The internet is heavy these days. It’s cluttered, sluggish, and constantly demanding your attention. And if you use an old computer or a low-end Chromebook, these heavy websites with their invasive ads and trackers will drag your performance down. Your web experience should be straightforward, but ads and trackers complicate it.
This problem got significantly harder with Google’s Manifest V3 changes, which essentially tied one hand behind the back of old, beloved ad-blocking extensions. Many users felt they had to choose between their device’s speed and an ad-free experience.
But you don’t have to compromise. What if the best ad blocker wasn’t an extension at all, but a clever, system-level tool that protects your whole device? This article includes the top lightweight solutions for 2025 that restore speed and privacy to your low-RAM machine. You deserve a snappier web, and we’ll show you how to get it.
Best Lightweight Ad Blockers for Chromebooks and Low-RAM Computers in 2025
Okay, so let’s dive straight into the list. We have compiled the most lightweight ad blocking solutions for your device.
1. uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is the most lightweight ad blocker out there. It is widely considered the most efficient extension. However, there’s a caveat: the original uBlock Origin (MV2) is not compatible with modern ChromeOS or the latest Chrome browser versions due to Google’s Manifest V3 changes. If you run a low-end Windows or Linux PC with Firefox, the original is still the gold standard for resource conservation.
Why it’s Lightweight
Its fundamental design prioritizes efficiency and low CPU usage. It relies on the now-restricted WebRequest API (in MV2), which allows it to intercept and block network requests before content even loads, saving bandwidth and precious RAM.
Core Features
- Superior performance and low CPU/memory use on Firefox.
- Full dynamic filtering capabilities and custom rule creation.
- Comprehensive tracker and malware domain blocking.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Unmatched low resource consumption on compatible browsers (Firefox). | Incompatible with modern Chrome/Chromebooks. |
| Highest level of customization and user control. | The MV3 version (Lite) sacrifices dynamic filtering and tracker blocking. |
| Blocks almost all ads and malicious scripts effectively. | Requires a browser switch (e.g., Firefox) for full functionality. |
2. Surfshark CleanWeb
Surfshark CleanWeb is an integrated solution that beautifully addresses the resource problem by offering two privacy tools: a VPN and an ad blocker, while only adding the overhead of one app. You get encryption and filtering simultaneously.
Why it’s Lightweight
It’s lightweight because the ad blocking is handled at the network level, either by the VPN server or within the app’s DNS filtering layer. This offloads the filtering process from the browser, where Manifest V3 limits apply, saving your Chromebook’s memory and CPU from complex, per-page script manipulation.
Core Features
- Blocks ads, banners, pop-ups, and trackers across your entire device.
- Integrated VPN encryption for simultaneous privacy protection.
- Includes Cookie Pop-up Blocker and malware alerts.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| An all-in-one approach minimizes system load for dual function. | Requires a paid subscription to the Surfshark VPN service. |
| Network-level blocking bypasses all Manifest V3 limitations. | Consistently struggles to pass some advanced tracking tests. |
| Works on all traffic (browser, Android apps, system). | Full ad-blocking features often rely on the more comprehensive CleanWeb 2.0 browser extension. |
3. NordVPN Threat Protection
Threat Protection is NordVPN’s built-in security feature, acting as a shield against ads and malware. Its flexible design is key: the full-featured Threat Protection Pro runs on desktop apps (Windows/macOS), while the very lightweight DNS-based Threat Protection, optimized for low-spec Chromebooks, is used on mobile devices (Android/Linux).
Why it’s Lightweight
The basic Threat Protection uses simple DNS filtering, which is the most resource-efficient blocking method. It checks DNS requests against a blocklist of ad and malware domains and blocks matches instantly, requiring almost no processing power from your Chromebook. It works entirely outside the browser.
Core Features
- DNS-based ad and malicious domain blocking.
- Tracker and phishing domain blocking.
- Premium plans include Threat Protection Pro with file scanning and advanced protection on desktop.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| DNS filtering is incredibly lightweight and minimal for system load. | The basic version (Threat Protection) requires an active VPN connection. |
| Provides an essential layer of anti-malware and security. | Tracker blocking ability is less effective than dedicated extensions. |
| Included with a standard NordVPN subscription. | Mobile/Chromebook version lacks the file-scanning and full anti-malware features of Pro. |
4. AdGuard
AdGuard is a highly customizable ad-blocking powerhouse that offers different flavors for different needs. On a Chromebook, you can choose between its streamlined MV3 extension or its more powerful system-level Android app.
Why it’s Lightweight
AdGuard’s core technology is very efficient, and for ultimate lightness, you can utilize the AdGuard DNS feature (free and hardware-agnostic). This approach centralizes the filtering at the network level, meaning your Chromebook only receives already-clean traffic, which significantly reduces CPU/memory load.
Core Features
- Customizable filter lists, often including social media and annoyance filters.
- System-wide blocking via the Android app or router-based AdGuard Home.
