Is Tampermonkey safe to use?

Tampermonkey itself is a reputable and widely-used extension. However, user scripts installed through Tampermonkey vary in quality and safety. Review scripts and their permissions before installing.

Can I use Tampermonkey scripts with Violentmonkey?

Yes. Violentmonkey is designed to be compatible with scripts written for Tampermonkey, including those from Greasy Fork and other script repositories.

Are userscript managers safe?

Tampermonkey is safe when installed from the official Chrome Web Store. However, individual userscripts vary in quality. Scripts run with significant browser access and can read or modify page content. Always review a script's code and permissions before installing it.

Should I install scripts from random websites?

No. Installing userscripts from unknown or random sources can expose your browsing data. Only install scripts from well-known repositories like Greasy Fork or OpenUserJS, or scripts whose code you have reviewed. Avoid scripts from websites you do not recognize.

Can userscripts read pages I visit?

Yes. Userscripts run on the web pages you visit and can read page content, interact with page elements, and make network requests. Before installing any userscript, review what permissions it requests and where it will run.

What is the recommended way to test a userscript?

Review the script code before installing it ? check what URLs it will run on and what permissions it requests. Install scripts one at a time and test on a non-critical site first. Use the manager to temporarily disable scripts you are not actively using.

Active (MV3)Script Manager

Tampermonkey Alternatives for Chrome

Quick Answer

Tampermonkey is one of the most widely used userscript managers for Chrome, but some users look for alternatives because they prefer open-source tooling, want a different permission model, or need to test script compatibility in another manager. Violentmonkey is the most common alternative for users who want an open-source userscript workflow, while simple browser bookmarks or snippets may be enough for very small personal scripts. Userscript managers can run powerful code on pages you visit, so the main decision is not only which extension to install, but also which scripts you trust and how carefully you review permissions.

What Happened

Tampermonkey was updated to support Manifest V3.
The extension remains actively maintained with regular updates.
Users may explore alternatives for specific use cases or interface preferences.

Best Alternatives to Tampermonkey

Alternative	Best For	Status	Links
Violentmonkey Open source with full code transparency · Lightweight with minimal resource usage	Users wanting a lightweight, open-source userscript manager	Active (MV3)	Chrome Store GitHub
Browser bookmarklets No extension required · Simple and lightweight	Users wanting to run very simple custom scripts with no extension needed	Active (MV3)

Migration Steps

No migration needed if Tampermonkey is working for you.

Export your scripts if switching to another userscript manager.

Review Violentmonkey or other alternatives if you prefer a simpler interface.

Safety Notes

Only install userscript managers from the official Chrome Web Store.
Review scripts before installing ? they run with your browser privileges.
Be cautious with scripts requesting broad permissions.
Verify script sources before installation.

What Not to Do

Do not install random CRX files from unknown download sites.
Do not assume a similar name means it is from the same developer.
Do not grant broad permissions without checking the developer.
Export settings before removing old extensions if you still need the configuration.

Key Takeaways

Tampermonkey is actively maintained and works in current Chrome as an MV3 extension.
Violentmonkey is a lightweight, fully open-source alternative with Tampermonkey script compatibility.
Both managers support scripts from Greasy Fork and OpenUserJS.
Only install scripts from sources you trust ? scripts run with browser-level access.
Review @match and @grant permissions before installing any userscript.
Keep your userscript manager updated to receive security patches.

Current Status

Tampermonkey: Active MV3 extension ? works in current Chrome
Violentmonkey: Active MV3 alternative ? open source
Chrome userscript support: Both managers work in Chrome 138+ via MV3
Last reviewed: May 22, 2026

Who Should Choose Which Option

Tampermonkey

You want the most widely-supported userscript manager with the largest script library and built-in features.

Violentmonkey

You prefer an open-source userscript manager with a simpler interface and lighter resource usage.

Browser bookmarklets

You only need to run very simple custom scripts occasionally and want no extension overhead.

Common Failed Fixes

Trying to: Install userscripts from random mirrors or search results

Why it does not work: Random script mirrors may contain modified or malicious code. Userscripts run with significant browser access ? tampered scripts can collect data or manipulate pages.

Safer alternative: Only install scripts from known repositories like Greasy Fork or OpenUserJS, or scripts you have reviewed personally.

Trying to: Import all old scripts without reviewing them

Why it does not work: Old scripts may have unmaintained code, unexpected permissions, or may not work with current website layouts.

Safer alternative: Review each script before importing. Remove ones you no longer need.

Trying to: Grant broad permissions to scripts without reading their code

Why it does not work: Userscripts with excessive permissions can read or modify sensitive page content. Some scripts may collect browsing data.

Safer alternative: Check the script's permissions and code before installing. Avoid scripts requesting access to all websites unless necessary.

Trying to: Assume all userscript managers behave identically

Why it does not work: Tampermonkey and Violentmonkey have different interfaces, update mechanisms, and some feature differences. Scripts may behave slightly differently between managers.

Safer alternative: Test scripts after switching managers to verify expected behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Tampermonkey Chrome Web Store
TampermonkeyChrome Web StorePrimary source
Supports: Tampermonkey MV3 availability, listing status, and publisher identity
Tampermonkey Official Site
TampermonkeyOfficial websitePrimary source
Supports: Tampermonkey official documentation, download information, and script management guide
Tampermonkey GitHub Repository
TampermonkeyGitHubSecondary source
Supports: Tampermonkey open-source status (partial ? editor is GPL, newer versions proprietary), development activity, and changelog