Ads aren’t just annoying, they can seriously undermine your privacy and security.
But how do you find the best ad blocker for your unique situation? In this guide we will examine different ad blocker options – from browser extensions to dedicated apps and hardware solutions.
But first, why block online ads?
Privacy – From a privacy perspective, online ads are horrible. Ads are usually served through third-party domains (advertising networks) and contain sophisticated tracking. This tracking software embedded in ads is used to build an intimate user profile to include your interests, browsing activity, location, age, family members, friends, and more. Based on your user profile, you’ll be served targeted ads through the ad networks on the websites you visit. Ads are basically digital surveillance cameras that constantly abuse your privacy.
Security – The growth of malicious advertising (malvertising) is truly alarming because your device can be infected by simply loading a page with ads – no clicks required! Ads can be used to serve malicious payloads that exploit security bugs and may even take over your device in exchange for payment (ransomware). Malvertising has even affected major websites such as the BBC and New York Times.
Performance – Ads are also problematic for performance in terms of bandwidth usage and CPU drain, especially with mobile devices. A study by Enders Analysis found that ads can consume up to 79% of mobile bandwidth! Using a versatile and lightweight ad blocker can tremendously improve page load speeds.
Now that you’ve decided to block ads, we’ll examine different ad blocker options in detail below. (This list is not in any rank order.)
Browser ad blocker extensions
One of the most popular ad blocker options is to use free browser extensions – but choose carefully!
Just like with free VPN services, many free ad blocking browser extensions are also making money through data collection and advertisements:
Adblock Plus doesn’t block all ads, but rather operates what it calls an “acceptable ads” program, where ads that meet its criteria for things like placement, size, and distinction, are “whitelisted”—that is, if the company displaying the ads is willing to split the revenue gained by whitelisting with Adblock Plus.
Ghostery, another popular ad blocker, operates under a different model. As a user, you don’t see ads and aren’t tracked by pesky data trackers. The company, however, makes money by collecting anonymized data on what those trackers pick up. It repackages that data and resells it to publishers, websites, and other companies it says can use the information to help improve the speed, privacy, and performance of their sites.
In other words, many of these “ad blockers” are not good choices for privacy-conscious users – the recurring problem with “free” products.
While I do not recommend using Adblock Plus or Ghostery, due to the privacy issues, there are still a few browser-based ad blockers, filters, and script blockers you may want to consider:
- uBlock Origin – uBlock Origin is an efficient and light-weight “general-purpose blocker” that filters ads and tracking. It is free, open source, and available for Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Chromium browsers. uBlock Origin is also very customizable and can be used with different filter lists.
- Privacy Badger – Privacy Badger is different from your typical ad blocker in that it “learns” as you use it, rather than using filter lists. It will block spying ads and trackers and is available for Firefox, Chrome, and Opera browsers.
- NoScript – NoScript is an extension for advanced users that blocks scripts by default, including ad services. This will take lots of customization and time as NoScript breaks many websites by default.
- uMatrix – Like NoScript, uMatrix is also for advanced users and blocks the execution of Javascript. It is developed by the same people behind uBlock Origin.
Another option is to simply use the Brave browser, which blocks ads and tracking by default. Brave is based on Chromium and is well-configured for privacy and security out of the box.
Drawbacks of ad blocker extensions:
- Ads may still be getting loaded and consuming your bandwidth and resources, even if they are not being shown.
- Advertising networks may still be collecting your data and profiling you, even if the ads are not being displayed on the sites you visit.
- Some ad blocker extensions still collect your data and/or serve you “approved” ads.
Ad blocker apps
There are also various dedicated ad blocking apps you can use for different devices.
One good (paid) option seems to be AdGuard. AdGuard offers dedicated ad blocker apps for Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS devices. They also offer browser extensions for all major browsers. From their FAQ page:
Generally, we at AdGuard don’t want to rely just on the capabilities provided by the browsers. That’s why our flagship products are standalone programs, which allows blocking ads and trackers system-wide.
There are other ad blocking apps available, but AdGuard seems to be one of the best options I’ve tested for this category of ad blockers.
Drawback: A dedicated ad blocker app will consume resources.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) with ad-blocking feature
Another option is to use a VPN (virtual private network) with a built-in ad blocker. There are basically three ways that some VPNs services block ads:
- Through the server network (see Perfect Privacy and the TrackStop feature)
- Through the VPN client (see NordVPN)
- Through a browser extension (see Windscribe)
The effectiveness of various VPN ad blockers can really vary. I tested different options for the VPN ad blocker guide, and Perfect Privacy was by far the best. The Perfect Privacy TrackStop filter blocks advertisements, tracking, and malware domains at the VPN server level, using very large filter lists that can be enabled by the user.
Of course, you can also use a VPN ad blocker in conjunction with browser-based ad blockers for a higher level of protection.
