Cost of Free

Explains the economic incentives behind free digital products. No blocking, no tracking—just explanation.

Cost of Free helps you understand the hidden value of your everyday online activity. As you browse the web, companies collect data about your behavior and preferences. Cost of Free translates that activity into an estimated economic value, giving you visibility into what your data may be worth — without blocking content, altering websites, or tracking you. What it does • Estimates the value of common data activity (ads, engagement, usage patterns) • Presents insights clearly and transparently • Runs quietly in the background while you browse What it does not do • No ad blocking • No tracking • No selling or sharing your data • No interference with websites Cost of Free is designed for awareness and disclosure, not surveillance. It exists to help users better understand the trade-offs behind “free” digital services. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re really paying with when something is free — this extension makes that cost visible.