Opera has a lot of browser products. There’s Opera Browser, Opera Air, Opera GX, Opera Mini, Opera Touch and many more that were introduced and discontinued over the years. And almost all of them are run on top of Chromium. This means, to keep running the latest versions of Chromium, these browsers have to adhere to some specific rules. And the recent Manifest V3 update affects extensions, especially ad blockers.
While Opera has adopted the Manifest v3 update, they have also explicitly mentioned that they don’t intend on getting rid of the MV2 extensions. This is good news for users whose ad blockers stopped working on Chrome. Because it seems like Opera intends on supporting them for the foreseeable future. That said, here are our top 5 picks of 2025 for the best ad blockers on Opera.
A Quick Comparison Between The Top 5 Best Ad Blockers for Opera
| Ad Blocker | Adblock Tester Score | Starting Price | Where it Works | Why it’s the best? |
| uBlock Origin | 100 | Free | Firefox & Edge | Customisability |
| AdGuard | 100 | $39.99/year | Everywhere | Blocks everything |
| Total Adblock | 100 | $19.99/year | Chrome, Android & iOS | Easy setup, one-click |
| Surfshark Cleanweb | 98 | $47.85/year + 3 months | Everywhere | Best VPN ad blocker bundle |
| Ghostery | 96 | Free | Chrome, Firefox & Safari | Best for privacy |
1. uBlock Origin – The Most Customizable Ad Blocker
uBlock Origin is the trusted ad blocker in the open-source community. It’s lightweight, powerful, and completely free. While Chrome users have lost access to uBlock Origin because of Google’s Manifest V3 changes, Opera still supports it, and there’s no official end-of-life date. That means uBlock Origin continues to work perfectly on Opera. And we can’t recommend it enough.
Blocks Everything
Unlike some ad blockers that let certain ads slip through, uBlock Origin blocks all ads by default. That includes YouTube ads, pop-ups, autoplaying video ads, banners, and even tracking scripts. It means, no ads, no trackers, and no annoyances. There are additional blocklists and filters included that can be enabled by the user. And if by chance something slips through, you can even block it manually. More on that later.
Perfect Ad Blocking
uBlock Origin scored 100/100 on AdBlock Tester, so it blocks every ad and tracker thrown at it. Some ad blockers struggle with certain ad formats, but uBlock stops them dead in their tracks without breaking websites. It also blocks hidden tracking scripts so websites can’t track you or build a profile on you.
Most Flexible
If you like to tweak and fine tune, uBlock Origin has more control than any other ad blocker. You can:
- Manually block page elements (great for removing annoying widgets or sidebars).
- Enable and disable different filter lists for precise ad blocking.
- Create Dynamic Filtering rules to control scripts, media and trackers on a site-by-site basis.
- Disable JavaScript on specific sites for extra security.
Dynamic Filtering
uBlock Origin’s Dynamic Filtering lets you fine tune your ad blocking in real time. So you can block third-party scripts while allowing first-party ones (great for preventing tracking while keeping the site functional). You can also disable JavaScript on untrusted sites for more security and block large media files to save data.
Element Picker and Zapper
uBlock Origin lets you customize any webpage by removing elements you don’t like. The Element Picker mode lets you permanently block specific elements (like banners, sidebars or overlays). And the Element Zapper removes unwanted elements temporarily so they don’t get in the way while browsing.
Ultra Lightweight
Some ad blockers use too much RAM and CPU, making your browser slow. uBlock Origin is designed to be lightweight and efficient so it actually makes browsing faster not slower.
(Still) Works On Opera
Google’s Manifest V3 update has forced many ad blockers to reduce functionality on Chrome. This update limits how ad blockers can filter content so they can’t use real time filtering or custom rule sets like before. uBlock Origin refused to compromise, so it no longer works on Chrome. But Opera still supports Manifest V2 and there is no deadline to remove it.
