uBlock Origin is a free, open-source content blocker for Firefox and Chromium-based browsers, including Edge and Opera. It blocks ads, trackers, coin miners, popups, anti-blockers and malware sites by default. Several filter lists are built in, and users can add other lists or hosts files. Custom rules use EasyList syntax, with extra options for filters; users can also turn off preselected lists if the blocking is too broad. Its basic and advanced popup interfaces include a per-site point-and-click firewall. The project’s stated privacy goal is to help neutralize methods that invade privacy in the browser. It is described as CPU- and memory-efficient, fast, and lean. Desktop and Android versions of Firefox are supported, along with Chromium and Thunderbird versions. In Thunderbird, it affects feeds but not email. The software is GPLv3-licensed, and enterprise deployment documentation is available.
Who it is for
It suits people seeking browser content blocking with adjustable filter lists and custom rules. Organizations can also refer to its enterprise deployment documentation.
What is good
- Blocks ads, trackers, popups and malware sites by default
- Supports custom rules using EasyList syntax
- Includes basic and advanced popup interfaces
- Available for desktop and Android Firefox
What to know first
- The page advises against using it with another content blocker
- Thunderbird blocking applies to feeds, not email
Verdict
uBlock Origin combines default content blocking with user-controlled lists and custom filters. Its browser support varies, and Thunderbird use is limited to feeds.
uBlock Origin plans and pricing
All plansCompared on ad blockers
- Free plan
- Yes
- Device coverage
- desktop-and-mobile
- Custom filter lists
- Yes
- Element picker
- Yes
- Cookie popup blocking
- Yes
- Browser support
- multiple-browsers
