When it comes to app selection, macOS has a lot of exclusives compared to Windows. And it’s by design. There are fewer hardware options on Mac, which makes it easier to develop for the platform. This is why there are a lot of good Mac-only ad blockers. At the same time, some of the best cross-platform ad blockers are also available on macOS.
The point being, there are a lot of options to choose from on macOS. We have tested dozens of them and came up with the top five.
A Quick Comparison Between The Top 5 Best Ad Blockers for Windows
| Ad Blocker | Adblock Tester Score | Starting Price | Where it Works | Why it’s the best? |
| AdGuard | 100 | $39.99/year | Everywhere | Blocks everything |
| NordVPN Threat Protection Pro | 91 | $71.88/year or $12.99/month | Everywhere | Streaming ads and privacy |
| Surfshark CleanWeb | 98 | $47.85/year + 3 months | Everywhere | Best VPN ad blocker bundle |
| Wipr2 | 100 | $4.99/lifetime | Safari, iOS, iPadOS & macOS | Most minimal |
| 1Blocker | 100 | $14.99/year or $2.99/month | Safari, iOS, iPadOS & macOS | Integrates with Apple ecosystem |
AdGuard – System-Wide Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $39.99/year or $99.99 for a Lifetime License (Promo Code: ADBLOCKTESTER30 for 30% discount)
AdGuard is a powerful ad blocker that goes beyond Safari. While many Mac ad blockers are just browser extensions, AdGuard removes ads, trackers and malicious content system wide.
Blocks Ads Everywhere
AdGuard removes banner ads, pop-ups, autoplay videos and in-app ads on all major browsers – Safari, Chrome and Firefox. Unlike Safari content blockers that only work in the browser, AdGuard extends its ad-blocking to apps, games and even streaming platforms. Since it filters ads before they load, browsing is noticeably faster with pages opening without all the clutter.
Network Wide Ad Blocking with DNS Filtering
AdGuard’s DNS filtering blocks ads before they even reach the device. This means ads and tracking requests are cut off at the network level, so the whole system is ad free. It works without browser extensions or extra config, so it’s a true system wide ad blocker. Users can customize DNS settings, choose from different privacy focused DNS servers to block trackers, enable family friendly browsing or even extend ad blocking to all devices on the same network.
Blocks Trackers and Fingerprinting
AdGuard enhances privacy by blocking tracking scripts, fingerprinting techniques and social media trackers that collect browsing data. Advertisers and websites use hidden analytics scripts to monitor online behavior, but AdGuard cuts off these tracking methods so browsing remains private and anonymous.
Phishing and Malware Protection
AdGuard also protects from malicious websites, phishing scams and dangerous downloads. If a website is flagged as a phishing site or malware host, AdGuard blocks it before it loads so you can’t get scammed or infected. It’s not a full antivirus replacement but a first line of defense against online threats so you avoid fraudulent sites and malicious content.
Customisable Filtering for Advanced Users
AdGuard has filtering options for advanced users. Users can create custom blocking rules, whitelist specific websites and even manually block page elements that slip through default filters.
The Extra Touch
The Stealth Mode feature has extra privacy controls like blocking 3rd party cookies, clearing browsing history automatically and preventing websites from detecting an ad blocker.
Easy Installation and User Friendly Interface
AdGuard is easy to install, whether you download it from the Mac App Store or AdGuard’s website. Once installed it runs in the background without slowing down the system and has automatic filtering with minimal user input. The interface is simple and easy to use.
Who is AdGuard For?
AdGuard is an all-in-one ad blocker and privacy solution. It’s ideal for:
- Mac users who want system wide ad blocking beyond just Safari.
- Privacy focused users who want to block trackers, fingerprinting and analytics scripts.
- Those who need an ad blocker that works on apps, browsers and streaming platforms.
- Advanced users who want DNS level filtering and custom ad blocking rules.
