Different Type Of Ad Blocking Software

There are several types of ad blocking software available, each with its own approach to filtering out unwanted advertisements. Here are the main categories:

Browser extensions

Browser extensions are the most common type of ad blockers. They integrate directly into web browsers and filter content as pages load.

Popular examples include:

• AdBlock/AdBlockPlus: owned by eyeo, which are most popular ad blocking browser extensions.
  • eyeo does offer Acceptable Ads program which is a paid service to allowlist some ads.
• uBlock Origin: fully open source and block ads extensively without compromise.
• AdGuard: Cross-platform solutions

Pros

• Easy to install and use
• Often free or low-cost
• Can be quickly enabled/disabled with a few clicks
• Regularly updated by developers
• Highly customizable, allowing fine-grained control over blocked content
• Can block ads http request as well as page html elements

Cons

• Only work within the specific browser they’re installed in
• May need to be installed separately for each browser used
• Some extensions can access sensitive browsing data
• Potential for ownership changes or compromised developers

Desktop applications

These are standalone programs that run independently of the browser, often blocking ads across multiple applications.

Popular examples include:

• AdGuard: Cross-platform solutions. Available for Windows and Mac.
• AdLock: Runs as a separate program to block ads in browsers and other applications like Skype or games.

Pros

• Block ads across multiple applications, not just browsers
• Often include additional security features
• Can protect against malicious websites and tracking
• Some offer parental control features

Cons

• Require installation and configuration on each device
• May need manual disabling when interfering with legitimate content
• Often come with a cost for full features

Mobile Ad Blockers

Ad blocking solutions designed specifically for mobile devices:

Popular examples include:

• AdGuard: Cross-platform solutions. Available for iOS and Andriod.
• AdBlock Browser for Android.

Pros

• Designed specifically for mobile devices
• Can block ads in apps as well as browsers
• Often include privacy-enhancing features

Cons

• May not be as comprehensive as desktop solutions
• Can be limited by mobile operating system restrictions
• Some require rooting or jailbreaking for full functionality

VPN-based ad blockers

A lot of VPN services include ad blocking features as part of their offering, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN and etc. They usually block ads through network requests across different type of applications.

Pros

• Block ads at the network level
• Provide additional privacy and security benefits of a VPN
• Work across all applications and browsers

Cons

• Generally less effective at blocking ads than dedicated solutions
• May slow down internet connection due to VPN routing
• Often more expensive than standalone ad blockers

Browser with build-in ad blocking features

Some browsers come with built-in ad blocking capabilities:

• Opera: Includes ad blocking features without the need for additional extensions
• Brave: A free browser with built-in ad blocking for desktop and mobile devices

Pros

• No need for additional installations
• Integrated into the browser’s security features
• Often optimized for performance

Cons

• Usually less customizable than third-party solutions
• May not be as comprehensive in ad blocking
• Limited to the specific browser with built-in blocking