Free and Open Source
Unlike many ad blockers that lock advanced features behind a paywall, uBlock Origin is 100% free. No “Pro” version, no feature restrictions, no upsells or hidden costs. It’s also fully open source so anyone can inspect the code.
Who is uBlock Origin for?
uBlock Origin is for Opera users who want full control over their browsing. It’s for:
- Techies who want to have more control over their ad blocking.
- Privacy enthusiasts who want to block ads and trackers fully.
- Anyone who wants a free, open source ad blocker with no compromises.
2. AdGuard – The Best All-Round Ad Blocker
AdGuard is one of the most complete ad blockers available for Opera Browser. If you want both ad-blocking and privacy protection in one package, this is worth looking into.
Blocks Ads Everywhere Without Exceptions
AdGuard removes ads on all websites, including YouTube, news sites and social media. Instead of just removing visible ads, it blocks ad requests at the network level, so ads never load. This makes browsing much faster, especially on ad-heavy sites that use third-party ad networks.
Best for Privacy Conscious Users
Many Opera users care about privacy and AdGuard is designed with that in mind. It blocks tracking scripts, fingerprinting attempts and analytic tools that track user activity across the web. Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel and other tracking mechanisms are removed before they can collect data. AdGuard also removes tracking parameters from URLs, so advertisers can’t build a profile based on browsing habits.
DNS Level Ad Blocking
Most ad blockers only work at browser level, AdGuard works at DNS level, so it blocks ads before they even reach the browser. This means faster browsing, less bandwidth usage and a cleaner experience. Because ads are blocked before they load, websites can’t sneak in delayed banners or tracking scripts after the page has finished loading.
Works Perfectly on YouTube
YouTube is making life hard for ad blockers, constantly changing how ads are delivered to prevent them from being blocked. Some ad blockers cause buffers or even prevent videos from playing at all. AdGuard removes all YouTube ads without causing any playback errors. Pre-roll ads, mid-roll interruptions and banner ads on YouTube videos are all blocked without any playback issues.
Phishing and Malware Protection
Some ads are actively dangerous. Malicious ads can lead to phishing sites, install unwanted programs or trick users into downloading malware. AdGuard has built-in security features that block access to known scam websites, so Opera users aren’t exposed to fraudulent sites or fake download links. If a site is flagged as malicious, AdGuard prevents it from loading, reducing the risk of being phished.
System-Wide Ad Blocking
For users who want ad-blocking across an entire device, AdGuard has a system wide app that blocks ads on all browsers, apps and even smart TVs. This is something browser-only ad blockers can’t do. If blocking ads on Opera isn’t enough and you want ad-free apps and games as well, AdGuard’s system wide solution is one of the best options available.
Who should use AdGuard?
AdGuard is perfect for Opera users who want the best ad-blocking and privacy protection. It’s great for:
- Those who want a no-compromise ad blocker that blocks everything.
- Privacy conscious users who want to stop trackers and fingerprinting.
- People who want an ad blocker that speeds up browsing and reduces data usage.
3. Total Adblock – The No-Fuss Ad Blocker
Total Adblock is designed for users who want an ad-free experience without dealing with settings, custom rules, or technical configurations. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it ad blocker that works right out of the box.
Blocks Ads Everywhere, Including YouTube
Total Adblock removes all ads, everywhere, whether on YouTube, news sites, shopping platforms or social media. YouTube ads are a major pain, but Total Adblock removes pre-roll and mid-roll ads so you can watch content uninterrupted. However it struggles with some YouTube Shorts ads so you may still see ads in Shorts feeds.
No Setup Required
Total Adblock is super easy to install and use. After you download it from the Opera Add-ons Store it starts blocking ads on all websites. No filter lists, no manual rules, no settings to adjust.
Solid Performance
Total Adblock scored 100/100 on AdBlock Tester. It blocked banner ads, pop-ups, autoplaying video ads, trackers and background scripts. Many adblockers miss some ad formats or allow some “acceptable ads” but Total Adblock doesn’t compromise. Besides standard ads Total Adblock blocks tracking scripts so websites can’t collect user data and serve personalized ads.
