Home » Blog » 11 Best Free Ad Blockers – Avoid Annoying Pop-Up Or Other Ads

11 Best Free Ad Blockers – Avoid Annoying Pop-Up Or Other Ads

Updated -

Our online experience is swamped with ads. From browsing the web to streaming some content online, ads are an ever-present part of the online world. But what makes them worse is that they are annoying and violate our online privacy and security in several ways. Therefore, using the best adblocker online is crucial to ensure a safe and relaxing online experience. 

But what is an ad blocker? An ad blocker is a software that removes or blocks ads from appearing on a website. In other words, they are helpful tools that help ensure that your online experience remains smooth, safe, and reliable. 

Fortunately, many different ad blockers are available and have various features. While some ad blockers are free, others must be bought. Since finding a reliable ad blocker is somewhat hard, this article will guide you in choosing an ad blocker that best fits your needs. 

Quick List Of Ad blockers

  1. Adblocker Ultimate: It protects privacy and blocks ads, cookies, and pop-ups. 
  2. AdBlock Plus: it prevents tracking and blocking ads and intrusive pop-ups. Only acceptable ads are allowed. 
  3. AdGuard: it is a free blocker with parental guidance and prevents phishing. It also blocks malware and ads. 
  4. uBlock Origin: it prevents hackers from monitoring users and has a Malicious URL blocklist. 
  5. AdLock: it removes spyware and hides data features. It also blocks ads and malicious pop-ups. 
  6. Ghostery: It is a comprehensive tool that holds a reputation as the best free ad blocker for Chrome.
  7. Total Adblock: it is fast and free. It blocks all Facebook, youtube, and other ads. 
  8. NoScript: it protects the device from malware and blocks ads, javascript, and pop-ups.
  9. AdFender: it prevents websites from tracking users and blocks annoying ads, and protects against malware. 
  10. 1Blocker: it offers fast browsing by blocking banner ads and pop-ups. It is a privacy-oriented blocker. 
  11. Privacy Badger: it automatically identifies trackers and blocks ads and banners, ensuring fast browsing. 

Why do you need to use Adblocker?

An ad blocker is software that helps to block ads from appearing on websites. There are several reasons why you must use an ad blocker, such as:

They ruin your online experience by interrupting your favorite movie, TV show, or scrolling. An ad blocker can help you avoid these hassles and enjoy a better online experience.

Most ads are data collection tools for data-hungry advertisers. They collect personal information from your interests and locations to send targeted advertisements. Ad blockers disarm these ads to ensure data security and privacy.

Ads are also used to conduct malware and phishing attacks. Threat actors create luring advertisements that trick users into clicking on them, redirecting them to malicious sites, and downloading malicious files onto their devices. Adblocker blocks such ads to ensure online security. 

Some sites present bloated ads with big pictures or videos that are intrusive and hog the traffic speed. Ad Blockers are used to block these ads and ensure that web pages load faster, saving your data usage and battery drainage time.

When considering these reasons, it is best to use a reliable ad blocker to help provide a secure, private, and non-intrusive online experience. 

Best ad blockers in 2022- Short Reviews 

We have developed a list of the following ad blockers to help you find an ad blocker that best fits your needs. Read along with the review to find more information about them! They are reliable and help ensure a smooth and secure online experience. 

Adblocker Ultimate 

Adblocker Ultimate

AdBlocker Ultimate is a free and open-source ad blocker for all browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc. This ad blocker effectively uses various filtering techniques that remove unwanted content from web pages before they are even loaded on your browser. Some of its key features are as follows:

  • Blocks banner ads, video ads, and pop-ups 
  • Offers privacy protection 
  • Hides Google headers from HTTPS requests 
  • Blocks tracking cookies and browser trackers 
  • Hides search queries 
  • Has customized block preferences 
  • Malware protection 
  • Whitelisting feature

While this tool ensures good privacy and security, its major downside is that it does not allow script blocking. Also, it keeps asking users for donations and showing pop-ups to buy its premium and forces users to rate the app, which is annoying. 