VPNs I’ve tested with blocking/filter features:
- NordVPN (visit site)
- Perfect Privacy (visit site)
- Private Internet Access (visit site)
- CyberGhost (ad blocker only works on non-encrypted sites via traffic manipulation – not recommended)
- VyprVPN (offers a malicious sites filter, but does not block ads; visit site)
- VPNArea (offers ad blocking DNS; visit site)
VPN ad blocker on a router
Another way to use a VPN ad blocker is through your router.
I tested this out and created a guide for using Perfect Privacy on an Asus router and everything worked very well, with easy setup. See this guide for more details: Ad Blocker VPN Router. This setup gives you ad blocking and all the benefits of a VPN for every device that connects on your home network. Your router will only count as one device for your subscription and you won’t need to download additional software for each device.
There are other hardware and router options for blocking ads that we will discuss further below.
VPN ad blocker on a VPS
Another option is to run a VPN on your own virtual private server (VPS) with ad blocking DNS. This is often called “rolling your own VPN” and offers security and performance, but it also has privacy tradeoffs because your traffic is not getting mixed with other users (and the VPS company has your personal information). It can also be a bit technical to setup.
Drawbacks with VPN ad blockers:
- Only works when connected to a VPN (but you’ll get protection on any device and network that connects to the internet)
- Requires the purchase of a VPN subscription
Other ad blocker options for your router
Blocking ads across your entire home network has some unique benefits:
- You won’t need to set up ad blockers on every device.
- Devices that don’t natively support ad blockers will still be protected (Smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.).
Now let’s look at a few good options.
Ad blocking on a router
AdGuard offers free ad blocking DNS that you can use on your router. This setup page gives you the instructions (select router). All you need to do is enter in AdGuard’s DNS servers under the DNS option in your router’s settings.
AB-Solution is also a great option for Asus routers running Merlin firmware.
Lastly, some router firmware options may support ad-blocking, such as with DD-WRT and Tomato firmware.
Pi-hole
Pi-hole is a fast and efficient network-wide ad blocker that will function as a DNS server for your network. It is completely free and open source and can be run on a Raspberry Pi or other devices.
You can also run Pi-hole and a VPN together on a Raspberry Pi. PiVPN is an OpenVPN setup designed for Raspberry Pis. The big drawback here is that it does not offer any privacy since the traffic goes unencrypted to your ISP, with the Raspberry Pi being the endpoint.
What is the best ad blocker?
The best ad blocker for you will depend on your unique situation and needs. In other words, there’s no one-size-fits-all that will be perfect for everyone.
Many people like browser-based ad blockers, especially since they are usually free. While browser ad blocker extensions may be popular, they also come with a few noteworthy drawbacks:
- Ads may still be consuming bandwidth and resources (even if they don’t show).
- You may still be getting tracked by third-party advertising networks.
If you’re connecting lots of devices to your home network, one of the network-wide ad blocking solutions would be good to consider.
Because I’m always connected to a VPN, I like using Perfect Privacy’s TrackStop filter, which blocks all ads, tracking, and malicious domains at the VPN server level. With TrackStop being activated server-side, it works with any device I use with the VPN (with or without a VPN app). This setup is fast, efficient, and saves on resources because it does not require any extra ad blocking software or force the browser to parse through filter lists.
A dedicated ad blocking application on your operating system, such as AdGuard, may also be a good idea – but it will also consume resources.
Ad blocker conclusion
Using a good ad blocker is basic digital self defense, especially considering how invasive and dangerous online ads are becoming.
In addition to the privacy and security aspects, effectively blocking ads will also:
- Help websites load faster
- Consume less bandwidth, which can make a big difference for mobile devices
- Improve your overall online experience, without the clutter and distraction of obnoxious ads
The obvious drawbacks with some of these solutions are the cost and/or setup requirements. But considering the risks and annoyance of ads, using a good ad blocker whenever you’re online is definitely worth it.
Last updated on June 7, 2019.
A lot of websites will not function if they detect if you are using an adblocker. Adguard solved this problem in three different ways. First, you can report the website to them. Second, you can block their blocking with Adguard’s tools. And finally, and you use their annoyance filter. I’ve never seen any website stop me using adblocking. One website would ask you to disable your adblock every five webpage loads. I reported the website to Adguard, and the annoyance was gone in 24 hours. The website eventually found a way around this, so I reported them again. Within 24 hours, the annoyance was gone. Internet, we hate ads. Find another way to make your money. There is this one website I visited often that had harmful ads that would cause tons of popups and redirects, even with the the best adblockers. Adguard was the only one that prevented the attack. I use the paid version.
Agreed. It’s probably the best solution. You get what you pay for.
Hi James Slayton,
Great points of why buying an AdGuard licence to it’s installed versions is beneficial . The features of (adguard’s tools) is of many directions but, I think of one specifically in your meanings to it’s AdGuard Assistant extension, that adds additional features to the installed AdGuard version(s).
AdGuard Assistant – The name of this extension is quite deliberate: it actually assists the user in changing basic AdGuard settings right in the browser, without the need to open the app itself.
https://kb.adguard.com/en/windows/features/extensions
https://kb.adguard.com/en/windows/features
.
