uBlock Origin users set for exodus from Chrome to Firefox

Chrome Web Store users are flooding the uBlock Origin review section with comments expressing frustration — and promises to leave Google Chrome altogether. The trigger? Google’s gradual removal of support for extensions like uBlock Origin under its new “Manifest V3” framework, which threatens to strip away key ad-blocking capabilities. For many users, this shift feels like the final straw, sparking an outcry from loyal uBlock Origin fans determined to make a stand.

uBlock Origin has long been a staple for those who value a cleaner, safer browsing experience. More than just an ad blocker, the free, open-source extension has won fans by keeping ads and potentially malicious pop-ups at bay, allowing users to navigate the internet on their terms. But now, with Google rolling out updates that force Chrome extensions to adopt the new, more restrictive Manifest V3 framework, uBlock Origin and similar tools face limitations that could undermine their effectiveness. The response has been swift and fierce.

On the extension’s review page, users are calling out Chrome’s new policies, describing the browser as increasingly ad-centric and arguing that Google is prioritizing ad revenue over user experience. For some, the shift feels like a betrayal, especially given the essential role uBlock Origin plays in keeping their browsing free of interruptions and threats. Many users say they will leave Chrome if uBlock Origin is restricted further, with Firefox emerging as a popular alternative.

Beyond the critique of Chrome’s Manifest V3, users are questioning Google’s transparency and motives. Many commenters note that uBlock Origin has adhered to its mission of providing an ad-free, secure experience without ever requesting donations or compromising user privacy. Now, though, as Chrome’s changes roll out, some users feel as though Google is forcing them to choose between the browser they know and the browsing experience they want.

With hundreds of fans pledging to switch browsers if uBlock Origin loses its power, the message is clear: for countless users, the choice to block ads isn’t just a preference; it’s fundamental. The coming months will reveal whether this backlash influences Google to reconsider or if the uproar translates to a migration of long-time Chrome users who refuse to compromise on their ad-free browsing experience.