Best AdBlockers
Online advertising is everywhere, and even though we sometimes don’t realize it, it’s affecting our privacy and security. If you’re like me, you probably find it annoying that ads follow you wherever you go on the Internet, knowing more about you than you’d like. Fortunately, there are tools that allow you to take control and block this invasion of ads. Let’s see how to do it.
Why block ads?
Online ads aren’t just annoying. They’re a real threat to our privacy. Most ads are riddled with trackers that collect information about you: your interests, your location, your browsing history, and even your health conditions. All of this information can be used to serve you personalized ads… or, worse yet, sold to other companies.
As if that weren’t enough, some ads come with something even more dangerous: malware. This is called “malvertising,” and it’s a technique that allows cybercriminals to infect your device without you having to click anything. It sounds like something out of a movie, but it happens more than you think!
Ads can also slow down your device. They use up your bandwidth, mobile data, and battery. On a mobile device, ads can consume up to 75% of your bandwidth and almost half of your mobile data. Can you imagine how much that can cost you?
How to block ads?
To protect yourself from all this, there are several solutions, some simpler, others more complete. I will tell you which ones I consider best depending on the device or need you have.
1. VPN with ad blocking
Some VPNs, like NordVPN or Surfshark , offer ad-blocking features directly within their apps. Not only does this improve your privacy by encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP, but it also blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It’s a way to protect yourself while browsing without having to worry about installing anything extra on your browser.
2. Browser extensions
If you prefer a more straightforward solution for your browser, ad blocker extensions are ideal. Two of the best options are:
- uBlock Origin – It’s free, open source, and blocks ads and trackers effectively. You can also customize it however you like.
uBlock Origin - Privacy Badger : Developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, it blocks trackers based on your behavior. It’s good at protecting your privacy, although it doesn’t block all ads.
Privacy Badger
3. Browsers with built-in blocking
There are browsers like Brave that block ads and trackers by default. Just install the browser and you won’t have to worry about ads while browsing. Brave also includes other privacy features, making it a very well-rounded option.
4. Standalone ad blocking apps
If you want to block ads outside of the browser, an app like AdGuard is a great choice. AdGuard blocks ads not only in your browser, but also in other apps and in the operating system. It’s available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and its Windows version is very full-featured. However, you’ll need a subscription to use it.
5. Network-level ad blocking
If you want a solution that protects your entire network, services like AdGuard DNS and Pi-hole are great options. AdGuard DNS blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level on all devices connected to your network, and Pi-hole offers a similar solution that you can set up on your own router. Both are free and effective options for blocking ads on all devices in your home or business.
In conclusion
The key to a safer and faster browsing experience is to block ads. Not only does it improve page loading speed, but it also protects you from privacy risks and malware. There are many options available: from free extensions for your browser to full-fledged apps and network-level solutions. It all depends on what you need and what is most convenient for you.
Don’t let advertising control your online experience. With a good ad blocker, you can browse more peacefully and enjoy the Internet as you really deserve.