Banner ads, pop-ups, and other intrusive forms of advertising can really disrupt your browsing experience. They clutter up pages, slow down load times, and even pose privacy and security risks in some cases. That‘s why using an ad blocker is essential for a smooth and safe web surfing session.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the top 13 ad blockers available for Google Chrome in 2023. Both free and paid options are included to suit different needs and budgets. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to choose the best ad blocker for your Chrome browser.
Contents
Best Ad Blockers for Chrome in 2023
Here are the top ad blockers available for Chrome right now:
- AdLock – Best overall ad blocker for Chrome
- NordVPN – VPN with built-in ad blocking
- AdGuard – Powerful ad blocker with extra tools
- AdBlock Plus – Popular open-source ad blocker
- TotalAV Adblock – Made by antivirus provider TotalAV
- Popup Blocker – Specializes in blocking popups
- Stands Fair Adblocker – Doesn‘t track users‘ data
- R.O.B.E.R.T. by Windscribe – Blocks ads and filters content
- CyberGhost – VPN and ad blocker combo
- uBlock Origin – Lightweight open-source ad blocker
- Privacy Badger – Blocks trackers as well as ads
- AdBlocker Ultimate – Blocks many types of annoying ads
- AdBlock for YouTube – Made specifically for YouTube ads
Below we will explore each of these top ad blocking tools in more detail including their key features, pricing, and more.
1. AdLock
AdLock is our top pick for the best ad blocker available for Chrome right now. It goes beyond just removing ads by also blocking tracking, stopping popups, increasing page load speeds, and enhancing privacy.
Some key highlights of AdLock include:
- Removes all types of display ads including banners, text ads, popups, etc.
- Blocks harmful tracking technologies that follow your activity
- Speeds up page load times by removing clutter
- Prevents access to malicious sites and content
- Works across all major browsers and devices
AdLock is very user-friendly. Once installed, it runs in the background with minimal configuration needed. You can easily whitelist sites you want to support or disable it temporarily on certain pages.
Both free and paid versions are offered. The premium version unlocks additional features like parental controls, speed boost, and identity protection. It‘s available for $27.72 billed every 27 months.
Overall, AdLock provides the most robust ad blocking you can get for Chrome with extra privacy protections. It‘s a worthwhile investment for an ad-free and faster browsing experience.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is an extremely popular virtual private network (VPN) provider. But besides securely encrypting your internet traffic, it also includes an effective ad blocker.
When connected to NordVPN, you benefit from:
- An encrypted tunnel for anonymous browsing
- Malware blocking and threat protection
- Ability to bypass region locks on content
- And an ad blocker to remove disruptive ads
The ad blocker works across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android apps. It removes video, banner, text, and other ads for a cleaner browsing experience. Pages will load faster without all the clutter.
NordVPN offers over 5200 secure servers located around the world. The service costs $3.29 per month billed yearly. You can connect on up to 6 devices simultaneously.
For a fast, private, and ad-free web experience, NordVPN is a great choice that bundles VPN and ad blocking into one service.
Start Your NordVPN Free Trial Today
3. AdGuard
AdGuard is a robust ad blocking program with a ton of customization options. It‘s available as both a browser extension and a desktop application.
Some key benefits of using AdGuard include:
- Blocks ads on web pages, in apps, and even in YouTube videos
- Advanced filtering options to fine tune what gets blocked
- Protects against trackers, phishing scams, and spyware
- Speeds up page loading by removing ad clutter
- Works across different browsers and devices
AdGuard offers different subscription options depending on your needs. There‘s a Personal license covering 3 devices for $2.99 per month. Or a Family license covering 9 devices for $5.99 per month.
A free browser extension is also available. This only works for blocking ads during web browsing. But it‘s useful for trying out AdGuard risk-free.
With robust ad blocking capabilities and great custom controls, AdGuard is perfect for power users who want maximum flexibility.
4. AdBlock Plus
With over 60 million active users worldwide, AdBlock Plus is one of the most popular ad blockers available. It‘s completely free and open source.
AdBlock Plus offers the following:
- Removes ads from websites including banners, popups and video ads
- Lets you whitelist sites you want to support
- Blocks intrusive trackers and third-party scripts
- Available across all major desktop and mobile browsers
- Customizable through filtering options
Despite the name, AdBlock Plus is available for more than just Chrome. You can install extensions for Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari and others. This makes it easy to sync settings across browsers.
