Are you sick and tired of annoyingly intrusive ads popping up out of thin air or have you experienced a case of website malware and rogue ads? Then, you need ad blockers. Ad blockers are best in clearing webpage disruption.
Some websites have advertisements that cover texts, clutter webpages, and cause serious loading issues. While unknown to most internet users today, advertisers use background tracking tools, “cookies”, to create personalized ads.
Have you ever just searched on Amazon for a kitchen set and suddenly, you start seeing ads for kitchen sets? You guessed it right, it’s all from your search history. Knowing this, you’ll most definitely feel a violation of your privacy.
Internet ad is now intentionally intrusive and disruptive to the whole internet experience, rather than just being annoying. Making the use of ad blockers is a popular idea.
Below are the best ad blockers which we have tested to the limit to discover their best and worst traits. The following are the best accessible and useable ad blockers available now.
uBlock Origin
This is notably the best in blocking almost everything ads and webpage malware. Nevertheless, uBlock is known for blocking web trackers, malware, and unnecessary promotions.
Also, it’s free to use and boasts low memory consumption. It offers a database of filters designed for known malware and ads while allowing for custom changes.
Browsers
Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
Pros
- It’s open-source
- Quick and easy to use
Cons
- It doesn’t include security channels in its program
- Not available for modern safari browsers
Privacy Badger
This is the best when it comes to privacy as it essentially blocks trackers, not necessarily ads. Privacy Badger is developed by the nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation. The aim is to remove trackers without interrupting the flow of internet use through unique algorithms and no website blacklists.
Browsers
Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Firefox for Andriod, Opera
Pros
- Offers good customization tools
- Uses an algorithm instead of blacklists
Cons
- Occasionally slows down websites
Adblock Plus
This ad blocker has been around for quite some time and being free to use, made it our beloved for years. It’s easy to use and once installed, it immediately gets to work blocking ads without affecting the webpage experience.
One critical issue about Adblock Plus is its “acceptable ads” policy. It turns out, that there are ads that aren’t intrusive or annoying.
As they don’t interfere with contents while labeled with the word “advertisements”. It would be best to see the Ad Block Plus instructions as the software has a confusing way of presenting features.
Browsers
Yandex, Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Edge.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Open-source
- Blocks social media ads
- Blocks malware, popups, and pop-under
- Proper whitelisting
Cons
- Controls and extra features are confusing to find
- Acceptable ads
Ghostery
This ad blocker boasts an awesome design and customization options. It also gives a broader view of how you are being tracked and what ads are being blocked. This is a paid ad blocker that offers a monthly subscription of $3.99 for all services. It also offers a free version with restrictions.
Browsers
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Yandex, Opera.
Pros
- Free and paid versions
- Insights on blocked ads and information
- Good interface
Cons
- High subscription price