Safari’s popularity mainly comes from it being the default browser for iPhones and Macbooks. But it doesn’t mean it’s a basic browser that gets the job done. Apple as a company is committed to protecting its user data, and compared to other big tech companies, they have been doing a better job. And Safari is designed with privacy in mind.
However, that still doesn’t make Safari fully safe from unwanted tracking. And there is no built-in ad blocker either, so your browsing is going to be interrupted with pop-ups and notification requests every now and then. If you don’t want that to happen, then an ad blocker is a must. But because of Apple’s closed ecosystem, not all ad blockers work on Safari. So while we can easily recommend Total Adblock for Chrome, Android, and iOS, on Safari, our top choices are AdGuard and Surfshark.
A Quick Comparison Between The Top 5 Best Ad Blockers for Safari
| Ad Blocker | Adblock Tester Score | Starting Price | Where it Works | Why it’s the best? | |
| AdGuard | 100 | $39.99/year | Everywhere | Blocks everything | Get AdGuard |
| Surfshark Cleanweb | 98 | $47.85/year + 3 months | Everywhere | Best VPN ad blocker bundle | Get Surfshark |
| Wipr2 | 100 | $4.99/lifetime | Safari, iOS, iPadOS & macOS | Most minimal | Get Wipr2 |
| 1Blocker | 100 | $14.99/year or $2.99/month | Safari, iOS, iPadOS & macOS | Integrates with Apple ecosystem | Get 1Blocker |
| Ghostery | 96 | Free | Chrome, Firefox & Safari | Privacy-focused | Get Ghostery |
| Adblock | 100 | $2/month or $20/year | Everywhere | Best VPN ad blocker bundle | Get Adblock |
AdGuard – The Most Comprehensive 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 the best ad blocker for Safari, with a balance of strong ad-blocking, privacy protection and customisation options. It works seamlessly with Safari’s built-in content blocking API, so ads are removed before they even load, keeping browsing fast and clean.
Removes All Ads and Annoyances
AdGuard blocks pop-ups, banners, autoplay videos and tracking ads on all websites. Unlike many ad blockers that just hide ads, AdGuard prevents them from loading at all, reducing page load times and data consumption. It also blocks notification requests and cookie banners so you won’t be interrupted all the time.
Protects Against Trackers and Fingerprinting
Safari has some basic tracker protection but it doesn’t block everything. AdGuard fills the gaps by blocking third-party tracking scripts, fingerprinting attempts and hidden analytics tools from monitoring your activity. This stops advertisers from profiling you and serving personalised ads.
Custom Filtering and Whitelisting
AdGuard gives you fine control over ad blocking. You can enable or disable specific filter lists, block individual page elements and whitelist trusted websites. If you want custom blocking rules, AdGuard has one of the most flexible ad-blocking experiences for Safari.
YouTube Ad Blocking in Safari
AdGuard removes YouTube ads, including pre-roll, mid-roll and banner ads, but only when watching videos in Safari. Ads will still appear in the YouTube app but if you watch YouTube in the browser, AdGuard is one of the best ways to skip ads without paying for YouTube Premium.
Fast, Lightweight and Easy to Use
Installing AdGuard on Safari is simple. It’s available in the Mac App Store and after activation in Safari’s Extensions settings it starts working immediately. Since it’s integrated with Safari’s ad-blocking engine it doesn’t drain battery or slow down browsing.
Who Is AdGuard For?
AdGuard covers everything you could possibly need from an ad blocker. It’s perfect for:
- Safari users who want fast and effective ad-blocking without slowing down browsing.
- Privacy conscious users who want to block trackers, fingerprinting and social media scripts.
- People who want full control over their ad-blocking settings with custom filtering options.
- YouTube users who want an ad-free experience.
Surfshark CleanWeb – The Best Ad Blocker + VPN Bundle
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 98/100
💵 Starting Price: $15.45/month, $47.85/year, or $59.13/two years
Surfshark is a VPN powerhouse. But its built-in ad blocker, CleanWeb, is a star in its own right. It’s one of the few VPN-based ad blockers that actually works like a full-fledged content filter across Safari, macOS, and iOS.
