uBlock Origin Lite vs. uBlock Origin 2025: Is It Time to Ditch Chrome?

Now that Google has removed uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store, you may be wondering if its replacement — uBlock Origin Lite — is worth using. We tested uBlock Origin Lite and found it to be an effective ad blocker, although it was less effective at blocking trackers. This complies with Google’s Manifest V3 update, which allows for more tracking on its browser.

But what are the main differences between these two versions of the free extension? We give you a side-by-side comparison as well as some options for the best ad blockers we’ve tested. Keep reading below for all the details.

uBlock Origin Lite vs. uBlock Origin

Having used uBlock Origin for years, we were skeptical that the Lite version could be just as good, but it was surprisingly similar.

uBlock Origin Lite is for Chrome only, as the original still works on other browsers. Chrome users concerned about losing their ad-blocking capabilities will find that uBlock Origin Lite still blocks ads, just like the full version of uBlock Origin. The one caveat is that uBlock Origin Lite doesn’t do a great job blocking trackers.

		Best Overall
Best for	Chrome	Firefox, Edge, and Opera
Price	Free	Free
Ads blocked on Forbes	16	18
Does it block YouTube ads?
Compatibility	Chrome	Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Safari version 12 or older
Mobile compatibility		Firefox on Android only
Learn more	Get uBlock Origin Lite Read uBlock Origin Lite Review	Get uBlock Origin Read uBlock Origin Review

uBlock Origin Lite pros and cons

uBlock Origin pros and cons

uBlock Origin Lite vs. uBlock Origin: prices

You can’t beat free. Both of these ad blockers are free, and there are no paid tiers for upgrades. uBlock Origin and the Lite version were both created to be free ad blockers that will never take money. Not only that, but they’re both very powerful and effective at blocking ads, which is why it’s so popular.

uBlock Origin Lite vs. uBlock Origin: features

		Our Pick
Whitelisting
Blacklisting
Ads blocked counter
Bypasses paywalls
Blocks pop-up ads
Blocks tracking
Blocks video ads
Blocks banner ads
Blocks push ads
Learn more	Get uBlock Origin Lite Read uBlock Origin Lite Review	Get uBlock Origin Read uBlock Origin Review

Because of Google’s new Manifest V3 rules, the Lite version has fewer tracker blockers than uBlock Origin. We also found the ad block counter wasn’t really there in the Lite version, and it didn’t have the ability to blacklist sites. 

While the ad-blocking capabilities were similar in both, the Lite version didn’t quite measure up.

uBlock Origin Lite vs. uBlock Origin: test results

		Our Pick
AdBlock Tester score	96/100	100/100
Cover Your Tracks score	1/3	2.5/3
Can You Block It score	3/3	3/3
YouTube ads blocked
Paywalls bypassed
Learn more	Get uBlock Origin Lite Read uBlock Origin Lite Review	Get uBlock Origin Read uBlock Origin Review

uBlock Origin Lite doesn’t do quite as well as uBlock Origin at blocking ads, and it’s much worse than uBlock Origin at trying to stop trackers. Neither service can unblock paywalls, which is something we’re consistently seeing across the board with products that used to offer this feature. But both can bypass YouTube video ads.

If you’re a Chrome user, uBlock Origin Lite is still a good choice. We suggest, however, switching to a different browser so you can still use the original uBlock Origin.

uBlock Origin Lite vs. uBlock Origin: compatibility and customer support

		Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Browser extensions	Chrome	Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Safari 12 or earlier
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Forums	Online guides, forums
Learn more	Get uBlock Origin Lite Read uBlock Origin Lite Review	Get uBlock Origin Read uBlock Origin Review

There isn’t any customer support for either product, but uBlock Origin has years of community support behind it, with plenty of troubleshooting posts on multiple sites. As far as compatibility is concerned, uBlock Origin Lite is made specifically for Chrome. You won’t find broad compatibility because most users still want the tracker-blocking features that the original provides.

FAQs

uBlock Origin Lite vs. uBlock Origin: Which is better?

The original uBlock Origin is definitely better, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use the Lite version if you’re still using Chrome. uBlock Origin does a better job of stopping trackers and has a slight advantage over the Lite version in blocking ads.

If you want an ad blocker that works across all your devices and browsers, consider checking out the best ad blockers available. We’ve tested them all independently and use them ourselves.

A good ad blocker won’t just clean up your browsing experience, and it’ll keep you safe online from trackers, malware, and even phishing attempts. Get one that protects you no matter where you use it.

uBlock Origin Lite vs. uBlock Origin alternatives

If you’re looking for the best alternatives to uBlock Origin, we've listed our favorites below. Each of these stops ads and trackers, has customer support options, and works on a variety of browsers.