TIL: uBlock Origin Performance Optimization on Firefox

Today I learned about why uBlock Origin works significantly better on Firefox compared to other browsers, due to API limitations and architectural differences.

April 10, 2021 · 1 min

Table of Contents

uBlock Origin and Browser Performance
- Firefox vs Other Browsers
Technical Differences
- API Capabilities
- Extension Architecture
Key Takeaways

uBlock Origin and Browser Performance

Firefox vs Other Browsers

uBlock Origin works best on Firefox
Firefox provides superior APIs for content blocking compared to Chrome and other browsers
Chrome’s Manifest V3 limitations significantly impact ad blocker effectiveness
Firefox maintains support for the more powerful webRequest API

Technical Differences

API Capabilities

Firefox: Full access to webRequest API for comprehensive filtering
Chrome: Limited by Manifest V3 restrictions on content blocking
Performance: Firefox allows more efficient filtering algorithms
Privacy: Better protection against tracking and fingerprinting

Extension Architecture

Firefox’s extension system designed with privacy and user control in mind
Chrome’s restrictions prioritize performance over blocking capability
Firefox allows dynamic filtering rules that Chrome cannot support
Better memory management for large filter lists

Key Takeaways

Browser Choice Matters: The browser significantly impacts extension capabilities
Privacy vs Performance: Firefox prioritizes user privacy and control
Extension Development: API limitations affect what extensions can accomplish
User Experience: More effective ad blocking leads to better browsing experience

This is particularly relevant for users who prioritize privacy and ad blocking effectiveness. The architectural differences between browsers have real-world implications for extension functionality and user privacy protection.