The Best Ad Blockers for Mac and Safari May 2025

We've determined that the best ad blocker for Mac and Safari is Total Adblock. We are also fans of 1Blocker, Surfshark CleanWeb, and NordVPN Threat Protection,. While these are the best ad blockers we've tested, they also include unique features and functions that may be perfect for you. 

Make blog pages easier to read, stop the endless YouTube ads, and keep trackers from building profiles of you on all of your Apple devices. To figure out which one is perfect for you, look at our comparison below.

The best ad blockers for Mac and Safari May 2025

Ad Blocker	Best Overall
Best for	Overall	Additional features	Multiple devices	All-in-one-protection
Star rating	4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.8 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.5 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Starting price	Starts at Free	Starts at $2.99/mo	Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $3.09/mo (billed every two years)
AdBlock Tester score	100/100	100/100	96/100	96/100
Can You Block It score	3/3	3/3	3/3	2/3
macOS app
Safari extension
Compatibility	iOS, Android, Samsung, Chrome, Edge, Safari	macOS, iOS, Safari	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Fire TV	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Learn more	Get Total Adblock Read Total Adblock Review	Get 1Blocker Read 1Blocker Review	Get Surfshark CleanWeb Read Surfshark CleanWeb Review	Get NordVPN Threat Protection Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review

How we tested the best ad blockers for Mac and Safari

Security and ad blockers for Apple products are notoriously lacking. Some of the products we looked at, such as uBlock Origin, didn’t support Safari and didn’t offer an iOS app. When choosing an ad blocker for Apple products, we looked at security, features, compatibility, and how well the products worked.

Must haves:

• Compatibility: It had to work on macOS and iOS as well as Safari.
• Actual ad blocking: It had to successfully block various ad types, including pop-ups, tracking ads, banner ads, interstitial ads, and video ads. We test all ad blockers against AdBlock Tester, Cover Your Tracks, and Can You Block It. 
• Security: Were there additional security features, such as virtual private network services, antivirus software, malware and phishing protection, etc.?
• Extras: Did the product include extra features such as allowlisting, blacklisting, acceptable ads, etc.?

If you want to learn more, check out our full ad blocker testing methodology.

Total Adblock: Best overall

#1 Adblocker — Even Blocks YouTube Video Ads

4.9
AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Total Adblock's website
Ad Blocker
Total Adblock
Up to 80% off
• Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
• Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
• Improves page load times and enables faster browsing

Total Adblock is an ad-blocking solution from the makers of TotalAV antivirus. Similar to TotalAV, Total Adblock is a product that's easy to install, set up, and use, as it silently works in the background to provide you with an enhanced web browsing experience. 

What we liked

Fast start-up: Our testing proved that Total Adblock is an easy-to-use and reliable ad blocker. As soon as we installed the extension, Total Adblock started working right away, and the setup took only a few minutes. If you're curious about how well Total Adblock is working, you can click on the extension to view the number of ads and trackers blocked, as well as the data you've saved from using the ad blocker. 






High test scores: We also liked that Total Adblock had stellar test scores for ad and tracker blocking. With the free version, Total Adblock had a perfect score of 100/100 ads blocked, and it passed 2/3 of the tracker blocking tests. If you do wish to pay for Total Adblock, the bundle comes with TotalAV antivirus software, so you can protect your devices from malware threats, too. 

What we didn’t like

Limited free product: Total Adblock Free excludes the top 15,000 websites listed on Alexa.com, which can make your ad-blocking experience pretty limited. You'll have to pay for Total Adblock to work its magic on all ads.

Total Adblock pros and cons

Pros
• Easy setup process
• Hands-off ad-blocking experience
• Customizable for managing websites and ad preferences
Cons
• Free version excludes top 15,000 websites
• Sends annoying pop-ups pushing you to upgrade

Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review

1Blocker: Best for additional features

1Blocker has 11,000+ ratings on the app store, with an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It also touts itself as a “set and forget” product. According to one reviewer, 1Blocker was the only ad blocker that worked with their school’s mandatory enterprise security software.

