uBlock Origin
github.com
What it is
uBlock Origin is a free, open-source content blocker for desktop and Android versions of Firefox, as well as Chromium and Thunderbird versions. It blocks ads, trackers, coin miners, popups, anti-blockers, and malware sites by default. Several filter lists are built in, and users can add lists and hosts files or create custom rules using EasyList syntax with uBlock Origin extensions. If blocking is too broad, users can disable preselected lists. The basic and advanced popup interfaces include a per-site point-and-click firewall. The project’s stated purpose is to help users neutralize privacy-invading methods in the browser, and it is described as CPU- and memory-efficient, fast, and lean. It works best on Firefox and also supports Chromium-based browsers, including Edge and Opera. In Thunderbird, it affects feeds but not email. The project advises against running it alongside another content blocker. It is licensed under GPL-3.0/GPLv3, and enterprise deployment documentation is available.
Spec sheet
- Free plan
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Software license
- The repository is licensed under GPL-3.0/GPLv3.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Billing terms
- No billing schedule or paid subscription terms are stated.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Blocker compatibility
- The page advises against using uBO with another content blocker.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Browser support
- multiple-browsersRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Content blocking
- Blocks ads, trackers, coin miners, popups, anti-blockers, and malware sites by default.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Cookie popup blocking
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Custom filter lists
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Custom filters
- Uses EasyList syntax and extends it for custom rules and filters.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Device coverage
- desktop-and-mobileRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Element picker
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Enterprise deployment
- Enterprise deployment documentation is provided.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Filter lists
- Uses several built-in lists and supports many other lists and hosts files.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Filter selection
- Users can unselect preselected filter lists if uBO blocks too much.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Free tier limits
- The page does not state a numeric free-tier limit.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Performance profile
- Described as CPU- and memory-efficient, fast, and lean.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Platform coverage
- Available for desktop and Android versions of Firefox; Chromium and Thunderbird versions are also provided.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Pricing model
- Free and open-source; no paid pricing is stated.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Privacy goal
- Its primary goal is helping users neutralize privacy-invading methods entering the browser.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Repository activity
- The repository lists 14,307 commits, 68.2k stars, and 4.4k forks.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Support channel
- Support, questions, and help are directed to the uBlockOrigin subreddit.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Supported browsers
- It works best on Firefox and supports Chromium-based browsers, including Edge and Opera.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Thunderbird scope
- In Thunderbird, it affects feeds but not emails.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Trial and refund
- No trial or refund policy is stated.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
- User interfaces
- Offers basic and advanced popup interfaces, including a per-site point-and-click firewall.Read 27 Sep 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Blocks ads, trackers, popups, and malware sites by default.
- Supports custom filters using EasyList syntax.
- Users can disable preselected filter lists.
- Includes a per-site point-and-click firewall.
- Free, open-source software licensed under GPLv3.
Limits
- Works best on Firefox.
- Thunderbird blocking affects feeds, not email.
- The project advises against another content blocker.
Who it suits
uBlock Origin suits people seeking browser content blocking with control over filter lists and custom rules. It is also an option for organizations using its enterprise deployment documentation.
Verdict
uBlock Origin offers default blocking alongside editable filter lists and custom rules. Check browser fit first, and avoid pairing it with another content blocker.
Where Specifiction places it
- Ad blockers#12 of 488.6
- Chrome Extensions#11 of 267.9
- Browser Extensions#11 of 197.8