wBlock vs helium
Safari content blocking and a Chromium browser compared
wBlock is a Safari content blocker for Apple devices, combining filter lists with userscripts and site-level controls. helium is a privacy-focused Chromium-based browser with built-in ad-blocking; the main difference is that wBlock extends Safari, while helium is a browser in its own right.
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.
helium: A Privacy-Focused Chromium Web Browser
Helium is a Chromium-based browser focused on privacy, unbiased ad-blocking, and a simpler browsing experience. It is aimed at people who want Chromium compatibility without extra browser clutter.
| wBlock | helium | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Swift | C++ |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 3k | 21.2k |
| Forks | 61 | 608 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- wBlock filters content within Safari on Apple platforms; helium is a Chromium-based browser for everyday web use.
- wBlock compiles AdGuard-syntax filter lists into five Safari content blockers and includes a separate scripts extension; helium builds on ungoogled-chromium and incorporates patches from other browser projects.
- wBlock offers userscripts, UserCSS themes, per-site controls, and an element zapper; helium emphasizes privacy, ad-blocking, and a less cluttered browser experience.
- wBlock is written in Swift, while helium is written in C++; both use GPL-3.0.
- wBlock is not archived; helium is in beta, and its platform packaging is maintained in separate repositories.
- wBlock is aimed at Safari users across Apple devices; helium targets users seeking Chromium compatibility, with macOS as its primary development platform.
Choose wBlock if you…
- need ad and tracker filtering in Safari across Apple devices.
- want userscripts, UserCSS themes, or per-site filtering controls in Safari.
- want to inspect compiled filter rules and identify unsupported rules.
Choose helium if you…
- want a Chromium-based browser with a privacy focus and built-in ad-blocking.
- prefer a simpler browser experience with less visual clutter.
- want to try or contribute to a Chromium-derived browser that is still in beta.
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.