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Best for unlimited devices
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Best for Apple users
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Can disrupt the appearance/functionality of sites, emails, and apps
While uBlock Origin is one of the best set-it-and-forget-it ad blockers available, Google Chrome's recent campaign against the extension has made it no longer the top choice in the browser. Fortunately, there are other options that can provide a very similar experience, with Total Adblock coming in first place — and yes, it blocks YouTube ads!
Total Adblock, Surfshark CleanWeb, NordVPN Threat Protection, and 1Blocker all offer unique features and functionality that go beyond simple ad blocking. These top alternatives will also protect you from trackers and data-guzzling ads, providing a faster browsing experience and reducing the likelihood of falling for malicious links.
Check out our top picks for uBlock Origin alternatives and why we love them.
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| Best for | Firefox | Overall | Unlimited devices | Unique features | Apple users |
| Star rating | |||||
| Starting price | Free | $1.59/mo (billed annually) | $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | $3.39/mo (billed every two years) | $2.99/mo |
| Types of ads blocked | Trackers, pop-ups, video, banner ads, push ads | Trackers, invisible trackers, pop-ups, video, banner, push ads | Trackers, invisible trackers, pop-ups, video, banner ads, push ads | Trackers, invisible trackers, pop-ups, video, banner, push ads | Trackers, invisible trackers, pop-ups, video, banner, push ads |
| YouTube ads | |||||
| AdBlock Tester score | 96/100 | 100/100 | 96/100 | 96/100 | 100/100 |
| Cover Your Tracks score | 2/3 | 2/3 | 0.5/3 | 2/3 | 1.5/3 |
| Can You Block It score | 3/3 | 3/3 | 2/3 | 2/3 | 2.5/3 |
| 24/7 customer support | |||||
| Compatibility | Browsers only | Browsers, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Fire TV | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | macOS, iOS |
| Browser extensions | Firefox, Edge, Safari (prior to 13), Opera | Edge, Chrome, Opera, Safari, | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Edge, Firefox | Safari |
| Learn more | Read uBlock Origin Review | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Get 1Blocker |
Each ad blocker we review goes through a standardized test designed to push the limits of what the software is capable of. This includes vigorous third-party testing using websites like adblock-tester.com, coveryourtracks.eff.org, and canyoublockit.com. We also visit popular websites to test the ad blocker’s day-to-day capabilities, including watching YouTube videos and browsing Forbes.
Once we’ve completed the testing, we calculate our editorial rating by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each ad blocker in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, test scores, features, browser support, and editorial score.
To learn more about how we test, read our full ad blocker methodology here.
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
This service is great for anyone looking for a top-performing ad blocker, even on your mobile devices, that comes with quality antivirus protection at a terrifically discounted rate.
Easy to use: Total Adblock is very easy to set up. When we accessed our Chrome browser, we didn’t have to navigate to the extensions page. We simply searched for “Total Adblock,” and the extensions page appeared with it ready. We had it installed and running in under 3 minutes.
Strong ad blocking capabilities: We also appreciate that it effectively blocks ads everywhere, including on our phones. The extension dashboard displays what’s being blocked on each site in a convenient drop-down widget, which includes intrusive ads that may appear in YouTube videos.
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Annoying upgrade prompts: Although Total Adblock offers a free plan, you'll be prompted to upgrade to the paid program. While the requests aren’t constant, they’re still present and somewhat annoying. We were also disappointed that the free plan excludes many websites.
Blocks ads, banners, and pop-ups on your browser and apps, including smart TVs
Enjoy boosted browsing speeds and save money on mobile data with its effective ad-blocking capabilities
Added benefit of a VPN to encrypt your data, hide your IP address, avoid phishing scams, and minimize malware risks
Surfshark products are great for people with a lot of devices or a family with multiple devices.
Since it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, you can add laptops, desktops, mobile phones, tablets, and anything else where an ad blocker is compatible. Unlimited use also means that you can protect multiple people with as many devices as they offer.
Competitive price: Surfshark offers a comprehensive range of services at a relatively low price. In addition to CleanWeb, Surfshark One includes a VPN and antivirus. The standout feature is the ability to use these services on an unlimited number of devices.
Holistic approach to security: Surfshark has evolved significantly over the years, and we appreciate that it consistently focuses on enhancing security. CleanWeb also monitors the internet for malware and other malicious content. You can even opt for a plan with identity theft protection if you require a comprehensive security stack.
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Poor anti-track performance: CleanWeb isn’t particularly effective at blocking trackers, scoring only 0.5 out of three areas we tested. Trackers can follow you around the internet, creating a profile of you, which can also compromise your security. We wish CleanWeb did a better job of blocking them.
