uBlock Origin Lite icon

uBlock Origin Lite

A free, open-source Manifest V3 content blocker that uses uBlock Origin's default lists.

Reviewed by Xplorekit's independent developer · Last checked · How we choose

Add to Chrome Free · Open source · Chrome Web Store

Why it's a strong pick

uBlock Origin Lite is a separate, lighter extension by Raymond Hill, the author of uBlock Origin. Its source is public on GitHub under GPL v3. It has no Acceptable Ads program in anything we read. The trade-off is that Manifest V3 limits what it can do, and the developer says so plainly.

What it does

Its README calls it an efficient content blocker based on the MV3 API. It works declaratively, so Chrome applies the rules and the extension has no permanent background process. The developer says it does not use CPU or memory while blocking. It is not an automatic upgrade of uBlock Origin, which left the Chrome Web Store on 31 August 2026, according to its own README.

Key features

  • Default lists. uBlock Origin's built-in filters, EasyList, EasyPrivacy and Peter Lowe's ad and tracking server list.
  • Three filtering modes. Basic, Optimal and Complete.
  • Declarative blocking. Rules run through Chrome's declarativeNetRequest API.
  • Open source. GPL v3, in the uBlockOrigin/uBOL-home repository.
  • No account. The project has no home server.

Who it's for

uBlock Origin Lite suits people who want a free, open-source blocker with a short permission list and no account. It is a fit if you used uBlock Origin on Chrome and need a replacement. If you want extras like a rules editor, look at AdGuard AdBlocker.

Why do some ads still show in uBlock Origin Lite?

The default mode does not apply generic cosmetic filtering. Its FAQ says you must raise the blocking mode to Complete for that. The developer also says many filters cannot be converted to Chrome's rules and that it is less effective on sites that fight content blockers.

Is uBlock Origin Lite the same as uBlock Origin?

No. It is a separate Manifest V3 extension by the same developer. uBlock Origin was removed from the Chrome Web Store on 31 August 2026, per the README. Lite has no filter lists proper, and its lists update only when the extension updates. Our Manifest V3 guide has the full table.

What permissions does uBlock Origin Lite ask for?

Its published manifest lists declarativeNetRequest, scripting, activeTab, storage, unlimitedStorage, alarms, offscreen and userScripts, with access to all sites that you can reduce. The developer explains each one in a public wiki page. Check the install prompt for the current list. Our safety check goes through them.

FAQ

Is it free and open source? Yes. It is GPL v3.

Does it need an account? No. The project has no home server.

What does it do with my data? Its privacy policy is public on its GitHub wiki. Read it before installing.

Good to know

Start in Optimal mode, and move a site to Complete if ads still leave gaps. Do not expect custom filter lists: lists update only with extension releases.

Before you install, open the Chrome Web Store listing and read the privacy practices tab and the permissions in the install prompt. Check that the publisher name matches the vendor's own site, and remove the extension if you stop using it, so it no longer has access to your pages. Our how we choose page explains the checks we use, and we do not show ratings or user counts because we cannot verify them.

Other ad blockers to compare

uBlock Origin Lite is one of 5 picks in our Ad Blockers guide:

Compare: uBlock Origin Lite vs AdGuard AdBlocker

See alternatives: Adblock Plus alternatives

Is it safe? uBlock Origin Lite safety check

This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing. Install and permissions are between you and the extension's own publisher.