Compare VibeHeader, Requestly, Header Editor, and desktop proxies by browser scope, workflow depth, sharing, and best-fit use case.
Quick answer: choose VibeHeader for local Profiles, precise request URL scope, and reviewable sharing; Requestly for a broader rules platform; Header Editor for flexible power-user rules; or a desktop proxy for traffic outside the browser.
In early July 2026, Google flagged ModHeader as malware and Microsoft removed it from the Edge Add-ons store. Security researchers reported that ModHeader build 7.0.18 shipped a hidden SDK that quietly collected the domains users visited and sent them to a third-party server, with no notice and no opt-out. That was on top of earlier user reports of ad-injection behavior.
Combined, the Chrome and Edge listings had roughly 1.6 million installs, so a large number of developers are now looking for a header editor they can trust. If ModHeader is still installed, follow the step-by-step cleanup & self-check guide to remove it and wipe its leftover data, then pick a maintained alternative below.
Sources: HackIndex research · CRXplorer security score · OffSeq threat radar.
Read the founder's take: Why I built VibeHeader, an honest reaction to the ModHeader malware news.
If you already know you want the focused option, skip the list and read the direct ModHeader-to-VibeHeader replacement guide.
| Dimension | VibeHeader | ModHeader | Requestly | Header Editor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Request headers, Profiles, Filters, and sharing | Header modification | Interception, mocks, scripts, and API debugging | Headers and general request rules |
| Safety status (2026) | ✅ No ads, no tracking | ❌ Flagged as malware by Google; removed from Edge store (Jul 2026) | Actively maintained | Actively maintained |
| Sharing | One Profile per reviewable link | File export/import | Shared rules and project workflows | Import/export and optional cloud sync |
| Chrome delivery | Manifest V3 store build | Manifest V3 | Manifest V3 supported | Manifest V3 Lite store build; full build differs |
| Best for | ⚡ Fast, privacy‑first workflows | 🔄 General header editing | 🛠️ Complex multi‑rule setups | 🎛️ Power‑user configurations |
v7.0.18, follow the cleanup & self-check guide/s, then import with a single click.Long the most popular header editor, with around 1.6M combined installs across Chrome and Edge. In July 2026 Google flagged it as malware and Microsoft removed it from the Edge Add-ons store, after researchers reported that build 7.0.18 bundled a hidden domain-collection SDK. Earlier reviews had already flagged ad-injection behavior. If it is still installed, removing it is recommended.
See also: VibeHeader as a ModHeader alternative · ModHeader privacy · Injected ads
Broader interception and API-debugging platform with request and response headers, redirects, mocks, scripts, and local or shared project workflows.
Open-source, ad-free rule engine for request and response headers, response bodies, redirects, cancellation, detailed match conditions, and import/export.
Capture and rewrite traffic across apps and devices, not just in the browser. Ideal for QA and cross‑app debugging; more setup and usually paid.
No. In July 2026 Google flagged ModHeader as malware and Microsoft removed it from the Edge store, after researchers found build 7.0.18 collected the domains you visit via a hidden SDK. Remove it and switch to a maintained alternative.
Each link carries one Profile name, its enabled valid request headers, and valid Request Filters. Treat the complete link as sensitive if it contains credentials.
The payload stays after # in the URL, which browsers do not include in the request for the /s page. The preview masks common sensitive keys, but the complete link still contains the configuration.
Only requests matching an enabled Profile’s Request Filters receive its headers. With no enabled filters, that Profile applies to all supported requests. Test the exact target URL before relying on a rule.
For complex needs, try Requestly or desktop proxies. For headers only, VibeHeader is simpler.
Share only with trusted teammates, avoid long-lived secrets, rotate values periodically.