Chrome

uBlock Origin Gone from Chrome: What to Use

3 min read

Chrome Stable began disabling Manifest V2 extensions in October 2024 as Google enforced Manifest V3 (MV3). If you relied on uBlock Origin to block YouTube ads, hide trackers, and filter popups, the full extension is no longer a supported Chrome option.

Why Did Google Remove uBlock Origin?

Google’s Manifest V3 standard replaced the webRequest blocking API — which uBlock Origin used to cancel ad requests before they completed — with a more restricted declarativeNetRequest API. The new API uses pre-compiled rule sets applied by the browser rather than allowing extensions to intercept requests programmatically.

uBlock Origin’s developer Raymond Hill evaluated the MV3 API and concluded that the limitations would permanently degrade the extension’s core capabilities. Rather than ship a less effective version, he did not port the full uBlock Origin to MV3 for Chrome.

Full Manifest V3 explainer →

Does uBlock Origin Still Work on Firefox?

Yes, fully. Firefox uses its own extension standard and is not bound by Google’s MV3 policy. Mozilla has stated it will continue to support the webRequest blocking API. uBlock Origin works on Firefox with all features intact — including dynamic filtering, advanced cosmetic filters, and element picker.

If you primarily use Firefox, uBlock Origin remains the strongest option available.

Best Alternatives to uBlock Origin for Chrome

ProBlocker is a free, open-source ad blocker built natively for Manifest V3. It blocks YouTube ads, pop-ups, and trackers at the network level using the declarativeNetRequest API. No Acceptable Ads, no data collection, no account required.

Install ProBlocker from the Chrome Web Store →

Full ProBlocker vs uBlock Origin comparison →

uBlock Origin Lite (MV3 Port)

uBlock Origin Lite is the official Manifest V3 port of uBlock Origin, also developed by Raymond Hill. It works on Chrome but lacks dynamic filtering rules and some cosmetic filter capabilities present in the full version. It does not have Acceptable Ads.

AdGuard (with Acceptable Ads disabled)

AdGuard works on Chrome under MV3, but it enables Acceptable Ads by default. You can disable this in AdGuard’s settings under Filters. Once disabled, AdGuard blocks all ads matching its filter rules.

What About uBlock Origin Lite?

uBlock Origin Lite is Raymond Hill’s own MV3 port of uBlock Origin. It is available in the Chrome Web Store. The tradeoffs compared to the full uBlock Origin:

  • No dynamic filtering rules (major capability reduction)
  • No per-site exception granularity
  • Static rule sets only, updated with each extension update rather than at runtime
  • Cosmetic filtering is present but more limited

For most users who just want ads blocked without configuration, uBlock Origin Lite is functional. Power users who relied on uBlock Origin’s advanced filtering will notice the gap.

Summary

uBlock Origin is no longer a supported Chrome option after Google’s MV3 rollout. For Chrome users who want equivalent blocking without Acceptable Ads, ProBlocker is the recommended replacement. For Firefox users, uBlock Origin remains fully functional.

Compare ProBlocker and uBlock Origin in detail →

No. Chrome Stable began disabling Manifest V2 extensions in October 2024, and full uBlock Origin is no longer a supported Chrome option. On Firefox, uBlock Origin continues to work normally.