Blocks Ads, Trackers, and YouTube Interruptions
CleanWeb removes banners, pop-ups, and video ads before they load, including YouTube’s pre-roll and mid-roll ads in Safari. It even catches those sneaky cookie pop-ups that slow you down while browsing. Our tests show a 98/100 on Adblock Tester, just shy of the top spot.
Other than ads, CleanWeb neutralizes third-party trackers and analytics tools that monitor your clicks and time on page. It stops data-hungry scripts before they load. So sites feel lighter, faster, and less invasive.
VPN Integration for Safer Browsing
Unlike standalone ad blockers, Surfshark combines ad-blocking with VPN encryption. So your IP is hidden and your traffic is protected, making it much harder for advertisers or your ISP to build a browsing profile. It’s a one-switch privacy setup that works system-wide when the VPN is enabled.
Even better, the browser extension version, CleanWeb 2.0, runs independently of the VPN. It adds cookie-pop-up blocking, malware alerts, and data breach warnings directly in your browser. Perfect if you want ad blocking without tunneling your entire connection.
Performance and Ease of Use
Setup is instant. Whether on macOS, iOS, or Safari’s extension store, you just log in, toggle CleanWeb on, and you’re done. Once active, it runs quietly in the background with no manual configuration needed. It’s a proper set-and-forget solution.
Page loading speed improves notably on ad-heavy sites. While CleanWeb isn’t as customizable as AdGuard or 1Blocker (no custom rules or whitelists), it prioritizes simplicity and performance over fine-tuning.
Who Is Surfshark CleanWeb For?
CleanWeb is for users who:
- Want an all-in-one solution instead of multiple tools
- Prefer simplicity over custom rule tweaking
- Stream or browse YouTube in Safari and want no interruptions
- Use multiple Apple devices and want cross-platform coverage
Surfshark CleanWeb has impressive ad-blocking, near-perfect scores, and simplicity and security. If you want a VPN and ad blocker that just works, this is the bundle.
Wipr 2 – The Minimalist Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $4.99/lifetime
Wipr 2 is the simplest ad blocker for Safari, for those who want an ad-free browsing experience with no setup or tweaking. Unlike ad blockers with custom filter lists and manual rules, Wipr 2 is fully automated.
Ads Won’t Slow Down Safari Anymore
Wipr 2 removes pop-ups, banners, autoplay videos and trackers inside Safari. It integrates directly with Safari’s content blocking API, so ads never load in the first place. Since it doesn’t run extra background processes, it keeps Safari fast and lightweight, no battery drain or slowdowns.
Tracking Stopped Without Settings
Many ad blockers require you to configure privacy settings, but Wipr 2 stops tracking scripts automatically. It prevents advertisers from collecting data, stops social media tracking and removes fingerprinting attempts, all without you having to adjust filter lists or settings.
YouTube Ad Blocking in Safari
Wipr 2 removes YouTube ads inside Safari, blocks pre-roll, mid-roll and banner ads. But it doesn’t work inside the YouTube app, so if you watch YouTube in Safari, you’ll benefit the most.
No Customisation, That’s the Point
Wipr 2 is for those who don’t want to tinker with settings. Unlike ad blockers that offer custom rules, whitelisting or manual filtering, Wipr 2 keeps it simple. If you like fine-tuned control you may find it too basic, but for those who just want ads gone without effort, it’s perfect.
Fast Installation and One-Time Payment
Wipr 2 is on the Mac App Store and takes seconds to install. Once enabled in Safari’s Extensions settings, it starts working immediately. Unlike most ad blockers that charge yearly fees, Wipr 2 is a one-time purchase for $4.99, it’s one of the cheapest ad-blocking solution for Safari.
Who Is Wipr 2 For?
Wipr 2 is lightweight, minimal and just does it’s job without any of the fuss. It’s great for:
- Safari users who want a simple, no-maintenance ad blocker.
- Those who don’t want to adjust settings or manually configure filters.
- Users who want an affordable, one-time purchase instead of a subscription.
- Those who watch YouTube in Safari and want an ad-free experience.