– [I’m on an older version yet – with this AG version in my AdGuard Assistant, I’m able to highlight/box the ad and AdGuard reloads the page without that ad / or element I’d just marked and executed on – instantly.
(Any unwanted element – maybe not just ads – rendered on a webpage and boxed by your AA ext. seems to disappear too).
This holds for your future visits to the same site(s)…
I’m able to report that ad directly to the AdGuard’s team as well from my AdGuard’s Assistant ext. for a permanent fix for all it’s users – visiting this same site.]
.
I’m seeing with this older version (in researching again), I’m missing the (newer ?) extension offered now.
AdGuard Extra – This is a custom extension designed to fight the technique of re-inserting blocked ads – the so-called ad blocker circumvention/ad reinjection. Both are advanced anti-ad blocker methods that continue to rise in popularity among advertisers.
– – Which doesn’t seem possible to add the AdGuard Extra extension to this version I’m on yet.
I’ll need to update AG as it’s baked in to the newer versions install, and in that action can only be turned on or off not installed/uninstalled.
–
***MY ADVICE – disable your Web of Trust extension if it’s active –
– because of it’s scandal some years back – check the web “WOT scandal” or in the AG forums for WOT comments.
AG claimed it’s version of WOT was not the same available to everyone else – thus from it’s community concerns they went ahead and made this WOT extension turned off by default on AG installs going forward.
NOTE: AdGuard Assistant, AdGuard Extra, PopupBlocker extensions all come directly from the AdGuard developers and they HAVE given their guarantee that they will be effective and safe.
Thanks and Greetings
Further help @James Slayton,
Websites detecting ad blockers limit their websites functions:
Are you on the latest version of AG?
Development claims of Handling adblock circumvention scripts – via it’s browser extension with already using a full-fledged desktop program (AdGuard for Windows or macOS), then the extension will undertake the features of Assistant and become a very useful support tool.
https://adguard.com/en/adguard-browser-extension/overview.html
Directly as I understand then, the AdGuard browser extension in tandem use with the installed app can handle adblock circumvention scripts. You won’t have to turn off the ad blocker anymore to be able to visit the websites that are using such scripts.
–
I’m not on the latest version… myself
– I have filters running in my AG older version. I don’t see being listed now on the AdGuard filter editor interface (window) that opens to add filters right in the application.
These two filters have helped me not see the ad blocker WARNING anywhere.
*You’d be able to add these filters yourself by starting (below in #2) and using the URL of a filter in #3 A. as ticking on the Greenbox ‘Import filter’ – if your seeing any like ad blocker warning on sites you’d visit.
Adblock Warning Removal List:
https://easylistdownloads.adblockplus.org/antiadblockfilters.txt
Oops – this next one’s needing a maintainer down the line (clicking the links) and deemed obsolete so I’d not recommend (though I run it) – but it’s
Anti-Adblock Killer | Reek or related by subscription list to AK-Cont:
https://github.com/reek/anti-adblock-killer/
https://xuhaiyang1234.gitlab.io/AAK-Cont/
https://gitlab.com/xuhaiyang1234/AAK-Cont/tree/master/FINAL_BUILD
IF any are added they’d should show up under the Annoyances heading in your AG filters in the opened Filter editor.
–
Wow – even in this older AG version the last interface mentioned (below in #3 A.) to understand by hoovering the ? in picking your filters to add of the listed is different.
This (has changed it’s layout look and filter offerings as I remember of it – wondering now if it’s a web interface of sorts).
Like is used in settings of hotspot’s and routers.
*(Could maybe AG have baked in more-or-less the same functions or (lists) in it’s own filters abilities now as times move forward and has reduced some outside dependence or user interaction that was required for best coverage.)
–
Start:::
In your AdGuard settings: Ad Blocker > Filters > Open filter editor {Greenbox} > (new window opens)
1. under the left side column of ‘Installed filters’ go to bottom left of the field in this box
2. find the + symbol next to the (gear symbol) at bottom left and hit it
3. (another window opens) hoovering the ? of filters listed to understanding it’s function to add any if wanted.
@@ Outside of the listed filters your able to add your own found and wanted filters or subscriptions being maintained.
3 A. Ticking on the Greenbox ‘Import filter’ you need to enter the valid URL or a file path of the filter into the input box, to be subscribed to that filter.
Hope it’s helpful : )
There is a way to use Pi-hole with privacy – using this technique:
https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-block-advertisements-at-the-dns-level-using-pi-hole-and-openvpn-on-ubuntu-16-04
I connected up pi-hole with my VPN and then configured pi-hole to use my VPN’s private DNS servers as its ‘upstream DNS servers’ – this way I get no DNS leaks when connecting to the internet and all my DNS traffic is encrypted in the VPN tunnel.
Hello Sven!
Adguard for Mac is not open source. ¿Should I trust him?