- Offers a free, high-performance MV3-compliant browser extension.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent filtering efficiency, often considered the best MV3-compliant solution. | Full power (system-wide app features) requires a paid subscription. |
| Free public DNS option offers max lightness with no software overhead. | Managing granular settings across the app and extension can feel complex. |
| Gives users more granular control over filter lists than many competitors. | The basic extension version cannot provide system-wide protection. |
5. Ghostery
Ghostery has long been the champion of the privacy-focused user. It has successfully navigated the Manifest V3 transition to remain a highly functional extension that prioritizes tracker removal.
Why it’s Lightweight
Ghostery 10 was specifically engineered for MV3 compliance and efficiency. It achieves its lightness by focusing keenly on blocking trackers and associated scripts, which are often the true resource hogs on any webpage. By eliminating these data collectors, it speeds up page loading and conserves battery and data.
Core Features
- Strong anti-tracking technology that displays real-time tracker information.
- “Never-Consent” feature automatically blocks cookie pop-ups and rejects tracking requests.
- Open-source project supported by a community of contributors.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open-source and privacy-centric (focus on trackers). | MV3 compliance means its filtering power is limited compared to MV2 uBlock Origin. |
| Lightweight design minimizes memory usage. | Primary focus is on tracking, not necessarily the most aggressive ad removal of all options. |
| Automatically handles annoying cookie consent dialogue. | Can sometimes cause website breakage due to strict tracker blocking. |
6. Adblock Plus
Adblock Plus (ABP) is one of the most widely known extensions in the world, and it has adapted to Manifest V3. While it successfully blocks ads, it is important to understand its resource profile relative to the field.
Why it’s Lightweight
Adblock Plus uses a moderate amount of system resources, typically more than dedicated lightweight alternatives like Ghostery or uBlock Origin Lite. It has optimized its MV3 version to manage filter lists and updates efficiently, but it is not engineered for the absolute minimum overhead compared to true resource-savers.
Core Features
- Blocks video ads, pop-ups, and banners on most major platforms.
- Allows whitelisting of favorite sites for support.
- Acceptable Ads program is enabled by default (can be disabled).
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely popular and well-supported with frequent updates. | Moderate resource usage (higher RAM/CPU than Ghostery or uBlock Lite). |
| Highly effective at blocking standard display ads. | The controversial “Acceptable Ads” program is on by default. |
| Good customization with advanced filter list management. | Not the ideal choice if minimizing RAM usage is your absolute priority. |
7. Total Adblock
Total Adblock is a premium solution, often bundled with the TotalAV security suite, and delivers excellent ad-blocking results, particularly against stubborn video ads.
Why it’s Lightweight
Total Adblock is user-friendly and operates diligently in the background. It earns perfect scores in blocking tests, which implies efficiency by preventing heavy ad resources from loading entirely. However, the extension size is moderate, suggesting it carries more features than barebones alternatives.
Core Features
- Near-perfect scores in independent ad-blocking tests.
- Reliable blocking of YouTube video ads and social media ads.
- Premium version includes TotalAV antivirus protection and WebShield.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional reliability against video and streaming ads. | Free version is heavily limited (excludes the top 15,000 websites). |
| Offers comprehensive security suite bundle (antivirus) for a single cost. | Requires a paid subscription for full, unlimited ad-blocking. |
| Easy to set up and works immediately. | Its resource profile is less documented than open-source rivals. |
8. AdBlock
AdBlock, not to be confused with Adblock Plus, is a popular extension that has kept pace with Manifest V3, offering a straightforward and simple experience.
Why it’s Lightweight
AdBlock prides itself on being a “no-nonsense” blocker that is simple to set up and is often cited as one of the fastest ad blockers available. Like many MV3-compliant solutions, its efficiency comes from optimizing the ruleset to work within the stricter Chrome API, but its core selling point is ease of use over extreme resource optimization.
Core Features
- Blocks ads on YouTube, Facebook, and a wide array of websites.
- Protects against trackers and crypto-mining scripts.
- Simple, “set-and-forget” configuration for immediate use.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple to install and requires virtually no customization. | Historically, it has been less resource-efficient than uBlock Origin. |
| Good coverage against pop-ups and video ads. | The focus on simplicity means advanced users lack granular control. |
| Blocks malicious crypto-mining that taxes your CPU. | Not ideal for users looking for the absolute smallest possible extension size. |
9. Adblocker Ultimate
Adblocker Ultimate approaches ad blocking with a purist philosophy: no “acceptable ads,” no whitelisting, just block everything.
Why it’s Lightweight
Its developers explicitly state that blocking all ads has the added benefit of speeding up browsing because filtering out ads reduces CPU and memory usage. By running an open-source, non-commercial blocking engine, it avoids the overhead of whitelisting servers or intrusive monetization code, focusing only on filtering rules.
Core Features
- Blocks all ads on all web pages, including Facebook and YouTube, with no exceptions.
- Includes a dedicated Ultimate Privacy Filter to block online trackers.
- Open-source project for full transparency and community auditing.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| No “acceptable ads” or whitelisted advertisers. | Aggressive blocking can sometimes break website functionality. |
| Open-source model fosters trust and efficiency. | Its aggressive nature might be overkill for everyday users who just want fewer ads. |
| Improves browser speed and reduces page memory usage. | Less widespread community support compared to the major players. |
10. Stands Ad Blocker
Stands Ad Blocker is a free, MV3-compliant solution that focuses heavily on its ability to block social media ads and protect against malvertising.
