Content
Recent Posts
Top 3 AdBlockers for Firefox
Published On: June 15, 2025
Ads slow down websites, track your activity, and ruin the browsing experience. Firefox already blocks some trackers by default, but pairing it with a strong ad blocker can take your privacy and speed to another level. In this guide, we’ll look at three top ad blockers—uBlock Origin, AdGuard, Bitdefender TrafficLight, Malwarebytes Browser Guard, and NextDNS—that work well with Firefox. Each tool offers a different approach to blocking ads and trackers, so you can decide what fits your style best.
Content
Why Should You Get an Ad Blocker For Firefox
Firefox is one of the few browsers committed to user privacy. Their Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks third-party trackers and social media cookies. Still, it doesn’t catch everything, especially visual ads, video popups, or malicious links that come from ad networks. That’s where ad blockers step in. They strip away the clutter, reduce the load on your browser, and help protect you from threats like cryptojacking and malware-infected banners. Blocking ads also saves bandwidth, which can make a noticeable difference on slower connections or mobile hotspots.
Top 5 Ad Blockers for Firefox
1. uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is a free, open-source Firefox extension built for users who want speed, privacy, and control. It blocks ads, trackers, and scripts using a wide range of filter lists like EasyList, uBlock filters, and regional rules. It runs efficiently with minimal impact on your system. You can either use it as-is or customize it deeply if you’re comfortable digging into the settings.
Key features:
- Lightweight and fast with low resource use
- No premium upsell or data collection
- Custom rule creation and element blocking
- Advanced request monitoring tools
- Completely free and open-source
2. Bitdefender TrafficLight
Bitdefender offers TrafficLight, a browser extension that focuses on blocking malicious websites, trackers, and phishing links before they load. While it isn’t a traditional ad blocker, it adds a valuable layer of security for anyone already using an ad blocker but wanting more real-time threat protection. It works quietly in the background and integrates seamlessly with Firefox.
Key features:
- Blocks malicious and phishing URLs
- Identifies unsafe search results
- Minimal impact on performance
- Adds security on top of existing ad blockers
- Free to use with no account required
Get Bitdefender TrafficLight Now!
3. AdGuard
AdGuard’s Firefox extension offers reliable ad and tracker blocking with a clean, user-friendly interface. It blocks most common ads, phishing links, and even some YouTube ads. The Stealth Mode feature helps improve privacy by hiding search queries and stripping tracking data from URLs. While their paid desktop app offers full system protection, the extension alone is powerful enough for most Firefox users.
Key features:
- Blocks pop-ups, banners, and video ads
- Stealth Mode hides personal data and removes trackers
- Beginner-friendly settings with good defaults
- Optional desktop version for cross-browser support
- Actively maintained and well-supported
4. Malwarebytes Browser Guard
Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a browser extension designed to block ads, trackers, scams, and malware in real-time. It offers more aggressive protection than many standard ad blockers and is maintained by the same team behind the popular Malwarebytes desktop antivirus. It’s a great choice for users who prioritize security along with ad blocking.
Key features:
- Blocks malicious sites and tech support scams
- Filters out clickbait and suspicious ad networks
- Reduces risk of browser-based malware
- Built by a trusted name in cybersecurity
- Free to use without needing the desktop app
5. NextDNS
NextDNS blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level, meaning it works before web content even loads. You can use it on a single device or apply it to an entire network through router settings. It’s not a browser extension, so it doesn’t do cosmetic filtering, but it offers deep privacy protection across all apps and browsers.
Key features:
- DNS-based blocking for device-wide coverage
- Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains
- Includes parental controls and threat intelligence
- Doesn’t hide ad placeholders in browser
- Free plan available, paid tiers for heavy users
Can You Activate Multiple Ad Blockers at Once?
You don’t have to choose just one. In fact, combining a Firefox-based blocker like uBlock Origin or AdGuard with a network-level tool like NextDNS can give you layered protection. NextDNS handles domain-level filtering across all apps and devices, while the browser extension catches visual clutter, pop-ups, and scripts. This combo works well without slowing things down. Just be sure to avoid doubling up on similar filters, as that can occasionally cause conflicts. Pairing uBlock Origin with NextDNS is a common setup among privacy-conscious users who want full control over what loads and what doesn’t.
What Should You Look for in an Ad Blocker?
Not all ad blockers are built the same. Some focus on privacy, others on speed or customization. The right one depends on your needs, but a few features make a real difference.
Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
1. Strong ad and tracker blocking
A good ad blocker should remove banners, pop-ups, autoplay video ads, and invisible trackers. Check what kinds of filter lists it uses (like EasyList or uBlock filters).
2. Low impact on performance
Some ad blockers slow down your browser. Look for lightweight tools that don’t hog memory or CPU while running in the background.
3. Privacy features
The best ad blockers go beyond removing ads. They can also block tracking scripts, strip referral data from URLs, and prevent third-party cookies from loading.
4. Customizability
If you like control, choose a blocker that lets you whitelist sites, create custom filters, or block specific elements on a page.
5. No data collection
Some free tools make money by tracking your browsing habits. Stick to well-reviewed, open-source options or companies with a clear privacy policy.
6. Active maintenance
Ad tech changes fast. You want a blocker that’s updated regularly to keep up with new ad formats and privacy threats.
Conclusion
Whichever tool you choose, keeping it updated is key. Most ad blockers update their filter lists regularly to stay ahead of new ad techniques. If you run into issues on certain websites, try disabling the blocker temporarily or whitelisting trusted domains. Also, take advantage of Firefox’s built-in protections by enabling strict tracking prevention. Together with a solid ad blocker, you’ll get a cleaner, faster, and more private browsing experience. The right setup depends on what matters most—custom control, simplicity, or all-device coverage.