Hi bifeconpapas,
AdGuard is good at what it does and there’s a reason for this, as they charge ! It’s code (most platforms) as I think is not open to users inspection and change. Think of if ‘s model compared as to any pay for anti-virus co’s same ownership roll of their software on your PC. Trust would be gained by security-privacy audit(s). I don’t see any right now.
TOS and PP spell out some trust if is stated as in what/where/when and how/whom have access to users data or device generated data. Then users reviews or you can place this Question on it forum for other AG users to answers.
https://forum.adguard.com/index.php?categories/adguard-for-mac.79/
–
They are pretty good on and about your privacy s cause some time ago when WOT (Web Of Trust) was in the news about not concealing uses data properly – they made it a users choice to uninstall or leave it in that WOT extension of the installed adguard versions.
–
“AdGuard is a line of ad blocking and privacy protection software which comprises open-source and shareware products that protect Microsoft Windows, Linux, OS X, Android and iOS users from unwanted ads, pop-ups, banners, as well as from tracking, obscene content, malware and phishing. A cross-platform utility, AdGuard is also available as an extension for the most widely used browsers, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, Yandex.Browser, and Microsoft Edge. Over 5 million people are reported to be using the software in 2018.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AdGuard
Greetings – Black Friday for their sites best sale of the year to get a lifetime license or upgrade to it / even add devices to one…
On installed version of Windows and I won’t go online without it.
It’s that good : )
uBlock Origin is a nice Adblocker but, it asks for a lot!
uBlock Origin has access to your data:
1. Access your data for all websites
2. Read and modify privacy settings
3. Access browser tabs
4. Store unlimited amount of client-side data
5. Access browser activity during navigation
How can this Ad Blocker guarantee my privacy?
So I can’t trust it.
Tracking blocker Better with the KA-Block add blocker is the best solution for Safari both in iOS and macOS. https://better.fyi/
Hello,
Is it possible to use VPN service along with ad-blocker from the other company (i.e. adguard or blokada) on android phones? I ask because system ad-blockers act like “vpn” on phones, therefore you can’t use both, can you?
Yes, in general it is possible, but with some mobile ad blockers it is not possible, such as DNS66 and Blokada.
Hi Sven. First at all thank you for give us a lot of information about privacy and security.
Second one: have you any information or experience about hostname blockers for android like DNS66 and blokada
Hey Tom, both look interesting – I haven’t tested them yet, but hopefully soon.
I am new to this… with uBlock origin i can see all trackers, but can i figure out which company hides behind it? or where the tracker is coming from?
Dear Sir;
Thanks for your excellent article. However, I still don’t understand your statement about Drawbacks of ad blocker extensions that “Ads may still be getting loaded and consuming your bandwidth and resources, even if they are not being shown.”
Could you please elaborate? (To me, it’s logical that some ads may be able to pass through the filtering rules of an ad blocker extension, but then such ads should be shown)
Thanks
Sven, Windscribe has updated its domain-based ads/trackers blocker:
https://windscribe.com/features/robert
Now, it provides some addition functionality like blocking/whitelisting certain domains by the users in addition to the already existing blocked ads and trackers domain lists. In my view, now Windscribe is running smooth and faster compared to the last year. I hope, if you have time and possibility, you would be able to update the review of Windscribe. I would be thankful if you could compare the ads/trackers blocking results to the other VPN providers (like Nord, Perfect Privacy, PIA) because it would be informative for the community. Thank you anyway!
Hi Vector, thanks for the info. Yes, I definitely plan to re-test Windscribe in the coming months.
Hello Sven,
Maybe the mention of AdGuard above should be updated, for the paid installed version.
The part of – ‘Drawback: A dedicated ad blocker app will consume resources.’ I take this to be related to the installed versions.
– This seems irreverent to desktops in webpage loading time because it’s snappy. Though, if someone is running multiple applications. It may, but, then where’s your focus at anyway with a browser opened? So it’s more than AdGuard running that’s causing a tax on system resources – yes…
–
AdGuard’s (installed version) advantages are largely due to the limitations that are imposed on browser-based extensions. AdGuard processes a page even before it is loaded into the browser, removing all advertising elements.
Extensions for browsers work on a different principle based on ad blocking capabilities of the browser. That is why an additional page post-processing step is required for hiding the blocked elements.
*If you’ve ever used browser-based extensions, then you surely noticed how the hiding banners “blink”.
– AdGuard’s (installed version) consumption of resources is not any greater than two well known browser-based extensions (with their most simple settings and one single filter enabled), as noted here-
https://kb.adguard.com/en/general/why-is-adguard-better
–
You mentioned that AdGuard offers dedicated ad blocker apps for Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS devices.
– AdGuard for iOS Pro, or AdGuard Pro has much to offer on top of the excellent iOS ad blocking in Safari already known to the users of the regular version. By providing access to custom DNS settings, the app allows you to block ads, protect your kids from adult content online, and safeguard your personal data from theft.
– – Besides, AdGuard is the world’s first standalone ad blocker for Mac.
