Should I use an ad blocker on MacBook Pro with Chrome?

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

"Chrome is particularly resource-intensive because it installs Google which renders your Mac a full time information-harvesting and -uploading "bot" for Google's purposes. Those processes can't be turned off or disabled, even if you quit the Chrome browser. Even without knowing what else is installed on that Mac it is all but assured a multitude of Google's automatically updating virus-like processes are causing your Mac to work overtime.

Get rid of it. No one needs Chrome."

—senior contributor John Galt

I haven't used it, but Brave is supposed to be "built on the open-source Chromium browser engine" (like Chrome), with a lot more emphasis on privacy and blocking attempts to track you.

Brave – Compare: Brave vs. Chrome

“I haven't used it, but Brave is supposed to be "built on the open-source Chromium browser engine" (like Chrome), with a lot more emphasis on privacy and blocking attempts to track you.”

Using Brave Browser:

Im using it to port this, and it’s quite high in privacy, especially when watching popular steaming and video sites. Its free to use. Just don’t fall for its prompt to pay for a VPN.

"Chrome is particularly resource-intensive because it installs Google which renders your Mac a full time information-harvesting and -uploading "bot" for Google's purposes. Those processes can't be turned off or disabled, even if you quit the Chrome browser. Even without knowing what else is installed on that Mac it is all but assured a multitude of Google's automatically updating virus-like processes are causing your Mac to work overtime.

Get rid of it. No one needs Chrome."

—senior contributor John Galt

Follow these removal instructions

https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95319?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop#zippy=%2Cmac

More supporting evidence:

https://chromeisbad.com/

Sigma2020 wrote:

Should I use an Ad blocker on my MacBook with Chrome browser?

Device is MacBook Pro running AppleM4 Pro chip.macOS Tahoe 26.2

I use an ad blocker on every browser I run.

If you want to see a plethora of adds then don't install an add blocker—simple as that.

If it blocks certain ex a javascript to run content you want to see (ie stream )you simple click the icon in the menubar an turn it off for that site or for that one visit. Does not get much easier then that.

See add-ons or extensions

Safari ex.

Free ad blocker for Safari

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adblock-plus-for-safari-abp/id1432731683?mt=12

Firefox ex

https://adblockplus.org/adblock-plus-firefox

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/

I do not use Chrome.

"Should I use an ad blocker on MacBook Pro with Chrome?: Should I use an Ad blocker on my MacBook with Chrome browser? Device is MacBook Pro running AppleM4 Pro chip.macOS Tahoe 26.2"

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Ad Blocker for MBP:

A. Malwarebytes Standard:

Malwarebytes Standard will work just fine. There is no VPN option, and it has an add-on for your Web browsers. It was developed by long-time users of these forums. Find it here: https://www.malwarebytes.com/pricing

B. Web Browsers:

There are certain Web browsers that will block ads from YouTube. You'll have to research which one applies, on your own.

"Thanks guys - all gratefully received. I'm digging into Malwarebytes and alternatives to Chrome (though I have had no performance issues so far - the question was for preventative rather than "curative" purposes)"

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Blocking Apps from Messages:

You're referring a Mac here, but if you have the Messages app associated to you iPhone, and it is turned on in iCloud Settings on your Mac, then, expect Messages popups from there. So, turn Messages off to avoid such popups on your Mac. There is one app, however, to consider adding to your iPhone...

Bouncer App:

As for pop up from the Messages app, Bouncer is a great App to use; it blocks things out by keyword and by quotations. There's been a bit of a change to the App Store since I added it: It was free, but now it has a purchase price (likely because of a great reputation). Here is the link: Bouncer: Spam Text Blocker - App Store - Apple

I avoid ad blockers because I don’t trust them to not share my privacy while browsing.

My alternative ▷ Distraction Control (Requires Safari).

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian