Adblock for Mac

Block ads and pop-ups in Safari

AdBlock is a freemium browser extension from Adblock Inc. that removes advertisements and pop-ups while you browse in Safari. Widely adopted by millions, it aims to make web pages load faster, reduce distractions, and add a layer of privacy to your online activity. The extension can also be paired with AdBlock VPN, a separate paid service available monthly or annually for encrypted browsing in public networks.

Key capabilities

• Stops online trackers and reduces ad-based targeting to protect your browsing footprint.
• Hides banner and in-video ads on major sites like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook to keep pages uncluttered.
• Lets you create a custom allowlist so sites you trust can still show ads you choose to permit.
• Includes a setting for “Acceptable Ads” (non-intrusive ads) that is turned on by default but can be disabled.
• Can help reduce page load times and block malicious ad content that might harm your device.

Control which ads appear

• Turn off Acceptable Ads: open Filter Lists and uncheck “Allow some non-intrusive ads” to stop showing those.
• Add a site to your allowlist: click the Tools icon → Allowlisted Websites → under “Add a Website to the Allowslist” type the URL and press the + button.
• Temporarily stop blocking on a page: use the Pause control if a website requests ad access.
• Fully disable the extension: in Safari open Settings → Extensions and toggle off the AdBlock Engine.

Troubleshooting tips

• If ads persist, go to the Ad Blocking tab and select “Change what AdBlock shows and hides,” then disable “Allow some non-intrusive ads.”
• On Safari, ensure both “When visiting other websites” and “AdBlock Engine” options are enabled for the extension to function properly.
• If AdBlock interferes with services like Mail or Substack, add those sites to the allowlist or pause the extension while using them.
• If pausing doesn’t resolve a site’s ad-detection, disabling the extension in Safari’s Extensions settings will stop blocking entirely.

Strengths

• Preserves device responsiveness; most users report no noticeable slowdowns.
• Boosts browsing speed by preventing ad-heavy content from loading.
• Helps maintain focus and productivity by removing visual clutter.
• Smooths streaming experiences by hiding pre-roll and mid-roll ads on supported platforms.

Limitations

• The extension can occasionally crash or stop functioning correctly for short periods.
• Some advertisements may still slip through, requiring manual adjustment of filter settings.
• Pausing the blocker does not always bypass a site’s ad checks; full disablement may be necessary at times.
• When problems arise, manual configuration or temporary disabling is sometimes required.

Alternatives to consider

• Total Adblock
• AdLock

Final verdict

AdBlock is a reliable option for users who want a cleaner, faster, and more private Safari browsing experience. It combines ad and tracker blocking with options to customize which sites can show ads. While its occasional instability and the need for manual tweaks are drawbacks, for many users the benefits outweigh those issues.