AdBlock was one of the first ad blockers to enter the scene. While initially a Chrome-only tool, it now supports all major browsers. It is also one of the most used ad blockers in recent times.
But is it still one of the most reliable ad-blocking tools? It has undergone many changes over the years. In 2021, AdBlock was acquired by Eyeo, the same company that owns Adblock Plus. This brought two of the biggest ad-blocking tools under the same roof. It was also when AdBlock started participating in Eyeo’s controversial “acceptable ads” program.
So, will AdBlock perform just as it used to in 2025? This review will evaluate that and much more.
Quick Overview
| 🌟 Feature | ✨ Details |
|---|---|
| ⭐ Rating | 10/10 |
| 💵 Price | $4/month |
| 🆓 Free Version | Yes |
| ▶️ YouTube Ads | Yes, completely |
| ⛔ Blocks Trackers | Yes, but not all invisible trackers |
| 💻Compatibility | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, iOS |
Overall Score
During our testing, AdBlock scored 100 out of 100 on our in-house ad-blocking test. That’s the highest score possible, right up there with the best dedicated ad blockers. We don’t give out perfect scores often, but AdBlock earned it this time.
Performance Results on Adblock Tester
But a perfect score doesn’t mean ideal privacy or all-around performance. So we dug deeper.
Testing Parameters
To see how AdBlock fares against the modern web’s mess of ads, trackers, and background scripts, we tested it across various categories, focusing on real-world annoyances and invisible threats. Here’s what we looked at:
Contextual Advertising: These ads magically appear based on your recent searches or conversations. We tested whether AdBlock could stop those super-targeted ad injections from loading on news sites and video platforms.
Analytics Tools: Services like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, and Hotjar don’t serve ads, but they track everything you do. We checked if AdBlock could block those from loading, which not only improves privacy but can even speed up page loads.
Banner Ads: From static image ads to animated GIFs and autoplay banners, we tested a variety of banner formats against AdBlock to see how consistently it could remove them.
Error Monitoring Services: Tools like Sentry and Bugsnag track behind-the-scenes issues but also collect user data. While blocking these isn’t core ad-blocking territory, we tested them anyway to see how AdBlock approaches passive data collection.
Key Result Highlights
- AdBlock scored 100 out of 100 on our test.
- It passed all checks, including contextual ads, analytics tools, and banner ads.
- It even blocked most background scripts related to error monitoring, though results were mixed across sites.
In short, AdBlock knocked it out of the park when it comes to blocking ads and most user-facing trackers. While it does struggle in advanced fingerprinting and anti-adblock detection tests (which we’ll cover later), if your main concern is getting rid of visible ads, this is as good as it gets.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔️ Blocks all YouTube ads, including Shorts and in-feed.
✔️ Easy to install and use across all major browsers.
✔️ Includes cryptomining and malware filters.
✔️ Strong manual controls and custom filters.
✔️ The premium plan is cheap at just $4/month.
Cons
❌ Acceptable Ads are on by default.
❌No system-wide app for Windows, macOS, or Android.
❌The settings menu feels cluttered and repetitive.
Compatibility and Platform Availability
| Platform | Availability |
| Chromium Browsers | ✅ Supported |
| Firefox | ✅ Supported |
| Safari | ✅ Supported |
| Windows App | ❌ Not Available |
| macOS App | ❌ Not Available |
| Android | ❌ Not Available |
| iOS | ✅ Supported via App Store |
AdBlock kicked off as a Chrome-only extension back in 2009, but wow, has it evolved! Nowadays, it’s compatible with all the major browsers and even has an app for iOS. However, it’s still primarily a browser tool. There’s no app that works system-wide for Windows, macOS, or Android.
If you’re after ad blocking for your entire device, this isn’t the solution. But for managing ads at the browser level, AdBlock really hits the mark.
Core Features of AdBlock
At first glance, AdBlock might seem pretty straightforward, but there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. It’s not here to replace your antivirus or VPN; instead, it’s all about cutting out the distractions, pop-ups, and trackers that clutter your browsing experience.
So, how does AdBlock work its magic?
Ad Blocking
This is where AdBlock truly shines. It effectively blocks banner ads, video ads, pop-ups, floating overlays, and those pesky social media widgets. It even takes care of those sneaky sponsored posts that sneak into your feed and those annoying autoplay video ads. And yes, it handles every type of YouTube ad we could throw at it, including those Shorts ads.
Tracker Blocking
AdBlock does a solid job of blocking third-party trackers that come bundled with ads and embedded scripts. While it’s pretty effective, it’s not foolproof. Some of the more advanced tracking methods and fingerprinting can still slip through, as highlighted in privacy audits like Cover Your Tracks.
Element Hiding
This feature takes AdBlock beyond just a basic blocker. You can right-click to manually hide any annoying element on a webpage. These adjustments are saved, allowing you to manage them later. It’s a great way to customize your browsing experience.
