Finding the right ad-blocker for your Mac will make your online life more enjoyable, more private, and much safer. Ads aren’t just annoying – they’re also a security risk and slow down every browser, app, and device that runs them.
But with so many to choose from, how do you pick the best ad-blocker for you? They all make the same promises, and their names all sound the same. And until you use one, it’s difficult to know if it actually works.
To save you a lot of time and frustration, we’ve tested the best and worst ad-blockers available for Mac computers. We’ve whittled the list down to five providers that do more than just hide ads. Each one offers a suite of privacy tools that will transform your online experience.
Read on to find out why we picked them and which one is best for you.
What’s the best ad-blocker for Mac: Our top 5 picks
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Why are these the best ad-blockers for Mac in 2023?
Every ad-blocker we recommend for your Mac has passed rigorous tests and met strict criteria. Here’s a sample of what we looked for in each:
Compatible with every popular Mac internet browser (Including Safari, Chrome, and Firefox) Blocks every kind of ad – banners, pop-ups, pre-roll video ads, and more Blocks intrusive tracking scripts and programs Low-cost premium subscriptions Plenty of customization Doesn’t use up too much CPU
Best ad-blockers for Mac: In-depth analysis
Let’s look at each ad-blocker and see why it made this list – beating countless competitors in the process.
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How to install an ad-blocker on Mac
Standalone ad-blocker apps
You can download plenty of excellent Mac ad-blockers as standalone apps. Just follow these simple steps:
Download the ad-blocker app from the App Store. We recommend Total Adblock. Open the app and configure it for your device. Restart your browser and any apps that are running. Done! Say goodbye to annoying ads.
Ad-blocker browser extensions
Every popular Mac browser allows you to install extensions – including Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. To use an ad-blocker as a browser extension:
Visit your browser’s extension marketplace and find the ad-blocker (or use a search engine). Install the ad-blocker extension on your browser. We recommend Total Adblock or AdLock. Close and restart your browser to ensure the ad-blocker runs correctly. Hey, presto – no more ads!
Adblocker VPNs
The best Mac VPNs include built-in ad-blockers as part of their security package. Follow these steps to install one on your Mac:
Sign up to a VPN with an adblocker included. We recommend NordVPN. Install the VPN on your Mac. Open the app and turn the ad-blocker on. Connect the VPN’s secure servers for an added layer of security. Restart your browser and any apps you had running. Finished!
A VPN-ad-blocker combination won’t just spare you from annoying and malicious ads. You’ll also benefit from state-of-the-art encryption, airtight security protocols, a new IP address that hides your actual location, and much more.
Ad-blocker antiviruses
Many top Mac antivirus tools include ad-blockers in their cybersecurity package. So, aside from enjoying an ad-free internet, you’ll also be kept safe from malware, phishing, identity theft, and many other serious online threats.
To get an antivirus-ad-blocker combination, do the following:
Sign up to a Mac antivirus that includes an ad-blocker. We recommend Intego. Install the antivirus on your Mac computer. Turn on the ad-blocker and other settings. Restart your device, browser, and any apps running with ads. That’s it!
Ad-blockers for Mac FAQs
Does Apple allow ad-blockers on its devices?
Yes, Apple has allowed ad-blockers on its devices and the App Store since 2015. You can access ad-blockers for your Apple devices as browser extensions for Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc., and download them from the App Store.
If you’re using an iOS device, we suggest downloading a standalone ad-blocker app from the App Store, like Total Adblock. This means ads will be blocked on your browser and any apps that usually host them (like YouTube and TikTok).
If you’re using a MacBook, you can install an ad-blocker as a browser extension. Once again, we recommend Total Adblock or Adlock.
Does AdGuard sell your data?
No, AdGuard does not sell your data.
According to its privacy policy, Adguard does not sell or share user data with third-party advertisers, data brokers, or any other third-party companies. It also does not collect any personal data that could be used to identify individual users, such as your name, phone number, or address.
AdGuard does collect some “non-personal data” to improve its ad blocking software and to provide support. This data includes information about your device and browser and some usage data (number of ads blocked, filters used, etc.). However, this data is collected anonymously and not tied to personally identifiable information.
Why does Safari not block ads?
Like most web browsers, Safari allows ads because they are a significant source of revenue for many websites and content creators that display or host them. Without ads, many websites wouldn’t generate enough revenue to operate.
Safari has limited built-in ad blocking tools you can configure to reduce the number of ads you see. Unfortunately, these are focused mostly on spam and malicious ads, and many websites and ad platforms have built tools to bypass them.
If you want a completely ad-free experience, you need to install an ad-blocker for Safari that stops 100% of ads running on the browser. We recommend Total Adblock – it blocks every kind of ad, tracking programs that collect your data, malware, and much more.
How to choose the right ad-blocker for your Mac
You’re probably reading this guide because you’re tired of banner and video ads clogging up every website you visit. But the best ad-blockers for Mac do much more than just remove these annoyances.
Here’s what to look for when choosing one:
Works with Mac browsers: We’ve only selected ad-blockers that work with Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and other lesser-known Mac browsers. Blocks every type of ad: The top ad-blockers work against banner ads, pop-ups, pre-roll video ads, and much more. Stops tracking and analytics: The ad-blockers on this list stop websites and social media apps from harvesting and selling your browser data to advertisers. Good value: We’ve only picked ad-blockers with free plans or trials, simple subscriptions, and generous money-back guarantees. Customization: You’ll have complete control over what kind of ads you see, on which websites, and much more. Extra security tools: As well as blocking ads and trackers, these apps and browser extensions protect you from spam, malware, phishing, and other threats. Lightweight: Every ad-blocker we’ve listed works without impacting your Mac’s battery, CPU, browser speed, and page load times. In fact, they might speed everything up!
Conclusion
Picking the right ad-blocker for your Mac is essential for sparing yourself from annoying (and potentially dangerous) ads – while also making the internet a nicer experience.
We’ve chosen the five best, based on strict criteria: they’re easy to use, highly customizable, cheap (or even free!), and – of course – block every annoying ad and pop-up. They’ll also boost your privacy by blocking intrusive tracking and keep you safer online by monitoring and blocking malware and other viruses.
Thanks to generous free plans, trials, and money-back guarantees, you can try them out risk-free, and decide which is right for you.