uBlock Origin for Safari: Does it work? Best alternatives (2026)

Own a Mac and wonder if there is a uBlock Origin Safari extension to block ads? A quick spoiler: uBlock Origin doesn't work in Safari since the 13th version of the browser was released in 2019. However, there is a lite version called uBlock Origin Lite (uBO Lite or uBOL) available now in 2026 for macOS version 13.5 and iOS version 18.5 and newer.

uBO Lite is a Safari content blocker developed by Raymond Hill and currently available on the App Store. It is a stripped-down version of uBlock Origin with a simplified feature set. It corresponds to uBlock Origin's default filter configuration, including built-in filter lists, EasyLists, EasyPrivacy, and a few others. uBO Lite blocks most ads effectively, but it doesn't offer the deeper customization or level of control provided by the full version.

If uBO Lite isn't enough for you and you need advanced ad blocking and privacy protection, I have something for you. Here's a quick review of two Safari ad-blockers I highly recommend. Scroll down for details.

Quick comparison: AdLock vs ClearVPN (Safari ad blocking on Mac)

Tool details	AdLock	ClearVPN
Primary function	Ad blocker and privacy protection.	Intuitive VPN, online threat shield, and ad blocker.
Ad blocking	Blocks ads, pop-ups, and banners across websites.	Blocks intrusive pop-ups and protects from malicious ads.
Privacy protection	Blocks trackers, analytics, and online tracking.	Protects against scams, phishing, typosquatting, cryptojacking, and other threats.
Anti-malware protection	Includes built-in anti-malware engine.	Blocks access to harmful domains and malicious ads.
Extension management	Supports extension customization for ad-blocking.	Allows turning on VPN in the background while browsing in Safari.
Compatibility	Fully compatible with Safari and other browsers.	Fully compatible with macOS.
Best for	Users seeking advanced ad blocking and privacy.	Users seeking privacy, online security, and ad blocking.
Pricing	Included in Setapp for $9.99 +tax per month or as a standalone app for $4.99 per month	Included in Setapp for $9.99 +tax per month.

The checklist above covers the key criteria, but matching them to your actual browsing habits is the harder part. This Productivity Tools GPT helped me decide between a VPN-based blocker and a browser extension. It took two minutes and saved a lot of trial installs.

Orget AdLock standalone via Marketplace from $4.99/mo — no membership needed.

Best uBlock Origin alternatives for Safari (Mac + iPhone/iPad)

There are plenty of uBlock Origin alternatives. Let me show you a good one.

AdLock — Best uBlock Origin-style ad blocker for Safari (advanced controls)

If you're a Safari user looking for an ad blocker and privacy extension in place of uBlock Origin, I recommend trying AdLock. It offers a similar level of functionality to uBlock Origin and has a number of advantages that make it a great choice for Safari users.

AdLock's pros:

• Blocks not only ads, pop-ups, and banners but also trackers, analytics scripts, and other forms of online tracking that can compromise your privacy and security.
• Allows you to customize your ad-blocking preferences: you can choose which ad types you want to block or allow, and AdLock will remember your settings and apply them to all the websites you visit.
• Has a built-in anti-malware engine that helps protect your Mac from viruses, malware, and other online threats. The engine scans all the websites you visit and blocks any malicious content it detects, keeping your computer safe.
• Works with various browsers, including Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and more.
• Light on system resources and doesn't consume much CPU.
• Shows how much data it saves by blocking the annoying ads.

So if you want an ad blocker Safari users can use without concerns, give AdLock a try. With AdLock, you can browse the web more efficiently, protect your personal data, and improve your overall online experience.

AdLock for iPhone: uBlock Origin is only available as a Firefox and Chromium browser extension, while AdLock has a dedicated iOS app and can serve as an alternative to uBlock Origin on iPhone and iPad.

ClearVPN — Best for ad blocking + threat protection (VPN-based) in Safari

Is there anything better than uBlock Origin for Safari? I would say yes and recommend ClearVPN. It's perfect for those looking for comprehensive online protection because it combines ad blocking, online threat protection, and private browsing.

ClearVPN's pros:

• Blocks up to 97% of intrusive and malicious ads, pop-ups, and trackers during the VPN session.
• Blocks access to malicious domains.
• Protects against scams, phishing, typosquatting, cryptojacking, and other threats.

Blocking ads and protecting yourself online is easy with ClearVPN:

1. Download and install ClearVPN.
2. Tap Connect.
3. Tap the Protection level menu at the bottom.
4. Turn on Online Threat Shield and DNS Adblock.

Your surfing is protected!

Block ads on iOS: If you're looking for an alternative to uBlock Origin for iOS, try ClearVPN — it also works on iPhones and iPads.

VPN-encrypted browsing, ad blocking, phishing protection, and malware shields — all switched on with one tap in Safari. ClearVPN gives uBlock Origin users the protection they were missing. Available in Setapp. Try ClearVPN Free.

