Pop-ups are unwanted browser windows that emerge out of nowhere when you are viewing content on the web. Closing them on every website is tiring and those accidental clicks can really tickle our nerves.

Knowing how to block pop-ups can save you a lot of time while surfing the internet. So, without further ado, let’s see how they work and which is the best ad blocker.

Why do Pop-Ups Keep Appearing on Chrome?

Getting a lot of unsolicited pop-up ads or redirections may indicate adware or other unwanted infection on your computer. To prevent this, always have your JavaScript enabled so you can get an alert if your browser has adware or different malicious software. And also, use the pop-up blockers on Chrome and other browsers.

Having adware is nothing to worry about. Some of the ways to fix this issue are:

  • Resetting the browser to its default settingsUse adware cleanerInstall good antivirus softwareKeep your browser up to date

How to Stop Pop-Ups in Google Chrome?

Before we jump to the list of pop up blockers on Chrome, let’s take a quick look at the settings you can adjust on your web browser with these easy-to-follow steps:

  • In your Chrome browser, at the top right, click More > SettingsClick Security and Privacy > Site SettingsClick Pop-ups and redirectsChoose the option you want as your default setting

This way you can allow or prevent sites from sending pop-ups or redirects.

How to Block Ads on Chrome From Specific Websites?

Since some legitimate websites also display their content in pop-up windows, you may wish to allow popups in Chrome for a specific site:

  • Start with opening a page you have pop-ups blocked forClick on Pop-up blocked in the address barChoose the link of the site you want to see pop-ups from and preferably select Always allow pop-ups and redirects from the specific site

Blocking Pop-Ups on Firefox and Safari 

You can disable pop-ups on these browsers in three easy steps for each:

Firefox

  • Click on the three stacked lines in the upper-right corner of the Firefox browser and choose OptionsSelect Privacy and Security from the menu on the leftFind the Permissions section and disable Block pop-up windows

Safari

  • Open the Preferences under SafariGo in the Security tabNext to Web content check the Block pop-up windows option

How to Stop Pop-Ups on Android?

It’s really easy to turn off pop-ups on your Android phone or tablet, just follow these steps:

  • Open the Chrome appTo the right of the address bar, tap More > SettingsTap Permissions and then Pop-ups and redirectsTurn off Pop-ups and redirects

How to Block Ads on Chrome With an Ad Blocker?

In case the built-in options on your browser are simply not enough, thankfully, there are plenty of adblocking plug-ins to choose from. Not only will they block all those intrusive ads, but they usually come with a bunch of additional features, such as whitelisting, improving your CPU performance, or protecting your privacy. 

Ad blockers come in all shapes and sizes, both free and paid. Either way, they really help elevate your online experience.

Best Chrome Plug-Ins to Block Pop-Ups

More than half of Australia’s internet traffic used Google Chrome. Finding the right pop-up blocker is not an easy feat. We checked out the most used pop-up blockers to help with your choice of the best ad blocker.

  • AdLock

AdLock offers a free trial for 30 days to test their services. After that, if you’re satisfied, you can buy an activation code for US$3.5 per month, while their best deal is paying US$41.16 for every 27 months.

  1. AdGuard

Features: 

  • Supporting operating systems Android, Windows, Mac and iOSBlocks pop-ups like video ads and crypto mining ads in web browsers, games and chat appsContributes to saving mobile data, speeding up loading and hiding your data

Cons:

  • Not available on Google Play, only downloadable from a direct website linkDoesn’t run automatically if used on a phone, instead, you’ll need to enable ad-blocking by yourself

With AdGuard you can choose between AdGuard DNS, which is a free version or pay a licence starting from USD$2.49 a month for three devices, or USD$79.99 lifetime. Both browser extension and an application are available, as well as a home solution that protects all the devices in your home. Even if Macs are deemed to be safe in general, it’s best to take precautions.

  1. Adblock Plus

Features:

  • Available platforms: Windows, Mac, Android and iOSProtects you from fake news, malvertising, scam ads, distractions, and slow loadingFilters every web browser and every application

  • May cause problems where pop-ups are mandatoryYou cannot whitelist any websites

Adblock Plus helps you disable or allow pop-ups in Chrome and have a safe journey through your web browsing. It blocks annoying ads and makes your internet browsing faster. Being part of the Acceptable Ads program, it allows non-intrusive ads to go through. 

  1. AdBlock

  • Supported downloads for Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Yandex BrowserShows you only non-intrusive adsTotally free

  • Acceptable Ads are automatically enabledWorks only as a browser extension

AdBlock it’s a free open-source plug-in. It is the most popular and best free adblock for Chrome, with 65 million+ users. It allows you to customise your filter lists or whitelist different websites.

  1. Ghostery

  • You can use it in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, iOS,  and AndroidYou can use it without paying a centBesides pop-ups, it also blocks YouTube and Facebook ads

  • Some of the websites cannot be opened while using AdBlockYou have to manually disable the Acceptable Ads feature

Ghostery is also the best free adblock for Chrome and iOS that will help you customise your display and protect you from internet data abuse. You can purchase Complete privacy protection for USD$47.88 annually or USD$4.99 monthly.

  1. Opera Browser

  • Used like Browser extension for Android and iOSWill block your location, age and gender info and device informationStrong Anti-Tracking, Ad Blocking and Smart Blocking

  • The premium Complete privacy feature may not be worth itNot part of the Acceptable Ads program

Opera is the first internet browser that has a built-in VPN and ad-blocker, which means you don’t need to get any additional extensions. There’s also a possibility of customising further with more add-ons. It’s available for both desktop and mobile devices. 

  1. uBlock Origin

  • Built-in AdblockerFree VPNWarns about malware and malicious links

  • Not part of Acceptable AdsOnly blocks ads in the browser

Besides the good job it does with its ability to block and unblock pop ups, uBlock Origin is highly focused on energy conservation. Being open-source, uBlock could save consumers as much as $1.8 billion a year, according to a study.

  1. AdBlocker Ultimate
  • Available for Chrome, Chromium, MS Edge, Opera, Firefox, and all Safari releases prior to 13Doesn’t affect CPU and memoryOpen-source

Cons: 

  • Built to allow some pop-upsOnly comes as a browser extension

AdBlocker Ultimate offers a free version in the form of a browser extension, as well as a paid one, for US$2.49 a month for three devices. The paid service is a Windows application working outside the browser.  You’ll get 14 days to test out the product and see if you like its features, which include blocking all ads, malicious websites, and trackers. 

Finishing Thoughts

Surfing the Internet without protection is always risky, and pop-ups can be really annoying. Combining good antivirus software with the best ad blocker from those listed above will help you surf the web without worries.

  • Available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and SafariFree browser extensionWindows application independent of the browser

  • No Acceptable Ads featureNot available for Mac

1. Can I block pop-up ads?

Yes, you can. But more importantly – how to block pop-ups? There are several ways to do it: using the built-in preferences of your browser, or using Chrome plug-ins to block the pop-ups.

2. How to disable pop up blockers on Mac?

If your dilemma is how to turn off pop up blocker Safari, we recommend following these steps:

  • Go to Safari menu and open PreferencesChoose Security In Web content, uncheck the option you want to disable on the Block pop-up

3. Why am I getting so many pop-up ads?

If you’re getting a lot of pop-ups, this may mean there’s adware or some other unwanted infection on your computer. Make sure your JavaScript is always on, and use the pop-up blockers on Chrome and other browsers.