The Best Ad Blockers for Firefox 2024
Don’t let ads fire you up. Instead, get one of our recommended ad blockers for Firefox.
Last updated Oct 19, 2023
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Best for Blocking Ads on Mobile
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Best for Blocking Malicious Ads
4.5
Learn More
On NordVPN Threat Protection's website
NordVPN Threat Protection
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Lacks a dedicated firewall
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Best Unique Add-Ons
View More
Best for Blocking Trackers
5.0
Learn More
On Ghostery's website
Ghostery
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Not available on Chrome for Android (only Firefox for Android)
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It’s important to use ad-blocking software combined with a web browser that you trust. We’ve tested some of the most popular ad-blocking services on the Mozilla Firefox browser. We determined that the best ad blockers for Firefix are Total Adblock, NordVPN Threat Protection, and uBlock Origin, which all lead the way with their unique features and ability to bypass unwanted ads.
In this article
The best ad blockers for Firefox 2023Total Adblock: Best for mobile ads
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for blocking malicious ads
uBlock Origin: Best unique features
Ghostery: Best for blocking trackers
Ad blockers that didn’t make the cut
Best ad blockers for Firefox FAQs
Bottom line
How we tested the best ad blockers for Firefox
The best ad blockers for Firefox 2023
- Total Adblock: Best for blocking mobile ads
- NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for blocking malicious ads
- uBlock Origin: Best unique add-ons
- Ghostery: Best for blocking trackers
Top 4 ad blockers for Firefox, compared
| Ad blocker |  Total Adblock |
 NordVPN Threat Protection |
 uBlock Origin |
 Ghostery |
| Compatibility | Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, iOS, Android | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Chromium | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera, Android |
| Blocks ads | ||||
| Blocks trackers | ||||
| Blocks malicious sites | ||||
| Additional features | Allows you to whitelist certain ads and manage trusted websites | Includes malware scanning and phishing protection | Includes add-ons for blocking cookies, social media, and more | Operates the largest database of trackers and blocks them |
| Learn More | Get Total Adblock Read Total Adblock Review |
Get NordVPN Threat Protection Read Total Adblock Review |
Read Our uBlock Origin Review | Read Our Ghostery Review |
Total Adblock: Best for blocking mobile ads
4.5
Total Adblock Keeps iPhones and Androids Both Ad Free
Total Adblock
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Remove ads & trackers on YouTube, Facebook, and most websites
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Hands-off ad-blocking experience
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Easy to set up
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Free version excludes top 15,000 websites
Total Adblock is made by the same company that makes TotalAV antivirus, so you can be sure this ad blocker has cybersecurity chops. While testing it, we found it extremely easy to set up and really enjoyed the fact that we didn't have to manage any settings to block ads.
What we liked
Total Adblock scored highly when we tested it on AdBlock Tester and Cover Your Tracks, two sites intended to check if an ad blocker successfully blocks ads and trackers. This is important especially if you choose to pay for an ad blocker — no one wants to pay for something that doesn't work.
Needless to say, Total Adblock cleared out those annoying ads. The paid version also blocks browser notifications and comes with antivirus protection, two bonuses that help keep your online adventures secure and annoyance-free.
We also like that Total Adblock has iOS and Android apps ready to go for your cell phone, which can help protect your device even more than a browser extension.
What we didn’t like
We wish Total Adblock's paid plan wasn't so expensive. The price starts at about $30 for your first year using it. After that, you can expect to pay a little over $100 each year.
Keep in mind this high price might be worth it if you don't already have antivirus protection installed. Antivirus software is necessary for all devices, and you'll get access to the TotalAV security suite features if you pay for Total Adblock.
Total Adblock pros and cons
Pros
- User-friendly setup and design
- Hands-off ad blocking works in the background
Cons
- Free version is fairly limited
Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for blocking malicious ads
4.5
NordVPN Threat Protection Ad Blocker
NordVPN Threat Protection
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Threat protection - Block ads, trackers, and malicious downloads
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Works on multiple devices and browsers
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30-day money-back guarantee
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Lacks a dedicated firewall
NordVPN is one of the best virtual private networks (VPNs) on the market, but its plans come with a lot more than just the ability to encrypt your internet connection. NordVPN Threat Protection is an integerated ad and malware blocker included with NordVPN. You can use it to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites, and to scan downloaded files for malware, with no VPN connection required.