Blocks Trackers and Social Widgets
Beyond ad blocking Total Adblock stops advertisers and websites from tracking user activity. It removes tracking pixels, analytics scripts and social media widgets so Google, Facebook and other data brokers can’t build a profile based on your browsing history. With tracking protection enabled websites load faster and you avoid seeing ads based on what you’ve searched before.
Improves Page Load Time and Performance
Ads and tracking scripts slow down web pages by consuming extra bandwidth and system resources. By blocking these unnecessary elements Total Adblock reduces page load time so browsing is faster and smoother. You’ll notice a big difference when visiting ad-heavy websites like news sites, blogs and e-commerce platforms where big banners and autoplaying videos cause lag.
Built-in Phishing and Malware Protection
Total Adblock also has an extra layer of security by blocking malicious ads and phishing attempts. Scam ads and fake virus alerts are common tactics used by cybercriminals but Total Adblock prevents these threats from even appearing. It doesn’t replace an Antivirus. That’s why the Total Adblock bundle also comes with TotalAV.
Who is Total Adblock for?
Total Adblock is one of the easiest ad blockers to use on Opera. If you don’t want to deal with settings and just want an ad free browsing experience this is a good choice. It’s for:
- Users who want an ad blocker that works out of the box without setup.
- People who watch a lot of YouTube and want ad free videos.
- Users looking for extra security against phishing and malicious ads.
- Those willing to pay for premium features as the free version is limited.
4. Surfshark CleanWeb – The Best VPN + Ad Blocker Bundle
Surfshark is known for its VPN, but it also has CleanWeb. It’s an ad blocker that works on browsers, mobile devices and even smart TVs.
No Ads Will Pass Through
CleanWeb is one of the few VPN-based ad blockers that removes YouTube ads. It blocks pre-roll, mid-roll and banner ads so you can stream videos without interruptions. Unlike some ad blockers that cause buffering issues or playback errors, CleanWeb keeps YouTube running smoothly while removing ads. Plus, it blocks pop-ups, autoplay video ads and sponsored content on news sites, blogs and social media.
Built for Privacy
Ads aren’t just annoying, they’re designed to track you. CleanWeb does a great job of blocking the tracking scripts advertisers use to follow you across the web. It blocks Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel and Hotjar so advertisers can’t collect your data or serve you personalized ads.
Phishing and Malware Protection
CleanWeb also prevents you from landing on dangerous websites. If you accidentally click on a phishing link or try to visit a known malware site, CleanWeb blocks the page before it loads, keeping you safe from scams. It’s not a full antivirus but acts as a first line of defense against malicious ads, fraudulent websites and phishing attempts.
Limited Customisation
CleanWeb is a simple ad blocker, no fuss no muss but that means some compromises. Unlike uBlock Origin or AdGuard, it doesn’t have advanced filtering options or allow you to add custom blocklists. If you like to tinker and control what gets blocked, CleanWeb might feel a bit too bland. But if you just want an ad blocker that works without any extra configuration, it’s perfect.
Who Should Use Surfshark CleanWeb?
CleanWeb is for Opera users who want a simple ad blocker bundled with a VPN. It’s for:
- Surfshark users who already have a VPN and want ad blocking built in.
- People who want an easy ad blocking solution with no settings to tweak.
- Users who don’t mind paying for a VPN + ad blocker combo.
5. Ghostery – The Privacy-Focused Ad Blocker
Ghostery is an ad blocker designed to stop advertisers from tracking you. While most ad blockers remove visual ads, Ghostery goes deeper, blocking hidden trackers, stopping fingerprinting attempts and preventing websites from collecting data on your browsing habits.
Blocks Ads and Trackers at the Same Time
Ghostery removes all ads, including YouTube pre-rolls, mid-rolls, banner ads, pop-ups and autoplay video ads. Some ad blockers focus only on visual ads, Ghostery also shuts down the trackers that power targeted advertising. By blocking Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel and other tracking tools, Ghostery makes sure websites can’t collect data on your browsing activity. No more personalized ads following you around the web after you searched for something once.
