Updated: October 28, 2026
Every ad blocker in the Chrome Web Store now runs on Manifest V3, so the gap in raw blocking power has narrowed. The bigger differences are in how each one makes money and what it lets through by default.
Comparison
| Extension | Paid allowlist ("acceptable ads") on by default | How it is funded | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| uBlock Origin Lite | No | Open source, volunteer | Lightweight, no-frills blocking |
| AdGuard (extension) | No | Paid desktop and mobile apps | Many filter options |
| Ghostery | No | Optional paid plans and contributions | Tracker insights |
| Adblock Plus | Yes | Acceptable Ads program | Familiar, simple setup |
| AdBlock | Yes | Acceptable Ads program and donations | Simple setup |
| Qhawa | No | Donations only | Ads plus scam and phishing warnings |
"Acceptable ads" can be turned off in the extensions that include it, but most people never change the default.
How to choose
- Want everything blocked? Pick one without acceptable ads, or turn that option off.
- Care about privacy? Read the privacy policy: an ad blocker can see every page you visit.
- Worried about scams? Look for protection against phishing and malware pages, not only ads.
- Using one is enough. Two blockers at once add little and can break pages.
What Qhawa does differently
Qhawa blocks ads and trackers with public lists like EasyList, warns you before known phishing and malware pages load, removes YouTube ads and shows which brands paid to reach you. It never charges advertisers and is funded only by donations.
Add to Chrome
Frequently asked questions
Which ad blocker is best for Chrome?
For most people, one without acceptable ads and with a clear privacy policy. Pick based on how it is funded and the extras you need, such as scam protection.
Do ad blockers still work in Chrome after Manifest V3?
Yes. They work differently and have some limits, but they still block most ads and trackers.
Are free ad blockers safe?
The well-known ones from the official Chrome Web Store are. Avoid extensions from unknown developers that ask for broad permissions.
Sources
More guides
- Free ad blocker for Chrome: how to choose one
- uBlock Origin not working in Chrome? What happened
- uBlock Origin Lite: what it is and how it compares
- What is phishing? Real examples and how to avoid it
- Is this website safe? 7 signs of a scam site
- How to block YouTube ads in Chrome for free
- Scam website checker: is this link safe?
- Phishing examples: 8 real-world messages explained
- Does a Mac need antivirus? An honest answer