You can also opt to use Threat Protection Lite while connected to NordVPN, ensuring that your device is protected from pesky ads and malicious sites whenever you need.
What we liked
NordVPN Threat Protection had some impresive test results when we were testing for with AdBlock Tester and Cover Your Tracks. It received a 93/100 score for ad blocking, a near-perfect score, and 2/3 for tracker blocking, showing that it can block tracking ads and invisible trackers. It also allows for whitelisting and blacklisting, so you can tailor your ad-blocking experience as needed.
We also like that Threat Protection can block malware too. Threat Protection passed our malware detection and phishing detection tests, so we felt reassured that NordVPN could act as a well-rounded cybersecurity suite. Like other Nord products, Threat Protection was also easy to setup and its interface was intuitive.
What we didn’t like
NordVPN Threat Protection can be pricey, considering you're paying for a VPN subscription and not just a premium ad blocker. Surfshark has its own ad and malware blocker, known as CleanWeb, that's more affordable.
If you opt to use Threat Protection Lite, the capabilities are pretty limited. Threat Protection Lite can't block trackers or scan for malware, which could put your device in danger of malware if you're not using an antivirus program.
NordVPN Threat Protection: pros and cons
Pros
- Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Allows for whitelisting and blacklisting
Cons
- There are cheaper alternatives in the market, like Surfshark Cleanweb
- Threat Protection Lite is limited
Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review
uBlock Origin: Best for unique features
4.8
We're Smitten with uBlock Origin's Custom Features
uBlock Origin
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Free and open-source
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Compatible with multiple browsers
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Some features require technical knowledge
uBlock Origin is available on a variety of browsers and offers the most customizable features of any other brand we tested. Along with the basic services of blocking ads, trackers, and malicious URLs, this ad blocker includes several more customizable features that may keep you safe during your web browsing.
Firefox’s website for the uBlock Origin extension calls it “a wide-spectrum content blocker with CPU and memory efficiency as a primary feature.”
Related to the company’s mantra, a user’s personal study on GitHub highlighted that uBlock Origin uses less computer memory than some of the leading brands.[2] The benefits of reducing memory consumption include speed and page stability, so you can use this ad blocker without worrying about sacrificing your PC’s memory data.
uBlock Origin Chrome extension plug-in. 
What we liked
uBlock Origin scored 100% on all data points during our testing, including blocking the following items: contextual advertising (i.e., delivery of personalized, targeted ads), banner ads, error-monitoring feedback, invisible trackers, and more.
Additionally, uBlock Origin is unique in its ability to block coin mining scripts, which can steal computer resources and mine cryptocurrency. Companies or individuals could try to use your computer resources to generate revenues for themselves without your knowledge. But don’t worry! This platform automatically blocks coin miners from your personal computer.
We also liked that the extension offers a multitude of filter lists that you can enable or disable within your settings. These lists are additional options beyond their default settings, such as:
- EasyList Cookie: This tool helps block third-party cookies from tracking your whereabouts online. Cookies can lead to privacy issues and allow targeted ads to follow you around within your internet browsing.
- Fanboy Annoyances: The Fanboy Annoyance List is coded to block pop-ups, certain social media content, and other annoying objects that may pop up during your browsing session.
- AdGuard Annoyances: You can add the AdGuard Annoyances feature to further block cookie notifications, pop-up subscription notifications, and more.
- Dan Pollock’s hosts file: This hosts file is open-source software that will stop your PC from connecting to certain internet hosts. The software creator claims it can protect you from spyware and pop-up traps, prevent further tracking, and reduce bandwidth use.
What we didn’t like
uBlock Origin released its JavaScript blocking feature in September 2018, taking the extension a step forward in blocking Javascript that can hide malware or attempt exploits. While this was a positive step for the organization, some recent user reviews from the Firefox browser extension showed concern about the feature automatically blocking certain websites.