Why it’s Lightweight
Stands is specifically designed to be lightweight, with the explicit goal that it “won’t slow down your system”. Its small file size and quick, intuitive setup confirm its commitment to a low-impact user experience, making it a viable option for low-RAM machines that can’t handle resource spikes.
Core Features
- Effective ad-blocking across YouTube, Twitch, and social platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Functions as a website blocker to protect against malicious content and malvertising.
- Includes a pop-up and cookie notice blocker.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Designed to be lightweight and ensures stable, effective filtering. | Free version collects and shares some browsing data (after filtering for personal info). |
| Excellent blocking of ads on major social media sites. | Its privacy policy is less strict than open-source alternatives like uBlock Origin or Ghostery. |
| Free to use with a user-friendly interface. | Lacks the deep customization of power-user tools like AdGuard. |
What Makes an Ad Blocker Lightweight?
“Lightweight” means not the tool size but the resource consumption. For your Chromebook, a truly lightweight ad blocker uses minimal RAM, has a small CPU footprint, and doesn’t add any delay to page loading.
In fact, a well-optimized ad blocker improves performance. By blocking tons of ads, heavy scripts, and trackers, it frees your browser to render the actual content faster.
A few characteristics separate a lightweight blocker from a heavy one:
- They utilize optimized data structures, enabling the speedy verification of an ad URL.
- The blocker only reacts when a page loads or a network call is made; it doesn’t constantly hammer the CPU when idle.
- This includes loading only necessary filter lists or using network-level blocking (like DNS blocking), which is less memory-intensive than filtering individual page elements.
If you see your Chromebook fan spinning or pages stuttering because of your ad blocker, that’s a heavy solution. The ones we recommend will give you an ad-free experience without sacrificing speed or using up your 4GB of RAM. A true lightweight ad blocker makes the web lighter for your machine, not heavier.
Why Do VPN-Based Ad Blockers Make Sense for Chromebooks?
The reason is Manifest V3. Since most Chromebooks run Chrome OS, they are bound by Google’s rules for browser extensions.
- They bypass Chrome’s limitations: VPN based solutions work outside of the Chrome browser’s extension framework. They block ads at the network level, so the new Manifest V3 rules don’t limit them. You won’t see ads reappear just because Google changes extension capabilities.
- They save system resources: Chromebooks have limited hardware and offloading tasks is a lifesaver. With a VPN or local VPN service (like Blokada or AdGuard’s app), the heavy lifting of filtering is done upstream, either on a server or at the DNS level. Your Chromebook’s browser doesn’t have to process dozens of complex filtering rules for every webpage, which means less memory and CPU usage.
- They protect the whole device: A browser extension only covers your web browsing. A VPN or DNS-based blocker covers all internet traffic from your Chromebook. This is a huge advantage since Chromebooks can run Android apps; ads in free Android apps or games are gone.
- They’re a two-for-one tool: They bundle privacy and security. A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP, and when it blocks ads, it usually blocks trackers and malicious domains too. It’s an efficient “two birds with one stone” solution.
They are easy to use. Generally, a set-and-forget solution that protects you across reboots, no matter which browser you use. Since efficiency is key on Chromebooks, these solutions fit perfectly with the needs of a lightweight environment.
Do Lightweight Ad Blockers Still Protect Your Privacy?
Yes, absolutely.
Don’t underestimate “lightweight” ad blockers; well-designed, efficient tools offer strong protection, often focusing more on anonymity than generic software. Their effectiveness stems from targeting tracking, a greater privacy threat than ads. For example, Ghostery blocks ads and actively stops trackers like those from Facebook and Google, preventing them from building user profiles.
Products like NordVPN Threat Protection and Surfshark CleanWeb focus on trackers and malicious domains at the DNS level, silently dropping requests to known tracking and malware sites. While Manifest V3 limited some fine controls, essential ad and tracker blocking remains effective; Surfshark CleanWeb scored 98% in ad-block tests.
Furthermore, lightweight solutions introduce new features, like Brave’s anti-fingerprinting and open-source options like Blokada, offering transparency. In summary, a lightweight ad blocker is not a compromise; its efficiency may even reduce data leak risks. Choosing a reputable tool ensures protection and speed, allowing for confident browsing.
Wrapping Up
For a low-RAM Chromebook, effective ad blocking also needs to be efficient and unrestricted. Based on that, our top contenders are:
Surfshark CleanWeb
Surfshark CleanWeb is the best choice for simplicity and speed. It bundles a high-performance ad blocker directly into its VPN service. By handling filtering at the network level, it saves your precious system resources and offers whole-device protection.
AdGuard
AdGuard is the most adaptable power tool. It provides supreme MV3-compliant filtering or can be entirely run without software using its free DNS service for maximum lightness. This makes it extremely resource-efficient and highly customizable.
By choosing either of the two, you can ensure a fast, private, and truly ad-free experience that respects your machine’s limits.