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Best Overall
Best for Additional Features
I've determined that the best ad blocker for Mac and Safari is Total Adblock. Total Adblock is affordable, user-friendly, and one of the highest-performing ad blockers I've tested.
I'm also a fan of 1Blocker, Surfshark CleanWeb, NordVPN Threat Protection, and Wipr. 1Blocker and Wipr are built for the Apple ecosystem, though 1Blocker includes parental controls and a firewall for unique protection. Surfshark CleanWeb allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, covering all your devices — though it doesn't have a dedicated Safari extension. NordVPN Threat Protection comes bundled with our top VPN recommendation.
According to our ad blocker study, 67% of users have skipped content or abandoned a site because of ads, and 94% of ad blocker users say their software is at least somewhat effective. With these ad blockers, you can 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 find the Safari ad blocker that's perfect for you, look at my roundup below.
Compare the best Safari ad blockers
How I tested
Total Adblock: Best overall
1Blocker: Best for additional features
Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for Mac
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for all-in-one protection
Wipr: Best for Safari
How to choose the best ad blocker
Bottom line
FAQs
The best ad blockers for Mac and Safari 2026
Compare the best Safari ad blockers
| Ad Blocker | Best Overall
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CleanWeb |
Threat Protection |
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| Best for | Overall | Additional features | Mac | All-in-one protection | Safari |
| Star rating | |||||
| Starting price | Starts at $1.59/mo | Starts at $2.99/mo | Starts at $1.78/mo | Starts at $3.09/mo | $4.99 one-time fee |
| AdBlock Tester score | 100/100 | 78/100 | 96/100 | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| Can You Block It score | 3/3 | 2.5/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| macOS app | |||||
| Safari extension | |||||
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Safari | macOS, iOS, Safari | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox | macOS, iOS, Safari |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get 1Blocker | Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Get Wipr |
How we test and rate ad blockers
Every ad blocker in this guide is hands-on tested by our team using a consistent process. We evaluate each product across six areas:
- Test results (34%): We run each ad blocker through AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It, recording scores for each. We also browse ad-heavy sites in real-world conditions, including watching YouTube videos and visiting Forbes, to verify day-to-day performance.
- Value (21%): We evaluate each product's cost relative to its blocking performance, factoring in starting price, money-back guarantee length, and the number of devices covered under a single subscription.
- Features (18%): We test each ad blocker against a six-point checklist covering its ability to block pop-up ads, trackers, YouTube ads, banner ads, and push ads, as well as whether it includes whitelisting functionality.
- Editor's score (15%): We use each product ourselves across supported platforms, evaluating how intuitive the interface is and anything else that affects day-to-day use that isn't captured by our other criteria.
- Customer support (7%): We evaluate the support options available, prioritizing human support options like live chat and email.
- Compatibility (5%): We review each ad blocker's compatibility across desktop apps, browser extensions, and mobile apps to determine how broad its device and platform coverage is.
We test all ad blockers at least twice a year to ensure our recommendations stay current. We test across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS so our results reflect real-world performance on the devices most readers actually use.
To learn more about how we test, read our full ad blocker methodology here.
Total Adblock: Best overall
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 runs in the background to enhance your web browsing experience.
What I liked
Fast start-up: My testing proved that Total Adblock is an easy-to-use and reliable ad blocker. As soon as I 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: I also liked that Total Adblock had stellar test scores for ad and tracker blocking. With the free version, Total Adblock had a perfect score: 100/100 ads blocked, and it passed our tracker-blocking tests. If you do wish to pay for Total Adblock, the bundle includes TotalAV antivirus software, so you can protect your devices from malware, too.
What I didn't like
Limited free product: Total Adblock Free excludes the top 15,000 websites listed on Alexa.com, which can limit your ad-blocking experience. You'll have to pay for Total Adblock to work its magic on all ads.
Total Adblock pros and cons
- Easy setup process
- Hands-off ad-blocking experience
- Customizable for managing websites and ad preferences
- Free version excludes top 15,000 websites
- Sends annoying pop-ups pushing you to upgrade
Test results
Total Adblock is our top recommended ad blocker because it has some of the best test scores across the board. It received perfect test scores with AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It.
Total Adblock also consistently blocks YouTube ads on both desktop and mobile, so you'll be able to stream YouTube ad-free on your Android.
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| AdBlock Tester results | 100/100 |
| Can You Block It results | 3/3 |
| Can Total Adblock block ads on YouTube? | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock |
Star rating summary
Total Adblock's perfect star rating of 5.0 was achieved due to its 5/5 scores in the experience, value, features, and customer service categories.
