Privacy Badger
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uBlock Origin
Efficient, open-source content and ad blocker.
4.735,500 reviews~11M+ usersPrivacy & SecurityBy Raymond Hill
Free
Reviewed by the Single Tab Browser editorial teamLast tested 2026-07-02uBlock Origin screenshots
Overview
uBlock Origin blocks ads, trackers and malware domains using filter lists, with a very low memory and CPU footprint. Advanced users get element pickers, dynamic filtering and per-site rules.
uBlock Origin is a privacy & security Chrome extension from Raymond Hill with roughly 11M users on the Chrome Web Store. It holds a 4.7-star average across 36K ratings, which puts it among the better-reviewed options in its category. Pricing is free.
uBlock Origin blocks ads, trackers and malware domains using filter lists, with a very low memory and CPU footprint. Advanced users get element pickers, dynamic filtering and per-site rules.
The trade-off is the usual one for a free extension: there is no paid tier to unlock, so anything missing is simply missing. With 11M users, complaints and fixes surface quickly, so check the review notes below before installing it alongside other privacy & security extensions.
How to install and set up uBlock Origin
- 1Open the Chrome Web Store listing for uBlock Origin and click Add to Chrome, then Add extension.
- 2Pin the icon: click the puzzle-piece button in Chrome's toolbar, find it in the list and click the pin so it stays visible.
- 3Open the extension once and walk through its first-run screen — a privacy & security extension usually asks which sites it may act on.
- 4Test it on a page you know well before relying on it for daily work.
- 5To remove it later, right-click the toolbar icon and choose Remove from Chrome, or use chrome://extensions.
Key features
Filter list blocking
Blocks ads, trackers and malware hosts from curated lists.
Element picker
Point at any page element and remove it permanently.
Dynamic filtering
Per-site, per-domain rules for advanced users.
Low overhead
Uses less memory and CPU than most blockers.
Who should use uBlock Origin?
Anyone who wants the most efficient, most configurable ad and tracker blocker available.
Pricing
uBlock Origin is free. There is no paid tier to consider.
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View ExtensionFrequently asked questions
Is uBlock Origin free?
Yes. uBlock Origin is listed as free on the Chrome Web Store with no paid tier.
How many people use uBlock Origin?
Roughly 11M Chrome users have it installed, and it holds a 4.7-star average from 36K ratings.
Is uBlock Origin safe to install?
uBlock Origin is published on the official Chrome Web Store by Raymond Hill, so it passes Google's review. Check the permissions it asks for on install and prefer the store listing over third-party mirrors.
What are the best uBlock Origin alternatives?
The alternatives page lists the closest privacy & security extensions ranked by installs and rating, with a head-to-head comparison for the top pick.
Related extensions to uBlock Origin
Picked from the Privacy & Security category and the tags ad blocker, privacy, tracker — jump straight to the alternatives and head-to-head pages people open next.
Best Privacy & Security Chrome extensionsPrivacy Badger alternativesLearns and blocks invisible trackers automatically.Click and Clean alternativesQuickly delete your browsing data - open windows, browsing history, cookies, downloads history, form data, caches etc.Dashlane — Password Manager alternativesDashlane makes the internet easier. Save all your passwords, fill forms fast, and keep your data accessible and safe.Adblock Star - Browse ad-free and safe alternativesBlock ads, pop-ups, and annoying content. Browse the web faster and saferuBlock Origin vs Privacy BadgerDo I need Privacy Badger if I use uBlock Origin?uBlock Origin vs BitwardenuBlock Origin or Bitwarden: which should I install?Bitwarden vs Dark Reader permissionsWhich extension permissions are risky?Bitwarden vs Privacy BadgerBitwarden or Privacy Badger: which should I install?All Privacy & Security extensionsEvery privacy & security extension in the directory, ranked.
Compare uBlock Origin with the obvious rivals
Side-by-side feature tables, pricing and a clear recommendation.
uBlock Origin vs Privacy BadgerFilter-list ad blocking against heuristic tracker blocking that learns as you browse.uBlock Origin vs BitwardenBoth are privacy & security extensions people shortlist together for privacy — see how ratings, install base, pricing and day-to-day use differ.uBlock Origin vs Privacy BadgerHead-to-head breakdown with real install and rating data.uBlock Origin vs Adblock Plus - free ad blockerHead-to-head breakdown with real install and rating data.uBlock Origin vs AdGuard AdBlockerHead-to-head breakdown with real install and rating data.uBlock Origin alternativesRanked replacements if uBlock Origin is not the right fit.All comparisonsThe full compare hub, grouped by category.
Shortlists featuring uBlock Origin
Best Privacy Chrome ExtensionsThe 9 privacy Chrome extensions worth installing in 2026 — ad blocking, tracker blocking and password vaults, with live store ratings and permission warnings.Best Free Chrome Extensions12 genuinely free Chrome extensions — no trial, no locked core feature. Live store ratings and install counts, plus the permissions to check before installing.Best Ad Blocker Chrome ExtensionsThe best ad blockers for Chrome in 2026 — uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, AdGuard and Ghostery compared on blocking power, memory use and privacy.