For mobile, AdBlock Plus has Android support and an iOS content blocker. So you can block ads in Safari on iPhones too.
Overall, the widespread popularity and platform support make AdBlock Plus a great hassle-free choice for blocking ads.
Get the AdBlock Plus Extension
5. TotalAV Adblock
TotalAV Adblock comes from the antivirus and cybersecurity provider TotalAV. It leverages the company‘s threat detection engine to identify and block intrusive ads.
Benefits of TotalAV Adblock include:
- Removes popups, banners, video ads, and more
- Blocks Facebook, YouTube, and other site ads
- Prevents access to phishing sites
- Makes web pages load faster
- Option to whitelist trusted sites
TotalAV Adblock is available as a free Chrome extension powered by the company‘s Savapi malware detection. For broader protection across devices, you can upgrade to TotalAV‘s premium antivirus suite.
If you want ad blocking from an established cybersecurity provider, TotalAV Adblock is a smart option. The company offers top-notch support in case any issues arise.
6. Popup Blocker
As the name suggests, Popup Blocker specializes in identifying and stopping one of the most annoying forms of disruptive ads – popups. But it blocks other types of ads as well.
Some key features include:
- Stops popups, pop unders, and new tab ads
- Removes banner, text, in-feed, and video ads
- Faster performance by eliminating clutter
- Displays notifications when blocking content
- Custom site whitelisting options
Popup Blocker is free to install and use with no limits. It works automatically in the background to provide a smooth ad-free experience.
If you want an ad blocker focused specifically on eliminating popups, Popup Blocker is a top option purpose-built for this job.
7. Stands Fair AdBlocker
Stands Fair AdBlocker takes a privacy-friendly approach to ad blocking. It does not collect or share any user data while removing ads.
Some notable features include:
- Blocks ads from Facebook, YouTube, and most sites
- Removes tricky popups, scroll ads, banners, etc.
- Does not track or collect user data
- Lightweight extension for smooth performance
- Easy whitelisting of preferred sites
Stands Fair AdBlocker only works on Chrome right now. But it‘s one of the few ad blockers built with a strong focus on user privacy. There‘s no tracking or analytics enabled at all.
If you want simple effective ad blocking without any privacy tradeoffs, Stands Fair AdBlocker is a great choice.
Download Stands Fair AdBlocker
8. R.O.B.E.R.T. by Windscribe
Windscribe‘s ad blocking solution R.O.B.E.R.T. takes things a step beyond just removing ads. It gives you more control over the types of content blocked from your browser.
Some of the capabilities include:
- Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Filters out unwanted site categories
- Customizable using allow/deny lists
- Split tunneling to select protected apps
- Blocks font/telemetry tracking methods
- Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
R.O.B.E.R.T. integrates seamlessly with the Windscribe VPN app. But it can also be used as a standalone ad and content blocker.
For the most custom ad blocking experience, R.O.B.E.R.T. is a top choice that goes beyond your typical ad blockers.
Get R.O.B.E.R.T. by Windscribe
9. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a fast VPN service that bundles in ad blocking with their Windows and Mac apps. When connected, you get a private encrypted tunnel along with blocked ads and trackers.
Some benefits of using CyberGhost include:
- Removes ads from web pages and videos
- Stops malicious and phishing domains
- Anonymous browsing with VPN encryption
- Automatically blocks threats
- 7000+ worldwide servers to choose from
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
CyberGhost costs just $2.25 per month for a 3-year plan. You can use it on up to 7 devices, making it one of the most affordable VPN options with integrated ad blocking.
For a simple way to enjoy both privacy and an ad-free browsing experience, CyberGhost is worth considering.
Start Your CyberGhost Trial Today
10. uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is a lightweight open-source ad blocker that‘s completely free to use. It focuses on efficient memory usage for smooth browser performance.
Some key aspects of uBlock Origin include:
- Open source ad blocker with no profit motives
- Very small memory and CPU footprint
- Blocks trackers, ads, popups, and annoyances
- Highly customizable with advanced user options
- Available on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and more
uBlock Origin should not be confused with uBlock (from Adblock Plus company). uBlock Origin is completely community-driven and has no commercial interests.
For an open-source ad blocking solution that‘s nimble and flexible, uBlock Origin is an excellent option. The ability to tightly control its behavior makes it great for tech-savvy users.
