![]() When possible, we looked at how much of a computer’s resources were used by the ad blocker as well as page load time. Arguably the most important thing to know about an ad-blocker is how well it blocks ads, so we tested each blocker to see just how effective it really is. No matter what methods the plugin uses to block content, it’s important to know how successful they are at blocking malicious, invasive, and annoying ads. Additionally, we looked for a clean, easy-to-understand interface, as well as settings that don’t over-complicate a simple task. But just in case one or two have extra steps, we wanted to make sure to point out the pitfalls. You simply press “install” and it’s up and running. Some, of course, are built purposely for a single web browser, but these have a much narrower audience. The most well-developed ad blockers are available for multiple browsers, which allows you to have a uniform experience whether you’re at home, work, or on the go. It’d be nice to use the same ad blocker on all your browsers, right? We specifically looked at how widely available an ad blocker was when determining the best options. Here’s exactly what we looked at when ranking the ad blockers: However, for special features, it can be a lot harder to determine who comes out on top. Many ad blockers offer similar features, so these can be directly analyzed. In order to decide which ad blocker is best, we tried to use uniform criteria to compare the different options. That’s why I’m here: To give an unbiased review of ad blockers that can provide some peace of mind and can be used at your discretion. ![]() However, just like everyone else, I can’t stand being bombarded with poorly designed advertisements, pop-ups, or thinly veiled web trackers that I didn’t authorize to gather information. I believe in the free market of the Internet: I understand ads are often needed for a site to stay up and running, but I also value privacy and user experience. I browse the web for everything from practicalities like shopping to necessities such as work research or getting the latest news. My name is Nicole Pav, and I’m a regular Internet user just like you. What is an Ad Blocker and Why You Need One?.Why Trust Me for This Ad Blocker Guide?.If you’re not sure whether Ghostery is for you, there are plenty of other options we highly recommend. The clean interface and easy-to-use features make this ad blocker visually appealing as well.īesides Ghostery, this review also covers a number of other ad blockers. There’s also a noticeable difference in page load times. The extension clearly breaks down what’s being blocked and allows you to customize everything: you can whitelist/blacklist individual sites and pick specific elements to block or allow. It offers standard ad blocking, as well as the removal of site trackers that are used for analytics or social media. Better yet, it has an almost identical interface across all browsers, with no missing features or misplaced buttons (the exception is Safari, which currently features an older build while the developers work on updating Ghostery for macOS Mojave). It runs on a wide variety of browsers, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. Ghostery offers a lot to both advanced and average users. So which ad blocker will get you the furthest? Our overall winner was Ghostery, a very flexible tool that works on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox (as well as several others). There are dozens of extensions on the market to do the trick, and each offers different features and advantages. Luckily, it can be really easy to block these ads from crowding your screen regardless of what browser you’re using. Plus, if you share a computer with family members such as young children or gullible adults, you don’t want them to accidentally infect your computer after clicking on a particularly enticing banner.Īds aren’t just annoying: they make pages load slower, they can be gateways to malicious files, and they can block relevant material on a page you are looking at. You weren’t the 10,000th visitor to the website, and if you dare click on that banner, you’ll end up with a hard drive full of nasty viruses, not a free iPhone.īesides the malicious ads that pop up on your internet journey, you’ve also undoubtedly encountered poorly designed pop-ups, pages upon pages of clickbait articles, obnoxious animated/video ads, and eerily well-timed shopping ads, or hundreds of other unwanted page distractions on a daily basis. At this point, when that banner pops up, you know better.
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