store lists it as created by the owner of unhook.app; the developer's name is not published.

Unhook alternatives

Other YouTube and browser tools to consider:

Showing 1–3 of 3
Sources checked October 4, 2026: Unhook official site, Unhook on the Chrome Web Store, Unhook on Firefox Add-ons, Unhook on Microsoft Edge Add-ons, Unhook privacy policy.

Conversion Gems independently reviews every tool.

Tags

#Unhook#YouTube#BrowserExtension

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