Blocking ads sounds excellent, but a lot of the time blocking ads also means you're not supporting websites that offer content for free, so make sure you keep that in mind. If you must use an ad blocker, here's our selection of the best options for Microsoft's new Edge browser.
Social orientated
Adguard AdBlocker offers the same functionality as all other ad blockers, with the addition of being able to remove certain social features from the web. If you don't like seeing Facebook Like buttons on the web, for instance, this extension can make it, so they don't show up on web pages anymore. It also features built-in malware protection, pop-ups, and a whole lot more.
Most popular
This is the original adblocker, and many consider it the best. With over 200 million downloads since its launch, AdBlock is the go-to ad blocker for many people no matter what browser they use. By default, AdBlock will block the most offensive ads while whitelisting several unobtrusive ones. You can whitelist your favorite sites, too, if you wish to continue supporting them.
Very configurable
Much like AdBlock, Adblock Plus will block obtrusive ads while whitelisting a selection of unobtrusive ad providers. Adblock Plus is currently in beta on Microsoft Edge, so you may encounter some bugs with the extension. What's more, since it's beta, not all of its expected features are available yet. Still, Adblock Plus is another incredibly popular adblocker.
Privacy focused
Ghostery advertises itself as less of an ad blocker and more of an extension that stops sites from tracking you. But it still does the ad-blocking stuff, which is why it has a home on our list. Ghostery says it'll significantly speed up your web browsing by minimizing trackers that might weigh down your system, as well as declutter web pages from annoying ads.
Lightweight
uBlock Origin is an efficient adblocker. It's easy on the CPU and memory and has incredible customization with a super in-depth settings menu. It has a quick enable/disable the feature for when you do actually want to see ads, and can also create block filters from hosts files. It also has lots of blocklists for you to choose from.
Pure blocking
AdBlocker Ultimate is designed with a single purpose in mind: to remove all ads and focus your attention on the content you want. It's free, and it blocks ads and malicious domains that are known to spread malware. It can also disable tracking. Features include the ability to remove all ads, block malware, and improve browser performance.
Making a suggestion
There are many ad blockers available for Microsoft Edge, and all of them do a great job. Whether you want straight forward ad blocking with AdBlock (opens in new tab), or something a little more privacy focused with Ghostery (opens in new tab) , there's something for everyone using Microsoft Edge.
We personally prefer Adguard AdBlocker (opens in new tab), as it's super simple, but can also be configured with very fine controls. If you want to whitelist certain sites, it's easy, or if you want to block a whole chain of ad networks, you can do that too with Adguard.
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.
