What Is AdBlock?

Ad Blocker Definition

An ad blocker is a tool that removes ads from a web page, which come in the form of browser extensions, plugins, and standalone programs. Ad blockers work by using filters to block out elements on a web page that match certain criteria.

How do ad blockers work?

Ad blockers work by using filters to block out elements on a web page that are classified as ads.

These filters can be based on different factors, such as the element's ID, class, or src attribute. In addition, ad blockers will also typically block out any scripts that are loaded from a third-party server.

Ad blockers can be installed as browser extensions, which means they work with most major browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari. Aside from this, most ad blockers are available for both desktop and mobile versions of browsers as well.

There are several types of ad blockers. Keep reading to learn how they work.

The types of ad blockers

There are different types of ad blockers, including those that block all ads, those that only block certain types of ads, and those that allow some ads but block others. In general, there are two main types of ad blockers: host-based and client-side.

Host-based ad blockers

Host-based ad blockers work by blocking ads at the server level. Relatively, host-based ad blockers are more effective at blocking ads than the alternative, since they can block ads before they are even downloaded to your computer.

However, host-based ad blockers can also be more resource-intensive, since they constantly need to communicate with the ad server.

Client-side ad blockers

Client-side ad blockers work by downloading the entire web page to your computer and then filtering out the ads. Additionally, client-side ad blockers are less resource-intensive than host-based ad blockers, since they only need to download the web page once.

Unfortunately, client-side ad blockers can be less effective at blocking ads, since some ads may already have been downloaded by the time the ad blocker starts working.

If you're wondering if an ad blocker could be right for you, here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of using ad blockers

Ad blockers can benefit your browsing experience in a number of ways:

• Improve page loading time
• Protect you from malicious ads
• Reduce overall data usage

Improve page loading time

Ad blockers are software programs that improve page loading time by blocking certain types of content, typically ads. Ad blockers work by identifying and then blocking requests to ad servers, which leads to having fewer elements loading on a web page at any given time.

In some cases, ad blockers can improve page loading time by up to 50%, especially when it prevents auto-paying videos and loading large files. By blocking ads on Safari, you can improve page loading time across all the websites you’re visiting.

Protect you from malicious ads

While some ads, such as Google ads, are legitimate, some are used by hackers to steal your data. By using malicious links in legitimate-looking ads, hackers can get your personal information for their nefarious purposes.

Hackers can use your data to steal your identity, sell it to the highest bidder, or even access your personal accounts. Thankfully, ad blockers can improve your security by blocking out potential threats before you even see them.

Reduce overall data usage

These days, ads come in the form of GIFs or videos, which also pop-up and play automatically on the screen. In fact, there are many people who block ads on Spotify specifically because they make it unskippable for free users.

For people who pay by the usage, these ads can waste data and bloat your expenses unnecessarily. Thankfully, ad blockers can help to reduce your data usage by blocking out elements such as pop-ups that use up a lot of data.

Drawbacks to using ad blockers

While there are many benefits to using an ad blocker, there are also some potential drawbacks:

• Blocking out useful content
• Prevent websites from earning
• Difficulty viewing and sharing content

Blocking out useful content

Advertisers rely on being able to track users across the web to show them relevant ads. For example, ad blockers can sometimes block out content that you actually want to see, such as videos, products, or articles from your favorite websites.

By blocking ads on YouTube, you can miss out on potentially useful and relevant ads which are related to the video you are watching.

Prevent websites from earning

While ads are generally considered to be annoying, they are also how many website owners earn money. When you use an ad blocker, you are essentially preventing the website owner from earning revenue from advertisements.

Alternatively, website owners may be forced to charge for access to their content through subscriptions or one-time fees. For some example, by blocking Facebook ads, Facebook may no longer be able to provide its social media services for free.

Difficulty viewing and sharing content

Ad blockers can sometimes cause websites to break or load incorrectly, which can also affect the quality of your browsing experience. Depending on the code used, some ad blockers may tag legitimate content as ads by accident.

Furthermore, ad blockers can also remove social media buttons and other embedded content from a page, which makes it harder to share articles you like or follow the companies and people you're interested in.

How to use Clario adblocker?

With Clario’s multi-platform ad-blocker for macOS and iOS, you can enjoy browsing better than ever. With its browser extension available for Chrome and Safari, Clario helps prevent pop-up ads and trackers from ruining your online experience.

However, if there are websites you don’t mind supporting with ads, Clario also gives you complete control by making a list of websites you don’t mind getting ads from.

Aside from ad blocking, Clario also has phishing site detection and anti-tracking features for added protection when browsing online. With Clario, you get a heads-up from suspicious websites and their dodgy ads.

Here’s how you can use Clario to get rid of ads today.

How to use Clario adblocker on macOS

To block ads on macOS using Clario, follow these steps:

1. Download Clario
2. On your macOS device, open the Clario app

    3. In the left-side of the screen, click Browsing.

    4. Under Ads and pop-ups, click Next.

    5. Under Ad blocker, click Continue.

    6. Select what browser you want to remove ads from and follow the instructions on the screen for each one.

How to use Clario adblocker on iOS

If you do most of your browsing on mobile, here’s how you can use the Clario on iOS to keep ads at bay.

1. Install Clario from AppStore
2. On your iPhone, open the Clario app and set it up.
3. Next to Ad blocker, toggle on the switch.

    4. On the pop-up provided, tap Set up.

    5. Review the list of browsers on your device which you want Clario to keep ad–free.

    6. Tap Done to confirm.

    7. Enjoy an ad-less browsing experience.

Have a better browsing experience with ad blockers

If you're looking for a way to improve your browsing experience and protect yourself from online threats, an ad blocker may be a good option for you. Just be sure to research the different types of ad blockers and choose one that can keep pesky ads away, like Clario.