The Windows version counterpart for Mac. It shows the same excellent ad blocking quality, but lacks some of the secondary functions like Parental control. AdGuard for Mac offers a 2-week trial period but requires a license to keep using it afterwards.
–
It heavily depends on the platform, the capabilities provided by the browsers that all free ad blockers by way of browser-based extensions fail users. That’s why AdGuard flagship products are standalone programs, which allows blocking ads and trackers system-wide.
To sum up installed AdGuard:
1. AdGuard blocks ads up before they are loaded into the browser.
2. AdGuard really saves traffic used by you.
3. AdGuard works in any browser.
4. AdGuard can remove ads from Skype, uTorrent and other applications.
5. In addition to blocking ads, AdGuard gives you a lot of additional tools.
6. AdGuard helps to protect you from viruses and scams, offers a Phishing Filter.
–
I have no association to AdGuard other than a satisfied user, who has seen this method of blocking ads grow into what’s offered today.
I only want other people to have this advantage in a clean surfing habit.
Cheers : )
Thanks for the info!
https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/releases
From the Reddit post:
The unlimitedStorage permission has been added in Firefox, to bring uBO inline with the Chromium version. As a result, when uBO updates, Firefox will notify you about the new permission.
Note that the Chromium version of uBO has declared the unlimitedStorage permission since it was first published in 2014.
Firefox is not yet enforcing this permission, but I decided to add it anyways since Firefox states:
“Only ask for ‘unlimitedStorage’ permission if you expect your extension’s local data storage to exceed 5MB if it’s not going to exceed that amount, don’t ask for it.”
uBO is already using more than 5MB of storage in its basic configuration.
Firefox can still evict uBO’s data even with this permission. To make it persistent, I need to use navigator.storage.persist(), but I found negative side effect when I used this, so for now there is no change in behavior.
The negative side effect of using navigator.storage.persist() was that navigator.storage.estimate() stopped returning a useful value. I think there is something to fix Firefox-side.
uBlock origin just had an update that requires permission to Store unlimited amount of client-side data. What does that mean?
Interesting, do you have a source for this?
“The unlimitedStorage permission has been added in Firefox, to bring uBO inline with the Chromium version. As a result, when uBO updates, Firefox will notify you about the new permission”
uBlock changelog
https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/releases
Why uBlock Origin requests to store unlimited data in Firefox
https://www.ghacks.net/2019/03/27/why-ublock-origin-requests-to-store-unlimited-data-in-firefox/
Sources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/b60hzh/new_update_need_new_permissions_store_unlimited/
Happened just yesterday so.
Also, I saw it ask for permissions myself, otherwise it wouldnt let me update the addon to the latest version.
Now, what is client side data and does it invade our privacy?
And what about [https://adlock.com] and [https://adblockplus.org?]
I uses [https://adlock.com] – cool soft.
I don’t believe in paying for an adblocker. Most adblockers including VPN such as those included with the popular Windscribe VPN do not block many ads. Most slow down your browsing experience.
Depending where I go and how I feel, I might just use a scriptblocker, Adblock, and Tampermonkey with Reek’s Anti-Adblock Killer. Some sites, despite using an anti-Adblocker won’t allow you to view their content unless you disable the adblocker. So, I always keep two active and disable one (at random) if I run into issues.
For my iPhone, I use Kill Ads VPN. It does a decent (albeit not perfect) job of blocking most ads including ads within apps.
Oolongmen,
Depends on the device, OS system and users experience – so to each user in their own preference here.
I, on the other hand can’t justify using anything free now-a-days where by the web / internet it’s connected in some way.
Includes the known free email services or where you get offerings like free VPN’s and browser extensions – anything bundled on top or in something else is bad anyways. Dedicated to a sole purpose ranks highly with me.
–
It takes work and a team to develop, update, maintain, and in future development of good offerings and paying my money for it helps ensure this.
So with free your paying for it – you just don’t know how much?
Email we know that story of our personal data is mined. So with free VPN’s and browser extensions can we expect any less of these that see where we go on the web – doesn’t mine our data as well ?
–
You’ve surely never tried AdGuard on a device with it’s standalone programs that allows the blocking of ads and trackers system-wide.
Besides a team to answer your questions and present you with solutions, you can report missed ads there too.
As the advertising industry is always at the top of it’s game in a muti-billion dollar business, free offerings will not be in that league!
–
AdGuard out of the box is usable and your free to add your choice of filters, which as I understand part of the ‘Annoyances filter’ does contains the anti-adblocker defuser that you refereed to as “disable the adblocker” seen on some sites when using an adblocker.
– adblockwall+paywall is totally a different situation for adblockers and has it’s own legal ramifications > https://forum.adguard.com/index.php?threads/policy-on-adblock-walls.26022/
Get Around Paywalls > https://medium.com/@caityjohnstone/how-to-deprive-mainstream-media-of-revenue-and-get-around-their-paywalls-fb515deb4fb8
– USEFUL TO KNOW
AdGuard isn’t prefect but, it’s the best and has the most going for it of any adblocker – it’s not just an adblocker.
