Table of Contents
- Why Are Chrome Ad Blockers Failing and What Devastating Alternatives Actually Work?
- What Chrome Did to Ad Blockers
- Simple Ways to Keep Blocking Ads
- Option 1: Get Updated Ad Blockers
- Option 2: Switch Browsers
- Option 3: Use Computer-Wide Ad Blockers
- Option 4: Change Your DNS Settings
- Option 5: Use a VPN with Ad Blocking
- My Recommendation
Why Are Chrome Ad Blockers Failing and What Devastating Alternatives Actually Work?
Google changed how Chrome works, and this hurt ad blockers badly. I've seen many people struggle with ads popping up everywhere after this change. Let me help you understand what happened and show you simple ways to keep blocking ads.
What Chrome Did to Ad Blockers
Google rolled out something called Manifest V3 in June 2024. This update changed how browser extensions work. Before this, ad blockers used powerful tools to stop ads before they even loaded on your page. Now, they're stuck with weaker tools that can't catch everything.
The old system let ad blockers use up to 120,000 filter rules to catch ads. The new system only allows 30,000 rules. That's like having a security guard who can only remember 30,000 faces instead of 120,000. Many ads will slip through.
You've probably seen warnings on Chrome extensions saying "This extension may soon no longer be supported". That's Chrome telling you these ad blockers won't work as well anymore.
Simple Ways to Keep Blocking Ads
Option 1: Get Updated Ad Blockers
Some ad blocker companies adapted to Chrome's new rules. These work, but they're not as strong as before. Here are the best ones:
- uBlock Origin Lite - A lighter version of the popular uBlock Origin
- AdBlock - Updated to work with the new Chrome rules
- Adblock Plus - One of the oldest blockers, now updated for Chrome
These will block most ads, but some will get through. If you're okay with seeing a few ads here and there, this might work for you.
Option 2: Switch Browsers
Firefox doesn't follow Chrome's rules. It still lets ad blockers work at full strength. All your favorite ad blockers like uBlock Origin work perfectly there.
If you want something similar to Chrome, try Brave browser. It has its own built-in ad blocker that Chrome can't touch. Opera also has good ad blocking built right in.
Option 3: Use Computer-Wide Ad Blockers
Desktop ad blockers work on your whole computer, not just your browser. They block ads in Chrome, other browsers, and even apps. AdGuard is the best one I've used. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
After you install it, it sets itself up automatically. You can choose what to block - ads, trackers, or even adult content. It costs money after a 3-day trial, but it's worth it if ads really bother you.
Option 4: Change Your DNS Settings
This is a free way to block ads across your whole internet connection. You just change one setting on your computer or router, and it blocks ads everywhere.
AdGuard DNS is completely free. NextDNS gives you 300,000 blocked requests per month for free (that's plenty for most people). The setup takes about 5 minutes, and there are step-by-step guides.
The downside? It only blocks ads from known ad servers. If a website shows its own ads, this won't catch them.
Option 5: Use a VPN with Ad Blocking
If you already need a VPN for privacy, get one with ad blocking built in. NordVPN and ExpressVPN both have this feature. You get privacy protection and ad blocking in one package.
My Recommendation
I suggest combining two methods for the best results. Use a Manifest V3-compliant browser extension plus DNS-based blocking. This catches ads that slip through one method with the other.
If you're really tired of ads and don't mind spending money, get AdGuard for your computer. It blocks everything and works great.
Chrome made ad blocking harder, but it didn't make it impossible. These solutions will keep your browsing clean and fast. The key is picking the right combination for your needs and budget.