Total Adblock was docked one point in the compatibility factor because it doesn't offer apps for desktop.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 21% | 5.0 |
| Features | 18% | 5.0 |
| Test results | 34% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 5% | 4.0 |
| Customer service | 7% | 5.0 |
1Blocker: Best for additional features
1Blocker has 12,000+ ratings on the Apple 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 I liked
User-friendly: I'm 100% on board with products that aim to make the Mac user experience easier, and that's what 1Blocker set out to do. Its compatibility with stronger security software and set-and-forget functionality make it an easy pick for me. On top of that, 1Blocker is free and doesn't sell your data, making it a strong contender.
Consistent protection: Like Total Adblock, 1Blocker scored a perfect 78/100 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 myself (with my own money), I can attest to its longevity and usefulness.
What I didn't like
Limited free product: The free iOS app allows only one filter at a time. This means you'll have to choose between webpage ads and web trackers.
Also, the app required a little more setup than a plug-and-play setup. I had to configure the ad-blocking extension settings manually after installation.
1Blocker pros and cons
- Compatible with cybersecurity software
- Doesn't sell your data
- Offers a lifetime paid plan
- Free iOS app is limiting
- Inconsistent test results
Test results
1Blocker proved to be an efficient ad blocker during our testing. It earned solid marks with AdBlock Tester, almost bested all three Can You Block It tests, and it can block ads on YouTube.
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| AdBlock Tester results | 78/100 |
| Can You Block It results | 2.5/3 |
| Can 1Blocker block ads on YouTube? | Yes |
| Learn more | Get 1Blocker |
Star rating summary
1Blocker's decent star rating of 4.7 was achieved due to its 5/5 scores in the experience, features, compatibility, and customer service categories.
1Blocker failed to fully block interstitial ads during repeated in-house testing, though it effectively blocked banner ads, YouTube ads, and other ad formats.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 21% | 4.67 |
| Features | 18% | 5.0 |
| Test results | 34% | 4.5 |
| Compatibility | 5% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 7% | 5.0 |
Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for Mac
Although you may not immediately think of a virtual private network (VPN) as an ad blocker, Surfshark VPN offers a built-in ad blocker called Surfshark CleanWeb. One reason I love Surfshark is its allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections — making it a strong pick for Mac users who want system-level ad and tracker blocking across all their apps. Note that CleanWeb doesn't offer a dedicated Safari extension; if you need ad blocking directly within Safari, Wipr or 1Blocker are better fits.
What I 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 my testing, CleanWeb got a near-perfect ad-blocking score of 96/100. A two-year plan with Surfshark averages $2.08/mo and allows for unlimited simultaneous connections.
Versatility: CleanWeb claims to 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 usage by blocking data-hogging extras.
What I 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 in the Surfshark app for Mac, but it won't block ads on streaming platforms or provide malware alerts.
Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Consistently blocks YouTube ads
- Bundled with Surfshark VPN
- CleanWeb 2.0 isn't available for Safari
- VPN subscription required to use CleanWeb
Test results
Surfshark CleanWeb is a high-performing ad blocker that pleasantly surprised us with its latest results. It received either perfect or near-perfect scores on all our ad blocking tests. Plus, it successfully blocked ads on YouTube.
CleanWeb
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| AdBlock Tester results | 96/100 |
| Can You Block It results | 3/3 |
| Can Surfshark CleanWeb block ads on YouTube? | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
Star rating summary
Surfshark CleanWeb received a near-perfect star rating of 4.8 due to its 5/5 scores in the experience, value, test results, compatibility, and customer service categories.
Surfshark CleanWeb received lower marks in the features category because it doesn't block push ads.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 21% | 5.0 |
| Features | 18% | 4.0 |
| Test results | 34% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 5% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 7% | 5.0 |
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for all-in-one protection
Similar to Surfshark, NordVPN also offers a built-in ad blocker called 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 to any real-time threats.
What I 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 NordVPN app's settings and turn on the Threat Protection toggle.
High test scores: NordVPN is multifaceted in its security approach. Threat Protection received impressive test scores: 100/100 on AdBlock Tester and 3/3 on Can You Block It.
What I didn't like
Price: Nord could also be an expensive option if all you need is an ad blocker. Plans start at $3.09/mo, which is much more than any of the featured ad blockers on this list. CleanWeb is also more affordable.
Limited as an antivirus: NordVPN may not be the best alternative to an antivirus, given that Threat Protection lacks a dedicated firewall.
NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons
- Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Includes top-notch VPN and antivirus protection
- Easy to use
- VPN plans could be expensive compared to just ad blockers
- Lacks a firewall
Test results
NordVPN Threat Protection Pro is a solid ad blocker, but it struggles with YouTube ads at all. However, Threat Protection Pro passed the AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It tests with ease.
Threat Protection
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| AdBlock Tester results | 100/100 |
| Can You Block It results | 3/3 |
| Can NordVPN Threat Protection block ads on YouTube? | No |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Star rating summary
NordVPN Threat Protection received a solid star rating of 4.7 due to its 5/5 scores in the experience, compatibility, and customer service categories.
NordVPN Threat Protection is more expensive than most of the ad blockers on this list because it's only available with a NordVPN subscription. It also can't block YouTube ads.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 21% | 4.33 |
| Features | 18% | 4.0 |
| Test results | 34% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 5% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 7% | 5.0 |
Wipr: Best for Safari
Wipr 2 is a lightweight content blocker built exclusively for Apple devices. Unlike VPN-based ad blockers that work at the network level, Wipr uses Apple's native Content Blocker API — which means it integrates directly with Safari on both Mac and iPhone. It's available for a low one-time fee, and in my testing, it aced both AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It, including blocking YouTube ads via the Wipr Extra feature.
What I liked
Truly Safari-native: Wipr is one of the few ad blockers built specifically for Safari using Apple's Content Blocker API. Setup is minimal — download the app, enable the extensions in Safari Preferences, and you're done. It also updates automatically, so there's no maintenance required.
Perfect test scores: In my testing, Wipr consistently received perfect scores on AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It. With Wipr Extra enabled, it blocked YouTube video ads when watching in Safari — a strong result for such a lightweight tool.
Low one-time cost: Most ad blockers charge monthly or annual fees. Wipr costs a $4.99 one-time fee one-time fee — no subscriptions, no renewals. You can tip the developer in-app to support further development.
What I didn't like
No ads-blocked counter: Wipr doesn't show you how many ads it's blocked. This is a deliberate privacy decision — tracking what it blocks would require Wipr to monitor your browsing history — but it can make it harder to gauge how hard it's working.
Apple-only: Wipr works exclusively on Safari for macOS and iOS. If you use Chrome, Firefox, or any non-Apple device, it won't help you.
Wipr pros and cons
- Built natively for Safari — works on Mac and iPhone
- Low one-time fee, no subscription required
- Perfect scores on both ad-blocking tests
- Blocks YouTube ads via Wipr Extra
- No ads-blocked counter
- Safari and Apple devices only
Test results
Wipr is a solid ad blocker for iOS, with top ad blocking scores when tested on iPhone and Mac. It works well and offers excellent value with a simple one-time fee.
However, we wish it had an ads blocked counter and better ways to whitelist and customize filters like other ad blockers.
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| AdBlock Tester results | 100/100 |
| Can You Block It results | 3/3 |
| Can Wipr block ads on YouTube? | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Wipr |
Star rating summary
Wipr's high 4.6 star rating is due to its 5/5 scores in the value, test results, and compatibility categories. It's a great option for Apple users to use on their macOS and iOS devices.
Wipr may be overly simplistic for some and it doesn't have an ads-blocked counter. It also doesn't block push ads, but otherwise blocks most types of annoyances.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 4.0 |
| Value | 21% | 5.0 |
| Features | 18% | 4.0 |
| Test results | 34% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 5% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 7% | 4.0 |
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 your video down.
- Functionality: This may block some images or 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.
If your ad blocker doesn't have a toggle button in the extension, you can go into your browser's settings. You can also go to Safari > Settings > Extensions and uncheck whatever extension you don't want running. If your ad blocker is an app, go to your dashboard and toggle it off.
Bottom line: The best ad blockers for Mac and Safari
Based on my testing, Total Adblock offers the best overall protection at this price point, with features and usability that match.
I also recommend 1Blocker, Surfshark CleanWeb, NordVPN Threat Protection, and Wipr. 1Blocker and Wipr are built exclusively for macOS and iOS, offering protection tailored to Apple users. Surfshark CleanWeb and NordVPN Threat Protection cover you across all your devices and come bundled with top-tier VPN protection. Apple devices may not be infallible, but at least I 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 picks compare in our comprehensive reviews:
- Total Adblock vs. 1Blocker
- Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb
- Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection
- Total Adblock vs. Wipr
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 or Wipr, 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.