11. Privacy Badger
Privacy Badger was created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit focused on digital rights. This ad blocker also prevents non-consensual tracking by advertisers and websites.
Some ways Privacy Badger protects you:
- Blocks ads and prevents websites tracking you
- Analyzes site behavior instead of using block lists
- Complements tracker protection in browsers
- Lightweight and designed for privacy
- Available as a Chrome, Firefox, and Opera extension
Privacy Badger is 100% free and open source. The code is transparent and designed expressly with privacy in mind versus profit.
For ad blocking plus anti-tracking in one extension, Privacy Badger is uniquely positioned to enhance your privacy during browsing.
12. AdBlocker Ultimate
AdBlocker Ultimate removes ads from Chrome using advanced filtering techniques. It also provides some anti-malware blocking to keep your browsing experience safe.
Some notable aspects of AdBlocker Ultimate:
- Removes popups, banners, video ads, etc.
- Blocks ads on Facebook, YouTube and popular sites
- Prevents access to malicious domains
- Speeds up page loading times
- Allows whitelisting of trusted sites
- Available completely free
AdBlocker Ultimate is published by AdAura who makes various ad, tracking, and malware blocking tools. It‘s a quality ad blocker option for Chrome available at no cost.
13. AdBlock for YouTube
If you spend a lot of time watching YouTube, then getting an ad blocker designed specifically for it is smart. AdBlock for YouTube will remove all kinds of video, banner, and text ads from the platform.
Some notable features include:
- Blocks YouTube video ads before and during videos
- Removes side banner, footer, and overlay ads
- Prevents popups and new tab ads
- Speeds up YouTube performance
- Examines other YouTube extensions for malware
- Option for whitelisting channels
AdBlock for YouTube is available as a Chrome extension but also has dedicated mobile apps. This allows you to block YouTube ads on both desktop and mobile.
For the best ad-free watching experience on YouTube, this purpose-built blocker is worth getting.
FAQs About Ad Blockers for Chrome
What are ad blockers?
Ad blockers are software programs that remove or disable advertising content from web pages. They work by preventing certain resources like images, scripts, and trackers from loading. Most ad blockers are implemented as browser extensions.
Why should you block ads?
There are a few reasons why you may want to block ads:
- Ads can slow down page loading and take up valuable screen space
- Some ads spread malware or lead to other security issues
- They disrupt your experience and are visually distracting
- Most ads track your activity violating privacy
- Blocking ads helps avoid supporting ad-funded sites you dislike
How do ad blockers work?
Ad blockers use "filter lists" that contain domains, IP addresses, URLs, and other patterns associated with advertising content. When you visit a website, the ad blocker checks resources against these lists and blocks matching requests. This prevents ads from loading into the page.
Are ad blockers safe to use?
In general, ad blockers from well-known providers are safe to use. Stick to trusted sources, read reviews, only grant the necessary permissions, and you shouldn‘t have problems. Safest are open-source ad blockers with publicly viewable code. Avoid unknown ad blockers with no reputation.
Are ad blockers legal to use?
In most parts of the world, ad blocking is a legal practice that doesn‘t violate any laws. However, some websites try to circumvent ad blockers which may be against an ad blocker‘s terms of service. In rare cases, sites like Hulu have tried suing ad blocker developers but without success.
Will ad blockers impact website functionality?
Sometimes. Many sites rely on ad trackers and content served from ad servers. By aggressively blocking these, some page elements can break. Quality ad blockers provide options to whitelist sites or unblock specific resources as needed.
Can websites detect ad blockers?
Yes, websites can use scripts to check if ads and trackers are loaded and determine if a visitor is using an ad blocker. Some sites may then restrict access or ask you to whitelist them (you can choose not to). Many ad blockers try to obscure blocked content so detection scripts fail.
Final Thoughts on Blocking Ads in Chrome
Intrusive and disruptive ads can really make browsing the web a pain. Thankfully, installing an ad blocker provides an easy solution to remove the clutter, speed up your browsing, and reclaim your privacy.
There are plenty of quality ad blocking extensions and services available for Chrome today, both free and paid. Finding one that suits your needs is simply a matter of your budget and desired features.
The tools we covered provide robust ad filtering capabilities while also going the extra mile to boost security and privacy. Give one of them a try and see just how much better your web experience is without the distraction of ads!