Apart from these issues, it is a privacy-oriented software that helps you maintain privacy while browsing or working online. It is compatible with Android, iOs, and Windows and is available for $1.49/month and a 14-day free trial. 

AdBlock Plus 

AdBlock Plus

AdBlock Plus is a popular ad blocker that has been around for many years. Free, open-source software promises an ultimate ad-free and secure online experience. It is available on all popular browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, and holds a strong reputation as a reliable ad blocker. Some of its main features are as follows:

  • Block pop-ups
  • Block banners
  • audio/video ads
  • Acceptable ads are allowed
  • Prevent trackers
  • Faster browsing

Moreover, AdBlock Plus stops attackers from tracking you online on mobile devices. Also, it keeps browsing fast and smooth by removing unnecessary advertisements and web traffic. However, the software does have a few drawbacks. For starters, responding to customers’ negative comments takes a long time. Moreover, it allows acceptable ads, meaning it maintains a whitelist for the advertisers who agree to cooperate with AdBlock Plus.

Therefore, this ad blocker is only good for you if you do not mind a few pop-ups here and there. Apart from this, AdBlock Plus is effective and tries to make your online browsing smooth and reliable. It is free to use and does not offer a premium version. 

AdGuard

AdGuard

AdGuard is free and open-source for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Yandex Browser. It is a reputable ad blocker that effectively blocks ads and pop-ups on websites and apps. Along with stopping unusual trackers, it ensures users’ privacy in the following ways: 

  • Blocks ads and banners
  • Blocks pop-ups 
  • Anti-tracking 
  • Malware protection
  • Phishing protection.
  • Parental control 
  • Blocks spyware and adware

The best thing about this ad blocker is that it is user-friendly and is available in various languages such as English, Bahasa Melayu, Deutsch, Filipino, Français, Nederlands, Norsk, and more. However, it does have a few drawbacks too. Unlike other ad blockers, AdGuard does not have live chat support. Additionally, it often blocks important and relevant content, which is very annoying. 

Apart from that, when it comes to ensuring privacy, security, and fast and secure browsing, AdGuard is a good ad blocker. You can get it for free or subscribe to the premium version, which costs $2.49/per month

uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is another popular ad blocker available for free on all major browsers. It is an open-source, cross-platform app that allows real-time digital content filtering and ad blocking. Apart from that, it also has a simple user interface that is easy to use and understand. Some of its key features are as follows:

  • Blocks ad-pops and banners
  • Prevents tracking 
  • Blocks malicious websites
  • Offers an online Malicious URL blocklist. 
  • Whitelist for trusted sites 

While uBlock Origin is an excellent choice, it does have a few drawbacks, such as, in contrast to various other ad blockers, it does not have too many features. Moreover, there are no desktop and mobile apps available for this ad blocker. 

Apart from these minor issues, uBlock Origin is a great choice. It helps ensure a safe and comfortable online experience. The best thing about it is that it ensures this security for free. 

AdLock

AdLock

AdLock is another popular ad blocker on the list. It is a browser extension compatible with all popular web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Apart from that, it has an easy-to-use interface and built-in support for many languages, such as English, French, Spanish, Russian, and many more. Some of its privacy and security features are as follows:

  • Blocks pop-up ads, banner ads, video ads, and cryptocurrency mining ads
  • Removes spyware 
  • Blocks filter ad trackers. 
  • Hide your data features 
  • Offers trace spyware and bugs features 
  • Allows users to save mobile data 
  • Has to save battery power mode 
  • Help filter HTTPS sites 

By providing these features, AdLock efficiently helps users ensure a fast and safe online browsing experience. However, it has a few downsides, such as being a bit expensive. Apart from that, it also does not provide script blocking, which is disappointing. 

Overall, AdLock is a comprehensive tool to enhance your online privacy. It saves your device from unusual battery draining and improves browsing speed. Also, it has good customization options available. Adblock doesn’t offer a free version, and you can get it at $3.5/per month with a 14-day free trial.  