Great Ad-Blocking Performance
Ghostery scored 96/100 in AdBlock Tester’s benchmark. It blocked banner ads, pop-ups, contextual advertising and tracking scripts. The only slight weakness was that some Google Analytics and AdSense tracking scripts had inconclusive test results. But in real-world testing, Ghostery blocked Google ads and analytics.
See Who’s Tracking You
One of Ghostery’s best features is WhoTracks.Me, which shows you detailed reports on which companies are trying to track you. It gives you real-time insights into:
- Which tracking companies are monitoring your activity.
- How many tracking scripts have been blocked.
- What type of data advertisers are trying to collect on you.
Automatically Rejects Cookie Pop-Ups
Tired of clicking “Reject All” on cookie pop-ups? Ghostery’s Never-Consent feature does it for you. Whenever you visit a site with GDPR or cookie consent pop-ups, Ghostery automatically rejects tracking cookies so you don’t have to do it manually. It’s a small but useful feature that makes browsing feel faster and less intrusive.
Search Engine Redirect Protection
Google and other search engines often redirect your clicks through tracking URLs before taking you to the actual website. This allows them to track what you search for, what you click and how long you stay on a page. Ghostery blocks these redirect trackers so when you click on a search result, you go directly to the site without going through a tracking URL.
Who Should Use Ghostery?
Ghostery for Opera users who want more than just an ad blocker. For:
- Those who want to stop trackers and advertisers from collecting their data.
- Those who hate cookie pop-ups and want them auto-rejected.
- Free, privacy-focused ad blocker that doesn’t slow you down.
Pricing Comparison – Which One Offers The Best Value?
Some of our picks for the best ad blocker for Opera are free, some require a subscription or one time payment for full functionality. Let’s break them down.
uBlock Origin is fully open source and free, no premium version, no upsells, no feature restrictions. It performs better than many paid ad blockers, full customization, script filtering, full control over ad blocking. If you want the best ad blocker that costs nothing, uBlock Origin is the best value on this list.
AdGuard is the only ad blocker here that offers system wide protection, meaning it blocks ads not just in Opera, but across all apps and browsers on your device. While the yearly plan is reasonable, the one time lifetime license at $99.99 is a great long term investment for users who want ad blocking without recurring payments. If you want a one time purchase option, AdGuard’s lifetime license is the best.
Total Adblock’s first year deal at $19.99 is one of the best introductory prices out there, making it a cheap option for users who want simple no config ad blocking. However the renewal cost of $99.99/year is higher than competitors, putting it in the same price range as system wide blockers like AdGuard. The free version is highly restricted, so you’ll need to upgrade to get full ad blocking power.
CleanWeb isn’t a standalone ad blocker, it’s included with Surfshark VPN, so you’re paying for both ad blocking and private browsing. If you already use a VPN or need one, this is a great deal. But if you just want an ad blocker, you can get a better deal with free options like uBlock Origin or paid options like AdGuard.
Ghostery is fully free and privacy focused. No premium tier, no paywalls, no restrictions, making it one of the best options for users who care about tracker blocking as much as ad blocking. It doesn’t have as much customization as uBlock Origin, but it’s privacy features and zero cost model make it a great value.
Which One Offers The Best Value?
Total Adblock is the best value for 20 dollars. But at the same time, Surfshark CleanWeb is a better value if you need a VPN, or are already using it. For a free ad blocker uBlock actually provides almost the same features as some of the paid ones.
Wrapping Up
Opera is one of the few browsers that still lets ad blockers do their job without restrictions, making it a great choice for users who want an ad-free, privacy-focused browsing experience. So, if you’re looking for a powerful free option, a tracker-blocking privacy tool, or a system-wide solution, there’s an ad blocker that fits your needs. With Manifest V2 support still in place and no deadline for removal, now is the best time to pick the right ad blocker for Opera before the scene changes again.