Importantly, besides not having to rely on multiple methods in different approaches, AdGuard covers the most in your benefit of one solution.
AdGuard Ad Filters > https://kb.adguard.com/en/general/adguard-ad-filters
If you want advance settings only look to is ‘Stealth Mode’ > https://kb.adguard.com/en/windows/features/stealth-mode
AdGuard for Windows can work as a userscript manager >
https://kb.adguard.com/en/general/userscripts
How to create your own ad filters >
https://kb.adguard.com/en/general/how-to-create-your-own-ad-filters
AdGuard Assistant works with all Microsoft Windows compatible browsers > https://kb.adguard.com/en/windows/features/extensions
Try it free in a 14 day trial period with a 60-day money back guarantee : )
I hate ads, everywhere, the re-naming of sports stadiums for big corporations has me rather furious. I am older, and I would be glad to pay to have no ads on my computer. I am starting to get confused with so many choices. Yet, I love the details you have provided here. I am a retired woman using the computer for fun, basically. (hobbies, photos, you tube, WordPress, internet searches) Which ad blocker would be best for me? ( I understand if you cannot exactly say.) I sure appreciate everything you wrote here and I will re-read it.
Hi Carol, perhaps AdGuard may be a good fit for you. It is simple, user-friendly, and very effective.
If you want a free solution that will start working right away, you can install uBlock Origin in your browser.
Hi Carol,
I second Sven’s suggestion of AdGuard and it offers a 14 days trial period with a 60-day money back guarantee. It’s one still to offer a Lifetime license of a software for the computer.
You can cover your PC only (Standard license), PC & Smartphone or multiples of each from a monthly subscription billed annually or elect for a one time payment to a Lifetime coverage of device(s) in the (Premium license).
You will get a Personal License account which your able to login to see assigned or unbind your license from your device(s) to assign it to another device – registered to the email you used for purchase.
https://auth.adguard.com/login.html
https://kb.adguard.com/en/general/license-key#account-functions
–
You can attack Ad’s by two methods basically, a browser add-on (see Sven’s reply to Tom below) – browser extensions are not technically able to remove all types of ads though…
Or using an installed software program such as AdGuard, which can block ads in any browser(s) and apps – besides, apart from ad blocking AdGuard gives you a lot of additional tools.
–
I choose the installed Adguard program to start with the PC, update in the background of filter lists (tracking – malicious, fake websites), and/or the AG program if needed. Out of the box it’s ready, but there are settings that you can set to do more from the tools end of it.
It’s really the best in it’s class and I hope all will agree.
[See below of comment of mine on AG for links to get help or to
go for understanding something] : )
What do you think about the disconnect.me browser add-on?
They claim not to track or sell your data?
As a general rule, browser add-ons can be dangerous for privacy, collecting and intercepting data through the browser, but there are definitely some good ones, such as uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, etc… I haven’t looked at disconnect.me, but I’d say tread carefully.
I used it several years ago, but as time went by what it allowed you to block for free became more and more restricted. Last time I checked it would only block 256MB of ads before turning off.
Before that, it was OK.
I have noticed that many ad blockers and other privacy or security apps, OS or add-ons are open source. Pardon my paranoia but can’t an open source be a risk factor as well? Being an open source means that it can actually get compromised by anyone relevant out there isn’t it? Why should I trust it? Jeez, becoming more security and privacy conscious made me even more suspicious. Especially after researching and see how many supposedly security and privacy factors were not that private or secure after all.
Hi BeBee – I’ll try to answer you and draw a difference of the alternative(s), or bring up points to help you learn in your quest to understanding the open source alternative(s).
– The actors, malicious as your reference (compromised by anyone), versus the non-malicious – – that I’ll only focus on here.
Modern sites like GitHub and other open-source online communities, means that even more people can contribute to the open source projects today.
This improves on applications maintainability, discoverability, the reach, and underlying quality of the open-source code(s) projects.
– – A (good) hacker culture or subculture of individuals who enjoy the intellectual challenge of creatively overcoming limitations of software systems to achieve novel and clever outcomes.
(Take for example: students studying the computer fields in a college and/or university.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacker_culture
–
Q- “Pardon my paranoia but can’t an open source be a risk factor as well?”
A- Anything you choose to add on to your device can be a risk and factor into your privacy and security model – than the devices own hardware and software sold with it.
Even then, a device being bare as sold has it’s own consequences to your privacy and security model usually from an OS stance – looking at you Micro$oft.
But, drivers are software too and needed for both software and hardware to run your device – telemetry privacy issues then arise, as with updates to your system at large of it’s whole operational purposes.
@ – Open-Source code software’s are more than likely having been worked on and vetted by a well established community, unless it’s recognition or support channel is small and/or it’s (code) is newly released.