Ghostery 

Ghostery is a comprehensive tool that holds a reputation as the best free ad blocker for Chrome. The software is easy to use and offers support for various languages such as English, Dutch, French, Spanish and more. Apart from that, it also has several outstanding privacy and security features, such as:

  • Blocks ad pop-ups, banners, and video ads 
  • Removes online tracking trackers 
  • Blocks history
  • Offers Advance privacy protection 
  • Has an Ad-free private search engine 
  • Customizable browning options 
  • Protects personal data alerting 
  • Tracker analysis 
  • Cryptojacking protection

Overall, Ghostery is a relatively good adblocker with a few downsides, such as not allowing users to apply their filters and not offering script blocking. Apart from that, it is a reliable ad-blocking tool to use. 

Ghostery helps users ensure fast and secure online browsing. Unfortunately, it is not available for free and costs $4.99 per month. It does offer a 7-day free trial. 

Total Adblock 

Total Adblock

Total Adblock is a free and open-source ad blocker. It sports a strong reputation as a reliable ad blocker web extension available for all popular web browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Edge, Opera, Firefox, etc. The web extension is easy to use and install and is available in various languages such as English, French, Norsk, Spanish, And more. It offers some amazing features to ensure online privacy and security, such as:

  • Blocks banner ads, pop-ups, Youtube ads, Facebook ads, and audio/video ads.
  • Prevents online tracking 
  • Data saving option 
  • Allows blocking unlimited ads 
  • Ensures faster web page loading 
  • Whitelisting option. 

Overall it is a useful source to keep getting rid of interrupting ads and smooth your browsing experience. For customer support, it has a live chat facility. However, unsubscribing from its premium version is a bit complicated as it keeps charging customers even after asking to unsubscribe. 

Total AdBlock is an extension of Google Chrome and a standalone app for Windows and Mac OS X. The extension version can be installed directly from the Chrome Web Store. Also, the standalone versions are available from the Total Adblock website. You can get it for $2.42/month. 

NoScript

NoScript

Noscript is a browser extension known for blocking javascript and other scripts. The extension also blocks ads and is a reputable service. It is a plugin for the Firefox web browser that provides extra security by blocking Flash and other potentially dangerous content from running on websites. Fortunately, it is available as a free download for all users of the Firefox web browser. Some of its special features are;

  • Free for Firefox browser
  • Blocks ads and pop-ups 
  • Blocks Javascript
  • Blocks Flash 
  • Faster browsing 
  • Cross-site scripting 
  • Whitelisting
  • Temporary unblocking of scripts

Until 2020 Noscript was available for firefox, but now only chrome users can use it. However, When NoScript is installed and enabled, it automatically blocks JavaScript, Flash, and other prohibited content. This can help protect your computer from malicious code embedded in these files. 

NoScript can also help improve your browsing speed and experience by preventing these files from loading unnecessarily. Furthermore, NoScript allows you to function JavaScript or other blocked content temporarily. The ad blocker is free to use and available for firefox and chrome. 

AdFender 

AdFender 

AdFender is a freeware ad-blocking program that removes unwanted content from web pages. It is an amazing adware blocker that does not slow down the device’s speed. Moreover, it blocks all types of ads, including banner ads, pop-up windows, flash animations, and other types of advertising. 

However, some types of advertising (such as Flash animations) may still be visible if AdFender’s filters do not explicitly block them. Here is a list of features of Adfender; 

  • Freeware
  • Blocks banner ads and pop-ups 
  • Blocks flash animation 
  • Prevents tracking 
  • Improves browsing speed 
  • Application security
  • High device compatibility
  • Fast speed

AdFender also prevents websites from tracking your online activity. Additionally, AdFender does not require installation or configuration; it runs the program, it’s easy to use and highly effective at blocking most types of online advertising, and it will start blocking ads immediately.

Overall, AdFender is an excellent ad blocker. Therefore, if you want to improve your web browsing experience by reducing the amount of annoying and intrusive advertising, we recommend you try AdFender.t is available for Windows and Mac OS X. Also, it is compatible with all major browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera. Users can get Adfender for $15.95 per annum.