Malware & Cryptomining Protection
AdBlock comes equipped with filters designed to block harmful ads and prevent cryptojacking scripts that secretly use your CPU to mine cryptocurrency. While it’s not a full-fledged antivirus solution, it definitely adds an extra layer of security.
Distraction Control (Premium)
If you opt for the premium plan, you gain access to filters that block cookie pop-ups, survey requests, notification prompts, and newsletter sign-up nudges. It’s like having a “do not disturb” mode for your online activities.
Usability and Installation
AdBlock is a breeze to install and offers a surprising amount of flexibility when it comes to customization, but it does have its quirks. If you’re hoping for a one-click solution that delivers a perfectly ad-free web experience right off the bat, you might need to tweak a few settings first. However, once you navigate through the initial setup, AdBlock generally performs well with minimal fuss.
Installation and Setup
Getting started with AdBlock is pretty straightforward. No matter if you’re on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari, the installation process only takes a few seconds from the respective extension store. Alternatively, you can visit the official AdBlock website, which cleverly redirects you to the right download link for your browser. For iOS users, there’s a standalone app that walks you through the steps to enable content blocking in Safari. Android users don’t have a dedicated app, but you can still use AdBlock through compatible browsers like Firefox for Android that support extensions.
While the installation is quick, there’s a small but significant catch: AdBlock comes with the “Acceptable Ads” feature enabled by default. This setting allows certain ads that are considered “non-intrusive” to slip through the blocklist. It’s a bit of a controversial choice, similar to what Adblock Plus does, and it can be frustrating for those who were expecting a completely ad-free experience from the start. To make matters worse, turning off this feature isn’t as simple as it should be. You’ll have to disable two separate settings to achieve a truly ad-free browsing experience. One in the main options and another hidden away in the filter list menu,
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, AdBlock really shines. Once you’ve got it installed and set up, it pretty much takes care of itself. The extension quietly hangs out in your toolbar, automatically blocking ads as you surf the web. If you click on the icon, a handy menu pops up, allowing you to pause ad blocking for certain sites, access premium features like distraction control, or explore more advanced settings.
That said, the design could use a little polish. The settings panel feels a bit cluttered and can be confusing at times, with the same options popping up in different spots. You’ll even see premium settings in the free version, which adds to the visual chaos. While everything works as it should, a little streamlining would go a long way. You won’t get lost, but you might find yourself hesitating over which section to choose when you want to make changes.
Customization
Now, let’s talk customization. This is where AdBlock really stands out from many other browser extensions. If you’re someone who likes to tweak their ad-blocking experience, you’re in for a treat. You can manually block any element on a webpage, be it a pesky chat bubble or an annoying newsletter popup, just by right-clicking and selecting the option to hide it. These manual adjustments are saved and can be managed or removed later in the settings.
On top of that, AdBlock lets you create custom filter rules using ad URLs or CSS, import your own filter lists, and switch between allowlists and blocklists based on the sites you trust. It even supports open-source community filters, which helps keep your blocking rules up to date without much effort on your part. While it may not offer the same level of control as tools like uBlock Origin, AdBlock’s customization options are more than sufficient for the average user and they even cater well to power users looking for a lightweight alternative.
Pricing and Plans
AdBlock used to be one of the most budget-friendly premium blockers out there, with a standalone plan priced at just $2 a month. However, that’s changed. As of 2025, the pricing has been streamlined to $4 a month or $40 a year, and now both options come with AdBlock’s VPN service included by default.
Premium Features
This shift makes AdBlock Premium a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the new pricing is still fairly reasonable compared to other premium blockers. You still get all the previously offered features like:
- Distraction controls to block cookie banners, newsletter popups, and site notifications.
- Cosmetic upgrades, such as theme support and custom image replacements for blocked ads.
- On the flip side, including a VPN might seem unnecessary for users just looking for a cleaner browsing experience.
To be honest, the VPN isn’t anything to rave about. It’s pretty basic, has limited country options, and doesn’t hold a candle to standalone VPNs like Nord or Surfshark. Still, it does the job for casual users who just want to hide their IP or access slightly restricted content.
What’s really lacking is a middle option. There’s no cheaper tier for those who only want the ad-blocking features without the VPN. This makes the new pricing model feel a bit less flexible than it used to be.
Is AdBlock Premium Worth It?
If you’re fine with the bundled service, the yearly plan offers the best bang for your buck at $40 per year. But this update might be a dealbreaker for those who were perfectly content with a lightweight $2 experience.
Customer Support
AdBlock may not have live chat or 24/7 agents, but it still provides solid, hassle-free support for most users. Whether you’re on the free version or the premium package, help is just a click away. And it’s genuinely useful when you need it.
There are three main ways to get support:
- Help Center: This is a well-organized knowledge base that covers everything from installation and troubleshooting to filter management and common user questions.
- Ticket Submission: If you run into specific issues, you can submit a support request through their website and expect a reply within 24 hours.
- In-Extension Feedback: You can easily report bugs or send feature suggestions right from the extension menu, so you don’t have to visit another site.
