Did you know Google Chrome has a built-in ad blocker that can limit the number of ads you see while browsing? Like most ad blockers, Chrome’s service improves user experience by reducing unwanted pop-ups and noisy autoplay videos that can be found on many popular websites.
Chrome’s built-in ad blocker doesn’t try to block ads as much as limit them. There are better alternatives out there from third-party extensions like AdBlock Plus to the unparalleled privacy of Brave browser. In this article, we’ll look at how Chrome’s ad blocker works and what it does and doesn’t do.
How ad blockers work on Google Chrome
Chrome’s built-in ad blocker is not perfect. In fact, Chrome’s built-in ad blocker does not work exactly like other ad blockers. Using something called the “Better Ads Guideline”, Google tries to keep ads within a certain range of acceptability. Ads that are particularly intrusive or annoying are blocked, but Chrome’s goal isn’t to stop ads outright.
The reason for this, of course, is that Google makes much of its money off ads. Google doesn’t block YouTube ads because YouTube is part of Google, and both parts profit from those ads. If you want a browser that automatically stops pre-roll YouTube ads, switch to Brave.
For that reason, most people who want a true ad blocker for Chrome look at a third-party ad blocker. These applications use known lists of advertising scripts to block requests to load ads on a webpage. For ads hosted on-page directly, ad blockers will prevent the ad from displaying correctly.
Most common ad blockers for Chrome
One of the most common ad blockers for Chrome is AdBlock Plus. It is the first to appear in any search and has some of the best ratings. It works as a simple extension for Chrome and other popular browsers, blocking ads on Youtube, Facebook, Twitch, and more.
Ghostery is also popular, as it functions both as an ad-blocker and to stop social media trackers and cookies. Additionally, Ghostery is extremely easy to personalize, so you can determine what is shown while you browse.
You should always verify any extension you add to Chrome. Also, be aware that Google has plans to restrict which ad blockers work with the Chrome browser, a development that may also impact Microsoft’s Edge browser as well. Since Google profits heavily from ads and trackers, promoting effective ad blockers is not always in their best financial interests.
When to disable ad blocker on Chrome
If you are planning to install an ad blocker on Chrome, you will need to know how to remove it. Some websites use pop-up windows for important information, and of course, many websites depend on advertising revenue to support themselves. You may also find that some sites have elements that don’t work well while your ad blocker is active.
How to manage Chrome ad blocker
If you want to use Chrome’s pre-installed ad blocker, you simply need to turn it on.
On the top right, select:
More > Settings > Advanced > Site Settings > Ads.
From here select, “Blocked on sites that tend to show intrusive ads”.
To turn off the ad blocker, simply toggle the intrusive ads option off.
If you want to install a third-party ad blocker, you can visit the Chrome web store. To uninstall, read here about how to manage your extensions.
Brave - a better blocker
It isn’t just that Brave is better at blocking invasive ads than Chrome - it is; Brave values your Internet privacy from the ground up. That means a radically new approach to the Internet economy, built-in Shields that block creepy ads, and an innovative Basic Attention Token (BAT) system that not only rewards you for browsing but also allows you to support content creators directly without having to rely on ad revenue.
Download a browser with incredible built-in Shields, and choose Brave today.