1Blocker

1Blocker

1Blocker is an ad blocker for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It Effectively removes interrupting and intrusive ads, banners, and pop-ups. Moreover, it works with Safari’s content blocker and tells the user what to block in the browser. By default, it only blocks ads, but you can change custom settings to block trackers, widgets, Web fonts, adult sites, and numerous other categories. The following are the main features of 1Blocker;

  • Blocks ads and pop-ups 
  • Blocks banner ads 
  • Malicious content blocker
  • Faster browsing 
  • Blocks cookies
  • Whitelist sites 
  • Privacy oriented 
  • Reduce data usage
  • Whitelist websites

This comprehensive ad blocker is designed to maintain users’ online privacy and to keep their browsing experience smooth and safe. It also allows you to customize your rules by blocking any URL. Also, in its premium, it will enable you to block cookies. Moreover, it has a simple interface and is easy to use. 

Overall, 1Blocker is a wise choice for iOs users to keep their online privacy on hand. Besides blocking unnecessary ads and banners, it offers you to whitelist suitable sites from Safari. Additionally, it allows you to see the blocked resources. Fortunately, it is available for free in apple stores, and users can download it straight away. 

Privacy Badger 

Privacy Badger

Created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Privacy Badger is one of the most reliable and comprehensive ad blockers. It is a smart free ad blocker that is easy to use and install and is compatible with all popular browsers such as Opera, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It helps ensure security in the following ways:

  • Blocks ads and invisible trackers 
  • Automatically identifies trackers 
  • Blocks third party cookies 
  • Browser fingerprinting protection 

All in all, it is a reliable ad-blocking solution. However, its slight drawback is that it provides limited features and does not block ads unless they come with a tracker. 

Apart from these issues, the adblocker is ideal for non-techie users. Moreover, it’s free of cost, so you don’t have to go through subscription hassles. 

How to choose the best AdBlocker?

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best ad blocker, such as the following: 

  1. Consider what types of ads you want to block. Some adblockers will only block banner ads, while others will block all ads, including pop-ups, autoplay videos, and more.
  2. Think about how much control you want over which ads get blocked. However, some ad blockers allow you to whitelist or blacklist specific websites, while others give you less control.
  3. Consider your budget. There are both free and paid ad blockers available. Undoubtedly, paid options typically offer more features and better blocking capabilities than free options.

When choosing an ad blocker, keep these factors in mind to ensure you get the best one for your needs.

How does an adblocker work?

An ad blocker works in one of the following two ways:

  • Script Blocking 

Script-blocking ad blockers work as browser extensions and typically analyze the information that websites send. These ad blockers have a list of pre-prepared ad scripts to cross-match and analyze the information that a website is sending. In case a script matches that of the listed ad script, they block that script from loading.

  • DNS Blocking 

Most applications or websites that bombard users with ads typically seek the permission of a specific server on the internet regarding what ads must be shown. Therefore, the ad blocker blocks such requests so the website or application cannot display them. This helps prevent unwanted advertisements from appearing. 

Now you know how an ad blocker works!

Common Ad Blocker scams to avoid

Ad Blockers are online tools designed to protect your privacy and security. Still, cybercriminals can even use them to violate your online privacy and security. Sadly, a common ad blocker scam several people over the internet have fallen victim to is fake ad blockers. 

This scam involves fake ad-blocking extensions that trick users into downloading. Unfortunately, the fake extension impersonates a real ad blocker to execute the attack successfully. 

The only difference is that this adblocker secretly collects your data and browsing activity instead of blocking ads and ensuring online safety. Also, it can even change your browser’s behavior. In 2018,  37,000 users were tricked into installing a fake Adblock Plus extension. There have been several such similar incidents within which some of the popular names that have been used are as follows:

  • AdRemover for Google Chrome
  • uBlock Plus
  • HD for YouTube
  • Webutation
  • Adblock Pro
  • Superblock Adblocker

Since cybercriminals have used these names to create fake ad blocker extensions in the past, it is best to look out for similar incidents. One way to avoid these scams is to remain vigilant while downloading any adblocker and ensure you are downloading it from an authentic source. 

