What is Violentmonkey used for?

Violentmonkey is a userscript manager that lets you install and run custom JavaScript scripts (userscripts) in your browser to modify web pages, add features, or automate tasks. It supports scripts written for the Tampermonkey format, which means scripts from sites like Greasy Fork and OpenUserJS are compatible.

Is Tampermonkey a Violentmonkey alternative?

Yes. Tampermonkey is the most widely-used userscript manager and is a practical alternative to Violentmonkey. Both support the same script format and work in Chrome as MV3 extensions. The main differences are in interface design, resource usage, and feature set ? Tampermonkey has more built-in features while Violentmonkey is more lightweight.

Are userscript managers safe?

Userscript managers themselves are safe when installed from the official Chrome Web Store. However, individual userscripts vary in quality and intent. Scripts run with significant browser access and can read or modify page content. Always review a script's code and permissions before installing it, and only use scripts from sources you trust.

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. This is their intended purpose ? they are designed to modify how pages behave. Before installing any userscript, review what permissions it requests and where it will run.

How do I migrate scripts from Violentmonkey?

Export your scripts from Violentmonkey (usually via Options > Scripts > Export). Install your chosen alternative from the official Chrome Web Store. Then import the exported scripts into the new manager and verify each one works on the sites you need. Remove any scripts you no longer actively use.

What is the recommended way to test a userscript?

Review the script code before installing it ? look at 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 userscript manager to temporarily disable scripts you are not actively using. If a script requests permissions that seem excessive for its stated purpose, do not install it.

Active (MV3)Script Manager

Best Violentmonkey Alternatives for Chrome MV3

Q: Should I install scripts from random websites?

No. Installing userscripts from unknown or random sources can expose your browsing data and accounts. 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 or that appear in search results as standalone downloads.

Quick Answer

Violentmonkey is an open-source userscript manager used to run custom browser scripts on websites you visit. If you need a Violentmonkey alternative for Chrome, Tampermonkey is the most widely known option, while Violentmonkey remains a practical choice for users who prefer an open-source workflow. The right choice depends on script compatibility, permission expectations, browser support, and how much control you want over imported scripts. Userscript managers can run powerful code on pages you visit, so avoid random script mirrors, review script permissions, and only install scripts from sources you trust.

What Happened

Violentmonkey was updated to support Manifest V3 and works in current Chrome.
The project remains actively maintained by its open-source community.
Users compare it with Tampermonkey for interface preferences, feature trade-offs, and resource usage.
Both Violentmonkey and Tampermonkey are legitimate, maintained options with different design goals.

Best Alternatives to Violentmonkey

Alternative	Best For	Status	Links
Tampermonkey Most popular userscript manager · Large community and script library	Users wanting the most widely-supported userscript manager with a large script library	Active (MV3)	Chrome Store
Browser bookmarklets No extension required · Simple and lightweight	Users wanting to run very simple custom scripts with no extension needed	Active (MV3)

Migration Steps

Export your active scripts from Violentmonkey before switching.

Review each script's permissions and functionality before reinstalling.

Install Tampermonkey or your chosen alternative from the official Chrome Web Store.

Import scripts into the new manager and verify each one works on your target sites.

Remove the old extension after confirming the new setup works as expected.

Disable or remove scripts you no longer use to reduce attack surface.

Safety Notes

Violentmonkey is open source ? code is available on GitHub for community review.
Userscripts run with significant browser access ? only install scripts from sources you trust.
Review script permissions before installation; scripts can read and modify page content.
Avoid installing scripts from random websites, CRX mirrors, or search results.
Disable or remove scripts you no longer use to reduce unnecessary browser access.

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

Violentmonkey is actively maintained as an MV3-compatible userscript manager.
Tampermonkey is the most widely-used alternative with a larger script ecosystem.
Violentmonkey is open source; Tampermonkey has closed-source components.
Both support the same script format ? scripts from Greasy Fork work with either.
Only install userscripts from sources you trust ? random mirrors can be risky.
Userscripts run on pages you visit and can access page content ? review permissions.

Current Status

Violentmonkey: Active MV3 extension ? works in current Chrome
Tampermonkey: Active MV3 extension ? most widely-used userscript manager
Chrome userscript support: Both managers work in Chrome 138+ via MV3 versions
Last reviewed: May 22, 2026

Who Should Choose Which Option

Violentmonkey

You prefer a lightweight, open-source manager and mainly use established scripts from trusted repositories.

Tampermonkey

You want the largest script library, built-in editor, and most community support.

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: Violentmonkey and Tampermonkey 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

Violentmonkey Chrome Web Store
Chrome Web StoreChrome Web StorePrimary source
Supports: Violentmonkey MV3 availability, listing status, and publisher identity
Violentmonkey GitHub Repository
Violentmonkey ContributorsGitHubSecondary source
Supports: Open-source code transparency and development status