ShieldBlocker-V8
What ShieldBlocker-V8 is
ShieldBlocker-V8 is a free browser extension ad blocker for Chrome and Firefox, built with WebExtension APIs. It blocks network requests through static filter rules, including 15 targeted rules for ad networks such as DoubleClick, AppNexus, Taboola and Outbrain. It also injects CSS at document start to hide visual ads and uses a MutationObserver to restore styles removed by single-page applications. The popup lets users allowlist individual sites, manage allowed hostnames and pause or resume blocking globally. The project says only allowlisted hostnames are stored locally and no telemetry is sent. Dark mode is available, and the README says contrast follows WCAG AA in light and dark modes. Users can edit filter rules, CSS selectors and popup appearance, or generate larger blocklists with Node.js or Go tools. Chrome installation uses an unpacked extension. Firefox uses a temporary add-on that must be reloaded after each restart unless signed and published on AMO. Remote list fetch failures are silently skipped, and extracted domains may require manual filtering.
Who it suits
Intermediate browser users wanting a lightweight blocker with editable rules and per-site controls. It suits Chrome and Firefox users comfortable with unpacked or temporary extension installation.
What it does well
- Free Chrome and Firefox extension
- Network and visual ad blocking
- Per-site allowlisting and global pause
- No telemetry is sent
- Custom rules and selectors
What to know first
- Firefox temporary add-on needs reloads
- Only 15 static rules are listed
- Remote list failures are skipped silently
- Manual filtering may be needed
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ShieldBlocker-V8 | Chrome and Firefox browser extension · 15 static filter rules | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
ShieldBlocker-V8 offers lightweight blocking with local allowlist storage and customization options. Its installation requirements and limited static rule set matter for users seeking broader, low-maintenance coverage.
Facts from ShieldBlocker-V8's own pages
- Accessibility
- The popup supports dark mode and the README says its color contrast follows WCAG AA in light and dark modes. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Browser support
- multiple-browsers · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Customization
- Users can edit static filter rules, CSS ad-hiding selectors, and popup appearance, and can generate a larger blocklist with Node.js or Go tools. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Device coverage
- browser-only · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Firefox limitation
- The guide says the temporary Firefox add-on must be reloaded after each restart unless signed and published on AMO. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Installation
- The installation guide describes loading the extension unpacked in Chrome or as a temporary add-on in Firefox. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Intended audience
- The README describes it as an intermediate-level extension that is more powerful than beginner demos and lighter than full-featured solutions such as uBlock Origin. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Network blocking
- It blocks requests using static filter rules and lists 15 targeted rules covering ad networks including DoubleClick, AppNexus, Taboola, and Outbrain. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Permissions
- The customization guide lists storage, declarativeNetRequest, declarativeNetRequestWithHostAccess, scripting, and all-sites host permissions. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Per-site controls
- The popup lets users allowlist individual sites, manage allowed hostnames, and pause or resume blocking globally. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The project says only allowlisted hostnames are stored locally and that no telemetry is sent. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- ShieldBlocker-V8 is a lightweight ad blocker for Chrome and Firefox that uses WebExtension APIs. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Roadmap
- The README lists blocked-request counts, allowlist import/export, storage sync, signed remote rule updates, and a rule tester as roadmap ideas. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Rule generation caveat
- The README notes that remote list fetch failures are silently skipped and that extracted domains may not all be ad-related, requiring manual filtering for precision. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Visual ad hiding
- It injects CSS at document start to hide visual ads and uses a MutationObserver to restore styles removed by single-page apps. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where ShieldBlocker-V8 stands on Freedom251
- Ad blockers#42 of 48