Best Browsers to Block Ads (Not Chrome)
As if we didn’t have enough reasons to ditch Chrome , Google has doubled the number of changes that negatively impact content-blocking browser extensions , including ad blockers, in Chrome.
The technical changes causing this are a bit tricky, but mostly related to the recently implemented Chrome extensions system called Manager V3. This transition left old APIs obsolete and disrupted the technology that many ad blocking apps have run on. This is forcing developers to switch to less efficient content blocking methods, which means more ads are being placed on the page, even if you are using multiple ad blocking extensions.
The only exception to this rule will be for corporate Chrome users, which means that only a small subset of users will be able to view in Chrome completely ad-free. Sure, Chrome introduced its own ad blocking feature in 2018, but it’s only limited to ads that violate certain predefined display rules, and nothing more. Users turned to third-party extensions to block the rest.
Despite the complex technical changes, the reason for this change is simple: Google makes most of their money from ads, so lower ad blocker performance in their first manufacturer browser ensures that they make money from more ads. However, Google is not going to state this, but instead associates the changes with performance issues. In any case, Manifest V3 means ad blockers will be much less effective in Chrome.
Then it’s time to find a new browser. Let’s consider several alternatives.
Best browsers with ad blocking
Brave
Brave is by far the smartest ad blocking choice. The browser was built specifically for ad-free operation and has built-in ad blocking capabilities and anti-tracking technology. It also uses secure HTTPS almost everywhere on the Internet. Plus, not loading ads means faster browsing compared to most other options.
Ironically, Brave recently launched a brand new subscription ad service . This is a completely different model than the one you usually find with online ads, and it even pays for users who prefer to view a small number of ads at regular intervals while browsing. Brave hopes the new system will completely change the way online advertising works, but the good news is that web pages in the Brave browser are still completely ad-free, even if you choose to receive periodic ads. If we had to choose between advertising experiences, we would easily pick the current Brave model over the Chrome page ads.
Fire fox
Firefox is likely to be the first browser people looking for an alternative to Chrome think of. And for good reason: Firefox’s default privacy settings per league are better than Chrome’s out of the box, and there are tons of settings you can tweak to fine-tune your browsing experience. Firefox mobile is also one of the most efficient mobile browsers out there.
It’s worth noting in a nutshell that despite having content-blocking features and add-ons, Firefox has recently had its own browser extension issues . However, we still give Firefox our general recommendation – whether as a Chrome alternative or otherwise.
Opera
Opera may not be as popular as Firefox, Brave or Chrome, but it is a solid choice for ad blockers.
Like Brave, Opera blocks ads by default, although it uses an integrated version of Ad Blocker rather than its own server-side technology, so it’s not quite as efficient or fast as Brave, but still effective.
Opera is also notable as one of the few browsers that comes with a free built-in VPN for both desktops and mobile devices, although this does make pages load slower and you have to tinker with some settings to get it turned on by default. in all browser scenarios.
Chrome and edge
The new Chromium-based version of Microsoft Edge is also a possible alternative. It has ad blocking add-ons, although it still relies on most of Google’s infrastructure from Chrome.
Alternatively, if you want to work with chrome without using Google and Microsoft, there is also an open source Chromium browser. Many of the same browser extensions you use in Google Chrome are compatible with both Edge Chromium and open source Chromium, including a number of ad blockers.
What about Tor?
Tor has a reputation for being the most privacy-focused browser, but it doesn’t block ads by default. But while Tor still displays ads, these ads won’t be able to track you, which is a plus. Tor completely anonymizes you and the way you look to online trackers, advertisements, and ISPs so that you cannot be distinguished from other Tor users. The use of any browser extensions, including ad blockers, is discouraged as it may differentiate you from others using Tor, making it easier to track you. It’s not that you can’t block ads in Tor – you can – but that it can undermine Tor’s functionality.
Try them all
It may be worth experimenting with all of these options to find what you like best. In fact, we suggest installing at least two or three browsers at any given time, as some are better at certain tasks than others. However, whichever browser you choose as your primary browser, those looking to reduce the amount of online advertising (and everything associated with it) should avoid promoting Chrome.