As you might have observed, the message “This extension may soon no longer be supported”has surfaced for several extensions in the Chrome Web Store. This warning stems from Chrome’s transition from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3, a shift that has severely impacted numerous extensions, particularly ad blockers reliant on Manifest V2. Although many Manifest V2 ad blockers are fading away, various effective alternatives for ad blocking remain available. Below, we outline the most effective methods to combat unwanted advertisements.
1. Adopt a Manifest V3-Compatible Ad Blocker Extension
In response to the new regulations established by Manifest V3, many ad blocker extensions have either updated their current offerings or introduced entirely new versions. These Manifest V3-compatible extensions continue to block a significant number of ads, although they come with reduced power and fewer customization options.
If you are comfortable with the occasional advertisement slipping through your filters, a Manifest V3-compatible ad blocker will suffice. Here are some recommended options:
- uBlock Origin Lite: This is the streamlined version of the renowned uBlock Origin, foregoing some rule-editing features in favor of speed and efficiency.
- AdBlock: This well-known ad blocker has been upgraded to comply with Manifest V3 while retaining its robust filtering capabilities, allowlists, and options for custom element blocking.
- Adblock Plus: Among the longest-standing ad blockers, it has also been updated for Manifest V3, effectively blocking third-party trackers and providing powerful customization options. The premium version offers enhanced content blocking features.
When selecting any ad blocker, ensure it doesn’t carry the warning label from the Chrome Web Store and explicitly states its support for Manifest V3.
2. Consider Switching to a Different Browser That Allows Comprehensive Ad Blocking
The challenges associated with Manifest V3 are primarily relevant to Chrome. Many alternative browsers have either opted out of this change or are postponing the discontinuation of Manifest V2. For instance, Firefox utilizes its own extension framework, allowing full compatibility with Manifest V2 extensions, including popular ad blockers like Adblock Plus and uBlock Origin.
If you prefer browsing with a Chromium-based platform, consider Brave or Opera. Both browsers feature integrated ad blockers that are not restricted by these limitations and will also continue to support Manifest V2 extensions for the foreseeable future.
3. Utilize a Desktop-Ad Blocker for Comprehensive Coverage
For those seeking a more robust, system-wide ad-blocking solution, desktop-based ad blockers are an excellent choice. These applications prevent ads from appearing across all installed software on your PC, including Chrome, without being affected by app-specific policies. We recommend AdGuard, which offers functionalities beyond mere ad blocking. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, and features a user-friendly setup.
Upon installation, AdGuard initiates a setup process allowing you to configure various protective features, such as tracker blocking and search ad filtering. In the Settings menu, users can enable different forms of protection, including custom filters and DNS protection, among others.
AdGuard provides a fully functional 3-day free trial, after which you need to obtain either a premium subscription or a lifetime license. Other options worth exploring include NextDNS and Pi-hole.
4. Employ a DNS-Based Ad Blocker for Network-Wide Protection
While desktop ad blockers offer extensive capabilities, they typically require ongoing payment and consume system resources. If you prefer a free solution that does not require running processes in the background, consider using a DNS-based ad blocking method.
To set up a DNS-based blocker, simply modify your DNS address either on your operating system or router for effective network-wide protection. Most DNS ad-blocking services provide the necessary DNS addresses along with detailed setup instructions.
For reliable DNS-based ad blocking, we recommend AdGuard DNS and NextDNS. AdGuard DNS is entirely free with limited customization, while NextDNS offers a limited free tier with up to 300, 000 queries each month, which is typically sufficient for most users, as well as robust filtering against ads, trackers, malicious sites, and explicit content.
However, do note that DNS-based blocking is less effective against ads hosted on websites themselves, since it primarily targets domains known to serve ads. Many users find the best results by combining DNS-based ad blocking with a Manifest V3-compatible ad blocker to maximize their ad blocking capability.
5. Utilize a VPN with Integrated Ad Blocking Features
Though investing in a VPN solely for ad blocking might not be practical, if you’re already considering a VPN for security and privacy purposes, opt for one that includes an ad blocker feature. Well-regarded VPNs such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN also provide robust ad-blocking capabilities alongside their other valuable privacy tools.
While it’s true that Chrome’s updates have complicated ad blocking through extensions, alternative solutions remain abundant. With the options outlined above, you can browse seamlessly across the web—and utilize other applications—without interruptions from ads. If you’re truly looking to diminish ad presence, implementing network-wide ad blocking may be the most effective strategy.
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