NordVPN Threat Protection Pro – A Complete Security Suite
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 91/100
💵 Starting Price: $71.88/year or $13.99/month
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro is an advanced security suite. Most Mac ad blockers only block ads in browsers, Threat Protection Pro goes further by adding malware scanning, phishing protection and real-time threat detection.
Removes Ads and Stops Trackers
Threat Protection Pro removes banner ads, autoplay videos and pop-ups across browsers and apps. It also blocks trackers that follow you across the web. By filtering network requests before they load, it prevents advertisers from collecting data or tracking your habits, keeping your Mac private and secure online.
Works System-Wide Without a VPN Connection
Most VPN based ad blockers require an active VPN connection to work. That’s not the case with Threat Protection Pro. Once enabled it blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites across macOS, whether the VPN is on or off. So you can browse ad-free, download securely and get anti-phishing protection anytime, without having to route your traffic through a VPN server.
Real-Time Malware and Phishing Protection
Beyond ad-blocking, Threat Protection Pro defends against phishing attempts and malware. If a website is flagged as dangerous, NordVPN blocks it before it loads, preventing scams and cyber threats. It also scans downloads in real-time, checking files for malware before they can harm your Mac.
Scans Installed Apps for Security Risks
One unique feature is vulnerability detection, which scans installed applications for security flaws. If an app is outdated or has known vulnerabilities, Threat Protection Pro will alert you, helping to prevent potential exploits or system compromises.
Easy Setup
Setting up Threat Protection Pro is easy, but there’s a catch. The App Store version of NordVPN only includes basic Threat Protection which requires an active VPN connection. To get Threat Protection Pro which works independently, you need to download the NordVPN app from their website. Once you’ve enabled Threat Protection Pro from the settings, it will run silently in the background. It won’t slow down your Mac.
Who Is Threat Protection Pro For?
Threat Protection is not an antivirus protection, but it handles a lot of the internet security stuff that comes with most antivirus suites. It’s perfect for:
- Mac users who want security and ad-blocking in one package.
- Users who need system-wide ad-blocking that works even without a VPN connection.
- People looking for protection against phishing, malware and tracking.
Surfshark CleanWeb – Ad Blocker + VPN Bundle
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 98/100
💵 Starting Price: $47.85/year + 3 months
Surfshark is known for its VPN, but CleanWeb adds ad-blocking, tracker blocking and phishing protection on top of it. It’s fast, lightweight and effective across multiple apps and browsers, so it’s a great all-in-one privacy tool for Mac users.
Independent Ad Blocking Without VPN
One of the biggest upgrades to CleanWeb is CleanWeb 2.0. Unlike CleanWeb, which requires the VPN to be enabled, CleanWeb 2.0 can run independently on the Surfshark browser extension on Chrome, Firefox and Edge. So you can block ads without connecting to a VPN server. With CleanWeb 2.0 you get:
- Ad blocking without the VPN enabled.
- Tracker and analytics blocking across multiple browsers.
- Cookie pop-up suppression for less annoying browsing.
- Malware alerts that warn you about compromised websites.
Blocks Ads Across Browsers and Apps
CleanWeb removes ads system-wide, so fewer pop-ups, autoplay videos and banners inside browsers and apps. Since it filters ads before they load, webpages open faster and consume less data, making it overall faster. It works seamlessly in Safari, Chrome and other major browsers.
Stops Trackers and Protects Privacy
CleanWeb does more than just block ads. It stops advertisers from tracking you, so companies like Google and Facebook can’t follow you across different websites. By removing hidden trackers, fingerprinting scripts and social media widgets, it keeps browsing private and secure.
Phishing and Malware Protection
Surfshark CleanWeb blocks access to known phishing and malware sites, warns you before you enter dangerous pages. It’s not a full antivirus replacement, but it adds an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of fraud, scams and malicious downloads.
Easy Setup
Setup of CleanWeb depends on how you install Surfshark. The App Store version of Surfshark only includes the VPN, without full CleanWeb 2.0 functionality. To get CleanWeb 2.0 you need to download the Surfshark browser extension for your browser of choice. Once installed and enabled, CleanWeb works silently in the background, blocking ads and trackers automatically.
