Smart HTTPS VS trafficWatcher

• Automatic Redirection to HTTPS
  Smart HTTPS automatically changes HTTP protocol to HTTPS, which enhances the security of your browsing by ensuring that the connection is encrypted.
• Fallback to HTTP
  In cases where an HTTPS version of the site is not available, it can automatically revert back to HTTP, ensuring you can still access the website instead of facing a disruption.
• Whitelist Feature
  Allows users to maintain a whitelist of websites that should always be accessed using HTTP, providing flexibility and control over the browsing experience.
• Improved Privacy
  By automatically using HTTPS, it helps in protecting user data from eavesdroppers and enhances privacy while browsing the web.

Possible disadvantages

• Compatibility Issues
  Some websites may not function correctly over HTTPS, leading to potential misbehavior or broken features when accessed using Smart HTTPS.
• Potential for Increased Loading Times
  Sometimes, redirecting to HTTPS can result in slightly longer loading times, especially if the server's configuration is not optimal for HTTPS.
• Resource Intensive
  The addon might consume additional resources to check for HTTPS versions of every site, which could impact browser performance, especially on older systems.
• Limited Control Over Redirection
  Users might have limited ability to control which sites are redirected to HTTPS if they haven't preemptively whitelisted specific HTTP sites.

• Simple User Interface
  TrafficWatcher offers an easy-to-navigate interface that makes monitoring internet traffic straightforward for users without a technical background.
• Real-Time Monitoring
  The tool provides real-time tracking of network traffic, allowing users to stay updated on their internet usage patterns instantaneously.
• Free to Use
  The tool is available for free, providing a cost-effective solution for individuals looking to monitor their network usage without investing in expensive software.
• Lightweight Application
  TrafficWatcher is a lightweight application that does not consume significant system resources, making it suitable for use on older or low-spec devices.

Possible disadvantages

• Limited Features
  Compared to more comprehensive network monitoring tools, TrafficWatcher offers fewer features which might not meet the needs of advanced users requiring in-depth analytics.
• Windows Only
  TrafficWatcher is limited to Windows operating systems, leaving macOS and Linux users without access to the software.
• No Historical Data
  The application does not provide the ability to store or analyze historical traffic data, which may be a drawback for users needing long-term usage insights.
• No Support for Mobile Devices
  The tool does not offer support for monitoring traffic on mobile devices, which may be inconvenient for users who need to monitor traffic across various devices.

• “We don’t track you … except for when we get paid for it.”

  Smart HTTPS, site This tries to send you to https sites instead of http sites. Using http sites makes you venerable to man in the middle attacks. (dont use http on public wifis if possible). Source: over 4 years ago

• question about non secure websites

  I'd recommend using Smart HTTPS which automatically makes your site's HTTPS if it can offer it so it will reduce these situations. Here's the site where you can choose whichever browser you use. https://mybrowseraddon.com/smart-https.html. Source: over 4 years ago

Tracking trafficWatcher since Mar 2021.