Is your web browsing slowing down and are you worried about being tracked online? With malware everywhere and statistics proving identity theft is on the rise the solution is to install ad blockers. This simple browser adds on decluttering the websites you visit and stop adverts and trackers from popping up.
We’ve rounded up the 9 best free ad blockers to remove ads and popups to help you streamline your online experience.
The advantages of using ad blockers include increased readability of online content, faster page loads and improved mobile data plans due to not wasting MBs on irrelevant ad downloads.
What are the 9 Best Free Ad Blockers?
The best option is to install an ad-blocker plugin or use browsers which have built-in software to turn off popups and ads automatically.
1. Fair Adblocker
Fair Adblocker offers the best protection from disturbing popups, ads, and malicious software. It allows secure navigation through websites without affecting their quality. The whitelist created by Stands gives you a guideline of ads they consider as being fair and help create value for free useful content. This program is compatible with the Chrome browser.
2. AdGuard AdBlock
AdGuard AdBlock does as its name states. It helps you block any form of ads. However, its premium version isn’t clear about the benefits you get if you choose to unlock it. On the other hand, you’re completely safe sticking to the free version. It’s suitable to use with Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera and Yandex.Opera browsers.
3. Opera
Opera is your one-stop-shop for ad blocking. It features built-in ad blockers which prevent almost all ads from disturbing your online experience. One downfall is its inability to block the welcoming daily quote on Forbes website. But we’ll let that pass for now. The program works well on Chrome.
4. AdBlock Plus
AdBlock Plus is one of the most downloaded plug-ins on Chrome. By default, it includes only certain adverts considered to be intrusive or potentially harming. De-select the Allow some non-intrusive advertising option and most of the ads will be blocked. The program can’t seem to stop ads from popping up on the Orlando Sentinel site. This plug-in works great with Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari.
5. uBlock AdBlocker Plus
uBlock AdBlocker Plus is a simple program and has a unique approach towards ads. Disregarding a complex interface, even the adblocker’s website steers clear of any information overload. The block element option allows you to choose what you want to prevent from popping up on a site.
uBlock Plus AdBlocker is not very user-friendly. You’ll need to toggle through the settings to reach the best protection against ads and popups. The program effectively stops all ads you block, including autoplay videos. It’s compatible with Chrome and has advanced user settings which allow you to filter out chosen content.
6. Incognito AdBlocker for Firefox
Incognito AdBlocker for Firefox is still new on the market but proves to be a great asset. Annoying adds are blocked efficiently but it can’t hold up against Forbes’ autoplay ads. The Incognito feature turns on Firefox’s hiding mode and lets you check the code on the page you’re visiting. You can also whitelist ads to allow them to come through.
7. AdBlocker Genesis Plus
AdBlocker Genesis Plus incorporates similar code to uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus, but the UI is unique. To improve privacy levels, tracking codes were removed completely. With over 10,000 users, it proves to be quite effective. The downside is that Orlando Sentinel’s large display ads can’t be blocked with this program. Suitability with Chrome is ensured.
8. AdBlocker by Trustnav
Trustnav is an antivirus provider which combined adblocking software into a unique Chrome plugin named Trustnav AdBlocker. In the future, you can access the antivirus solution by paying a low $1.99 per month. Although it’s simple and effective, this adblocker doesn’t have many settings to choose from. You can set on and off options, block all or a few ads, but you won’t be able to go much further than that.
9. AdBlock Ultimate
AdBlock Ultimate works great against YouTube ads and most display ads on websites. Having around 600,000 downloads, the Chrome plug-in proves to be a champion blocker. Still, it had difficulties dealing with Orlando Sentinel’s ads.
2018 is a signature year for adblocking on Chrome. The company took down many adblockers off its list as they proved to be malware which redirected data into botnets facilitating control over Chrome’s users. The remaining adblockers on Chrome are 100% legitimate but you can double check by studying the developers’ history and safety policies.