What is a DNS adblocker?

DNS is the system that converts human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1).

When you visit a website, your computer looks up the IP address for that domain name using DNS. Also, Ad blockers that work at the DNS level block requests to known advertising domains before they are even sent to your browser. This means that you never even connect to the advertising server, so you don’t download any advertisements.

In simpler words, a DNS ad blocker is a tool that can be used to prevent ads from being displayed on a website or in an application. It is because the information is routed through the DNS server when a website or application sends a request to advertise. Then the DNS server tells the website where the advertisement is located. Moreover, a DNS ad blocker can change the DNS to one that recognizes and blocks these requests, effectively preventing the website or application from displaying ads.

DNS-based ad blockers are usually more effective than other types of ad blockers because they can block ads on websites that use encryption (https). In contrast, other ad blockers can only block ads on websites that use plain text (HTTP). Some popular DNS-based ad blockers include Pi-hole and AdGuard Home.

Are there any VPNs with built-in ad blockers?

There are several VPNs with built-in ad blockers. Some of the most popular VPNs with this features are:

  • NordVPN: it has a threat protection feature that prevents ads from popping up on your screen.
  • ExpressVPN: it blocks ads and malicious pop-ups with the help of its threat manager. 
  • CyberGhost VPN : it offers a content blocker that helps in blocking ads on websites.
  • Surfshark VPN: the clean web feature promises to block all the ads and intrusive pop-ups.
  • Proton VPN: in their paid subscription, netshield blocks all the ads and malware containing pop-ups. 

Ad blocking is a great way to improve your online privacy, security, and browsing experience by preventing annoying ads from popping up. So if you are conscious of your privacy, it is best that you use a VPN that comes with a built-in adblocker as it will help get the added benefits of a VPN, such as:

  • Online anonymity: a VPN masks your IP address and routes your data through secure remote servers to hide your location and ensure online anonymity. 
  • Bypass geo-blocks: since a VPN masks your IP address and hides your data traffic, it helps to bypass online restrictions and geo-blocks.
  • Online security: a VPN encrypts your data and carries it in encrypted packets within an encrypted tunnel, protecting you from online snooping. 

When choosing a VPN with a built-in ad blocker, search for the one that offers the features you need to stay safe and secure online. Some of the features that you need to look out for are encryption, log Policy and jurisdiction.

Are there any browsers with built-in ad blockers?

Many popular browsers now come with built-in ad blockers. Luckily, this is excellent news for users, as it means they no longer have to install a separate ad blocker extension or plugin. The most popular browsers with built-in ad blockers are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.

Moreover, these browsers all have different levels of ad-blocking capabilities. For example, Google Chrome’s built-in ad blocker is relatively basic and only blocks certain ads. On the other hand, Safari’s built-in ad blocker is much more comprehensive and blocks almost all ads.

If you’re looking for a browser with a built-in ad blocker that can give you the most comprehensive protection against online ads, then we recommend Mozilla Firefox. However, all the browsers mentioned above will help you block annoying ads and make your web browsing experience more enjoyable.

FAQs

What is the most effective adblocker?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on individual preferences and needs. Some popular ad blockers include uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and Ghostery.

What are the best Adblockers for Chrome?

There are several different ad blockers available for Chrome, and choosing one will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some ad blockers are better at blocking certain ads, while others have more features or are easier to use.

One popular ad blocker for Chrome is AdBlock Plus. AdBlock Plus blocks most types of ads, including banner ads, pop-ups, and video ads. Also, it has several other features, such as the ability to whitelist certain websites or disable social media buttons.

Another popular option is uBlock Origin. uBlock Origin blocks a wide range of ads that track your online activity. It also has several advanced features, such as creating custom filters.

Finally, Ghostery is another good option for those who want to block online 
tracking. Effectively, Ghostery blocks cookies and other tracking technologies advertisers use to track online activity. Also, it has several other privacy-related features, such as blocking third-party cookies.

What are good Adblockers for free?