1Blocker – Customisable Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $14.99/year or $2.99/month
1Blocker is a Safari-only ad blocker for Apple users who want more control. Unlike other ad blockers that run in the background, 1Blocker lets you customise what gets blocked, making it the most flexible ad blocker for Safari on macOS.
Blocks All Ads
1Blocker removes banners, pop-ups and autoplay video ads in Safari, keeping pages clean and fast. Since it uses Safari’s built-in content blocking engine, ads are blocked before they load, so no resource waste or battery drain. Unlike browser extensions that run background processes, 1Blocker runs natively in Safari, so zero performance impact.
Tracker and Fingerprinting Protection
1Blocker stops websites from tracking you, blocking analytics scripts, fingerprinting techniques and social media trackers. This prevents advertisers from collecting data and keeps you private while browsing. Unlike basic ad blockers, 1Blocker gives you granular control so you can adjust privacy settings to your needs.
Advanced Customisation and Rule-Based Filtering
1Blocker goes beyond basic ad-blocking by letting you create custom rules. You can:
- Block specific elements on a page.
- Force HTTPS on all websites for extra security.
- Whitelist trusted sites where you want to support content creators.
This level of customisation makes 1Blocker the most flexible ad blocker for Safari users who want more control over what gets blocked and what doesn’t.
Ad Blocking in YouTube
1Blocker removes ads when watching videos in Safari, blocking pre-roll, mid-roll and banner ads. But it doesn’t block ads in the YouTube app, so if you use Safari for YouTube you’ll get the most benefit.
Syncs Across Apple Devices
One of 1Blocker’s biggest advantages is its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Once set up on Mac, settings sync across iPhone and iPad so you get consistent ad-blocking across all your Apple devices.
Easy Setup and Lifetime Purchase Option
1Blocker is on the Mac App Store and once installed you can enable and customise filters in Safari’s settings. It’s $14.99/year or $38.99 one-time purchase, so it’s one of the best long-term investments for Safari users.
Who Is 1Blocker For?
1Blocker is a powerful, highly customisable ad blocker for Apple devices. It’s for:
- Mac users who want full control over their ad-blocking settings.
- Privacy-conscious users who want tracker and fingerprinting protection.
- Apple users who want a Safari-exclusive ad blocker that syncs across devices.
- People looking for a one-time purchase instead of a yearly subscription.
Ghostery – The Privacy-First Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 96/100
💵 Starting Price: Free
Ghostery is the best ad blocker for privacy focused users. It goes after the trackers that power the digital ad industry. It’s free, open-source and built for users who want control over their browsing data.
Blocks Ads But Keeps Safari Fast
Ghostery removes all ads from websites, display ads, video ads and floating overlays. It works inside Safari’s content blocker API so ads are stopped before they load, keeping browsing fast and clean. Unlike some ad blockers it doesn’t slow down Safari or drain battery life.
Stops Tracking and Protects Privacy
Ghostery goes beyond ad blocking and cuts off tracking scripts, fingerprinting methods and hidden analytics tools. It stops websites from collecting user data and stops personalised ads from following users across the web.
Auto Rejects Cookie Pop-Ups
Ghostery has a Never-Consent feature that automatically rejects cookie tracking requests on websites. Instead of having to click “No” on every annoying pop-up, Ghostery does it for you, making browsing smoother and less intrusive.
See Who’s Watching You
Ghostery has WhoTracks.Me. It’s a built-in tool that shows users which companies and trackers are trying to collect their data. This transparency gives users a better understanding of how online tracking works and who’s watching them while they browse.
Easy to Use with No Complex Settings
Ghostery is simple and automatic. Once installed from the Mac App Store users just enable it in Safari’s settings and it works instantly. No manual filters to configure, great for non-technical users.
Free with Optional Contributions
Ghostery is 100% free with no feature limitations. Users can donate to support development and get some extra perks like historical tracker stats and advanced analytics but all essential features are free.
Who Is Ghostery For?
Ghostery values privacy and transparency. It’s perfect for:
- Safari users who want ad and tracker blocking.
- Privacy conscious users who want to stop companies from collecting their data.
- People who hate cookie pop-ups and want them auto-rejected.
- Users who want an effective free ad blocker with no paywalls.