What we liked

User-friendly: We are 100% on board with products that want to make the Mac user experience easy, and that’s what 1Blocker came to do. We’re also excited about the reports from reviewers that customer service was a breeze. Its compatibility with stronger security software, the “set and forget” ease of use, the fact that it’s free, and it doesn’t sell your data all make it a strong contender.






Consistent protection: Like Total Adblock, 1Blocker scored a perfect 100/100 on AdBlock Tester. Plus, if you want to upgrade to a premium plan and have unlimited category blocking, 1Blocker offers a unique Lifetime plan. Having purchased it ourselves (with our own money), we can attest to its longevity and usefulness.

What we didn’t like

Limited free product: The free iOS app only allows you to have one filter at a time. This means we have to choose between web page ads and web trackers. Also, the app required a little more setup than just plug-and-play. We had to configure the ad-blocking extension settings manually after installation.

1Blocker pros and cons

Pros
• Compatible with cybersecurity software
• Doesn’t sell your data
  
• Offers a lifetime paid plan
Cons
• Free iOS app is limiting
• Some setup required

Read Our 1Blocker Review 


Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for multiple devices

Comprehensive Ad Blocking Online and in Apps + VPN Connection

4.7
AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website
Ad Blocker
Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking
Save up to 86% + 3 extra months
• Blocks ads, banners, and pop-ups on your browser and apps, including smart TVs
• Enjoy boosted browsing speeds and save money on mobile data with its effective ad-blocking capabilities
• Added benefit of a VPN to encrypt your data, hide your IP address, avoid phishing scams, and minimize malware risks

Although you may not immediately think of a virtual private network (VPN) as being a good ad blocker, Surfshark VPN boasts a built-in ad blocker known as Surfshark CleanWeb. One of the reasons we love Surfshark is its allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections. Combined with CleanWeb's extensive compatibility, you'll be able to block ads and trackers across devices.

What we liked

Bundled: Surfshark One is one of the best cybersecurity bundles available due to its combination of security and affordability. On top of a VPN to remain anonymous online, the Surfshark One Starter plan comes with CleanWeb, which can block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. During our testing, CleanWeb got a near-perfect ad-blocking score of 96/100. A two-year plan with Surfshark averages $2.49/mo (billed every two years) and allows for unlimited simultaneous connections.






Versatility: CleanWeb boasts that it can protect against phishing attacks, stop malware, and even speed up your browsing experience. Because it stops infected sites from loading, it stops bandwidth waste. If you're on a limited data plan, CleanWeb reduces your overall monthly data use with all of the data-hogging extras it blocks. 

What we didn’t like

No Safari extension: CleanWeb 2.0 is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge but doesn't offer an ad blocker extension for Safari. You can enable CleanWeb on your Surfshark app for Mac, but it won't be able to block ads on streaming platforms or provide malware alerts. 

Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons

Pros
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
  
• Perfect ad-blocking score
Cons
• CleanWeb 2.0 isn't available for Safari
  
• VPN subscription required to use CleanWeb

Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Read Our Surfshark CleanWeb Review


NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for all-in-one protection

Enjoy Privacy and Security Even When Not Connected to a VPN

4.5
AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN Threat Protection's website
Ad Blocker
NordVPN Threat Protection
Up to 77% Off + 3 Months Extra
• Stops intrusive ads before they can even load, improving browsing experience and speed
• Identifies malware-ridden files and protects against visiting malicious websites
• Encrypts your data and blocks third-party trackers for increased security and privacy

Similar to Surfshark, NordVPN also boasts a built-in ad blocker known as NordVPN Threat Protection. This means you’ll get the ad blocker you’re looking for, plus the added security of a VPN. It can also scan for malware, protect you from phishing, and alert you of any real-time threats.

What we liked

Malware protection: NordVPN Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers, and malware. You can scan downloaded files for malware, which supplements your antivirus and proprietary Apple protections. For Nord users, all you need to do is visit the settings section of the NordVPN app and turn on the toggle for Threat Protection. 







