uBlock Origin is a free, open-source content filtering extension with countless features so you can customize your ad blocker experience. Overall, it performed as promised and worked effectively to block ads, but some features require technical knowledge that may go over beginners' heads. 

Read on to learn about how we tested the uBlock Origin ad-blocker extension, its features, and more.

uBlock Origin overview

uBlock Origin pros and cons

uBlock Origin features

uBlock Origin labels itself as a wide-spectrum content blocker with several features to block ads, tracking, malware, and other annoyances. It was created by Raymond Hill in 2014 and continues to be maintained and actively developed by him as an free and open-source extension. 

The ad-blocker counter tells you the number of ads and trackers blocked on both the website and individual webpages. Its block counter also shows you the number of ads blocked to date as well as on the current browser page. uBlock Origin also provides warnings if you navigate to websites that are malicious, have spyware, or have notable privacy and tracking issues.

uBlock Origin several different filters lists that you can enable depending on your preferences. The EasyList is the primary filter list that removes most ads from from webpages, inclding unwanted frames, images, and objects. The EasyPrivacy list tackles blocking trackers like web bugs, tracking scripts, and information collectors. There's also the Online Malicious URL Blocklist, Peter Lowe's ad server list, and countless others. 

The extension offers easy, medium, and hard blocking modes for all levels of users. Elevated features for more advanced users include the element zapper, which removes specific social media icons and buttons from webpages, and the element picker, which can permanelty remove these elements.

uBlock Origin user resources

Along with uBlock Origin’s beneficial features, it also offers several resource libraries. uBlock’s repository of help for installation includes a dedicated Wiki page and a guide on github.com.

Although this ad blocker can work effectively for less tech-savvy users, more advanced users may want to create custom filters or change privacy settings. In addition to the Github site, which offers guides on these customizations, uBlock has a page on Reddit designed to help users connect and share their experiences with this tool.

uBlock Origin test results

To review uBlock Origin, we used ad-block website testers, including AdBlock Tester and Cover Your Tracks. Each of these tools tested several factors to determine whether uBlock Origin works effectively.

AdBlock Tester tested uBlock Origin against contextual advertising, traffic analytics tools, banner advertising, and error monitoring. Contextual advertising collects data about users in order to find the right ads for you. Traffic analytics tools are used to monitor your actions on a website and collect information about you. Finally, error monitoring is used to track and measure errors on websites.^[1]

uBlock Origin got a near-perfect score from AdBlock Tester and the tests it didn't pass were listed as "test has most likely passed."

Cover Your Tracks tests for blocking ad tracking, invisible tracking, and fingerprinting. Invisible tracking is when data tracking elements are hidden in websites to obtain information on you. Fingerprinting is the term for how tracking sites piece together user data to form a “fingerprint” of your device.^[2]

Unfortunately, uBlock Origin seems to have struggled with trackers and we initially received a 0/3 score for Cover Your Tracks during our latest round of testing. After poking around in the filter lists, we were able to get the score up to 2/3, meaning it provides strong protection against web tracking. However, this may not be ideal for users who prefer to set and forget their ad blockers. 

uBlock Origin scores

Does uBlock Origin block YouTube ads?

Advertisers and content creators have been able to monetize on YouTube thanks to ads and sponsored content. However, it can make the viewing experience annoying for YouTube users. That's why we also check the ad blockers we review based on their ability to block YouTube ads.

From our research and testing, we determined uBlock Origin was effective at blocking banner ads and even many video ads on the YouTube website. This is especially impressive following YouTube's recent crackdown on ad blockers, making uBlock Origin one of the best ad blockers for YouTube. 

However, you won’t find as much success while using the YouTube mobile app, as uBlock Origin is currently only available as an extension for web browsers.

Our uBlock Origin experience

uBlock Origin was effective at blocking ads across most websites. It was easy to install and effectively blocked ads from initial deployment. 

uBlock Origin functions by filtering out elements on webpages that would otherwise interrupt your viewing experience. When you load a page, it checks it against a database of filters and removes anything that might cause issues, such as ad trackers and other ad placements. uBlock also doesn’t receive payments to allow what’s known as “acceptable ads:” ads deemed by other ad blockers like Adblock Plus to not interfere with your content.^[3]

For more advanced users, you can whitelist certain sites. With whitelisting, you can mark a website as trusted to allow ads. This works great if you want to support your favorite creators on sites like YouTube. You can also remove specific buttons and ad placements. 

If you decide to use uBlock Origin, you need to install the extension on all your web browsers to fully protect your privacy. For Google users, the extension will only successfully block ads on that browser profile. For example, if you have multiple browser profiles for various members of your household, you will need to download the extension for each browser profile. Additionally, uBlock Origin isn't available for Android or iOS, except if you use it as an add-on for Firefox.

uBlock Origin compatibility

uBlock Origin is compatible with mutiple popular browsers. The following browsers support uBlock Origin:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari (prior to 13)
• Microsoft Edge
• Opera
• Chromium

Unfortunately, uBlock Origin is only a browser extension, so there's no app to download for your iPhone or Android.

uBlock Origin alternatives

uBlock Origin is a top-notch content blocker but it may not be right for you. We've compiled a list of some alternatives ad blockers for you to consider:

• Total Adblock: If you want an effective ad blocker you can set and forget, than look no further than Total Adblock. It also removes ads and trackers on YouTube, social media sites, and more. 

  Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review

• NordVPN Threat Protection: NordVPN has more to offer than just a virtual private network (VPN) — it also comes with a feature to block ads, trackers, and malware for comprehensive cybersecurity protection. 

  Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review

• Ghostery: Along with ad blocking, Ghostery focuses on removing trackers and protecting your online privacy. Its free plan comes with features like whitelisting, blacklsting, and a cookie constent blocker.

  Read Our Ghostery Review

uBlock Origin FAQs

Bottom line: Is uBlock Origin good?

Whether you're looking to block ads on YouTube or reduce ad tracking, uBlock Origin is a great selection for an ad blocker. It can remove ads from YouTube videos and social media sites, as well as website takeover ads. In addition to removing ads on most websites, uBlock Origin also prevents pop-up windows and other distractions from interfering with your web browsing experience.

The ad blocker works effectively from installation, so you can set it once and trust it will work for you. The only downfall to this ad blocker is that it is not compatible with all browsers and does not have a mobile app. It could also require more technical knowledge depending on what features you want to use. But if you want a good ad blocker for the most widely used browsers, uBlock Origin delivers on its promises.

If you’re still looking for an ad blocker for your Apple devices, we compiled a list of the best ad blockers for Mac and Safari.

4.8

Learn More

On uBlock Origin's website

---

uBlock Origin

• Free and open-source
• Compatible with multiple browsers
• Some features require technical knowledge

Author Details

Amanda Scheldt

About the Author

Amanda is a technical content writer based in Illinois, USA. She has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. After years of working in the tech and cybersec field, she pivoted her career to content marketing and writing within these industries.