If you’re a Chrome user, you may have noticed that uBlock Origin is no longer working. A trusted and reliable ad blocker used by many internet users in recent years. Google has recently cracked down on browser extensions, disabling those that don’t comply with Manifest V3, the company’s new browser extension framework.
This blog looks at some other options if you’ve found yourself without an ad blocker after the recent Chrome changes.
What Is An Ad blocker?
If you’re not already using an ad blocker but stumbled across this blog, it might be time to consider one. Ad blockers usually come in the form of browser extensions.
Extensions shape the way you use your internet browser of choice. They usually focus on one particular task, from spell checking to blocking ads or maybe protecting your data whilst browsing.
Where you download your browser extensions will depend on what internet browser you use. If you use Safari, you’ll want to head to the app store. Chrome users on the other hand can access the Chrome web store etc.
So an ad blocker, as the name suggests, is a browser extension designed to block ads. That’s likely part of the reason browsers aren’t overly fond of ad blockers. Afterall, most web browsers make a large portion of their revenue from advertising income.
Why would you want an ad blocker? Well the simple answer for many internet users is ads are annoying. They pop up, clutter pages and don’t always look the prettiest. The other major concern is safety. Ads aren’t always safe or legitimate. So if you are concerned about online safety, then removing the possibility of clicking on a malicious ad is a worthwhile step.
Changing Browser
If you are a fan of uBlock Origin and haven’t found an ideal uBlock Origin alternative, then changing browsers may be the only realistic solution. Some users recommend a manual install without using the Chrome Web Store. But, switching browsers might be a simpler option.
This would of course require some getting used to, along with the reinstallation of extensions on new browsers and logging into all of your accounts once again. If all of that sounds like a bit of a hassle then scroll on to check out some other options to keep ads at bay.
Ad blocker Alternatives To uBlock Origin
Decided you don’t want to switch browsers to keep using your favourite ad blocker? Well, fear not! We have a few uBlock Origin alternatives you might want to try for your ad-blocking needs!
AdBlock
With over 60 million users on Chrome, AdBlock is one of the leading Ad blockers available. The AdBlock extension will stop Pop-up style ads and limit exposure to malware by stopping malicious ads. AdBlock will also limit exposure to Facebook ads which can often be used by scammers to target victims on the popular social media app.
AdBlock has a 4.5 star rating from 290,000 reviews on the Chrome Web Store. So, it is a trusted option as a suitable ad blocker in 2025. Boasting such a large user base, it’s hard to look past.
AdGuard
AdGuard is another popular alternative to uBlock Origin and provides many of the same benefits. Perhaps even a few more. With over 15 million users and a 4.7 star rating from 64,000 reviews, it’s no wonder AdGuard is a great alternative.
Overall AdGuard is much like any other ad blocker, helping you navigate the web without annoying ads. AdGuard claims to be the fastest and lightest adblocker extension that effectively blocks all types of ads and trackers on all websites! Install it for your browser and get an ad-free and safe web experience. They also have a suite of other products including a VPN and DNS protection if you’d like to take your internet privacy and security to the next level.
AdblockPlus
Rounding out our list is AdblockPlus, another highly rated adblocker which is still compatible with Chrome’s recent MV3 updates. AdblockPlus has a 4.4 star rating from over 18,5000 reviews and a whopping 42 million users. AdblockPlus is slightly different from the other options above, in that it does allow some ads to be shown. This is achieved through their acceptable ads initiative which removes malicious, annoying and intrusive ads but allows acceptable ads in order to help websites which rely on them to survive. You can always update your settings if you’d like to block all ads.
Has your hunt for a suitable uBlockOrigin alternative come to an end? Whether you decide to switch browsers or try a new ad blocker, make sure you protect your device and your data whilst browsing. We recommend Malwarebytes browser guard, the perfect browser defence for safer surfing. Have you ever clicked on a suspicious ad? There’s a chance that malware may have been downloaded onto your device. For a thorough scan and removal of malware, book a Geek today!
