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Best uBlock Origin alternatives

A good uBlock Origin alternative is an ad blocker extension that supports custom filter lists, blocks trackers alongside ads, and clearly states whether it runs on Manifest V2 or V3, since that affects how much filtering it can do in Chrome going forward.

Last reviewed · 1 listing · Independent, not affiliated with Google

Why people look for alternatives

  • Wants continued support after Manifest V2 changes
  • Needs more granular custom filter control
  • Prefers stronger tracker blocking
  • Wants a simpler, lighter-weight blocker

Listings

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    Review Add to Chrome

uBlock Origin is a widely used ad and tracker blocker for Chrome, known for letting users add custom filter lists and block content beyond ads. Some users look for alternatives because of changes to Chrome's extension platform or a preference for a different filtering approach. This page covers what to compare.

How ad blocker extensions filter content

Ad blocker extensions use filter lists, which are subscriptions of rules identifying ad and tracker domains, to decide what to hide or block on each page. Extensions that let you add your own filter lists or write custom rules give more control than ones limited to a single built-in list.

uBlock Origin Lite and Manifest V3

uBlock Origin Lite is a version built on Chrome's Manifest V3 extension platform, which limits how extensions can filter network requests compared to Manifest V2. It trades some of the original's customization for compatibility with Chrome's current and future extension requirements.

What permissions an ad blocker needs

An ad blocker extension needs to read and modify content on the pages you visit in order to hide or remove ads and trackers. This means it inherently needs broad site access, so it matters more that the extension is open about its filter lists and has no history of injecting its own ads.

Best uBlock Origin alternatives: FAQs

What are good alternatives to uBlock Origin?

Look for an ad blocker extension that supports custom filter lists, blocks trackers as well as ads, and is transparent about whether it runs on Manifest V2 or the newer Manifest V3 platform.

What is the difference between uBlock Origin and uBlock Origin Lite?

uBlock Origin uses Chrome's older Manifest V2 platform with fuller filtering control, while uBlock Origin Lite is rebuilt on Manifest V3 with more limited filtering to stay compatible with Chrome's current extension rules.

Is uBlock Origin still available on Chrome?

Availability depends on Chrome's ongoing Manifest V2 support. uBlock Origin Lite, built on Manifest V3, is the version designed to keep working as Chrome phases out Manifest V2 extensions.

How do I install an ad blocker extension for Chrome?

Search for the extension by name in the Chrome Web Store, click Add to Chrome, then confirm the site-access permissions prompt. Most ad blockers work immediately after installing with no extra setup.

Do ad blocker extensions work in Edge or Brave?

Most ad blocker extensions from the Chrome Web Store also work in Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge, though Brave includes its own built-in ad and tracker blocking already.

Can I add custom filter lists to an ad blocker?

Extensions like uBlock Origin let you subscribe to additional filter lists or write your own rules in their settings. Check an alternative's options page to confirm it supports custom lists before relying on it.

Why does an ad blocker need access to all websites?

It needs to read and modify page content on any site to detect and hide ads or trackers, which is inherent to how ad blocking works. Review the extension's reputation and update history rather than avoiding this permission entirely.

Is uBlock Origin safe to use?

uBlock Origin is widely used specifically for ad and tracker blocking without showing its own ads. As with any extension holding broad site access, check that it's actively maintained and comes from a known source.

Does an ad blocker extension slow down browsing?

Ad blockers can speed up page loads by preventing ad and tracker scripts from loading, though very large custom filter lists may add a small amount of processing per page.

Can I block ads without an extension in Chrome?

Chrome includes limited built-in blocking for intrusive ad formats on repeat-offending sites, but it does not block most standard ads or trackers the way a dedicated ad blocker extension does.

What should I check before switching ad blockers?

Compare filter list support, whether it runs on Manifest V2 or V3, tracker-blocking coverage beyond visible ads, and how recently the extension has been updated.