3 weeks ago
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ZDNET's key takeaways
- The uBlock Origin Lite ad blocker extension has arrived for Safari.
- This extension is much better at blocking ads than most built-in blockers.
- Make sure to install the official extension -- we have the correct link.
Ad-blocking software has become a necessity for many of us because ads have become intrusive. Some ads are so bad that they can bring a browser to a slow, grinding halt. Even worse, they sometimes contain code that can inject malicious software into your computer.
You don't want that.
To protect yourself, ad blockers shouldn't be considered optional.
Also: The best ad blockers: Clean up your browsing experience
For many users, uBlock Origin has been the de facto standard in ad blockers. Unfortunately, Google made sure that the browser extension would no longer function. The good news is that uBlock Origin Lite continues to work as expected, even in light of Google's changes.
Until now, uBlock Origin Lite hasn't been available for Safari; that just changed, and you'll now find the extension available in the here in the Apple App Store.
There is a caveat.
If you search the App Store for uBlock Origin Lite, you might run into scams, such as the extension named Ublock that includes "Origin" in its tags or "Ublock: Ad Blocker, Speed Test." This is nothing new, of course, as nearly every app store contains "scamware." Even if you search for "uBlock Origin Lite" in the App Store, you won't find it. Why? Because the official app is still in Preview release status, which is why you need to use this direct link for uBlock Origin Lite extension.
To ensure you're installing the correct version, confirm that the associated developer name is Raymond Hill.
Once installed, you can customize the filtering mode on a per-site basis. The filtering mode goes from basic (no filtering), to optimal and complete. The default setting is basic, but if you find it's not working effectively enough for certain sites, you can increase the mode setting until it works as expected.
Also: The best secure browsers for privacy: Expert tested
As far as ad-blocking browser extensions go, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than uBlock Origin Lite. This app is considerably better than the built-in ad blockers most browsers include.
If Safari is your web browser of choice (on MacOS, iOS, or iPadOS), I highly recommend you install this extension to block annoying (or dangerous) ads. (On the other hand, if you're looking for a Safari alternative, I found an iPhone and Mac browser that's faster, safer, and easier to use than Safari.)
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