Read also:

• Ad blockers for Mac
• Stop Google Chrome pop-ups
• Undetectable AdBlock on Mac
• Allow pop-ups on Mac

More Safari-friendly alternatives (free + paid)

AdLock and ClearVPN are awesome options, but they're not the only tools you can test if you want to block ads in Safari.

AdGuard for Safari — Best for advanced filtering (Safari-focused)

AdGuard is one of the strongest Safari options if you want to control what gets blocked. You can stick with the default filters and let it work quietly in the background, or tweak things to your liking. It's also available as an extension and a standalone app.

Ghostery — Best privacy-focused uBlock alternative

Ghostery is a free, open-source ad blocker that works on all popular browsers. It does a solid job of hiding ads and blocking many of the tracking scripts websites use to follow what you do online. It also shows what's happening behind the scenes — you can see which trackers a site tries to load and decide what you want to block.

Adblock Plus — Popular free option on Safari

Adblock Plus is one of the most well-known ad blockers out there, and it also works on Safari. It's a good starting point if you want a simple, free tool that removes most ads without much setup. Once you install it, Adblock Plus blocks common ads, pop-ups, and some trackers using filter lists. You can also whitelist sites you want to support.

Privacy Badger / Malwarebytes Browser Guard — Best for tracker/malware blocking

If you're worried about your privacy or security, look at Privacy Badger or Malwarebytes Browser Guard. They focus less on hiding every ad and more on blocking trackers. Privacy Badger blocks trackers that try to follow you across websites. Malwarebytes Browser Guard blocks trackers too and protects against scams and malicious websites.

Why uBlock Origin doesn't work in Safari (Safari 13+ explained)

uBlock Origin stopped working in Safari in 2019 when Apple released Safari 13. The new Safari extension framework no longer supports the extension on which uBlock Origin was built.

It was the developer's decision not to maintain a Safari version, but to focus on the extension that's available on Firefox and Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Brave.

uBlock Origin Lite on Safari: What it blocks vs what's missing

The closest thing to uBlock Origin for Safari is uBlock Origin Lite (uBO Lite). It's a simpler content blocker built for Apple's newer extension system. It can block ads, but it doesn't offer the same deep control as the full version of uBlock Origin.

If your needs are simple, uBO Lite does the job well. It works with built-in filter lists like EasyList and EasyPrivacy, so most common ads disappear automatically. But if you want to tweak filters or create rules, then this tool might be too limiting for your needs.

What it does great:

• Blocks most common ads
• Uses trusted filter lists like EasyList and EasyPrivacy
• Very light on your system
• Works right away with almost no tweaking

What it lacks:

• No advanced customization or fine-grained controls
• Limited filter management compared to the full uBlock Origin
• No element picker or advanced blocking tools
• Fewer features for power users

Best for: People who use Safari and just want an easy way to block ads without messing with complicated settings.

How to block ads on iPhone/iPad Safari (Content blockers vs DNS/VPN)

Blocking ads on iPhone or iPad Safari works a bit differently than on desktop browsers. Apple doesn't allow traditional ad-blocking extensions. You can either use a Safari content blocker or DNS/VPN ad blocking.

Here's how to use a Safari content blocker:

1. Install an ad-blocking app.
2. Open Settings on iPhone or iPad > Apps.
3. Tap Safari.
4. Tap Extensions (or Content Blockers on older iOS versions).
5. Turn on the blocker you installed.

Once enabled, Safari will automatically hide many ads while you browse.

Here's how to use DNS or VPN ad blocking:

1. Install a DNS or VPN-based blocker.
2. Open the app and connect to its protection mode.
3. Turn on features like DNS ad blocking or threat protection.

This method is useful because it can block ads in many apps, not just Safari.

How to manage Safari extensions (And avoid conflicts with ad blockers)

As a Safari browser user, you most likely know about the ability to add extensions, which can significantly improve your browsing experience and help you work more efficiently. But do you know that it's essential to check your extensions regularly to ensure they're all up to date and not causing any issues?

Finding your Safari extensions is a simple process that takes just a few steps. Here's how to do it:

1. Open Safari on your Mac.
2. Click the Safari menu in the upper-left corner of your screen.
3. Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
4. Then click the Extensions tab at the top of the window.
5. Once you're on the Extensions tab, you'll see a list of all the extensions you've installed in your Safari browser. From here, you can turn individual extensions on or off and manage their settings.

If you're sharing screenshots on forums or sending them to support or IT teams, you want to hide your personal details. Xnapper is the best tool for this. It captures clean screenshots and can automatically blur sensitive information like emails, IP addresses, or payment details before you share them.

Troubleshooting: When ads still show (YouTube warnings, anti-adblock, cookie banners)

So you've installed an ad blocker, but you're still getting some ads and warnings? It has happened to me, too. Websites like YouTube often detect ad blockers and show messages asking you to disable them. Websites update their ad systems faster than filter lists can keep up.

