Pros of uBlock

• More comprehensive codebase, including the core extension functionality
• Includes both filter lists and the extension code in a single repository
• Offers a wider range of customization options and features

Cons of uBlock

• Larger repository size, potentially more complex to navigate
• May require more frequent updates due to the inclusion of both filters and code
• Higher maintenance overhead for contributors

Code Comparison

uBlock:

µBlock.staticNetFilteringEngine.freeze();
µBlock.staticExtFilteringEngine.freeze();
µBlock.sessionFirewall.reset();
µBlock.permanentFirewall.reset();

uAssets:

! Title: uBlock filters
! Description: Filters optimized for uBlock Origin
! Expires: 4 days
! Last modified: %timestamp%
! License: https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uAssets/blob/master/LICENSE

Summary

uBlock is a comprehensive repository containing both the extension code and filter lists, offering more features and customization options. uAssets, on the other hand, focuses solely on filter lists and rules, making it more lightweight and easier to maintain. The choice between the two depends on whether you need the full extension functionality or just the filtering rules.

Pros of AdguardFilters

• More comprehensive filter lists, including specialized categories like annoyances and social media
• Regular updates and maintenance by a dedicated team
• Supports a wider range of ad-blocking applications beyond uBlock Origin

Cons of AdguardFilters

• Larger file sizes due to more extensive filter lists, potentially impacting performance
• May cause more website breakages due to aggressive filtering
• Less focus on privacy-specific filters compared to uAssets

Code Comparison

uAssets:

! Title: uBlock filters – Privacy
! Description: Some of these filters make use of the network filtering...
! Homepage: https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uAssets
! Expires: 4 days

AdguardFilters:

! Title: AdGuard Base filter
! Description: EasyList + AdGuard English filter
! Version: 2.1.54.80
! TimeUpdated: 2023-04-20T00:00:00+00:00
! Expires: 4 days (update frequency)

Both repositories contain filter lists for ad-blocking, but AdguardFilters offers a broader range of specialized filters. uAssets focuses more on privacy and performance, while AdguardFilters provides comprehensive coverage for various ad-blocking scenarios. The code snippets show similar structure in filter list headers, with AdguardFilters including additional metadata like version numbers.

Pros of EasyList

• Larger and more comprehensive filter list
• Longer history and wider adoption across various ad-blocking tools
• More frequent updates due to larger contributor base

Cons of EasyList

• Can be overly aggressive, sometimes blocking non-ad content
• May cause higher performance impact due to its size
• Less focus on privacy-specific filters compared to uAssets

Code Comparison

uAssets:

! Title: uBlock filters
! Description: Filters optimized for uBlock Origin
! Homepage: https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uAssets

EasyList:

[Adblock Plus 2.0]
! Version: 202304271911
! Title: EasyList
! Last modified: 27 Apr 2023 19:11 UTC
! Expires: 4 days (update frequency)

Both repositories contain filter lists for ad-blocking, but they differ in structure and focus. uAssets is specifically tailored for uBlock Origin, while EasyList is more general-purpose and widely used across various ad-blocking tools.

uAssets tends to be more concise and performance-oriented, with a stronger emphasis on privacy protection. EasyList, being more comprehensive, offers broader coverage but may have a higher performance impact.

The code snippets show the different header formats used in their respective filter lists, reflecting their distinct approaches and target audiences.

Pros of hosts-blocklists

• Broader scope: Blocks a wide range of domains, including malware, ads, and tracking
• System-wide blocking: Can be used at the DNS or hosts file level for all applications
• Lightweight: Simple text-based format, easy to implement and modify

Cons of hosts-blocklists

• Less granular control: Blocks entire domains rather than specific elements
• Potential for false positives: May inadvertently block legitimate content
• Limited customization: Lacks advanced features like cosmetic filtering

Code Comparison

hosts-blocklists:

0.0.0.0 example-ad-domain.com
0.0.0.0 malware-site.net
0.0.0.0 tracking-server.org

uAssets:

||example-ad-domain.com^
||malware-site.net^$document
example.com##.ad-container

The hosts-blocklists format is simpler, using IP redirection to block entire domains. uAssets uses more complex syntax, allowing for element hiding and more specific blocking rules.

Both repositories aim to enhance user privacy and security by blocking unwanted content, but they differ in their approach and level of customization. hosts-blocklists is more suitable for system-wide blocking, while uAssets is designed for use with the uBlock Origin browser extension, offering more fine-grained control over web content.

Pros of hosts

• Simpler implementation, using system-level hosts file blocking
• Works across all applications and browsers on the system
• Can be used on devices without browser extension support

Cons of hosts

• Less granular control over blocking rules
• May require root/admin access to modify hosts file
• Limited to domain-level blocking, cannot target specific page elements

Code Comparison

hosts:

0.0.0.0 example.com
0.0.0.0 ads.example.com

uAssets:

||example.com^
||ads.example.com^
##.ad-container

Key Differences

uAssets offers more flexible and powerful blocking capabilities, including element hiding and network request blocking. It's designed specifically for uBlock Origin and similar content blockers.

hosts provides a simpler, system-wide approach to blocking domains, but lacks the advanced features and fine-grained control of uAssets.

uAssets is more frequently updated and maintained by a larger community, while hosts relies on periodic updates from its maintainers and contributors.

uAssets is optimized for browser-based content blocking, while hosts can be applied to any network-connected device with a modifiable hosts file.

Overall, uAssets is better suited for advanced users seeking granular control over web content, while hosts offers a simpler, more universal approach to domain blocking.