Best Manifest V3 Chrome Extensions (2026)

Best Manifest V3 Chrome extensions

Manifest V3 extensions are built on Chrome's current extension platform, so they keep working as Chrome phases out the older Manifest V2 format. Our top pick is uBlock Origin Lite: it is free and rebuilt specifically for Manifest V3's rules-based ad and tracker blocking.

Last reviewed September 26, 2026 · 1 listing · Independent, not affiliated with Google

Chrome has moved its extension platform from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3, changing how extensions can block content and run background code. Extensions that have not updated risk losing functionality or disappearing from the Chrome Web Store, so checking for Manifest V3 support matters when choosing what to install.

What changed with Manifest V3

Manifest V3 replaced the older background page model with a more limited service worker and moved content blocking toward the declarativeNetRequest system. This affects ad blockers most directly, since older blocking methods that inspected every request are no longer available in the same form.

A Manifest V3 ad blocker that still works well

uBlock Origin Lite was rebuilt for Manifest V3's rules-based blocking system. It is free, needs no account and blocks ads and trackers using declarative rules rather than the older method, which means it keeps functioning as Chrome continues retiring Manifest V2.

How to check if an extension is Manifest V3 ready

Open chrome://extensions, enable Developer mode, and check an extension's details for its manifest version, or look at the Chrome Web Store listing, which often notes Manifest V3 support. Extensions still on Manifest V2 may stop working or get removed as Chrome finishes the transition.

Best Manifest V3 Chrome extensions: FAQs

What is the best Manifest V3 ad blocker for Chrome?

uBlock Origin Lite is a leading choice because it was rebuilt specifically for Manifest V3's declarativeNetRequest blocking system, and it is free with no account required.

How do I know if my Chrome extension is Manifest V3?

Open chrome://extensions, enable Developer mode, then check the extension's details panel, which lists its manifest version. The Chrome Web Store listing may also mention Manifest V3 support directly.

Why did Chrome switch to Manifest V3?

Chrome introduced Manifest V3 to improve extension security and performance by limiting background processes and moving content blocking to a more restricted, rules-based system.

Will Manifest V2 extensions stop working in Chrome?

Chrome has been phasing out support for Manifest V2 extensions over time, so extensions that have not updated to Manifest V3 risk losing functionality or being removed from the Web Store.

Do Manifest V3 ad blockers block ads as well as before?

Manifest V3 ad blockers like uBlock Origin Lite use declarative rules instead of inspecting every request directly, which covers most common ad and tracker blocking needs for typical browsing.

Is uBlock Origin Lite different from uBlock Origin?

uBlock Origin Lite is the Manifest V3 version, built around Chrome's newer rules-based blocking system, while the original uBlock Origin relies on the older Manifest V2 approach.

Can I still install Manifest V2 extensions on Chrome?

Availability depends on Chrome's current rollout stage for retiring Manifest V2. Check chrome://extensions for warnings on any extension that has not moved to Manifest V3.

Does Manifest V3 affect extensions other than ad blockers?

Yes, any extension using background scripts or broad content interception, such as some privacy and productivity tools, needed updates to work within Manifest V3's more limited model.

Are Manifest V3 extensions safer than Manifest V2 ones?

Manifest V3 was designed with tighter restrictions on what extensions can do in the background, which generally reduces the risk of an extension quietly monitoring all your browsing.

How can I find a list of Manifest V3 extensions on the Chrome Web Store?

The Chrome Web Store does not always label this clearly in search results, so check each extension's details page or chrome://extensions after installing to confirm its manifest version.