uBlock Origin vs Privacy Badger
uBlock Origin blocks from curated filter lists and gives advanced users granular control. Privacy Badger learns which third parties track you and blocks them automatically, with almost no settings.
Side-by-side comparison
| uBlock Origin | Privacy Badger | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Reviews | 35,500 | 2,000 |
| Users | ~11M+ | ~1M+ |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Category | Privacy & Security | Privacy & Security |
| Developer | Raymond Hill | EFF |
| Last updated | 2026-07-02 | 2026-04-26 |
| Best for | Anyone who wants the most efficient, most configurable ad and tracker blocker available. | Users who want automatic tracker protection alongside their existing ad blocker. |
uBlock Origin features
- Filter list blocking
- Element picker
- Dynamic filtering
- Low overhead
Privacy Badger features
- Feature list coming soon.
uBlock Origin: pros & cons
- Extremely low resource usage
- Powerful custom filtering
- No monetised allowlist
- Fully open source
- Advanced mode is intimidating
- Manifest V3 changes affect filtering
- No support desk
Privacy Badger: pros & cons
- Learns trackers automatically
- No configuration needed
- Non-profit maintainer
- Blocks fingerprinting attempts
- Not an ad blocker
- Can break some embeds
- Fewer controls than uBlock
Final recommendation
Run uBlock Origin as your primary blocker. Add Privacy Badger if you want heuristic tracker protection on top; it is not a replacement for an ad blocker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger?
uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger overlap in the same job, but they optimise differently: one is tuned for speed and simplicity, the other for depth and control. The side-by-side table above shows the current ratings, install base, pricing and who each one is built for, all synced from the public Chrome Web Store listings.
Can I use uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger together?
In most cases yes — Chrome runs extensions independently. Keep both only if they cover different needs, because each active extension adds memory use, page scripts and one more set of permissions to trust. If their features clearly duplicate, pick one and remove the other.
Is uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger free?
Check the pricing row in the comparison table: it reflects the current model for each extension, whether that is free, freemium with paid limits, or paid only. Free tiers change often, so the store listing linked from each card is the source of truth.
Which one is safer to install?
Compare the permissions each one requests on its Chrome Web Store page and prefer the extension asking for less. Also look at the developer, the last update date and the review count — an actively maintained extension with a large install base and narrow permissions is the safer choice.
How often is this comparison updated?
Ratings, review counts and install numbers are refreshed nightly from the Chrome Web Store, and the editorial verdict is reviewed whenever either extension ships a significant change.
Keep researching
Alternatives, shortlists and other comparisons in the same category.