High test scores: NordVPN is multi-faceted in its security approach. Threat Protection received impressive test scores: a 96/100 on AdBlock Tester, 2/3 on Cover Your Tracks, and it passed its malware detection and phishing detection tests. 

What we didn’t like

Price: NordVPN may not be the best substitute for an antivirus, considering that Threat Protection doesn't have its own dedicated firewall. Nord could also be an expensive option if all you need is an ad blocker. Plans start at $3.09/mo (billed every two years), which is much more than any of the featured ad blockers on this list. CleanWeb's also got it beat when it comes to price.

NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons

Pros
• Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
• Includes top-notch VPN and antivirus protection
• Easy to use
Cons
• VPN plans could be expensive compared to just ad blockers
• Lacks a firewall
  

Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review

How to choose the best ad blocker for Mac and Safari

There are plenty of products out there claiming to block ads. When you’re looking for a product, many of the features and services depend on what’s important to you. However, you should consider some non-negotiable features in all ad blockers.

• Removes most or all ads: Free products should remove most, if not all, ads, whereas paid products should remove all ads.
• Lag-free video streaming: It shouldn’t slow down your video.
• Functionality: This may block some images/links, but it should still allow you to use the internet as intended.
• Compatibility: It has to work with your operating system.
• Privacy: It can't sell your data.
• Price: There are good free products out there, and the paid ones should be even better.
• Security: A good ad blocker will keep you safe from tracking ads and other malicious scripts or executables.
• Online fingerprint: It should reduce your online fingerprint to help you avoid tracking and data collection.
How do I turn off an ad blocker on a Mac?

If your ad blocker doesn’t have a toggle button in the extension, you can go into the settings from your browser. You can also go to Safari > Settings > Extensions and unclick whatever extension you don’t want running. If your ad blocker is an app, go to your dashboard and toggle it off.

FAQs

Do ad blockers work on Mac?

Yes, there are many choices for macOS ad blockers. You can use an Apple-exclusive app like 1Blocker, macOS-compatible apps like Surfshark CleanWeb or NordVPN Threat Protection, or try an ad blocking extension through Safari like Total Adblock. 

Does Safari need an ad blocker?

Although Safari claims to block trackers, it really isn’t getting them all. To stop annoying ads, pop-ups, trackers, and even phishing attempts and malware, you should be using an ad blocker.

How do I block YouTube ads on a Mac?

You can block YouTube ads on a Mac by using ad blockers with macOS apps, like Surfshark CleanWeb, NordVPN Threat Protection, and 1Blocker. 1Blocker is built exclusively for Apple systems, including macOS, iOS, and Safari. 

If you use Safari on your Mac, other top-tier ad blockers like Total Adblock Premium will block YouTube ads. 

Is Adblock Plus good for Mac?

Adblock Plus is easy to use and will block some ads on Mac. It’s not the strongest or best ad blocker, though. Fortunately, there are better options for macOS, like 1Blocker, NordVPN Threat Protection, and Surfshark CleanWeb.

Bottom line: The best ad blockers for Mac and Safari

We think Total Adblock offers the best overall protection based on price point, features, and usability. 

We also recommend 1Blocker, Surfshark CleanWeb, and NordVPN Threat Protection because they work with Apple products and provide helpful features such as ad-blocking and malware protection. We were even impressed to find a product like 1Blocker that was built exclusively for macOS and iOS. Apple devices may not be infallible, but at least we know there are products committed to keeping them safe.

Still unsure of which ad-blocking solution may work best for you? Check out how our top recs compare to Total Adblock in our comprehensive reviews:

• Total Adblock vs. 1Blocker
• Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb
• Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection

4 best ad blockers for Mac and Safari 2025

	Best for	Compatibility	Learn more
	Ease of use	Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Android, iOS	Get Total Adblock Read Total Adblock Review
	Additional features	macOS, iOS, Safari	Get 1Blocker Read 1Blocker Review
	Multiple devices	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Get Surfshark CleanWeb Read Surfshark CleanWeb Review
	All-in-one protection	Threat Protection: Windows, macOS Threat Protection Lite: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Get NordVPN Threat Protection Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review