Best Ad Blockers for Safari: Free for Mac, iPhone, iPad (2025)

Does Safari have a built-in ad blocker? It includes a basic pop-up blocker, but it doesn’t offer a full ad-blocking solution. To block ads effectively, you’ll need a third-party content blocker. Currently, it’s speculated that the average person sees between 4,000 and 10,000 ads per day¹. These ads aren’t just annoying — they also often collect your data.

Fortunately, there are several high-quality third-party ad blockers you can add as extensions on Safari. I've shortlisted the best ones that work with Safari on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Whether you're looking for a free ad blocker, an option for YouTube ads, or an effective solution that doesn't slow down your device's performance, I've got you covered.

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9 Best Ad Blockers for Safari

1. AdBlock Pro — Most Comprehensive Protection Against Various Ads on Safari

AdBlock Pro effectively blocks more ad types than I’ve seen with other ad blockers. It functions as a Safari extension across Apple devices. Along with standard pop-ups and trackers, it can block comments, buttons that send you to social media apps, redirects, and tons more. It achieves this while also saving bandwidth usage, which is great for mobile devices. AdBlock Pro also has a neat user interface that allows you to sync settings for all your devices on iCloud.

AdBlock Pro has regional blocking features to filter specific ads

You can customize ad-blocking rules, choosing which ads and trackers to block on Safari. Additionally, it offers protection against malware and phishing attempts. Along with its free version, there’s a 7-day free trial to experience premium features without paying. The free blocker obviously comes with limited features, missing options like blocking floating videos and newsletter pop-ups.

2. Wipr — Greatly Improves Speeds While Removing Safari Ads

Wipr is designed to be fast and lightweight, so it won’t slow down your device. Unlike some ad blockers (for example, Ghostery), which can be resource-heavy and make apps sluggish, Wipr keeps things running smoothly by using minimal CPU power. It’s also affordable — while not free, you only need to pay once for lifetime access.

The Wipr app isn't cluttered with complicated settings

Besides blocking ads and trackers, Wipr can also block cryptocurrency miners, EU cookies, and GDPR notices. Once installed, it regularly updates in the background to stay in line with Safari, iOS, and macOS updates and provide consistent protection without failures. However, one negative of Wipr’s sleek design is that it ultimately offers relatively fewer customization options.

3. Adblock Plus — A Well-Established, Free Safari Extension That Reliably Blocks Ads

Adblock Plus boasts of being a free ad-blocking service that has been in the game longer than most of the competition. It allows you to whitelist ads from websites that follow acceptable standards, so you can support content creators while also protecting your browsing experience. But there's also an option to block all ads.

User suggestions actively shape its list of fair publishers

Adblock Plus works seamlessly on Safari across all Apple devices. It can block ads on sites like YouTube and Facebook and stop trackers. However, the extension frequently prompts users to consider purchasing additional features, which can be annoying.

4. AdGuard — Open-Source Ad Blocker for Safari With Extra Privacy Features

AdGuard is packed with extra privacy and security features alongside ad-blocking, making it a versatile option for users who want more security. It provides tracking and phishing protection as well as parental controls, but similar to AdBlock Pro, you have to pay for this feature. It offers over 50 different filters that you can customize to remove specific ads and content.

AdGuard is headquartered in privacy-friendly Cyprus

AdGuard has an extension you can install directly on Safari, unlike some ad blockers that require you to install a native app on your Apple device. You can manage settings straight from your browser, including creating filter rules and manually blocking elements on any site. But the downside is that this free extension can only secure your Safari browser, and you’ll need that premium app for full protection of your device.

5. 1Blocker — Specifically Designed to Eliminate Ads on the Safari Browser

1Blocker specializes in blocking ads solely on Apple devices. Like AdGuard, it offers a Safari extension for managing your browsing experience on the go. 1Blocker has extensive granular content-blocking controls, allowing you to selectively stop ads, trackers, scripts, and even social media widgets.

Adult sites can also be completely blocked on Safari

1Blocker doesn't push acceptable ads like Adblock Plus. However, it still allows you to whitelist the sites you trust, but you’ll miss out on that extra peace of mind. The free version is quite limited — it allows you to choose only one of the blocking filters (Ads, Privacy, Annoyances, or Adult Content) at a time.