If this happens to you, here are a few things you can do:

• Update your ad blocker or its filter lists
• Refresh the page or restart the browser
• Turn on stricter filter lists
• Try a different blocker if the site keeps detecting it

Also, keep in mind that cookie banners and "disable your ad blocker" pop-ups aren't always traditional ads, so some blockers won't remove them automatically.

How to choose an ad blocker for Mac (performance, privacy, allowlists, cost)

So, with so many great options, how do you choose the best ad blocker for your Mac?

From experience, there are a few things you should look at before choosing one:

• Performance: A good blocker should remove ads without slowing down your browser.
• Privacy protection: Some tools only hide ads, while others also block trackers, analytics scripts, and malicious domains.
• Allowlists: Opt for blockers that let you easily allow ads on websites you want to support.
• Cost: Many good blockers are free, but paid tools sometimes add extra security or system-wide protection.
• Safari compatibility: If you mostly browse in Safari, choose a blocker built specifically for Apple's extension system.

Which Safari ad blocker should you choose? (Recommendations by use case)

While uBlock Origin isn't available for Safari, users can still enjoy ad-free browsing with ClearVPN and AdLock — the best ad blockers in my opinion. With a user-friendly interface, an anti-malware engine, and compatibility with the latest version of Safari, these Mac apps are great alternatives to uBlock Origin.

If you're testing different ad blockers or comparing settings across multiple windows, HazeOver is a nice little productivity add-on. It dims everything in the background and keeps your active window in focus.

AdLock and ClearVPN — the best Safari ad blockers on Setapp. Try them both free for 7 days. Advanced ad blocking, anti-malware, VPN protection, and iOS support. Get 250+ Mac Apps Free. 

Need just AdLock? Get it standalone via Marketplace from $4.99/mo — no membership needed.

FAQ: uBlock Origin for Safari, uBO Lite, and best alternatives

What is uBlock Origin? 

uBlock Origin is an open-source ad blocker available as a Firefox and Chrome extension (currently, uBlock Origin doesn't have an add-on for Safari). It's extremely light on system resources and doesn't slow down the speed at which you browse the web. Its blocking algorithm uses a set of predefined filters that help it identify and block ads on websites. Users can also add their own filters, and a whitelisting feature allows supporting favourite websites that rely on ads.

Does uBlock Origin work with Safari? 

No, uBlock Origin is not available for Mac's Safari since version 13 due to Apple's new extension framework. However, Safari users can still block ads and protect their privacy with alternative ad blockers, such as AdLock and ClearVPN.

How to install uBlock in Safari? 

You cannot install uBlock Origin on Safari, as it is no longer supported since Safari 13. However, you can explore alternative ad blockers like AdLock or ClearVPN.

What is an alternative to uBlock Origin on Safari? 

A great alternative to uBlock Origin for Safari is AdLock or ClearVPN. They block ads, pop-ups, and trackers while also protecting your privacy. They both offer a user-friendly interface, customizable settings, and compatibility with the latest version of Safari.

Which is better, Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin for Safari? 

Since uBlock Origin is no longer available for Safari, Adblock Plus is the better option for Safari users and is fully compatible with Safari. Alternatively, try AdLock or ClearVPN.

What is replacing uBlock Origin? 

There's no single universal replacement across every browser; for Safari, you'll need a Safari-compatible content blocker or a DNS/VPN-based blocker. Popular "uBlock-like" options include Ghostery and Safari-specific blockers like AdGuard.

What is the best ad blocker for a Mac? 

The best choice depends on your setup: use a Safari content blocker for best Safari integration, or a system-wide blocker/DNS solution if you want coverage beyond one browser. Prioritize performance, transparency, and update frequency.

Can YouTube detect ad blockers? 

Yes. YouTube regularly updates detection scripts and may show warnings or restrict playback. Some blockers work temporarily, but results can change often; keeping filters updated is safest.

Does uBlock Origin Lite work on Safari? 

uBO Lite can block many ads and trackers using default lists, but it's more limited than full uBlock Origin — less fine-grained control and fewer power-user customization options.

Why did uBlock Origin stop working on Safari? 

Safari's extension framework changes (notably from Safari 13 onward) made the original uBlock Origin implementation incompatible, so the full extension is not available for Safari.

Is Adblock Plus available for Safari, and is it worth it? 

Adblock Plus is available on Safari and is a well-known option, but it may differ from uBO in customization and filtering philosophy. It can be a straightforward pick if you want a mainstream, easy setup.

Any decent alternatives to uBlock Origin? 

Yes, good alternatives vary by browser: Ghostery, Privacy Badger, and AdGuard are commonly recommended. For Safari specifically, choose an extension built for Safari's framework, or use a DNS/VPN-based blocker like ClearVPN for system-wide protection.

Mentioned apps