Who Is Surfshark CleanWeb For?
CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2.0 are great additions to Surfshark VPN. It’s best for:
- Mac users who want both a VPN and an ad blocker in one app.
- Ad blocking that goes beyond browsers.
- Privacy conscious users.
- Non-VPN ad blocking in browsers.
Wipr 2 – The Minimalist Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $4.99/lifetime
Wipr 2 is one of the lightest and simplest ad blockers for macOS. No extra features, no complicated settings, no universal pause button. It’s designed to work in the background and get out of the way, blocking ads and trackers without any user intervention.
Blocks Ads, Trackers and Annoyances in Safari
Wipr 2 removes pop-ups, banners, autoplay videos and floating ads in Safari. It blocks tracking scripts, fingerprinting attempts and cookie pop-ups to keep your data private. Works great on most websites, except for ads inside email platforms like Yahoo Mail. Unlike browser extensions that update blocklists manually, Wipr 2 updates its filters in the background so it stays up to date with the latest ad-blocking rules.
YouTube Ad Blocking That Works
Wipr 2 blocks YouTube ads in Safari, including pre-roll ads, mid-roll interruptions and banner ads. It sometimes allows a split second of an ad to load before removing it, but that’s to avoid detection by YouTube’s anti-ad-blocking measures.
Avoids Detection on Websites That Block Ad Blockers
Some websites detect ad blockers and force you to disable them before allowing access. Wipr 2 is one of the few ad blockers that avoids detection, so it will work on sites that block ad-block users. For users who visit websites that restrict access unless ads are enabled, Wipr 2 provides a way around those restrictions while still blocking unwanted content.
Minimal Setup, No Easy Pause Button
Setting up Wipr 2 is straightforward but not as easy as other ad blockers. After you download it from the Mac App Store, you need to manually enable its blocklists in Safari settings. No simple toggle button to pause ad-blocking. If you want to disable Wipr 2 temporarily, you need to go into Safari’s settings and turn off each blocklist individually. Not convenient for those who need to whitelist websites frequently.
One-time Purchase, No Subscriptions
Wipr 2 is a one-time purchase for $4.99, one of the cheapest ad blockers for macOS. Unlike many others that require yearly subscriptions, Wipr 2 gives you lifetime ad-blocking for one payment. No free trial, refunds are subject to Apple’s App Store policies but for those looking for a cheap and good Safari ad blocker, it’s a great deal.
Who’s Wipr 2 For?
Wipr 2 is a lightweight, effective and minimalist ad blocker. So it’s perfect for:
- Mac users who want a simple, no-setup ad blocker that just works.
- Safari users who want an ad blocker that doesn’t slow down browsing.
- Privacy conscious users who want to block trackers and fingerprinting scripts.
- People who don’t need customization and just want ads removed automatically.
1Blocker – Optimized for Safari
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $14.99/year or $2.99/month
1Blocker is made for Apple users, so if you’re a Mac user who uses Safari, it’s one of the best ad blockers for you. Unlike generic ad blockers that feel like they’re bolted onto macOS, 1Blocker is designed to work natively across iPhone, iPad and Mac, so you get a seamless experience across Apple’s ecosystem. It doesn’t do system wide ad blocking, but goes way beyond basic ad removal with custom rules, tracker protection and even parental controls.
Blocks Ads Without Slowing Down Safari
Since 1Blocker is integrated with Safari’s content blocker API, ads never load in the first place so browsing is fast and clean. It removes banners, pop-ups, autoplay videos and trackers without affecting performance. It doesn’t run in the background so zero battery drain and no system slowdowns.
Custom Rules and Advanced Filtering
1Blocker gives you more control than most Safari based ad blockers. It allows custom filtering rules so you can whitelist or block specific sites, hide page elements and even enforce HTTPS for extra security. It has regional filters so you can block location specific ads or enable custom content blocking for different sites.
