Google’s Manifest V3 update has fundamentally changed how browser extensions work in Chrome, and ad blockers have been among the most affected. The update limits the webRequest API that many ad blockers relied on, forcing developers to adapt or abandon Chrome entirely. If you are wondering which ad blockers still work effectively on Chrome in 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Manifest V3 and Why Does It Matter?
Manifest V3 is Google’s update to the Chrome extension platform that replaces the webRequest API with the more limited declarativeNetRequest API. The practical impact is that ad blockers can no longer dynamically intercept and modify network requests in real-time. Instead, they must provide static rulesets with a maximum limit, which restricts the number of filter rules an extension can use. This has significantly impacted extensions like uBlock Origin, which relied heavily on the flexibility of the old API.
Ad Blockers That Still Work on Chrome
AdGuard has been one of the most proactive ad blockers in adapting to Manifest V3. The AdGuard team rewrote significant portions of their extension to work within the new constraints while maintaining strong blocking performance. AdGuard’s approach uses a combination of declarativeNetRequest rules and cosmetic filtering to deliver effective ad blocking even under the new limitations.
Total Adblock was designed with Manifest V3 compatibility in mind from the start, making it a reliable choice for Chrome users who want comprehensive ad blocking without worrying about compatibility issues. The service combines browser-level and network-level blocking to compensate for any limitations imposed by Chrome’s extension platform.
Adblock Plus has also adapted to Manifest V3, though its Acceptable Ads program means some non-intrusive ads may still display unless you disable that feature. The extension continues to function on Chrome, albeit with some reduced capability compared to the Manifest V2 version.
What About uBlock Origin?
uBlock Origin’s developer, Raymond Hill, created a separate version called uBlock Origin Lite specifically for Manifest V3. However, it is significantly less capable than the full version. The original uBlock Origin no longer works on Chrome. If you relied on uBlock Origin, your best options are either switching to uBlock Origin Lite (with reduced functionality), switching to a different ad blocker like AdGuard, or moving to Firefox, which continues to support Manifest V2 extensions.
Consider Switching Browsers
If ad blocking is a priority, it is worth considering browsers that are not affected by Manifest V3 limitations. Firefox continues to support the full webRequest API, meaning uBlock Origin and other ad blockers work at full capability. Brave has ad blocking built directly into the browser engine, bypassing extension limitations entirely. Both are excellent alternatives for users frustrated by Chrome’s extension restrictions. For a complete overview of your options, see our guide on choosing the best ad blocker for your browser.
Our Recommendation
For users committed to staying on Chrome, AdGuard offers the best balance of blocking performance and Manifest V3 compatibility. For users willing to switch browsers, Firefox with uBlock Origin remains the gold standard for ad blocking. And for those who want the simplest possible solution, Brave browser eliminates the need for any ad blocking extension entirely. Whichever option you choose, consider whether a free or paid ad blocker best fits your needs. And for maximum online protection, pair your ad blocker with a VPN and antivirus software — see our complete protection stack guide.