One user complained that they couldn’t see anything on their webpage; uBlock Origin’s developer later responded that the issue was fixed. Although there is no perfect ad blocker when it comes to blocking JavaScripts, it made us feel a bit more comfortable that the developer addressed this issue by fixing it in GitHub and responding directly to the review.
Another potential misstep for uBlock Origin is the lack of a support website or contact form for user issues. After searching its main webpage, we found that you can reach them through an email address at the bottom of the page that will populate if you click “get in touch.”
uBlock Origin pros and cons
Pros
- Software doesn’t use as much PC memory
- Offers customizable add-on features
Cons
- Scripting block feature may block content from wanted websites
- No support website
Ghostery: Best for blocking trackers
5.0
Ghostery Lets You Ghost Ads and Trackers
Ghostery
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Regularly updated list of blocked trackers
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Comprehensive free version
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Not available on Chrome for Android (only Firefox for Android)
Ghostery is the final ad blocker on our list, as it also passed our testing and has some unique features. Ghostery claims to have had over 100 million downloads around the world, combined with 1.1 million users utilizing the service on the Firefox browser alone. Ghostery seems top-notch when it comes to its proprietary tracking database and methodologies used for protecting your web browsing experience.
What we liked
Along with standard ad-blocking capabilities, Ghostery really excels at stopping trackers. The extension says its capabilities are “...different than opting-out or blocking cookies within the browser because those strategies still allow the browser to communicate with the web server (they just try to alter the communication or the response).”
Ghostery owns and utilizes the largest database of trackers in the industry, keeping its own library of 5,000 trackers from over 3,000 companies and updating it regularly.
Another unparalleled feature is the information they offer users regarding website trackers. Not only can users preview trackers on search engine result screens, but they can also view tracker information for any website they wish to visit. The ad blocker lets users see the number of trackers, the specific type of tracker, and the company that owns the tracker.
If you would like to opt into ads or trackers for certain sites, you can do so on a one-by-one basis.
What we didn’t like
Ghostery used to be owned by Evidon, a U.S. company that provides business solutions. While the Ghostery website states that it no longer shares any information with its new owner, there was a time when Evidon did sell data from Ghostery users to third-party companies.
It seems that some of the extension’s reviewers are still reeling from the poor reputation, commenting on their lack of trust in the organization within the Firefox reviews. One user stated, “You have to agree to send your personally not identifiable data and accept the privacy policy.”
Although Ghostery is open-source, the publicity and additional reputation of being owned by a larger company could be a factor to think about before selecting it as your ad blocker.
Ghostery: Best for tracking visibility
Pros
- Proprietary tracking database
- Customizable tracking features
Cons
- Asks users to share anonymous data
- Lack of customer service options
Ad blockers that didn’t make the cut
A 2021 survey of 5,000 internet users highlighted that a majority of individuals surveyed used either AdBlock or Adblock Plus as their ad blocker. Coming in second in popularity for the test group was AdGuard.[3] You may be wondering why these well-known ad blockers didn’t make the cut. Keep reading to find out.
Adblock Plus
Adblock Plus states that it blocks all ads by default, including YouTube ads. You can also customize which sites allow ads and view how many ads you’ve blocked.
During our testing, Adblock Plus failed to block banner ads and error monitoring from websites. Beyond banner ads feeling intrusive, they could potentially make webpages load slower. Webpages that track error monitoring can also slow your browsing experience.
Another major reason Adblock Plus didn’t make it into our best ad blockers for Firefox list was that it actually runs its own ad network and sells ads. This platform runs a list of “acceptable ads” and whitelists certain advertisements — all while you’re using the ad-blocking service! Furthermore, our previous Adblock Plus review discovered that the platform charges users to block certain items like pop-up videos and site notifications.
If you're trying to block ads on Twitch, Adblock Plus has a filter for that and it's even available with its free version.
AdGuard
AdGuard blocks ads and trackers and provides many filter options to create a seamless and safe browsing experience. It offers custom filters in several languages, so you can block unwanted ads from websites worldwide.
