An ad blocker is a tool designed to block ads from being displayed on various websites, apps, and even online platforms. By blocking unwanted ads, these tools enhance the browsing experience, save data, and protect privacy.
How do Ad blockers work?
Ad blockers work by identifying and blocking elements in a webpage or app that display ads. Here's how they function:
-
Filter lists: Ad blockers rely on known ad-serving domains, which they retrieve from established lists. The ad blocker prevents the request when a website attempts to load content from one of these domains.
-
Script blocking: They block ad-related JavaScript and other scripts from loading on webpages.
-
Pop-up prevention: Ad blockers also disable scripts that activate pop-ups and auto-play videos.
-
Customizable rules: Users can set their own rules for blocking or allowing certain types of ads or specific domains.
Advantages of using Ad blockers
-
Ad-tracking protection: Most ads also come bundled with tracking scripts. A VPN encrypts your traffic, and an ad blocker stops trackers, providing a double layer of privacy.
-
Ad-free streaming: Ad blockers can remove ads from streaming sites and apps, enhancing the viewing experience.
-
Integrated security: Ad blockers reduce the risk of phishing attempts, ransomware, and other cybersecurity threats by filtering out harmful ads.
Drawbacks of Ad blockers
-
Blocking legitimate content: Many sites are funded by ad revenues and may not allow access if an ad blocker is detected.
-
Limited customization: Default filter lists might block desirable content or fail to block certain ads.
VPN services with built-in ad blockers
- NordVPN (Strong privacy protection with military-grade encryption. It offers a large server network, allowing for fast and reliable connections, and is superb at unblocking streaming services. It has a few unique features such as strong security, fast speeds, and global coverage.).
- ExpressVPN (one of the most popular VPN services is ExpressVPN which has servers in over 100 countries globally. Quick, secure, trustworthy, anonymous.).
- Proton VPN (Proton VPN is a well-known VPN service with 10 million+ users and is located in Switzerland. The tariff offering is not inexpensive either, but you receive stable and super-fast speed and every protection and innovative data solutions in return.).