The ad blocking space is a prime example of one in which there is a big difference in performance between the many ad blockers available. With such a vast expanse of options available, it could take a great deal of time to arduously sift through – so CBR has done it for you.
We have narrowed it down to these seven options – they span the majority of platforms and while some are extensions for browsers, others can be used across the board. Price is also a factor taken into account; some options are free and provide only a limited service, with the option to upgrade to a premium package for an all round solution.
AdBlock – Free
This service is considered one of the best and most well-known options out there, and it is able to run alongside Chrome, Safari and Opera.
This option functions using a series of filter lists to block ad content automatically from known ad servers and providers. With this ad blocker, the user has the option to either put the default block lists into action, or subscribe to others. There is also an option to create your own list so as to personalise a specific list of sources to block.
On the flipside, there is also a whitelist option that allows you to add your favourite websites, as opposed to choosing ones to repel. AdBlock has gained a global following and recognition as it is among the frontrunners as one of the most downloaded solutions for Chrome and Safari.
What free solution is there for iOS platforms? Find out on the next page
1Blocker (iOS) – Free
Aimed specifically at iOS platforms, 1Blocker taps into the content blocking features of iOS 9. This option also comes preloaded, and like AdBlock, gives iOS users the ability to personalise their ad blocking line-up.
The user is also armed with the ability to target and get rid of ads on sight with a simple 
one click option. Equally users are also provided with the ability to form a whitelist of pages, so as to make sure that the ad blocking features do not impact the experience of viewing the chosen website.
1Blocker is free to download, which is a prominent benefit to a potential user of this solution as it used to come at a cost. The free option does however limit the user to only blocking one kind of content, such as ads or social widgets. The premium upgrade will give the user unlimited ad blocking power.
Next up is a solution making sure you won’t be haunted by ads
Ghostery – Free
Ghostery is an extremely solid option, with some reviews even stating that this solution will repel more trackers than any other method available. Ghostery comes already armed to the teeth with over 2,000 trackers already logged in its database.
Ghostery is available across a variety of platforms, including Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, iOS, and Android. The user is also given the ability to personalise the experience with the option to choose which sources to block.
This option allows the user to make informed decisions, as trackers are already profiled and waiting to be presented. Following the slogan that accompanies the product, Ghostery ticks three boxes by contributing to a safer browsing experience, while also improving efficiency.
Next up is a browser extension which blocks ads and boosts security
uBlock Origin – Free
This solution is a browser extension that also contributes to greater security as well as efficiency. uBlock Origin blocks third party advertisements and trackers, but it also repels malware sites that pose a real risk to web use.
This is an extension for FireFox that has gained a solid reputation; this solution also 
equips the user with the ability to select specific sites to block, granting a level of freedom that makes the user formidable in achieving what they want from the service.
The process of targeting and blocking an ad with uBlock Origin is extremely straight forward, with the tool assigned for blocking specific ads located at the top right of the screen. This format means the action can be carried out almost autonomously as it is so accessible.
Statistics are also provided to the user that keep tabs on how many requests have been blocked per site and also in total since the software was first put into action by the user.
You don’t have to be brave to install the software on the next page
Brave – Free
This is undoubtedly a stand out example of a piece of ad-blocking software, and was only recently brought out of the beta testing phase of its lifespan. Brave offers a different approach to the other solutions in our list.
This option works by blocking ads with the goal of protecting privacy, but instead it goes beyond removing them, as it swaps them for new ads. This means that publishers, 
network partners, users and the company itself will benefit from a revenue split.
The service promotes giving the opportunity to users to help fund content creators, but the safety elements that are built into Brave are also a very convincing and encouraging set of components. This factor also enters into the payment side of this software, as users are able to use the ad-free service, but are encouraged to support publishers.
Brave claim to enhance speed greatly, and say that up to 60% of page load time is caused by the underlying ad technology that drags the performance of your device down. In addition to this, Brave also say that 20% of the time is spent loading things that are just trying to learn about you.
A comprehensive package for Chrome and Firefox is up next
Adguar – Free
Adguard is available in separate versions for Chrome and Firefox. The software is well reviewed as having an edge on much of the competition simply for being so easy to use. There is also an option to get extra blocking scripts that can also be added to the process with ease.
The main component of Adguard is the shareware desktop application, this is specifically designed for blocking ads across multiple browsers, and the bonus here is that browser add-ons are not necessary. If you want to test out these services, there are beta versions available for download.
This option has been placed in some reviews as being able to confidently stand among the top three options globally. The program is not limited to moving banners, it is a universal program that comes prepacked with all of the features to make handling the internet safe and simple.
Sometimes simple is best – like the ad blocker on the next page
Simply Block Ads! – Free
Simplicity has already been mentioned a couple of times in this list, but this solution has that ground well and truly covered. It’s even in the name.
This option is able to block YouTube pre-video ads, in-site ads, pop-ups, background ads, text-ads and whole-site ads. The simplicity side of things is complimented well by the fact that it also does not take up a great deal of space, and will not affect performance.
For these reasons the software has secured around 1 million users. Another factor that may have contributed to this strong following is that it is free. Despite this, customisation options leave a little to be desired, as the choice is not available compared to some of the other solutions that have made it into our list.