This software has a filter specifically for social media, which is a great idea since cybercriminals love to use social media as an exploitative resource. Yet, multiple one-star reviews on Firefox’s review pages highlighted that the ad blocker sometimes didn’t work at all, even with the social media filter added.
Our AdGuard review confirmed this issue, finding that people using different browsers simultaneously had to add the extension for each separate browser.
Best ad blockers for Firefox FAQs
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Does Firefox have a built-in ad blocker?
Firefox does not offer a built-in ad-blocking service, but it does have several ad-blocking extensions to choose from and download. Visit the Firefox Browser Add-ons page, search for ad blockers, then sort ad blocker options with filters like “Top Rated” or “Most Users.”
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How do I turn off an ad blocker on Firefox?
Follow these instructions to turn off an ad blocker (or any other Firefox add-on):
- Open the Mozilla Firefox browser.
- Select the three lines in the upper-right part of your screen.
- Click Settings > Extensions and themes.
- Under “Manage your extensions,” turn your ad blocker off by moving the button to the off position.
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Can you block Twitch ads on Firefox?
If you want to use ad blocking for Twitch on Firefox, the free version of Adblock Plus lets you enable this filter. uBlock Origin, one of our top-rated Firefox ad blockers, used to block ads on Twitch but no longer offers this feature. Read our article on the best ad blockers for Twitch for more options.
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Can you block YouTube ads on Firefox?
After undergoing testing, we can confirm that all ad blockers mentioned in this article can block those pesky YouTube ads.
Bottom line
Our top four best ad blockers for Firefox — Total Adblock, uBlock Origin, NordVPN Threat Protection, and Ghostery — all blocked ads, trackers, and potential malware. All four passed our hands-on tests while browsing the web and with AdBlock Tester and Cover Your Tracks.
4 best ad blockers for Firefox 2023
| Best for | Compatibility | Learn More | |
| Total Adblock | Best for mobile ads | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, iOS, Android | Get Total Adblock Read Total Adblock Review |
| NordVPN Threat Protection | Best for blocking malicious ads | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux | Get NordVPN Threat Protection Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review |
| uBlock Origin | Best unique add-ons | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Chromium | Read uBlock Origin Review |
| Ghostery | Best for tracking visibility | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera, Android | Read Ghostery Review |
How we tested the best ad blockers for Firefox
We tested the most important security components for each ad blocker before choosing our top three best ad blockers for Firefox. First, we tested the ad blockers through AdBlock Tester, a site that permits you to test your ad blocker against analytics and advertising services embedded within the testing website.
Next, we tested the ad blocker through Cover Your Tracks, a website that reveals how trackers view a browser. We used the site to test whether the ad blocker was truly blocking tracking ads and invisible trackers. Knowing how important it is for you to bypass social media and video ads, testing the ad blockers on YouTube was the third and final component of our testing process.
To ensure that each testing experience was unique, we fully disabled each ad blocker browser extension before enabling the next ad blocker on our list. Additionally, we made our top three selections because they had top scores in blocking ads, blocking trackers, and blocking ads that live on social media, among other factors.
4.5
Limited-time offer: 80% off
Total Adblock
-
Remove ads & trackers on YouTube, Facebook, and most websites
-
Hands-off ad-blocking experience
-
Easy to set up
-
Free version excludes top 15,000 websites
Author Details
Robin Moore is a freelance writer and editor specializing in blockchain technology, including wallet
security and data privacy. She is the current Managing Editor for Watcher.Guru, a startup blockchain
and finance news publication with 1.7 million followers on Twitter. Robin has also been the lead
content editor with Genfinity.IO, another startup blockchain research publication. Before entering the
Web3 space, she was a business analyst within the oil and gas industry.
When she is not offering advice on the best ways to protect data privacy, she is hiking, doing yoga, or
networking with her Web3 family on crypto-Twitter.
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Table of Contents
Citations
[1] 2021 PageFair Adblock Report
[2] Own Memory Usage: Benchmarks Over Time
[3] Your Guide to AdBlockers and Revenue RecoveryRelated Articles
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