The Best Ad Blockers for Microsoft Edge in 2024

Ad blockers have become a must-have for many internet users who want to reclaim control of their online experience. Intrusive and annoying ads can bombard you everywhere you go online – interrupt videos, slow page loads, and even serve as vehicles for spreading malware.

Fortunately, installing an ad blocker on your web browser can eliminate many of these issues. For Microsoft Edge users, there are some excellent ad blocking extensions and services available. In this guide, we‘ll cover the top options to try in 2024.

What Are Ad Blockers and Why Use Them?

Ad blockers are browser extensions or services that remove advertisements from web pages before they have a chance to load and display. They work by blocking requests to ad serving domains that are known to deliver intrusive ads.

There are several key reasons ad blockers have become so popular:

  • Speed Up Web Browsing – By removing ads, pages load much faster without all the bandwidth-hungry ads, trackers and scripts.

  • Remove Interruptions – Video ads and pop-ups are blocked so you can focus on content without annoying distractions.

  • Enhance Privacy – Many ad blockers also prevent sites from tracking you and building profiles for ad targeting.

  • Improve Security – Malware is sometimes distributed through online ads. Ad blockers provide protection.

  • Save Data Usage – When you‘re browsing on a metered mobile connection, ad blockers reduce data consumption.

  • Control Your Experience – Take back control from advertisers and enjoy websites on your own terms.

For these reasons, installing an ad blocker can greatly improve your overall browsing experience.

How to Install an Ad Blocker in Microsoft Edge

Installing an ad blocking extension in Microsoft Edge is a quick and easy process:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu button in the upper right corner.

  2. Select Extensions from the menu.

  3. Click Get extensions from Microsoft Store.

  4. Search for the ad blocker you want to install. For example "uBlock Origin".

  5. Click Get to install the ad blocker extension.

  6. A pop-up will ask you to Add extension. Click it.

The ad blocker extension will now be installed in Microsoft Edge and ready to start filtering ads!

![Installing uBlock Origin ad blocker in Microsoft Edge](https://cdn. images-cdn.com/graphics/install-ad-blocker-edge.jpg)

Most ad blockers will automatically begin working to block ads across the web once installed. But you can customize settings as needed.

Now let‘s take a look at the top ad blocking options for Microsoft Edge users in 2024.

Best Ad Blockers for Microsoft Edge

1. uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is one of the most popular ad blockers available today and for good reason – it‘s fast, powerful, open source, and completely free. The lightweight extension blocks ads efficiently while using few system resources.

Beyond basic ad filtering, uBlock Origin provides advanced privacy and security protection:

  • Blocks trackers and surveillance networks
  • Malware blocking via filter lists
  • Anti-Adblock defuser
  • Low memory and CPU footprint

The open-source development allows transparency and trust in the code base. uBlock Origin offers in-depth customization settings for advanced users. If you‘re looking for an ad blocker that‘s respected by tech experts worldwide, uBlock Origin is a top choice.

2. AdGuard AdBlocker

AdGuard provides comprehensive ad blocking capability through both a free browser extension and premium paid plans. The extension efficiently eliminates banner ads, video commercials, pop-ups and more.

Useful features include:

  • Blocks ads on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch
  • Removes cookie consent notifications
  • Reduces page load times
  • Saves up to 50% of data usage on mobile
  • Trusted by over 200 million users

AdGuard‘s premium plans add more robust privacy protections, faster speeds, regional ad blocking, and the ability to share your subscription with family members. Well worth the price for power users.

3. Ghostery

Ghostery takes a privacy-centric approach to ad blocking. Their browser extension blocks ads while also preventing companies from tracking your web browsing behavior.

Key features include:

  • Blocks over 2000 ad tracking scripts
  • Speeds up page load performance
  • Prevents cross-site tracking between pages
  • Provides visibility into which trackers are present on sites
  • Adblocking tailored for privacy protection

For those whose main goal is maintaining privacy online, Ghostery makes it easy to block unwanted ad tracking scripts that follow you around the web.

![Ghostery reveals the ad trackers on a website](https://cdn. images-cdn.com/graphics/ghostery-reveals-trackers.jpg)

4. AdBlock

AdBlock is another trusted legacy ad blocker that efficiently eliminates advertisements on web pages for faster browsing. The open source extension boasts over 200 million users worldwide.

