uBlock Origin

Active

Founded: 2014
Developer: Raymond Hill (gorhill)
Pricing: Free (open-source)
Open source: Yes
Platforms: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari

Indexes

Ad Blockers

Overview

uBlock Origin is a free, open-source browser extension that functions as a wide-spectrum content blocker, filtering ads, trackers, malicious domains, and other unwanted web elements with low CPU and memory usage. It targets users seeking efficient blocking of advertisements on sites like YouTube and Twitch, privacy protection from tracking, and customizable filtering options. Originally released in 2014 for Chrome and Opera, it expanded to other browsers and remains actively maintained as of 2026.¹

Key Features

Dynamic Filtering - Allows real-time control over scripts and domains running on webpages for fine-grained customization.²
Element Picker - Tool to select and create custom filters for permanently removing specific webpage elements.²
Element Zapper - Provides temporary removal of annoying elements without creating permanent filters.²
Comprehensive Filter Lists - Includes default lists like EasyList for ads, EasyPrivacy for tracking, and malicious URL blocklists.²
Logging - Monitors and analyzes blocked content for user review.²
DOM Inspector - Examines webpage structure for precise element blocking.²
Wide-Spectrum Blocking - Blocks ads, trackers, malware, spyware, scripts, iframes, CSS, and images.¹³

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	$0	Full access to all features, filter lists, and updates.

Platforms & Requirements

uBlock Origin runs as a browser extension on Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Opera), Firefox, and Safari with no specific minimum requirements beyond standard browser support. It is lightweight, prioritizing low CPU and memory usage across platforms. Limitations include lack of native mobile app support, relying on browser extension availability.¹⁶⁷

Integrations & Ecosystem

EasyList
EasyPrivacy
Peter Lowe’s Blocklist
Online Malicious URL Blocklist
Custom filter list imports
Third-party filter lists
GitHub wiki for advanced settings⁵

Alternatives

App	Difference
uBlock	Simpler ad blocker focused on pop-ups without wide-spectrum content blocking or advanced filtering.⁸
AdBlock Plus	Allows some 'acceptable' ads by default, less efficient than uBlock Origin's memory usage.²
AdGuard	Offers desktop app and system-wide blocking beyond browser extensions.²

Reputation

uBlock Origin is widely regarded as a highly efficient, lightweight ad and content blocker with strong community support and active development. Strengths include low resource usage, advanced customization for power users, and comprehensive protection against ads, trackers, and malware. Criticisms are minimal but may include a steeper learning curve for beginners due to its technical features.¹²

Sources (8)