Reddit Users' Ultimate Guide to uBlock Origin: Best Settings & Filters

As one of the most popular ad blockers among Reddit users, uBlock Origin offers unparalleled customization and efficiency. This guide dives deep into advanced configurations, lesser-known features, and community-vetted filter lists specifically optimized for Redditors. Whether you're battling intrusive ads, privacy trackers, or annoying UI elements, these expert settings will transform your browsing experience.

Why Reddit Users Swear by uBlock Origin

Unlike other ad blockers, uBlock Origin is lightweight (using minimal system resources), open-source, and completely free. Reddit's tech-savvy community particularly appreciates its:

• Granular control over every aspect of filtering
• Ability to block specific Reddit UI elements (e.g., chat, recommendations)
• Protection against tracking and fingerprinting
• Regular updates keeping pace with Reddit's changes

Optimal uBlock Origin Settings for Reddit

Dashboard Configuration

Access uBlock Origin's dashboard (click the extension icon > the gears icon) and configure these critical settings:

• Filter lists: Enable all privacy-related lists (EasyPrivacy, uBlock filters - Privacy)
• Default behavior: Check "I am an advanced user" for full control
• Privacy: Enable "Prevent WebRTC from leaking local IP addresses"

Advanced Settings Tweaks

In the "Settings" tab of the dashboard, these adjustments optimize Reddit browsing:

• userResourcesLocation: Add custom Reddit-specific filters
• ignoreGenericCosmeticFilters: false (to hide empty spaces)
• popupPanelDisabled: true (for cleaner UI if you don't need stats)

Essential Filter Lists for Reddit Users

Beyond the default lists, these community-maintained filters enhance Reddit specifically:

Must-Have Filter Lists

• uBlock filters - Annoyances: Blocks Reddit's "Open in app" prompts
• Fanboy's Annoyance List: Removes newsletter signup popups
• Reddit Enhancement Suite Compatibility: Special filters for RES users

Specialized Reddit Filters

Add these custom filter URLs in the "Filter lists" tab:

• https://raw.githubusercontent.com/reddit-archive/reddit-plugin-adblock/master/reddit_adblock.txt
• https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/wiki/solutions#wiki_reddit

Advanced Element Picker Techniques for Reddit

uBlock Origin's element picker mode (click the extension icon > the eyedropper tool) lets you remove specific Reddit annoyances:

Common Reddit Elements to Block

• Premium upsell banners
• "Trending today" widgets
• Video autoplay controls
• Chat and notification popups
• Subreddit recommendation modules

Pro tip: Use ##.selector syntax in "My filters" for permanent blocking.

Performance Optimization for Heavy Reddit Users

If you browse Reddit extensively with many tabs open, these settings reduce memory usage:

• Disable cosmetic filtering on non-Reddit sites
• Set maxFilteringMemoryUsageMB to 50
• Use suspendTabsUntilActive to pause filtering on background tabs

Mobile Reddit and uBlock Origin

For mobile users frustrated with Reddit's official app:

Firefox + uBlock Origin (Android)

• Install Firefox Nightly for extension support
• Add "Mobile Ad Block" filter list
• Block "Use app" interstitials with ##.XPromoPopup

iOS Solutions

While Safari doesn't support extensions, these alternatives work:

• Use Orion browser with uBlock Origin filters
• Configure DNS-level blocking via NextDNS or AdGuard DNS

Troubleshooting Common Reddit Issues

When Reddit detects ad blocking:

• Update all filter lists
• Add reddit.com##+js(abort-current-inline-script, JSON.parse, adSlot) to My filters
• Disable other extensions that might conflict

Community-Maintained Resources

Reddit's own communities offer ongoing support:

• r/uBlockOrigin - Official subreddit
• r/PrivacyGuides - Advanced configuration tips
• r/Enhancement - RES-specific solutions

Bookmark these resources as Reddit frequently changes its ad delivery methods, requiring filter updates.

Future-Proofing Your Setup

Stay ahead of Reddit's anti-adblock measures with these practices:

• Subscribe to filter list update notifications
• Regularly check r/uBlockOrigin for new filters
• Maintain a backup of your custom filters
• Consider using uBlock Origin in medium mode for stricter blocking

By implementing these expert settings, Reddit users can enjoy a clean, fast, and private browsing experience - exactly how the platform was meant to be used before the ad overload. Remember that ethical ad blocking (whitelisting non-intrusive ads) helps support communities you value while maintaining your browsing comfort.