The fastest way to block ads depends on what you're using
You can block ads three ways: install an ad blocker extension in your browser, change your browser's built-in settings, or use a DNS-level blocker that works across your whole device. Browser extensions are the easiest for most people because they work immediately and let you control which sites see ads. Built-in browser settings block some ads but not all. DNS blockers are more powerful but require more setup and can break some websites.
The method you choose depends on what device you use, how much control you want, and whether you're willing to install software. Most people start with a browser extension because it takes five minutes and works right away.
Key Takeaways
- Browser extensions like uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and Brave Shield block ads in seconds and let you pause them on specific sites.
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all have built-in ad-blocking features that catch some ads without needing an extension.
- DNS blockers like Pi-hole and NextDNS block ads across all apps on your device but require more technical setup.
- Some ad blockers slow down your browser slightly, while others have almost no impact on speed.
- Websites may ask you to turn off your ad blocker or show a message asking you to allow ads.
Browser extensions: the easiest method for most people
Installing an ad blocker extension takes about two minutes. Go to your browser's extension store, search for the name of the blocker, click "Add" or "Install", and it starts working immediately on every website you visit. You don't need to restart your browser or change any settings.
uBlock Origin is the most popular choice because it blocks the most ads, uses very little memory, and is completely free. It works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Adblock Plus is simpler and blocks most common ads but lets some "acceptable ads" through by default — you can turn this off in settings. Brave Shield comes built into the Brave browser and blocks ads and trackers without installing anything extra.
All three let you pause blocking on a specific website if a site breaks or asks you to turn off your blocker. You click the extension icon in your toolbar, find the site name, and toggle it off. The ads come back only on that one site; everywhere else stays blocked.
Built-in browser settings that block some ads
Every major browser has a setting that blocks some ads without needing an extension. These settings are weaker than extensions — they catch fewer ads — but they require no installation and use less memory.
Chrome has a setting under Settings > Privacy and Security > Ad privacy. Turn on "Ad Topics" to limit which ads you see based on your browsing, though this does not block ads entirely. Firefox has Enhanced Tracking Protection under Settings > Privacy & Security, which blocks some ad trackers but not the ads themselves. Safari has Intelligent Tracking Prevention under Settings > Privacy, which stops some trackers from following you across sites. Edge has Tracking Prevention under Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services.
These settings reduce the number of ads you see and stop companies from tracking you across websites, but they do not block ads the way an extension does. If you want ads blocked completely, you need an extension or a DNS blocker.
DNS blockers: blocking ads across your whole device
A DNS blocker works at the network level, which means it blocks ads in every app on your device — not just your browser. Pi-hole is free and runs on a small computer or Raspberry Pi that you keep at home. NextDNS is a cloud-based service that costs about $20 per year and works on any device without extra hardware.
The trade-off is setup. Pi-hole requires you to change your router's DNS settings and maintain the software. NextDNS is simpler — you change your device's DNS settings to point to NextDNS servers — but costs money. Both can break some websites because they block ads so aggressively that they sometimes block things websites need to work.
DNS blockers are worth considering if you want to block ads across your phone, tablet, and computer at once, or if you want to block ads in apps that do not support browser extensions. For most people, a browser extension is simpler and causes fewer problems.
How ad blockers affect your browser's speed
Most ad blockers slow your browser down slightly because they have to check every element on a page before it loads. The slowdown is usually small — between 5 and 15 percent — and you may not notice it on a fast internet connection. uBlock Origin is one of the fastest because it uses efficient filtering. Adblock Plus is slightly slower because it checks more rules.
If your browser is already slow, an ad blocker might make it more noticeable. You can test this by installing the blocker, using your browser normally for a few days, and uninstalling it if you notice a real difference. Most people find the speed trade-off worth it because pages load faster without ads anyway — ads themselves slow down pages more than the blocker does.
What to do when a website asks you to turn off your blocker
Many websites detect ad blockers and show a message asking you to turn off your blocker or subscribe to remove ads. You have three choices: turn off the blocker for that site, leave the blocker on and close the message, or find a different website.
To turn off your blocker for one site, click the extension icon in your toolbar and toggle off blocking for that domain. The ads come back only on that site. To close the message without turning off your blocker, look for a close button (usually an X) or reload the page — some messages disappear on reload. If the site refuses to let you use it with a blocker on, you can either subscribe to their ad-free version or use a different source for the same information.
Some ad blockers, like uBlock Origin, have a "hard mode" that makes it harder for websites to detect them, but this can break some sites. Most people leave it off and just turn off blocking on sites they want to support.
Blocking ads on mobile phones and tablets
Mobile ad blocking works differently depending on your device. On iPhone and iPad, Safari supports content blockers through extensions. Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Extensions, search for an ad blocker like 1Blocker or Adblock Plus, and turn it on. These work only in Safari, not in other apps.
On Android, Chrome does not support extensions, so you need to use a different browser. Firefox for Android supports extensions like uBlock Origin. Brave for Android has built-in ad blocking. You can also use a DNS blocker like NextDNS, which blocks ads across all apps on your phone.
Mobile ad blocking is less complete than desktop blocking because apps do not support extensions. If you want to block ads everywhere on your phone, a DNS blocker is your best option, though it requires changing your device's DNS settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use an ad blocker?
Yes. Ad blockers are legal in every country. Websites can ask you to turn off your blocker, and they can refuse to let you use their site with a blocker on, but they cannot punish you for using one. Some websites depend on ad revenue, so blocking ads hurts their business — that is why they ask you to turn it off.
Will an ad blocker break websites?
Rarely. Most ad blockers are designed to block only ads and trackers, not the code websites need to work. Some websites use ads for important functions, so blocking them can break the site. If a site does not work with your blocker on, turn off the blocker for that site or try a different blocker — different blockers use different rules.
Can websites tell I am using an ad blocker?
Yes. Websites can detect ad blockers by checking whether ads loaded. That is why some sites show a message asking you to turn off your blocker. You can hide the fact that you are using a blocker with certain settings, but this can break websites.
Do I need to pay for an ad blocker?
No. The most popular ad blockers — uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and Brave — are completely free. Some blockers offer paid versions with extra features, but the free versions block ads just as well. DNS blockers like Pi-hole are free but require hardware; NextDNS is free for limited use and costs money for full features.
What is the difference between an ad blocker and a tracker blocker?
An ad blocker stops ads from showing. A tracker blocker stops companies from following you across websites. Most modern ad blockers do both. uBlock Origin blocks ads and trackers. Browser settings like Firefox's Enhanced Tracking Protection block trackers but not ads.