Best Coin-Hive Blockers for Chrome — Stop Browser Mining NowBrowser-based cryptocurrency mining (also called cryptojacking) became widely known after scripts like CoinHive were embedded into websites to mine Monero using visitors’ CPU cycles. While some site owners originally presented mining as an alternative to ads, many implementations ran without consent and caused degraded performance, increased power use, and privacy concerns. This article explains how CoinHive-style mining works, why you should block it, and gives a practical, up-to-date guide to the best Coin-Hive blockers for Chrome — including setup tips, trade-offs, and maintenance advice.
What is CoinHive-style browser mining?
CoinHive was a JavaScript-based miner that allowed websites to perform cryptocurrency mining inside visitors’ browsers. It executed CPU-intensive calculations to validate blocks for privacy-focused coins (originally Monero). Variants and clones of CoinHive proliferated; many are functionally identical even if using different domain names or obfuscation methods. Typical behaviors include:
- Running heavy JavaScript threads that consume CPU and battery.
- Starting automatically when a page loads (unless blocked).
- Obfuscating script sources and using multiple domains/CDNs to evade simple blocklists.
Because the miner runs in the browser, it can affect any device (desktop, laptop, tablet) and noticeably slow page rendering and responsiveness.
Why block Coin-Hive and similar miners?
- Performance impact: Mining uses significant CPU, slowing websites and other applications.
- Battery drain: Increased CPU usage shortens battery life on laptops and mobile devices.
- Thermal and hardware wear: Sustained high CPU loads increase heat and may shorten component lifespan.
- Privacy & consent: Many sites embedded miners without informing users, undermining choice.
- Security concerns: Malicious actors embed miners through hacked sites or ad networks, making infection widespread and hard to trace.
Blocking these miners restores performance and user control without sacrificing legitimate site functionality.
How browser blockers stop Coin-Hive scripts
Most blockers use one or more approaches:
- Blocklist-based filtering: stop requests to known CoinHive domains or script URLs.
- Heuristic detection: observe CPU patterns or repeated WebAssembly usage and kill suspicious workers.
- Script injection/overriding: disable WebAssembly or access to specific browser APIs used by miners.
- Network-level blocking: extensions that intercept and cancel fetch/XHR requests to mining endpoints.
A combination of methods gives the best protection: blocklists stop known threats; heuristics and API overrides help against new or obfuscated miners.
Top Chrome extensions to block Coin-Hive and other browser miners
Below are well-regarded options for blocking Coin-Hive-style miners. Each entry includes what it does best, how to configure it, and trade-offs to consider.
- uBlock Origin
- What it does: A general-purpose content blocker that uses filter lists (including anti-mining lists) to block requests and resources.
- Why use it: Highly efficient, low memory use, customizable filters, and community-maintained anti-mining lists available (e.g., EasyList-based miner lists).
- Setup tip: Install from Chrome Web Store, open the dashboard → Filter lists, and enable the “Malware domains” and any available “cryptomining” lists. You can also add custom blocklist URLs.
- Trade-offs: Requires occasional maintenance to keep lists updated; aggressive blocking may break some site functionality unless rules are whitelisted.
- MinerBlock
- What it does: Specifically targets browser miners by blocking known mining domains and offers heuristic detection to stop WebWorkers that behave like miners.
- Why use it: Tailored to mining threats, easy to use, includes an allowlist so you can permit mining on sites that request explicit consent.
- Setup tip: Install and review MinerBlock dashboard periodically for blocked attempts and enable heuristics if offered.
- Trade-offs: Focused on miners only, not a general ad/privacy blocker; may rely on community blocklists that need updates.
- NoScript (ScriptSafe for Chrome alternatives)
- What it does: Blocks scripts by default and allows you to selectively enable trusted sources. Prevents miners by denying execution of unauthorized JavaScript.
- Why use it: Strong protection against any script-based threat, including miners and cryptojacking, because scripts aren’t allowed to run without permission.
- Setup tip: After installing, allow scripts only for sites you trust. Use temporary permissions for one-time needs.
- Trade-offs: Significantly changes browsing behavior and requires effort to configure; novice users may find the prompts intrusive.
- AdGuard AdBlocker
- What it does: A full-featured ad and tracking blocker with anti-mining filters and DNS/Stealth protection options.
- Why use it: Integrated anti-mining filters; also offers standalone desktop apps and DNS-level blocking for broader coverage.
- Setup tip: Enable Anti-mining filter in AdGuard settings; consider using AdGuard’s desktop app for system-wide protection.
- Trade-offs: Desktop app gives stronger protection but is an extra install; extension alone is effective for most users.
- Malwarebytes Browser Guard
- What it does: Blocks malware, scams, trackers, and cryptojacking attempts via curated blocklists and heuristics.
- Why use it: Combines anti-malware detection with mining protection, straightforward defaults for non-technical users.
- Setup tip: Install and let defaults run; check extension’s blocked items log to see mining attempts.
- Trade-offs: Less granular than uBlock Origin; some users prefer more customizable filter control.
Comparison table
| Extension | Anti-mining method | Ease of use | Configurability | System impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| uBlock Origin | Filter lists (customizable) | Medium | High | Low |
| MinerBlock | Blocklists + heuristics | High | Medium | Low |
| NoScript / ScriptSafe | Script whitelisting | Low (initially) | Very High | Very Low |
| AdGuard | Filter lists + DNS options | High | Medium-High | Low (extension) / Medium (desktop) |
| Malwarebytes Browser Guard | Blocklists + heuristics | High | Low-Medium | Low |
Practical setup: recommended configuration
- Install uBlock Origin (core) and enable a cryptomining filter list. This gives robust, low-overhead protection while keeping browsing smooth.
- Add MinerBlock or Malwarebytes Browser Guard if you want an extra specialized layer aimed specifically at miners.
- For maximum control, pair with NoScript/ScriptSafe and only allow scripts on sites you trust.
- If you use a mobile Chromebook or want system-wide protection, consider AdGuard’s desktop or DNS-level blocking on your router.
Troubleshooting and maintaining protection
- If a site breaks after enabling a miner filter, temporarily whitelist the site and report the false positive to the blocklist maintainers.
- Keep extensions updated and periodically revisit filter list choices; new miner domains appear over time.
- Check Chrome’s Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to spot unusually high CPU usage and identify offending tabs.
- Consider running periodic scans with anti-malware tools if you suspect a persistent or hidden miner outside normal web browsing (for instance via compromised extensions).
When a site asks to mine as an alternative to ads
If a site transparently asks you to allow mining instead of showing ads:
- Evaluate whether the site is trustworthy and whether mining would noticeably impact your device.
- Use an extension that supports an allowlist so you can permit mining only for that session or site, and revoke permission later.
- Prefer direct donations or subscription models where possible; mining should be opt-in and clearly explained.
Final recommendations
- Best overall: uBlock Origin with cryptomining filter lists — balances performance, configurability, and ease of use.
- Best specialist: MinerBlock — focused mining protection with heuristics.
- Best for power users: NoScript/ScriptSafe — prevents script execution entirely unless you allow it.
- System-wide option: AdGuard desktop or DNS blocking for broader protection beyond the browser.
Blocking Coin-Hive and its clones restores CPU and battery life, reduces heat and hardware stress, and protects privacy and consent. Combine a strong blocker (uBlock Origin) with occasional manual checks (Chrome Task Manager) and you’ll be protected against the vast majority of in-browser miners.
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