wBlock vs Addon
Browser privacy tools compared
wBlock blocks ads and trackers in Safari using filter lists, with added support for userscripts and userstyles. Addon, also known as ClearURLs, focuses on removing tracking elements from URLs across Firefox and some Chromium-based browsers, with additional tracking protections.
wBlock: Block Ads and Trackers in Safari
wBlock is a free Safari content blocker for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. It combines filter lists with a scripts extension for userscripts, userstyles, and site-specific controls.
Addon: Remove Tracking Parameters from Browser URLs
ClearURLs is a Firefox- and Chromium-based browser extension that strips tracking elements from URLs. It also offers link-cleaning tools and several protections against browser-based tracking, but its recent development activity is limited.
| wBlock | Addon | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Swift | JavaScript |
| License | GPL-3.0 | LGPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 3k | 5.1k |
| Forks | 61 | 152 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 |
Key differences
- wBlock applies compiled filter rules through five Safari content blockers, while Addon cleans URLs automatically as you browse.
- wBlock is designed for Apple platforms and Safari; Addon targets Firefox and some Chromium-based browsers.
- wBlock is written in Swift and licensed under GPL-3.0; Addon is written in JavaScript and licensed under LGPL-3.0.
- wBlock supports userscripts, UserCSS, and per-site controls; Addon offers cleaned-link copying, URL tools, and protections such as blocking hyperlink auditing.
- wBlock has 3k stars and 60 forks, while Addon has 5.1k stars and 149 forks.
Choose wBlock if you…
- need Safari filtering across Apple devices, including ad, tracker, and annoyance lists.
- want userscripts, UserCSS themes, or per-site filtering controls in Safari.
- want to inspect compiled filter rules and identify rules Safari does not support.
Choose Addon if you…
- want tracking parameters removed from URLs automatically in Firefox or some Chromium-based browsers.
- share links and want to copy cleaned URLs or process multiple URLs with a built-in tool.
- want additional protections against hyperlink auditing, ETag tracking, and URL tracking behavior.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.