AdBlock – The Popular Choice for Safari Users
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $20/year or $2/month
AdBlock has been around for over 10 years and is one of the most used ad blockers across multiple platforms, including Safari on macOS. It blocks banners, pop-ups, video ads and trackers so you can browse cleaner and faster. While AdBlock is easy to use, it has some limitations such as acceptable ads being enabled by default and inconsistent tracker blocking.
Blocks Ads Without Slowing Down Safari
AdBlock removes all ads in Safari, including autoplay videos, floating banners and pop-ups. It integrates with Safari’s content blocking API so it doesn’t slow down your browsing or drain your battery. Since ads never load in the first place, web pages feel faster and less cluttered.
Tracker and Privacy Protection
AdBlock blocks third-party tracking scripts and analytics tools so advertisers can’t collect your browsing data and build user profiles. However in independent privacy tests it performed inconsistently, sometimes allowing hidden trackers to slip through. While it reduces tracking, it’s not the strongest option for privacy conscious users.
Blocks YouTube Ads in Safari
AdBlock removes YouTube ads in Safari, including pre-roll, mid-roll and banner ads. It works well on regular YouTube videos and Shorts, so it’s a good alternative to YouTube Premium for Safari users. But like most ad blockers, it doesn’t block ads inside the YouTube app.
Customisation and Whitelisting
AdBlock has custom filter lists, manual element blocking and whitelisting options. You can allow ads on specific sites or fine tune ad blocking rules for a personalised experience. But the settings menu can be a bit overwhelming for first time users.
Acceptable Ads Enabled by Default
One of the downsides of AdBlock is that acceptable ads are enabled by default. This means some non-intrusive ads are allowed unless you manually disable this setting. While this helps content creators, users who want a completely ad free experience need to adjust the settings after installation.
Affordable Premium Plan
AdBlock is free but it also has a Premium plan for $2/month or $20/year. Premium users get extra features like cookie consent blocking, distraction control and floating video removal. Compared to other premium ad blockers, AdBlock’s pricing is lower so it’s a budget friendly option.
Who Is AdBlock For?
AdBlock is a widely used and fairly straightforward ad blocker that gets the job done with very little hassle. It’s for:
- Safari users who want a reliable, easy-to-use ad blocker.
- People who want to block YouTube ads in Safari.
- Users who prefer some customisation and manual filtering options.
- Those looking for an affordable premium ad-blocking plan.
Pricing Comparison – Which One Offers the Best Value?
AdGuard has the best ad-blocking experience for Safari. It blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting scripts and allows custom filtering and DNS protection. For $99.99 lifetime it’s the best value long term, covers Mac, iPhone and iPad under one plan.
Wipr 2 is the cheapest ad blocker on this list. For one payment of $4.99 you get ad and tracker blocking in Safari with zero setup. It auto updates its filter lists so it’s a true “set and forget” solution. But it only works in Safari and has no customization or extra privacy controls.
1Blocker is built for Apple users and works across Mac, iPhone and iPad. It blocks ads and trackers and fingerprinting and has custom filtering options. The lifetime license for $38.99 is a mid range option. If you have multiple Apple devices and want custom ad blocking without a subscription 1Blocker is a great deal.
Ghostery is free with no feature restrictions. It blocks ads and trackers and cookie pop-ups and shows you who’s tracking you on every website. Users can donate to unlock historical tracker stats and advanced analytics but all core features are free for everyone.
AdBlock is free but the Premium version ($20/year) adds features like cookie pop-up blocking and distraction control. While it blocks ads it allows “acceptable ads” by default so users must disable this setting for full ad-blocking.
Which One Offers the Best Value?
In this list, AdGuard offers the best value, with their lifetime licence. It’s the most comprehensive ad blocker that makes sure no ads get through, and it does so with a one-time purchase. However for the minimalists out there, Wipr 2 at just a one time payment of $4.99 is also an excellent choice.
Wrapping Up
If you are a Safari user, you have a mix of free, one-time purchase, and subscription-based ad blockers to choose from. Some focus purely on ad blocking, while others add extra privacy features like tracker blocking and fingerprint protection. Our five picks should cover a wide range of users and their diverse needs.
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