Adblock Plus vs uBlock Origin
Updated October 2026 · AppBreakup editorial
Adblock Plus
One of the oldest browser ad blockers, open source, with non-intrusive Acceptable Ads shown by default.
uBlock Origin
Free, open-source, low-overhead content blocker for ads, trackers and malware sites, best on Firefox.
The short answer
uBlock Origin suits people, especially on Firefox, who want the most thorough and lightweight browser blocker with no paid allowlisting. Adblock Plus suits non-technical users who want a simple blocker on every major browser and on mobile. The biggest difference is the business model: Adblock Plus shows Acceptable Ads by default and is funded by fees from large companies, while uBlock Origin is volunteer-built and blocks everything it can.
Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin: our take
Both are open-source extensions licensed under the GPL that block ads, trackers and malicious domains using filter lists such as EasyList and EasyPrivacy. uBlock Origin adds its own lists and also blocks coin miners, pop-ups and anti-adblock scripts, and it is known for low CPU and memory use. Beginners can install it and leave it alone, while advanced users get an element picker, custom filters, per-site switches and a dynamic filtering mode that works like a firewall for scripts and frames. Adblock Plus, made by the German company eyeo, keeps things simple with sensible defaults and fewer advanced controls.
The Acceptable Ads programme is what separates them. Adblock Plus shows ads that meet size and placement criteria by default, and large companies that benefit pay eyeo a licensing fee; you can turn this off in settings. A Premium subscription adds cookie-banner and distraction blocking. uBlock Origin is completely free, seeks no donations and runs no acceptable-ads scheme.
Platform support is the other factor. Adblock Plus is available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, iOS and Android. uBlock Origin has been removed from the Chrome Web Store under Manifest V3 and is being phased out on Edge, so most Chromium users now run the lighter uBO Lite instead; the full version works best on Firefox, including Firefox for Android. Adblock Plus's filtering under Manifest V3 is also less thorough than its old engine. Neither can block ads inside apps, since both live in the browser.
Pick uBlock Origin if you use Firefox and want maximum blocking with no paid exceptions, or if you like fine control. Pick Adblock Plus if you use Safari or a mobile browser, want something that works the same everywhere, and don't mind some acceptable ads, or switch them off.
Which should you pick?
Choose Adblock Plus if…
- Non-technical users who want a simple, widely supported blocker
- You need iOS, which uBlock Origin doesn't list
- Available on every major browser and mobile
- Simple setup with sensible defaults
Choose uBlock Origin if…
- Firefox users who want the most capable, lightweight browser blocker available
- Very efficient on CPU and memory
- Deep controls: custom filters, element picker, dynamic filtering
About each app
What is Adblock Plus?
Adblock Plus is one of the most installed ad blockers, made by the German company eyeo. It blocks ads, third-party tracking and malicious domains using filter lists such as EasyList and EasyPrivacy, and is available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge and Opera, with mobile options for iOS and Android. Its defining feature is the Acceptable Ads programme: ads that meet criteria for size and placement are shown by default, and large companies that benefit pay eyeo a licensing fee. You can switch that off in settings. The core extension is free and open source under GPLv3+, and a Premium subscription adds cookie-banner and distraction blocking. It suits non-technical users who want a simple install-and-forget option. Many privacy-minded people prefer blockers without paid allowlisting, and filtering under Manifest V3 is less thorough than the old engine.
What is uBlock Origin?
uBlock Origin is the content blocker most power users recommend. It blocks ads, trackers, coin miners, pop-ups, anti-adblock scripts and malicious sites using EasyList, EasyPrivacy and its own filter lists, and it is known for using little CPU and memory. Beginners can install it and forget it; advanced users get element pickers, custom filters, per-site switches and a dynamic filtering mode that works like a firewall for scripts and frames. It is completely free, GPLv3-licensed, developed by volunteers, and does not seek donations or run an acceptable-ads programme. The big change is Manifest V3: Chrome removed the classic version from its web store in August 2026 and Edge is phasing it out, so on Chromium browsers most people now use uBO Lite instead. Full uBlock Origin remains available and works best on Firefox, including Firefox for Android.
