uBlock Origin

Name: uBlock Origin
Rating: 4.690517065789857 (34367 reviews)
Author: Raymond Hill (gorhill)

Finally, an efficient blocker. Easy on CPU and memory.

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uBlock Origin is a powerful, free, and open-source content blocker that efficiently filters out ads, trackers, malware, and web annoyances with minimal CPU and memory usage. Unlike typical ad blockers, it functions as a wide-spectrum content blocker, providing users with high customization options, including advanced filtering and local JavaScript blocking. It comes preloaded with popular filter lists like EasyList, EasyPrivacy, and Peter Lowe’s Ad server list, while also supporting additional lists and user-defined rules for tailored browsing protection. Perfect for users seeking both performance and comprehensive web filtering, uBlock Origin maintains transparency and quality through active community contributions and continuous updates.

As a GPLv3 licensed extension maintained by a dedicated community, uBlock Origin empowers users to browse the web securely and smoothly without unnecessary resource drain. Extensive documentation, changelog, and contributor information are available publicly on GitHub, underscoring the extension’s commitment to open development and user freedom.

Extension Privacy & Security Productivity Developer Tools

By:

Raymond Hill (gorhill)

Users:

26,000,000 -2,000,000

Rating:

4.69

(34,367) 79 new ratings

Version:

1.64.0 Last updated: 2025-05-15

Creation date:

2020-06-28

Risk:

Permissions:

alarms
contextMenus
privacy
storage
tabs
unlimitedStorage
webNavigation
webRequest
webRequestBlocking
<all_urls>

Size:

3.92MB

Email:

ub*****@raymondhill.net

URLs:

Full description:

Source:

Chrome Web Store

Updated:

16 hours ago

Ranking

# 10

Other rankings

#1 in Privacy & Security

#2 in chrome keyword 98 ▲ 1

#2 in store keyword 57 ▼ 1

#4 in details keyword 79

#6 in changelog keyword 17 ▼ 1

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User reviews

uBlock Origin is widely praised as one of the best and most robust ad blockers for Chrome, effectively blocking most web ads and offering advanced filtering options. However, multiple users report that its YouTube ad-blocking functionality has diminished recently, leading to ads slipping through and causing video load delays. The extension's UI lacks clear explanations, making it hard for some to manage custom filters. Additionally, Chrome's recent restrictions have caused installation and update troubles, and there are reports of audio playback issues on embedded videos. Despite these challenges, users remain loyal due to its overall effectiveness.

Pros

Highly effective at blocking ads on many websites.
Simple and lightweight ad blocker with robust performance.
Considered one of the best ad blockers available historically.
Offers advanced filtering options for power users.
Works well for blocking most non-YouTube ads.

Cons

Recently, uBlock Origin stopped effectively blocking ads on YouTube, especially at video start.
The extension may cause long load times (20-30 seconds) before YouTube videos start when ads are blocked.
Lack of clear UI explanations makes it difficult to manage custom block rules or undo mistakes.
Users report issues with updates or installation due to Chrome disabling the extension for 'best practice' reasons.
Some users report audio/video sync issues or playback quirks on embedded YouTube videos when the extension is enabled.

Recent reviews

the greatest addon; essential.

st*****, 2025-06-19

now that this is no longer supported I am switching browsers immediately

Cy*****, 2025-06-19

so good, that google is kicking it out of the system

Ne*****, 2025-06-19

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

uBlock Origin requires a lot of sensitive permissions. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
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Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Chrome extension may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Chrome extension reputation on Chrome Web Store, the amount of time the Chrome extension has been around, and other signals about the Chrome extension. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Chrome extension.

uBlock Origin has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

Medium This extension was updated in the past 3 months. New updates may not be stable or safe.
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