Privacy Ratings
Search

Best ad blockers

A good ad blocker blocks trackers by default, collects no data and does not let advertisers pay to be allowed through. Every blocker below is rated on those criteria.

  1. 1. uBlock Origin Grade B Our pick

    Free, open-source content blocker for ads, trackers and malware sites. Efficient, with no "acceptable ads" program.

    Why it is our pick: The most effective blocker available, with no data collection, no home server, no acceptable-ads deals and not even a donation page. Install it through the links on its GitHub page to avoid look-alike extensions.

    Score 88/100.

  2. 2. uBlock Origin Lite Grade B Our pick

    Manifest V3 content blocker from the uBlock Origin developer that filters ads and trackers through declarative browser rules, with no background process.

    Why it is our pick: For browsers that only allow Manifest V3 extensions, such as Chrome and Edge: uBlock Origin's filter lists with no data collection and no background process.

    Score 88/100.

  3. 3. AdGuard Home Grade B

    Self-hosted DNS server that blocks ads and trackers for every device on a network. Includes a web dashboard, encrypted DNS support and parental controls.

    Based in Cyprus. Score 88/100.

  4. 4. hBlock Grade B

    POSIX shell script for Unix-like systems that builds a hosts file blocking domains that serve ads, tracking scripts and malware, using several public blocklists.

    Score 88/100.

  5. 5. Diversion Grade B

    Shell script ad blocker for routers running Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. Blocks ad and tracker domains through dnsmasq and can manage Entware and pixelserv-tls.

    Score 79/100.

  6. 6. Ghostery Grade C

    Browser extension from Ghostery that blocks ads, trackers and cookie pop-ups and shows which trackers each site uses.

    Based in Germany (Fourteen Eyes). Score 65/100.

  7. 7. Wipr Grade C

    Paid Safari content blocker for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro that blocks ads, trackers, cookie notices and annoyances with no configuration.

    Based in Spain (Fourteen Eyes). Score 65/100.

  8. 8. AdGuard Grade C

    Ad and tracker blocker from AdGuard, available as a free browser extension and Safari content blocker and as paid system-wide apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

    Based in Cyprus. Score 62/100.

  9. 9. 1Blocker Grade D

    Safari content blocker for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro with filters for ads, trackers, annoyances and adult content, plus custom rules and an in-app tracker filter.

    Score 53/100.

  10. 10. AdBlock Grade F

    Ad blocker for browsers and mobile, owned by eyeo, which shows ads approved under the Acceptable Ads program by default on desktop.

    Based in the United States (Five Eyes). Score 24/100.

  11. 11. Adblock Plus Grade F

    Ad blocker from eyeo for browsers and mobile, which shows ads approved under the Acceptable Ads program by default.

    Based in Germany (Fourteen Eyes). Score 24/100.

How this list is made

Entries are ranked with our picks first, then by score against public criteria. Every answer links to evidence, and hosted services are tested automatically. The list updates when ratings change.

Compare all: ad and tracker blockers. Criteria and scoring.

Questions

What is "Acceptable Ads"?

A program that lets some ads through by default, with large companies paying to take part. Blockers that use it are rated lower for blocking by default.