Stops intrusive ads before they can even load, improving browsing experience and speed
Identifies malware-ridden files and protects against visiting malicious websites
Encrypts your data and blocks third-party trackers for increased security and privacy
NordVPN Threat Protection is perfect for someone looking for an ad blocker that also includes a VPN, dark web scanning, and Nord’s Meshnet, which makes it easy to bypass password sharing bans on Netflix and other services.
Lots of unique bonus features: We appreciate that NordVPN Threat Protection comes with numerous distinctive features, including a malware scanner, URL trimmer, DNS filtering, and file protection. The enhanced security provided by these additional options will protect your devices across the web.
Easy to use: Nord makes everything easy to access as well. It’s all conveniently located in your NordVPN app, and can usually be turned on and off with a simple toggle.
File scanner: The file scanner is one of our favorite features, as it scans the files you download. If you’ve ever wondered if that email file is safe, Nord can check it before you open it and potentially expose you to digital risks.
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Pricier VPN bundle: NordVPN Threat Protection is more expensive than your average ad blocker because it includes NordVPN. The dashboard within the app allows you to toggle between the VPN agent, Meshnet, and Threat Protection, which is a lot to offer, but it can get pricey, especially since the devices max out at 10.
Can't bypass YouTube video ads: Our testing has also proved that Threat Protection can't always block YouTube ads. You may need to bundle it with another product for maximum blocking.
Works seamlessly on macOS, iOS, and Safari
Offers lots of features, including regional filters, a firewall, custom filters, and more
Free version also proved to be highly effective
Apple users are used to having software that offers only partial features, but 1Blocker is built exclusively for macOS and iOS.
If you’re looking for software specifically designed for Apple products, 1Blocker is tailored exclusively for these operating systems. Since it’s designed for macOS and iOS, it can effectively address the unique challenges of blocking ads, trackers, and other malicious and annoying executables on Apple’s OS.
Next-level blocking features: The paid version can block a number of items above and beyond simple banner ads, including trackers, cookie requests, adult sites, and even the comments section on websites.
Made for Apple users: Since it’s built for Safari on both macOS and iOS, we don’t worry about it glitching or not working properly.
One-time fee option: You can purchase it for a one-time fee and get all the updates and protection that 1Blocker offers forever.
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Overzealous firewall: The firewall is actually a little too good. When we have it active, it blocks pictures in emails, prevents some app operations, and removes content from websites. We know all of these blocked items are linked to cookies and trackers, but we ended up disabling the firewall for everyday use.
Ad blockers offer several benefits. For one, they block ads that clutter up a webpage. Second, they reduce the overall data that you’re processing. If you’re on a restricted data plan or have a VPN with a data cap, this can help you stay under your monthly data limit.
Finally, ad blockers keep you safe online from trackers or malware that may be embedded in malicious sites or interstitial ads. You need an ad blocker to eliminate intrusive ads while browsing and keep your device infection-free.
So if you're a Chrome user and still want ad-blocking protection, you should consider ditching uBlock for a better alternative.
Since uBlock Origin is no longer on Chrome, we think Total Adblock, Surfshark CleanWeb, and NordVPN Threat Protection are better ad blockers for Chrome users.
uBlock Origin no longer meets Chrome's guidelines on filter lists, since it relies on millions of filters to work as well as it does. Because of this, Chrome has been automatically disabling the extension in browsers, and have recently begun removing the option to re-enable manually.
To continue using uBlock Origin, switch to another browser. You could also install uBlock Origin Lite on your Chrome browser, but our tests found it to be much less effective in blocking tracking ads than the full version. If you prefer to stay on Chrome, the best alternative is Total Adblock, which blocks ads and trackers flawlessly.
Total Adblock offers a great free product that has high test scores for blocking ads and trackers.
We love our uBlock Origin alternatives for the additional features, functionality, and security they provide. Total Adblock’s free product is robust, but its premium product offers significantly more. Surfshark CleanWeb allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices. NordVPN Threat Protection features unique security measures that you won’t find anywhere else. And 1Blocker is a best friend for Apple users.
The best ad blockers don’t just block ads, they also stop tracking and malware. Online security is necessary in our modern world due to the ever-increasing presence of hackers and scammers. Having good security on hand will help reduce your chances of being hacked. Plus, who doesn’t want to watch YouTube videos without all the ads?
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
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$1.59/mo (billed annually) | Best overall | Get Total Adblock |
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$1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best for unlimited simultaneous connections | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
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$3.39/mo (billed every two years) | Best for unique features | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
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$2.99/mo | Best for Apple users | Get 1Blocker |
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
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