What Are Ad Blockers?

Over 42% of internet users employ ad blockers monthly, mainly due to the overwhelming number of online ads.

As ads grow more common and intrusive, this trend is expected to rise. In the US, the use of ad blockers has surged by nearly 72% between 2014 and 2022.

This article covers everything you need to know about ad blockers.

An ad blocker is a type of software or program specifically designed to prevent ads from showing up on websites, apps, or networks.

Ad blockers work by scanning websites for elements that look like ads and blocking them, so they don't show up on your screen. Once installed, they automatically block ads.

Yes, ad blockers are completely legal to download and install for personal use.

However, the legal discussions around ad blockers often revolve around how they affect publishers and content creators who rely on advertising revenue

Some websites block content for users with ad blockers, saying it breaks the deal of free access in return for seeing ads.

Furthermore, there have been legal battles in the past, mainly from those who lose money due to ad blockers. They argue that these tools harm their business.

Yet, in several key cases across countries with strong digital economies, the courts have ruled that using ad blockers is legal.

Case in point, ad blockers work on YouTube, and you can use them to stop viewing ads. That said, it is illegal for networks and apps to use ad blockers as corporate entities.

Here are the Potential Drawbacks of Using Ad Blockers

Many harmful ads can track you or install malware without being clicked. About 58% of people use ad blockers for privacy, and 62% to avoid malware.

That said, ad blockers themselves are not without flaws and drawbacks; they can:

• Disrupt browsing experience

• Slow down browsing speed

• Block useful content instead of ads

• Prevent from accessing certain websites and social media

• Prevent websites from making revenue

• Lead to lower-quality content on websites

Finding the right ad blocker involves several considerations to ensure it fits your online habits and preferences. Let’s quickly review these considerations.

• Evaluate Your Browsing Needs: Choose an ad blocker that offers a consistent experience across all devices and browsers you use.

• Consider Performance: Ensure the ad blocker enhances browsing by not slowing it down and improving page load times.

• Prioritize Your Privacy: Opt for ad blockers that provide robust tracking protection and block trackers and malicious websites.

• Seek Customizable Control: Select an ad blocker that allows whitelisting of favorite sites and customizable ad blocking preferences.

• Focus on User-Friendliness: Pick an ad blocker that is easy to install, configure, and has an intuitive interface.

There are many ad blockers you can use that are both paid and free. Here is a list of the top ten free ad and pop-up blockers:

1. uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is a free, open-source ad blocker extension. Here's what makes it great:

• Blocks ads and pop-ups.
• Works with Chrome, Chromium, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Edge on desktop.
• For mobile, it's compatible with Firefox on Android.
• Easy to add to your browser without any downloads.

2. AdBlock

AdBlock is a customizable extension that lets users create their own filters to block certain ads or allow some.

It stops ads and pop-ups without needing software downloads and works with Chrome, Safari, Opera, Firefox, and Edge on both desktop and mobile devices.

3. AdBlock Plus

AdBlock Plus works as both an app and a browser extension. With the app, you can download it to set custom filters, deciding which websites' ads or pop-ups to allow or block.

As an extension, it's compatible with desktop and mobile devices, blocking ads, stopping trackers, and even blocking entire websites.

4. Stands Fair Adblocker

Stands Fair Adblocker is a Chrome-exclusive extension that is also available as a free plugin for various browsers.

• Blocks ads and pop-ups effectively.
• Collaborates with website owners to balance revenue and user experience.
• Encourages whitelisting of trusted sites to support them financially.
• Effective on popular sites like YouTube and Facebook, also blocking malware and tracking.

5. Ghostery

Ghostery is a privacy extension that works with Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Edge on both desktop and mobile. It blocks ads, stops trackers, and can anonymize your data.

However, it's not as effective at blocking pop-ups as other ad blockers.

6. Privacy Badger

• Analyzes and blocks trackers that follow users across the internet.
• Automatically adapts to block the most invasive trackers.
• Offers a seamless browsing experience by preserving online anonymity.
• Compatible with major browsers(Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge) and requires minimal user input.

7. Brave Browser

Brave Browser is a fast, privacy-focused web browser that blocks ads and trackers by default, enhancing loading speeds and data privacy.

It runs on various platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Brave also offers Brave Rewards, letting users financially support favorite content creators while enjoying ad-free browsing.

8. AdGuard

AdGuard is a versatile ad-blocking tool available as both a browser extension and a standalone app for desktop and mobile.

It blocks ads, speeds up browsing, and protects against phishing and malware.

Compatible with major browsers and operating systems, AdGuard also offers parental controls for extra safety.

9. NoScript

NoScript provides a security-centric ad-blocking solution by selectively disabling harmful scripts on untrusted sites.

• Blocks ads by restricting JavaScript, Java, Flash, and other scripts.
• Enhances user safety against XSS, Clickjacking, and other online threats.
• Available for Firefox and Chrome browsers.
• Offers a strong defense against script-based vulnerabilities and ads.

10. DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials is a browser extension that enhances online privacy by rating site safety, blocking ads, and ensuring encrypted connections.

It works with Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, making browsing safer and more private for privacy-focused users.

1. Open Google Chrome on your computer, which you can find in your Start menu on Windows or in the Applications folder on a Mac.

2. Type in https://getadblock.com/en/ in Chrome’s address bar to go to the AdBlock website. Once you’re on the website, click on the “Get Adblock Now” banner.

After clicking on the banner, you will be redirected to the installation page of the extension for the browser you use, which is Google Chrome in our case.

3. On the installation page, click on the “Add to Chrome” icon, and the extension will be automatically added and will show in your extensions list once the process is done. Then, you will see the AdBlock icon, i.e., the hand on a red (stop sign) background, in the top right area of your browser. Click on the icon, select settings/options in the dropdown menu, and set your options and settings. After doing this, save the changes. And that’s it.

1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your desktop.

2. After opening it, click on the three dots on the top-right side of the browser next to the address bar. On the dropdown menu, click on the “Settings” icon

3. After clicking on “Settings,” you will be redirected to a menu with more setting options.

4. In the menu that pops up, find and click on “Site Settings,” which is at the bottom of the “Privacy and “Security tab group.

5. After clicking on “Site Settings,” you will be redirected to another menu that contains other content setting options. Here, find the “Ads” option and click on it.

After clicking on “Ads,” you will be redirected to another set of options. Here, select the “Block ads on sites that show intrusive or misleading ads.” This concludes the process of turning the built-in Adblock on Chrome.

Ad blockers aren't just about turning off ads; they offer a way to customize your online journey.

By using custom filters, you can tailor what you see and don't see to fit your preferences perfectly. Here's how:

• Instead of a blanket approach, you can block specific elements on a page or website.
• Improve Load Times by blocking heavy ads and trackers.
• Support websites you love by allowing their ads through custom filters.
• Use filters to prevent trackers and malicious domains from compromising your privacy.
• You can also remove distracting elements from web pages, such as auto-play videos or pop-ups.

Ads are common across websites, apps, and networks as a way to make money, often disrupting the user experience.

To improve browsing and make it more enjoyable, developers have designed many ad blockers.

Using an ad blocker mentioned in this article helps you block ads, pop-ups, and more, enhancing your online safety and allowing you to control what you see.