Tracker Protection and In-App Firewall
It blocks trackers and fingerprinting scripts so advertisers can’t monitor your browsing habits. One of its standout features is the in-app firewall that prevents social media and other apps from collecting your data in the background.
YouTube Ad Blocking in Safari
1Blocker removes YouTube ads, including pre-roll, mid-roll and banner ads, but only in Safari. It doesn’t work in the YouTube app but for those who prefer to watch YouTube in a browser, it’s one of the few ways to get an ad free experience without YouTube Premium.
Easy Setup and Sync Across Apple Devices
After downloading 1Blocker from the Mac App Store, you need to enable its filters in Safari’s settings. Once enabled the settings sync across iPhone, iPad and Mac so you don’t have to configure it separately for each device. There’s no pause button so if you want to disable ad blocking for certain sites, you’ll have to manually adjust the settings in Safari’s preferences.
Who Is 1Blocker For?
1Blocker is efficient, lightweight and customisable. Best for:
- Mac users who want a native ad blocker optimized for Safari.
- Privacy-conscious users who want to block trackers and fingerprinting scripts.
- People who want custom ad-blocking rules and site-specific filtering.
- Users who prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription model.
Pricing Comparison – Which One Offers the Best Value?
MacOS users have a choice of premium and one-time purchase ad blockers. Some ad blockers protect the whole system while others only protect Safari. The right choice depends on budget, features and if you need ad-blocking beyond your browser. Here’s how the top macOS ad blockers compare in price, device coverage and long-term value.
AdGuard is the only ad blocker on this list with a lifetime license so it’s the best choice for users who don’t want to pay yearly fees. For a one-time payment of $99.99 you get system-wide ad-blocking on macOS and up to 3 devices including iPhone and iPad. The yearly plan is $39.99. If you plan to use an ad blocker long-term, AdGuard’s lifetime license is the best value.
NordVPN bundles ad-blocking with security features like malware scanning and phishing protection. It allows up to 6 devices, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even Windows and Android devices under one plan. At $71.88 per year it’s one of the most expensive options. But if you already need a VPN this is a great all-in-one deal.
Surfshark bundles CleanWeb with its VPN, ad-blocking, tracker prevention and phishing protection. Unlike other services that limit device connections Surfshark allows unlimited devices, Mac, iPhone, iPad and more under one plan. For users who need both a VPN and an ad blocker Surfshark is one of the best value options.
Wipr 2 is the most affordable ad blocker for macOS. For a one-time payment of $4.99 you get ad and tracker blocking inside Safari. Unlike subscription based ad blockers there’s no renewal fee so it’s a great budget option. But Wipr 2 only works in Safari and doesn’t offer system-wide ad-blocking so it’s less valuable for users who want ad blocking across apps and browsers.
1Blocker offers a one-time purchase option for $38.99 so it’s a great alternative to yearly subscriptions. Unlike Wipr 2 it gives you more control, you can create custom rules, whitelist sites and block specific elements on webpages. It syncs across Mac, iPhone and iPad so you get the same ad-blocking experience across Apple devices. If you only use Apple products and prefer a Safari-focused ad blocker 1Blocker is a great value choice.
Which One Offers the Best Value?
Wipr 2 is the cheapest, and it’s non-recurring. However, it’s not system-wide. For a system-wide ad blocking solution, AdGuard’s lifetime licence is worth considering, even though it can be a bit pricey. And between the VPN option, NordVPN Threat Protection Pro works really well on macOS. And even though the yearly plan is a bit pricey, it makes sense as it’s mainly a VPN.
Wrapping Up
Ad blockers really help make your web browsing experience significantly better on Mac. However, beyond that, they also come with additional tools to help you with privacy, and keep your device secure. The 5 ad blockers from our list cater to different users. All of them perform well on Adblock Tester, which means you can opt for any one of them and get excellent results when it comes to ad blocking.
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