8 best ad blockers

1. uBlock Origin

• Blocking in desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Yandex. Browser ", Microsoft Edge.
• Blocking in mobile browsers: Firefox for Android.
• Blocking outside the browser: no.

This plugin does an excellent job of blocking all types of ads. At the same time, it is praised for its good optimization: uBlock Origin hardly slows down the browser speed, even with a large number of tabs. For these properties, he can easily be forgiven for unintuitive settings and not the most pleasant interface.

Download uBlock Origin for other browsers →

2. Adblock

• Blocking in desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Yandex. Browser ", Microsoft Edge, Safari.
• Blocking in mobile browsers: Firefox and Samsung browser for Android; Safari for iOS.
• Blocking outside the browser: no.

One of the oldest ad blockers with a huge audience. AdBlock has a flexible system of settings with which you can enable only the functions you need. For example, the extension has additional filters to protect against

mining cryptocurrencies and malware. But the more filters are active, the higher the load on the system.

AdBlock skips ads it deems acceptable. But you can turn off its display in the settings. The extension has a paid version. For $ 1 a month or $ 10 a year, you get additional design options and sync AdBlock settings across devices. In addition, the extension will be able to replace banners with funny animal pictures.

This ad blocker does worse on mobile devices. Users of the standard Samsung browser for Android can block ads using the dedicated Adblock app available on Google Play. But, judging by the reviews, the program is unstable on some smartphones. In addition, the developers have made AdBlock for iOS, which can be connected to the mobile version of Safari to block ads. However, the app hasn't been updated since 2017.

Download AdBlock for other browsers →

3. Adblock plus

• Blocking in desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Yandex. Browser ", Microsoft Edge, Safari.
• Blocking in mobile browsers: Adblock Browser, Firefox and Samsung Browser for Android; Adblock Browser and Safari for iOS.
• Blocking outside the browser: no.

Another extension that allows for unobtrusive ads. Leave it to support the owners of quality sites, or turn it off - it's up to you. Advanced users can create custom filters for Adblock Plus to better control content blocking. But you can also add pre-built filters created by the plugin community.

Adblock Plus can block not only traditional ads, but also data collection systems. Thus, the application protects privacy.

Android device owners can install Adblock Browser with a built-in ad blocker. There is also a version for iOS, but we note that App Store users complain about frequent crashes. Alternatively, you can download the add-on iOS app Adblock Plus for Safari, which blocks ads in Apple's standard browser.

Download Adblock Plus for Other Browsers →

4. Ghostery

• Blocking in desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Yandex. Browser ", Microsoft Edge, Safari.
• Blocking in mobile browsers: Ghostery Privacy Browser and Firefox for Android; Ghostery Privacy Browser for iOS.
• Blocking outside the browser: Windows, macOS.

This extension also does a good job of blocking ads, and in addition offers advanced protection against surveillance by hackers and ad companies. The Ghostery developers assure that their technology effectively combats various data trackers.

In the plugin settings, you can choose which types of ads and trackers to block. For example, you can only disable advertising on social media or video ads that bother with autoplay.

Ghostery Privacy Browser with a built-in blocker is also available for Android and iOS users.

There are also desktop versions of Ghostery that block trackers not only in the browser, but also at the system level. You can use them for free for seven days, then you have to pay $ 14 per month.

Download Ghostery for other browsers →

Download Ghostery for Windows and macOS →

5. AdBlocker Ultimate

• Blocking in desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Yandex. Browser ", Microsoft Edge.
• Blocking in mobile browsers: AdBlocker Ultimate Browser, Firefox and Samsung Browser for Android; Safari for iOS.
• Blocking outside the browser: Windows.

AdBlocker Ultimate relies on security. In addition to advertising, the extension fights hacker attacks, trackers, and malicious links and programs. According to the developers, they do not collaborate with companies from the advertising industry and only care about the interests of users. Therefore, the AdBlocker Ultimate database should not contain "allowed" ads and ad networks. Based on the ratings and numerous reviews of the plugin, the creators are telling the truth.

AdBlocker Ultimate is also available as a mobile browser with blocking functionality for Android and as an iOS helper app that stops ads in Safari. But the version for Apple devices hasn't been updated since 2016.

Alternatively, you can install a Windows application that blocks ads in all programs on your computer. It is paid and will cost you £ 4 per month.

Download AdBlocker Ultimate for other browsers →

Download AdBlocker Ultimate for Windows →

6. AdGuard

• Blocking in desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Yandex. Browser ", Microsoft Edge, Safari.
• Blocking in mobile browsers: Yandex. Browser ", Firefox and Samsung browser for Android; Safari for iOS.
• Blocking outside the browser: Windows, macOS, Android.

The AdGuard extension is also focused on security. You can choose which threats it should protect from and enable the appropriate filters in the settings. In addition to trackers and malware, the program even blocks social media widgets. At the same time, you can enable the display of useful advertising like promotions.

AdGuard is also available on mobile devices, but with restrictions. On iOS, you can use it to block ads only in the Safari browser. After installing the application, an instruction will appear on the screen that will help you configure everything.

AdGuard for Android works in a similar way with Yandex. Browser ”and standard Samsung browser. Just launch the blocker app on your mobile device and you will see setup tips.

Besides, there are special paid modifications of AdGuard for Android, Windows and macOS that block ads not only in the browser, but also in other programs. Moreover, the Android version is not available on Google Play, you need to download it from the AdGuard website.

Download AdGuard for other browsers →

Download AdGuard for Android →

Download AdGuard for Windows →

Download AdGuard for macOS →

7. Firefox Focus

• Blocking in mobile browsers: Firefox Focus for Android Firefox Focus and Safari for iOS.
• Blocking outside the browser: no.

Firefox Focus is one of the best mobile browsers with a built-in ad blocker. The app is very user-friendly, loads pages quickly and filters ads perfectly. In addition, the iOS version can also block ads in Safari. To enable this feature, you need to go to Firefox Focus settings, activate the Safari option and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

If you prefer the standard mobile browser Firefox for Android, you can connect one of the above plugins to it: uBlock Origin, Ghostery or another. To do this, open the "Add-ons" section in the menu and select the desired add-on in the catalog. You cannot connect plugins to Chrome and most other mobile browsers. This makes Firefox stand out from the competition.

8. Opera and Opera Touch

• Blocking in desktop browsers: Opera.
• Blocking in mobile browsers: Opera Touch for Android; Opera Touch for iOS.
• Blocking outside the browser: no.

The Opera desktop browser and its mobile version of Touch also have built-in ad blockers. If you use any of them, just turn on the lock function in the settings. You will be able to browse the web without ads. And for this you don't even have to install anything.

Opera →