Taking – WireGuard, for an example as being newly released-
https://restoreprivacy.com/wireguard/
– It’s not uncommon for an open-source applications code(s) to have thousands of people working on it. With that many eyes looking through the code(s) base, and then any serious problems, flaws, and bugs are usually flagged and fixed quickly.
–
Q- “Being an open source means that it can actually get compromised by anyone relevant out there isn’t it?”
A- Yes -BUT- More than likely NO, as stated in the above answer – as many people are involved in the open-source codes base of the popular projects.
– A malicious actor will likely pursue a path of least resistance.
@ Were as – ‘Proprietary’ software also known as “closed-source software” is non-free computer software for which the software’s publisher or another person retains ownership, covered by copyright which, along with contract law, patents, and trade secrets, provides a legal basis for its owner to establish their exclusive rights to it.
– – When bugs, flaws even small ones—are found in Proprietary software, it can take weeks or even months for them to be fixed with a patch issued. That means any critical security issues could take a while to be addressed or even known to it’s users.
In addition, no one outside the publisher/developer really knows what problems actually exists in a proprietary software, so people have to rely on blind faith when using any proprietary applications, as opposed to open-source applications.
BECAUSE of these facts, this I believe is where a malicious actor will likely strike or undertake a path in their attentions to crack a software’s security weaknesses or other vulnerabilities.
–
Q- “Why should I trust it?”
A- For the reasons in the two above answers, and more I can’t add here for limited comment space reasons.
–
BeBee in your quest to become a more security and privacy conscious user don’t become the suspicious type but, a knowledgeable cautious type of knowing where and what to look for understanding in anything you’d add to your devices system.
1. Look to the community (behind – following) the open-source project, find helpful beneficial reviews of it. Ask your questions there within the dev’s or community users.
2. Check out any of their TOS and it’s Privacy Policy statements.
3. Run the downloaded item through VirusTotal for any flags.
4. Then understanding the ‘EULA’ license agreement as the software installs.
Note: A commercial software product that sell’s to generate money, may very well use some open-source software’s within it base product or of it’s development faze.
Helpful Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_model
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source-software_movement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Source_Initiative
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprietary_software
Hi, Sven,
I use Steve Black’s host file, in Gentoo, Slackware, Archlinux and Windows 10. Having an Asus router with Merlin AB Solution firmware that has now become Diversion, in addition to Skynet Asus Firewall. thank you for everything and sorry for my English.
Ciao Marco
In regard to the Windscribe extension – it works in a way you said but they also added R.O.B.E.R.T — Malware and Ad Blocker which blocks malware, ad and tracking domains at the server (DNS) level. Please check here:
[https://blog.windscribe.com/meet-r-o-b-e-r-t-malware-and-ad-blocker-a228c9225395]
Any thoughts on Privacy Possum? It is supposedly more powerful than Privacy Badger.
Hi David, I’ll check it out.
https://github.com/cowlicks/privacypossum#related-projects
One up vote for AdGuard !
@AdGuard is an institution against ads, something like going to a hospital or college as being the core institutions of the branched out specialized fields under their roof.
If you are already using the full-fledged desktop AdGuard program for Windows or macOS, then the browser extensions will undertake the features of Assistant and become a very useful support tool.
–
Free offerings from Adguard:
AdGuard browser extensions – Chromium, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Yandex.Browser, Microsoft Edge, Palemoon.
https://adguard.com/en/adguard-browser-extension/overview.html
AdGuard DNS – is a foolproof way to block Internet ads that does not require installing any applications. Provides you with minimal necessary functions to block ads, counters, malicious websites, and adult content.
https://adguard.com/en/adguard-dns/overview.html
AdGuard Content Blocker – will eliminate all kinds of ads in mobile browsers that support content blocker technology . Being more limited than AdGuard for Android, easy to install and still provides high ad blocking quality and does not require root access.
https://adguard.com/en/adguard-content-blocker/overview.html
–
Not only those are free but Adguard offers support by many different ways.
Knowledgebase – which has evolved since it’s inception, as before this central hub existed, every branch was spread out across the web and often outdated. As Adguard’s growth didn’t spare the personnel for it’s info to be kept updated.
https://kb.adguard.com/en/browser-extensions/integration-mode
Adguard Forums – https://forum.adguard.com/index.php
Report an issue – https://reports.adguard.com/en/new_issue.html
Discuss – https://adguard.com/en/discuss.html
Github – https://github.com/AdguardTeam
–
Important –
https://kb.adguard.com/en/general/search-ads-and-self-promotion
https://adguard.com/en/get-adguard-for-free.html
Interesting – https://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://blog.adguard.com/ru/istoriya-adguard-s-drevneyshih-vremen-do-nashih-dney/
(Above link is viewable in IE11 I know for sure)
Sven, I hope if you give a dedicated review of Adguard that some of this will be helpful to you.
Thanks Sir : )
Excellent feedback, Hard Sell, thank you!
Sorry for the repeat question, but this seems a more logical place to ask it and the answer likely to be more helpful to more people here.