6. Ghostery — Transparent Service for Safari That Utilizes AI to Block Trackers

Ghostery has unique anti-tracking protection tools to provide advanced privacy on Safari. For each website you visit, you can see and stop hidden trackers. Ghostery also replaces any information targeted by the trackers with incomprehensible characters. All these steps help avoid being monitored by advertisers or third-party services while browsing.

It's another open-source app like AdGuard

Aside from effectively blocking ads and trackers on Safari, Ghostery automatically opts you out of cookie consent forms that always ask for permission to track you on websites. It can be installed on Safari and several other browsers, including Chrome. That said, be warned that its large variety of tracking and customization settings can be overwhelming to new users.

7. AdLock – Robust Premium Ad and Malware Blocker for Safari

AdLock gets rid of autoplay, pop-up, and banner ads on Safari. It not only blocks ads but also spyware that might put your devices at risk. The Safari browser extension automatically stops you from opening sites, posing a risk of phishing scams and malware distribution. You can also install a native app on your iPhone or MacBook PC.

It also offers HTTPS filtering to only allow encrypted content without ads

The app has many useful protection and adblock settings, including DNS filtering. AdLock also prides itself on blocking in-app adverts, something that many ad blockers can't do. However, you can only use AdLock for free on browsers (including Safari).

8. Magic Lasso – Easy-To-Use Adblocker for Browsing Safari on Mac Devices

Magic Lasso is a set-and-forget ad blocker that requires no complex configurations. That's because it's pre-customized with a set of ad and tracker-blocking rules optimized for browsing on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. These instructions are updated daily for consistent performance, though you can also set your own custom rules.

The battery block feature claims to double battery life

It's also effective with YouTube ads. The downside is that its free version lacks some customization features, and premium subscriptions only renew yearly (there’s no monthly option like Adblock Plus offers). However, Magic Lasso has a generous free trial compared to most of the alternatives.

9. Total Adblock – Effectively Blocks Ads on iPhones and iPads

Total AdBlock effectively blocks ads, giving you a clean and secure browsing experience. That said, it only works on iOS and doesn't support macOS as a standalone app. You can block most obstructions on your phone browser and even use custom filters to manage ad preferences.

It also warns against malicious sites and potential phishing threats

Sadly, the free version is highly restrictive and primarily serves as an introduction to the premium features. It doesn’t provide comprehensive ad-blocking coverage or advanced customization options.

Easy-To-Use Apps Suitable for Beginners

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Quick Comparison: The Best Ad Blockers for Safari

Safari ad blockers come with different features depending on what matters most to you. To make choosing easier, I’ve highlighted key aspects so you can find the best one for a faster, safer, and ad-free browsing experience on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Tips for Choosing the Best Ad Blocker for Safari

Finding the right ad blocker for Safari comes down to a few key factors. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Compatibility. Make sure it works seamlessly with the latest Safari updates and is optimized for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
• Features and customization. Beyond basic ad-blocking, look for options that block trackers, cookies, and social media widgets. Custom filter lists and site whitelisting can also be useful.
• Impact on performance. A good ad blocker should work efficiently without slowing down your browser or draining your battery, especially on mobile.
• Privacy and security features. For added protection, choose an ad blocker that also blocks trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. Pairing it with Safari’s private browsing mode can further boost security.
• Ease of use. A simple, user-friendly interface with minimal setup is ideal.
• Video ad-blocking. If you stream a lot, look for an ad blocker that specifically blocks YouTube and other video platform ads — many don’t.

How Do Ad Blockers Work?

An ad blocker filters out unwanted content, such as ads, pop-ups, and trackers, before they even load on your browser. It relies on a predefined filter list that contains the addresses of known ad servers and trackers. When you visit a website, the ad blocker checks the incoming data against these lists and prevents the unwanted content from displaying. It also makes pages load faster and protects your privacy by stopping trackers from collecting your data.

That’s why an estimated 52% of Americans now use an ad blocker². Yet, a recent survey found that 61% of users have still experienced a personal data breach³. This shows that trackers are still winning the battle — making it even more important to choose the right ad blocker, not just the first one you come across.

Why Should I Use an Ad Blocker for Safari?