Side by side
| Attribute | Adblock Plus | uBlock Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan + paid | Open source |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No |
| Platforms | Browser extension, iOS, Android | Browser extension, Android |
| Best for | Non-technical users who want a simple, widely supported blocker | Firefox users who want the most capable, lightweight browser blocker available |
| Status | Active | Active |
Verified facts, compared
Facts both apps publish, checked on each vendor's own site.
Adblock Plus vs uBlock Origin pricing
Platforms
| Platform | Adblock Plus | uBlock Origin |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | ||
| Android | ||
| Browser extension |
Adblock Plus facts
4 of 4 verified- License
- GPLv3+
- Checked Oct 25, 2026adblockplus.org(opens source in a new tab)
- “Adblock Plus is free and open source ( GPLv3+ ) By clicking the button below, you agree to our Terms of Use .”
- Platforms
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, iOS, Android
- Checked Oct 25, 2026adblockplus.org(opens source in a new tab)
- “It is available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera on desktop, and for iOS and Android on mobile.”
- Funding
- Acceptable Ads licensing fees
- Checked Oct 25, 2026adblockplus.org(opens source in a new tab)
- “For large platforms that benefit commercially from participating in the Acceptable Ads program, we charge a licensing fee — this covers the ongoing work of reviewing and enforcing the criteria.”
- Default filter lists
- EasyList and EasyPrivacy
- Checked Oct 25, 2026adblockplus.org(opens source in a new tab)
- “lists including EasyList and EasyPrivacy.”
uBlock Origin facts
5 of 5 verified- License
- GPLv3
- Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “About Manifesto Privacy Policy GPLv3 License Free. Open-source.”
- Donations
- None sought
- Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “For users by users. No donations sought.”
- Chrome Web Store
- Removed 31 August 2026
- Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “Chromium Chrome Web Store: Removed on 2026-08-31 Microsoft Edge Add-ons (Published by Nicole Rolls until version 1.62.”
- Best browser
- Firefox
- Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “Status Firefox Add-ons uBO works best on Firefox”
- Default lists
- EasyList, EasyPrivacy and uBO lists
- Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “by default using EasyList , EasyPrivacy”
Pros and cons of Adblock Plus
- Available on every major browser and mobile
- Simple setup with sensible defaults
- Open source core extension
- Acceptable Ads shown by default, paid for by large companies
- Fewer advanced controls than uBlock Origin
- Some extras need a Premium subscription
Pros and cons of uBlock Origin
- Very efficient on CPU and memory
- Deep controls: custom filters, element picker, dynamic filtering
- No acceptable-ads programme, no donations sought
- Removed from the Chrome Web Store; Chromium support is ending
- Advanced mode is easy to misconfigure
- Browser-only, so it can't block ads inside apps
Other apps to consider
uBlock Origin LiteInstead of Adblock Plus
Lightweight MV3 blocker without paid allowlisting, for Chrome and Edge.
GhosteryInstead of Adblock Plus
Open-source blocker with tracker insights and cookie-banner handling built in.
AdGuardInstead of uBlock Origin
Paid desktop app that filters ads in every browser and app, unaffected by Manifest V3.
NextDNSInstead of uBlock Origin
Blocks ads and trackers at DNS level across every device, without an extension.
Privacy BadgerInstead of uBlock Origin
Lighter, automatic tracker blocker from the EFF that needs no configuration.
Adblock Plus vs uBlock Origin: common questions
Is Adblock Plus better than uBlock Origin?
uBlock Origin suits people, especially on Firefox, who want the most thorough and lightweight browser blocker with no paid allowlisting. Adblock Plus suits non-technical users who want a simple blocker on every major browser and on mobile. The biggest difference is the business model: Adblock Plus shows Acceptable Ads by default and is funded by fees from large companies, while uBlock Origin is volunteer-built and blocks everything it can.
Is Adblock Plus free?
Adblock Plus has a free plan, with paid plans for more features. See its verified pricing facts above for current limits.
Is uBlock Origin free?
Yes. uBlock Origin is free, open-source software.
Is Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin open source?
Both are open source.
Which platforms do Adblock Plus and uBlock Origin support?
Adblock Plus: Browser extension, iOS and Android. uBlock Origin: Browser extension and Android.