Features include:

  • Blocks banner ads, pop-ups and video ads
  • Customizable allowing or blocking of specific ad types
  • Automatically updates filter lists
  • Provides stats on how many ads are blocked
  • Lightweight extension with minimal impact on memory

Overall, AdBlock (not to be confused with Adblock Plus) is an easy to use option that sticks to the ad blocking basics.

5. Adguard AdBlocker

For Chrome users who want robust ad blocking, Adguard‘s browser extension is a top choice that goes beyond basic ad filtering to provide layered privacy and security protections.

Benefits include:

  • Blocks ads, tracking scripts, malware
  • Speeds up page loading performance
  • Saves bandwidth on mobile connections
  • Powerful customization options
  • Blocks YouTube video ads
  • Trusted security vendor

Adguard packs a lot of value into their browser extension. While the premium version unlocks even more features, the free ad blocker still beats many competitors.

Premium Ad Blockers

The ad blockers above all offer great free versions. But you can get additional features, faster speeds, and expanded platform support by opting for a premium ad blocker.

Some top options include:

  • AdGuard Premium – Unlocks mobile support, faster ad blocking, privacy tools.

  • AdBlock Premium – Includes malware blocking, speed boost, security alerts.

  • uBlock Origin Extra – For expanded anti-adblocking and anti-tracking.

  • Disconnect Premium – Encrypts traffic, blocks trackers, malware protection.

Consider upgrading to a premium ad blocker if you want the maximum privacy protection and performance. They‘re worth the small subscription fee.

Customizing Your Ad Blocker Settings

Once you‘ve installed an ad blocker, it‘s easy to customize its settings to your preferences. Here are some tweaks to consider:

  • Whitelist your favorite sites – Allow non-intrusive ads on sites you want to support.

  • Block additional elements – Expand blocking to cookies, scripts, images, etc.

  • Adjust resource usage – Increase or reduce CPU, memory and data usage.

  • Import filter lists – Draw from crowdsourced lists of ads and trackers.

  • Update filters automatically – Keep block lists current as new ads appear.

Take time to dive into your ad blocker‘s advanced settings to optimize the experience.

Fixing Ad Blocker Problems

Ad blockers are powerful tools, but can sometimes cause issues with page display or functionality. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Whitelist site – If a site breaks, whitelist it in your ad blocker.

  • Disable on site – Temporarily pause the ad blocker for that page only.

  • Disable privacy protections – Tracking script blockers can cause issues.

  • Update filter lists – Grab new filters to address sneaky ads.

  • Switch extensions – Try a different ad blocker if problems persist.

  • Reset extension – Clear cached data to start fresh.

With a little trial and error, you can have your ad blocker running smoothly.

My Recommended Ad Blockers for Microsoft Edge

Here are my top picks for the best ad blockers to use with Microsoft Edge this year:

  • Overall: uBlock Origin – Powerful, lightweight ad blocking with bonus anti-tracking.

  • Privacy: Ghostery – Blocks over 2000 ad tracking scripts for privacy.

  • Premium: AdGuard Premium – Unlocks robust mobile support, faster speeds.

  • YouTube: AdBlock – Capable of removing video ads on YouTube.

  • Malware protection: Adguard Premium – Blocks malicious ads spreading malware.

Get Control of Your Web Experience

Installing an ad blocker is one of the best things you can do to take control of your web browsing and security. The top ad blocking extensions for Microsoft Edge provide the tools to eliminate intrusive ads, stop sneaky trackers, speed up page loads, and browse in peace.

Defend your privacy, security and sanity by adding an ad blocker to your online toolkit today. Your web experience will thank you!

Luis Masters

Written by Luis Masters

Luis Masters is a highly skilled expert in cybersecurity and data security. He possesses extensive experience and profound knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in these rapidly evolving fields. Masters is particularly renowned for his ability to develop robust security strategies and innovative solutions to protect against sophisticated cyber threats.

His expertise extends to areas such as risk management, network security, and the implementation of effective data protection measures. As a sought-after speaker and author, Masters regularly contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital security. His work plays a crucial role in helping organizations navigate the complex world of online threats and data privacy.