First and foremost, an ad blocker removes annoyances such as intrusive ads and pop-ups that clutter web pages. It also improves page loading times, streamlining your browsing experience on Safari. It can be helpful, especially on iPhones and iPads, where screen space is limited, and ads can be particularly disruptive.

Secondly, ad blockers provide some level of privacy and security. Many ads come bundled with trackers that monitor your online behavior, gathering data about your interests and habits. This data is then used for targeted advertising or even sold to third parties without your consent. Some ads may contain malware or phishing attempts, posing a risk to your device. Therefore, using ad blockers to stop these trackers on Safari helps to improve your online safety.

Besides using an ad blocker, you can try other ways to improve your online safety. Switching to a privacy-focused browser can help since many of them don’t track your browsing activity. A VPN is another excellent option — it encrypts your entire connection for better security, not just blocking trackers. Some of the best VPNs even come with built-in ad blockers for extra protection.

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How to Install an Ad Blocker on Safari

Installing an ad blocker on Safari is quick and easy, whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can do so by following these steps.

If your ad blocker has an extension feature, do this:

1. Open Safari and navigate to the Safari Extensions store.
2. Search for the ad blocker you prefer and click Get or Install.
3. After installation, go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions to activate the ad blocker.
4. Once activated, your ad blocker will begin filtering ads and trackers as you browse.

Here’s what to do if your ad blocker doesn't offer a Safari extension:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Search for the ad blocker you want to use and tap Get or Install.
3. Once the app is installed, go to your device’s Settings, then Safari.
4. Tap on Content Blockers and toggle the switch next to the ad blocker you’ve installed to enable it.
5. Open the ad blocker app itself to configure additional settings.

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FAQs on the Best Ad Blockers for Safari

Does Safari have a built-in ad block?

Safari has some built-in ad-blocking features, but it’s not a full ad blocker like third-party extensions. It includes a pop-up blocker that prevents most unwanted pop-ups, which you can enable in Safari under Settings > Safari > Block Pop-ups. It also has Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) to limit cross-site tracking, but it doesn’t block all ads, like banners or autoplay videos. For more comprehensive ad and tracker blocking, using a dedicated ad blocker with Safari is the best option.

Are Safari ad blockers legal?

Yes, ad blockers are legal to use in Safari and other browsers. They help you control your browsing experience by blocking unwanted ads and trackers. However, some websites may detect ad blockers and restrict access. In those cases, you can either allowlist the site or temporarily turn off the ad blocker if needed.

Which ad blocker for Safari can block YouTube ads?

Some Safari ad blockers that can block YouTube ads include AdBlock Pro, AdGuard, and Magic Lasso. However, YouTube frequently updates its ad system, making it harder for ad blockers to work consistently. Also, their effectiveness may vary, especially on iOS, since Safari’s Content Blocking API has limitations.

On Mac, these ad blockers generally work better, especially when used with YouTube’s desktop site. On iPhone and iPad, YouTube ads may still slip through, particularly in the YouTube app, where ad blockers don’t work. For a more reliable, ad-free experience, using YouTube Premium or watching through Safari with an ad blocker is the best option.

Can I use a free ad blocker for Safari?

Yes, you can use a free ad blocker for Safari. AdBlock Plus and Ghostery are solid free options that provide basic ad-blocking and privacy features for smoother browsing. While they work well for general ad blocking, free versions may have limitations compared to paid options, so they might not block all ads or offer advanced customization.

Conclusion

Using an ad blocker lets you browse on Safari with minimal distractions. It also enhances privacy and can speed up page load times. However, ad blockers can be selective, eliminating only some types of ads, so you should choose carefully. The best ad blockers offer free versions or trial periods, so they’re easy to check out before you commit.

References:

1. https://goadfuel.com/the-daily-ad-exposure-how-many-ads-does-the-average-person-see-each-day/#:~:text=The%20Numbers%3A%20How%20Many%20Ads,4%2C000%20to%2010%2C000%20ads%20daily.
2. https://www.theregister.com/2024/03/27/america_ad_blocker/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20survey%20of,according%20to%202022%20Statista%20data.
3. https://www.govtech.com/security/report-more-than-half-of-americans-have-had-their-data-exposed