Online ads are everywhere. They pop up on websites, in videos, and even inside apps. Some are just annoying, while others slow down your device or track your activity. Luckily, you don’t have to deal with them forever.

Here’s how to block online ads quickly and safely across your devices.

Use an Ad Blocker Extension

One of the easiest ways to block online ads is by using a browser extension. These tools remove most ads from websites before they even load.

Best ad blocker extensions:

• uBlock Origin – Lightweight, fast, and very effective

• AdBlock – Easy to use with customizable settings

• AdGuard – Offers advanced protection and works on many browsers

To install an extension, go to your browser’s extension store (like the Chrome Web Store), search for one of the names above, and click “Add to Chrome” or “Install.”

Once added, the extension starts working right away. You can also pause it or whitelist certain websites you want to support.

Use a Browser with Built-in Ad Blocking

Some web browsers have ad blocking built in. This is a great choice if you want a fast, ad-free browsing experience without installing anything extra.

Recommended browsers with ad blocking:

• Brave – Blocks ads and trackers by default

• Opera – Includes a free ad blocker and VPN

• Firefox – Strong privacy settings and optional add-ons

Just download the browser, and the ad blocking will be ready to go. You can tweak the settings to allow certain ads or increase blocking strength.

Block Ads on Your Phone

Ads also appear in mobile browsers and apps. Here’s how to block online ads on your phone.

On Android:

• Use an ad-blocking browser like Brave or Samsung Internet with AdBlock

• Download AdGuard for Android (from the official site, not Google Play)

• Use DNS-based blockers like Blokada, which filter ads system-wide

On iPhone/iPad:

• Use Safari with content blocker apps like 1Blocker or AdGuard

• Try browsers with ad-block features like Brave or DuckDuckGo

Some apps require subscriptions for full protection, but free versions usually cover basic ad blocking.

Block YouTube Ads

YouTube ads can interrupt videos and slow down playback. While some browser extensions block YouTube ads, Google often finds ways around them.

To block YouTube ads:

• Use Brave browser or uBlock Origin on desktop

• Subscribe to YouTube Premium to remove ads officially

• Use NewPipe (Android only) to watch YouTube without ads

Keep in mind that YouTube relies on ads to pay creators, so consider supporting your favorites directly if you block ads.

Use a Network-Wide Ad Blocker

If you want to block online ads on every device in your home, a network-wide blocker is the best option.

Two powerful solutions:

• Pi-hole – Runs on a small device like Raspberry Pi and blocks ads for all connected devices

• AdGuard Home – A user-friendly alternative to Pi-hole with similar features

These tools block ads at the DNS level, meaning they stop ad requests before they reach your browser or app. Setup takes some time, but it offers the most complete protection.

Keep Your System Updated

Sometimes ads sneak in through outdated browsers or apps. Keep your software updated to stay protected against pop-ups and malware-injected ads.

Also, avoid clicking on shady links or downloading untrusted extensions. Even with ad blockers, being careful is still your best defense.

Conclusion

Learning how to block online ads can make browsing faster, cleaner, and more secure. Whether you use an ad-blocking extension, a private browser, or a system-wide solution, there’s an option for every need and device.

Start with a simple browser tool or try a full solution like Pi-hole to enjoy an ad-free experience today.