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.
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.