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Ghost Browser Supports uBlock Origin: Keeping Powerful Ad Blocking Alive

By Ghost Writer | February 26, 2025

Chrome’s Manifest V3 Cripples uBlock Origin

For years, uBlock Origin has been one of the most powerful and effective tools for blocking ads, protecting privacy, and giving users control over their browsing experience. However, Google’s transition from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3 (MV3) is fundamentally changing how extensions like uBlock Origin function—and not for the better.

Under Manifest V3, ad blockers and privacy extensions lose access to the WebRequest API, which allows them to dynamically filter and block content in real time. Instead, extensions are forced to use the DeclarativeNetRequest API (DNR), which severely limits their ability to adapt to new advertising and tracking techniques. This means:

  • Fewer ads blocked due to static filter limitations.
  • Less effective tracking prevention, as real-time blocking is removed.
  • Loss of dynamic rules, reducing customization for power users.

The developer of uBlock Origin, Raymond Hill, has been outspoken about these changes, calling them a “crippling limitation” designed to benefit Google’s ad business rather than improve security. We agree.

Ghost Browser Maintains Full Support for uBlock Origin

While some browsers are or may follow Google’s lead, Ghost Browser is standing firm and uBlock Origin is still “on”. We recognize that ad blocking is essential for user control, privacy, and security—which is why we will continue to support Manifest V2 and extensions that are using, but not abusing it.

Here’s why this matters:

  • Unrestricted Ad Blocking – Users can continue using uBlock Origin without losing functionality.
  • Privacy & Security – Dynamic filtering protects against intrusive ads, trackers, and malware.
  • Better Performance – uBlock Origin is more efficient than traditional ad blockers that rely on heavy resource usage.

You can download Ghost Browser and be up and running in about 30 seconds after importing your Chrome extensions and settings. As a privacy-focused user, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised about how we handle your browsing data. Hint: We don’t.

Major Browsers Phasing Out Manifest V2 Support

Since Google stopped accepting Manifest V2 extensions in the Chrome Web Store, there has been a slow phase out and others may follow suit. As recently as February of 2025, Microsoft Edge Canary started disabling uBlock Origin and other Manifest V2 extensions as well.

  • December 2022 – Google stops accepting new Manifest V2 extensions in the Chrome Web Store.
  • June 2023 – Google removes the ability to update existing Manifest V2 extensions.
  • January 2024 – Chrome begins disabling Manifest V2 extensions for some users.
  • June 2024 – Full deprecation begins, blocking all Manifest V2 extensions from running in Chrome.
  • February 2025 – Microsoft Edge Canary started to disable Manifest V2 extensions.
  • Early 2025 – Manifest V2 will be completely removed from Chrome, making uBlock Origin non-functional.

Mozilla originally planned to keep Manifest V2 support in Firefox and has recently renewed that commitment, but there has been some uncertainty over its long-term commitment. In September 2024, Mozilla briefly removed uBlock Origin Lite from its add-on store, sparking controversy with the developer. Other chromium-based browsers have also said they intend to continue to support Manifest V2.

Is uBlock Origin Lite an Option?

To comply with Google’s Manifest V3 restrictions, uBlock Origin Lite (uBOL) was developed as a replacement for the full-featured extension. It’s the best that can be done under the new rules, however, there are significant differences in how they function and how effective they are:

  • uBlock Origin:
    • Uses the WebRequest API to block requests before they are loaded, preventing ads and trackers from ever reaching the browser.
    • Supports dynamic filtering, allowing users to block or allow scripts, frames, and other web elements in real time.
    • Fully customizable with user-defined rules and third-party filter lists.
  • uBlock Origin Lite (MV3-Compliant Version):
    • Relies on the DeclarativeNetRequest API, meaning it can only block ads based on a predefined set of rules.
    • Lacks dynamic filtering, reducing the ability to customize blocking behavior on the fly.
    • Limited in scope, as it cannot intercept or modify network requests beyond what Google allows.

In short, uBlock Origin Lite is a weaker version of the original, offering only basic ad-blocking functionality that Google is comfortable allowing. If you want full control over your browsing experience, you need a browser that still supports the full version of uBlock Origin—which is exactly what Ghost Browser provides.

Why uBlock Origin Remains the Best Ad Blocker

uBlock Origin isn’t just another ad blocker—it’s a highly efficient, open-source tool that does much more than block ads:

  • Lightweight & Fast – Uses fewer resources compared to extensions like AdBlock Plus.
  • Advanced Filtering – Supports custom rules, dynamic filtering, and third-party lists.
  • Open-Source & Community-Driven – No corporate incentives, no hidden agendas.

With Google forcing Chrome users into weaker ad-blocking solutions, Ghost Browser remains one of the few browsers where uBlock Origin works exactly as intended.

How to Keep Using uBlock Origin with Ghost Browser

Getting started is easy. If you’re switching from Chrome:

  1. Download Ghost Browser – Get it here
  2. Import Your Extensions – Ghost Browser allows you to seamlessly import your Chrome extensions, including uBlock Origin in just a few seconds.
  3. Continue Blocking Ads as Usual – No restrictions, no limitations.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Google Decide How You Browse

Google’s push for Manifest V3 isn’t about security—it’s about protecting ad revenue at the expense of user choice. If you value privacy, security, and an ad-free browsing experience, you need a browser that respects those priorities.

Ghost Browser is committed to keeping full uBlock Origin functionality intact, ensuring that power users can browse the web on their own terms.

Keep your ad blocker. Keep your privacy. Switch to Ghost Browser today.

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