What is your opinion of adNauseam (https://adnauseam.io)?
It seems that the same people are behind as were responsible for the TrackMeNot Firefox addon (don’t know if that’s relevant).
Thanks.
AdNauseum looks like an interesting way to screw with Google and advertisers, but I see some drawbacks:
1) May slow down performance
2) Ads are dangerous (read malicious) and I think it’d be safer just to block them, although I understand AdNauseum is supposedly not executing the ads…
3) Makes you stand out from the crowd by generating lots of noise
Dear Sven Taylor,
I am using using ASUS ( RT-AC68U) and it is running on AdvancedTomato firmware (https://advancedtomato.com/). I use the built-in adblocker which is very effective. You can add filters from this website : https://filterlists.com/
I found it very effective, Now my entire house is Ad/Tracker/Malware free. The filters I use on the router include Adguard, Disconnect and so on.
What do you think of this 🙂 Thanks
Hi FerdinCrypto – that sounds like a great solution. I have very little experience with AdvancedTomato – something I should look into more. Thanks
It’s basically an /etc/hosts file. You can do the same on individual desktop operating systems (at least you can for Linux, BSD and MacOS… not sure about Windows). Probably the solution that’s easiest on resources.
Another solution is to deploy your own personal VPN server with DNS adblocking running on a VPS. I’ve done it with DigitalOcean – Running CoreOS, StrongSwan (for IPSec/IKEv2 tunnel), and Pi-Hole. Obviously not the ideal solution for anonymity or torrenting (VPS provider has your details), but if it’s security and speed you’re after, it’s probably among the best solutions.
Yep, that’s also a good option, but like you said, it has privacy tradeoffs.
On the subject of using the Tor Browser in place of vanilla Firefox with extensions, how would you suggest managing browsing when the Tor network is what I want to use on Linux? Should I run two installations of the Tor browser, separately configured?
Hi Devon, if I understand the intent of your question, you intend to use the Tor browser with both the Tor network, and also as your standard browser with a VPN service. If that’s the case, it may just be easier to keep the standard Tor bundle and modify the settings to not use the Tor network when you instead go through your VPN. But depending on your setup, two separately configured installations may be easier. See what’s the least hassle I guess.
Sven! Thanks for the article!
Just want to ask – did you use StopAd adblocker (stopad.io)
It blocks ads on all major browsers, applications (like YouTube, Skype), and social media. It’s free and without acceptable ads BS. Maybe, it can get a place in your list)
Hi Kris, thanks for the heads up, I’ll check it out.
How good is VPNArea ad blocking? Should I be looking to get another solution?
I haven’t tested their ad blocking DNS yet, but it should be good. If you don’t find it blocking all the ads you want, another option is AdGuard which costs money, but seems to do well on all devices (I need to update this post to include it):
AdGuard Website
You can try chrome extension “7 Times Faster”. It speed up your internet in 2 times by blocking ads and tracking. It’s fastest ad blocker
What about Adguard? can you review it please?
Hi Jack, Adguard looks like an excellent option – I will be reviewing it soon.
Hey Sven! Did you ever get a chance to do a review on Adguard? If so, where could I find it on your site? Cheers from Canada!!!
Hi George, sorry, I haven’t had much time to look at ad blockers and do a review, but Adguard still looks like a good option from everything I see.
I use Adguard installed program on Windows machine.
Very good in terms of being an Ad blocker besides the added benefits of the many other options it has.
See their site for it all as I don’t want to sound like an advertisement to it.
I recommend it and look to it’s BF sale or other sites that handle sales for like programs – you can find a lifetime license 2+2 devices for very modest price.
Two PC’s + Two smartphones.
There is also proxy server based ad blocking where the server runs on one or more PC/MAc. These can either be:
1) a web proxy like eBlocker (Privoxy is the pioneer, but only for the geek) or
2) a transparent proxy which inserts itself into the network stack allowing it to reused for multiple applications (Adguard).
These proxies can run on each PC/Mac and/or be located on just one computer on the home LAN. Much cheaper than eBlocker.
Hi John, thanks for your feedback. As you point out, there are some great alternative ad blocking options, but these are often quite complex and “only for the geek” as you say. I’ve found that eBlocker works well because it is a simple plug-and-play solution, which appeals to most people who want to block ads and tracking, but don’t have time for overly-complex solutions. Nonetheless, it all depends on the user and how “geeky” they are 🙂 I intend to update this article with more ad blocking alternatives – thanks for this info!
The eBlocker guys might be a victim of their own success. Sending e-mails to them seem to end up in a black hole.
I deployed an open source alternative to their subscription service. PiHole (https://pi-hole.net) is running on many platforms. I have chosen a Raspberry Pi 3 and it is now jugging along nicely for almost a week. Maybe worth of a review? So far I like it.
Hi Matt, interesting. When I tested the eBlocker out last month I sent support lots of different questions and always got a reply within 24 hours. Never heard of PiHole, but looks good!