When we tested the customer support during our review, AdBlock’s support team responded to a general inquiry in less than a day. We received a personalized response with practical advice, not just some generic copy-paste. For a free tool without live chat, that’s definitely a win.
Sure, it might not be as quick or automated as NordVPN’s AI refund system (which got us a full refund in just two minutes), but it’s reliable. You won’t feel left in the lurch if something goes wrong.
If you prefer to solve things on your own, the Help Center will likely tackle 90% of your issues. And if you’re not into self-service, the ticket system is robust enough to ensure your questions don’t just disappear into thin air.
Why Does AdBlock Stand Out in 2025?
AdBlock doesn’t aim to be a comprehensive security suite or reinvent the wheel. Instead, it zeroes in on blocking ads and still excels at that. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your browser in 2025:
Precision YouTube Blocking
Not many ad blockers can keep up with YouTube’s constantly changing ad formats, but AdBlock does. Whether it’s Shorts, mid-rolls, or homepage banners, it blocks them all. If YouTube ads are your biggest headache, this tool offers a near-premium experience for free.
Customization Without the Complexity
AdBlock gives you a robust layer of control without overwhelming you. You can hide specific elements on pages, add your own filters, and fine-tune where what gets blocked gets, all without needing to know how to code or fiddle with JSON files.
Affordable
Although the pricing model has shifted, AdBlock’s Premium tier remains one of the most budget-friendly ways to combine an ad blocker with a basic VPN. It might not be the strongest privacy package out there, but it offers fantastic value for casual users.
Set-and-Forget
For most users, AdBlock just works. You install it, adjust a few settings, and it quietly runs in the background, keeping your web experience cleaner and calmer. There are no constant updates or annoying popups, just less clutter.
AdBlock may not be flawless, and it’s definitely not the most privacy-centric option. But in 2025, it still stands as one of the most reliable and user-friendly ad blockers available.
Is AdBlock Safe?
Absolutely, AdBlock is safe to use. At least when it comes to browser extensions, it’s free from malware, doesn’t inject ads into your browsing experience (unlike some sketchy alternatives), and its privacy policy is clear about what data it collects.
According to AdBlock, it only collects the essentials needed to deliver its service, like basic system information and anonymized usage statistics. You can easily opt out if you’d rather not share anything. Payments for the premium version are processed through reliable channels, and AdBlock doesn’t store any sensitive information itself.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind. AdBlock is owned by eyeo GmbH, the same folks behind Adblock Plus, and both are part of the “Acceptable Ads” program. This means some ads can get through unless you turn off that feature manually. While this doesn’t directly compromise your security, it does raise some eyebrows in the privacy community, as it’s part of a business model that benefits from allowing certain advertisers to pay for whitelisting.
So, is it secure? Yes.
Is it transparent enough for privacy enthusiasts? Probably not.
What’s the Difference Between AdBlock and Adblock Plus?
Even though their names are almost identical and both are under the same roof of eyeo GmbH, AdBlock and Adblock Plus are actually two distinct products that have taken different paths over time.
- Origins: Adblock Plus made its debut first in 2006 for Firefox, while AdBlock followed suit in 2009, initially designed for Chrome.
- Performance: Our tests show that AdBlock tends to be better at blocking those pesky aggressive ads, particularly on platforms like YouTube and various news sites.
- Customization: AdBlock shines with its more versatile filter options and robust manual element blocking capabilities.
- User Interface: Adblock Plus boasts a sleeker, more user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for those who are just starting out.
- Pricing: As of 2025, both services now have a bundled VPN in their Premium offerings. However, AdBlock used to be the more budget-friendly option and still feels like it offers more bang for your buck.
- Acceptable Ads: Both services are part of the same program, allowing certain ads to slip through by default unless you disable that feature.
Ultimately, the main difference boils down to personal preference. AdBlock is your best bet if you’re after superior ad blocking and don’t mind navigating a more complex settings menu. On the other hand, if you prefer a simpler, more streamlined experience, Adblock Plus might be the way to go.
Final Verdict
AdBlock isn’t just another newcomer; it’s the OG. And that still means something. While it might not boast the flashiest interface or the toughest tracker defenses, it’s truly one of the top contenders when it comes to delivering on its promise of blocking ads, especially on YouTube.
Installation is a breeze, taking just seconds, and it works immediately (after adjusting a few settings). Plus, it offers more customization options than most casual users will ever need. It’s particularly great if you’re fed up with the barrage of ads on YouTube or simply want a cleaner, less frustrating browsing experience.
However, this might not be your best bet if you’re a hardcore privacy enthusiast. It struggles with blocking advanced tracking scripts, and the Acceptable Ads program, though optional, can be a turn-off for some users. With the recent changes in pricing, the VPN bundle might seem unnecessary if all you’re after is better ad blocking.
But for everyday web surfing? AdBlock is quick, dependable, and surprisingly effective. An excellent pick for anyone who just wants the internet to take a breather for a moment.