Short answer: TabBlock is an on/off switch: when it is on, no new tab can open, and its own listing says ad redirects in the same tab still work. AdTabBlock stays on all the time, lets the tabs you mean to open through, blocks ad tabs, and also stops a page from swapping your current tab for an ad.
TabBlock is a simple, popular extension with over 40,000 users. Its icon turns red to block every new tab and green to allow them. That works, but it creates two problems people search for help with.
Problem 1: it blocks the tabs you wanted too
With TabBlock switched on, a link you deliberately open in a new tab is blocked as well, so you keep flipping the switch. AdTabBlock tells the difference: links and thumbnails you click, Ctrl or Cmd + click, middle-click and "Open link in new tab" all work, while tabs a script opens behind your click are stopped.
Problem 2: the ad shows up in your current tab instead
TabBlock's own listing notes that redirections to ads in the same tab still work. Many sites rely on exactly that: when their pop-up is blocked, they move the page you wanted into a new tab or simply send your current tab to the ad. This is called a tab-under. AdTabBlock cancels that swap, so your tab stays where you were.
How they compare
| Feature | AdTabBlock | TabBlock |
|---|---|---|
| How you use it | Always on, no switching | Toggle red (block all) or green (allow all) |
| Blocks ad tabs opened by scripts | Yes | Yes, when on |
| Lets links you open on purpose through | Yes | No, when on |
| Stops ad redirects in the same tab (tab-under) | Yes | No, per its listing |
| Invisible "click anywhere" overlay links | Yes | Not stated |
| Sign-in and payment pop-ups | Always allowed | Blocked when on |
| Counter of blocked tabs | Yes | Not stated |
| Price | Free | Free |
Based on each extension's public Chrome Web Store listing on 12 November 2026.
Switch from on/off to automatic. AdTabBlock is free and stops ad redirects too.
Add to ChromeMoving from TabBlock to AdTabBlock
- Install AdTabBlock and pin it to your toolbar.
- Turn TabBlock off or remove it, so the two don't block the same tabs.
- Open the test page: all three tests should show "Blocked".
Questions
What is a good TabBlock alternative?
AdTabBlock is a free Chrome extension that blocks ad tabs automatically instead of blocking every new tab. Links you open on purpose still work, and it also stops ad redirects in your current tab, which TabBlock's listing says it does not block.
Why do I still get ads with TabBlock on?
TabBlock stops new tabs, but its listing notes that redirections to ads in the same tab still work. Sites use that to turn your current tab into the ad. AdTabBlock stops this tab-under trick.