There are many good ad blockers for free. Some popular ones are Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin, and Ghostery. These ad blockers will block most website ads, including banner ads, pop-up ads, and video ads. Fortunately, they are all free and can be installed on your web browser with just a few clicks.

What are good Adblockers for Crunchyroll?

There are a few different ad blockers that work well with Crunchyroll. uBlock Origin is a popular option that is available for free. Another good option is AdBlock Plus, which also has a free version. Impressively, these ad blockers will block most ads on Crunchyroll, including video ads.

What is the best free adblocker?

Ad blockers usually work by blocking or preventing ads from being displayed on web pages. Therefore, they can block other unwanted content, such as pop-ups and auto-play videos. Many ad blockers are available for free online, but which is the best depends on your needs and preferences. 

Some ad blockers are more effective than others. Try a few different ones before you find the perfect fit. Meanwhile, some are better at blocking specific ads, such as intrusive or annoying.

Are ad blockers worth it?

Ad blockers can effectively reduce the number of advertising users see while browsing the internet or while streaming some content online. Also, they can help to speed up page loading times, as well as reduce data usage.

Is it illegal to use ad blockers?

Ad blockers are software that can remove or block ads from websites, including pop-ups, autoplay video ads, and banner ads. Ad blockers are legal in most countries, although some restrict their use. Luckily, the Federal Trade Commission has ruled that ad blockers are legal in the United States.

What are acceptable ads?

Acceptable ads are generally not intrusive or disruptive and respect the user’s privacy. Additionally, they should be relevant and useful to the user.

What is the most trusted AdBlocker?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it largely depends on individual preferences. However, some popular ad blockers include AdBlock Plus, uBlock Origin, and Ghostery.

Can AdBlock steal my passwords?

No, AdBlock cannot steal passwords. AdBlock is a browser extension that blocks ads and trackers but does not have access to sensitive information like passwords.

What is the safest free adblocker?

The safest free ad blocker is the one that best meets your needs. Many ad blockers are available, so be sure to research the one that’s right for you. Although, there are some things you may want to consider:
1 – How effective the blocker is at blocking ads.
2 – Whether it interferes with web browsing or other activities.
3 – Whether it’s compatible with your web browser and other software.

How do ads invade privacy?

Some ads have malware and these malware can damage the device and even result in data theft. Mmorever, trojans and viruses can be installed in the device due to ads.

How many ads is the average person exposed to?

According to some marketing experts an average person views more than 4000 ads in one day!

How are targeted ads harmful? How do consumers feel about targeted ads?

Targeted ads are based on data collected from users’ information. This is a privacy invading action and makes users feel vulnerable about their privacy. 

How do ads manipulate us?

Ads manipulate consumers by making false claims and exaggerating their product. Moreover, they play with the emotional beliefs of consumers to create an impact.

What are the risks of ads?

Ads are a way of making money for many website owners. Some of these ads contain malware which increases the risk of data breaches and identity theft. 

Which free AdBlocker is best?

Ublock origin is a great free adware blocker. It blocks all the intrusive ads and banners making the browsing experience much smoother and safe.

Which is the best AdBlock for Chrome?

Adblock plus is one of the best ad blocker for chrome. It prevents tracking and blocks all ads and pop-ups.

Can AdBlock be trusted?

Yes, ad blockers can be trusted. They ensure safe browsing and make browsing more private. By using an ad blocker you can prevent data theft and protect your device from malware and viruses. 

Final Words 

Finding a reliable ad blocker to ensure a safe and non-intrusive online experience might be challenging. Specifically, so many ad blockers are claiming to be the best, not to mention the ever-present ad blocker scams that do not seem to be going away soon. However, this article provides insight into some of the best ad blockers tried and tested to guarantee a reliable online browsing experience in 2022.

Photo of author
Waqas is a cybersecurity journalist and writer who has a knack for writing technology and online privacy-focused articles. He strives to help achieve a secure online environment and is skilled in writing topics related to cybersecurity, AI, DevOps, Cloud security, and a lot more. As seen in: Computer.org, Nordic APIs, Infosecinstitute.com, Tripwire.com, and VentureBeat.

Leave a Comment