Adblock, Ublock Origin or content blocker app

Note that Safari imposes a limit on how many rules can run under Extensions when using the "Content Blocking API" (think it's 50,000), you get around that by ticking the bottom box for using "old API".

Not sure if there is a performance difference between the two, would think using Apple's current API (default) would be the better, but haven't tested. I believe the App version doesn't have this limitation.

The additional problem I have with the App version is to do with what it installs on your system, and where. I like to keep a "clean" computer so think very carefully about what goes on it, even then I check in advance for file locations to see how easy it would be to remove, Extensions are a dream from that respect, wonder what these Content Blocking App's will be depositing and will they cause issues elsewhere (a bit of my OCD coming out I think).

I must admit to having had high hopes when I first heard about Apple making changes in Mojave and Safari to combat/limit tracking and excessive web content loading, but from the little time I've been using them nothing much has appeared to have changed, and a blocker of some sort still seems a necessity.

Anyhow, sorry for highjacking your discussion (although not many have replied yet), would have thought a few more that are using Content Blockers would have come along by now and given some additional advice/insight, maybe it's not something the typical Mac user bothers about, but would also be nice to know if I'm overlooking something with respect to Mojave, because "out-of-the-box" it appears to block very little!

Hi, growler

You‘ve just saved me starting a post, because I have basically the same questions. Like you I now notice the warnings and the fact Apple are trying to move us away from Extensions to Apps for AdBlocking (and may be other types), the reason I believe is security (the Extensions provider could see you data) and speed.

The issue I’ve noticed is the few alternative App solution’s appear to come at a cost, the dreaded monthly subscription instead of the one off cost! (although most of the Extension where free) and not many (good ones) are available yet.

I was going to post and ask what are others now doing who employ an Adblocker, are they remaining with Extensions or have they jumped to one of the few App methods, which I believe works at a system level (ie will protect everything running on your machine, not just Safari).

The only problem is the App alternative doesn’t or may never exist for the accepted “best” Extension currently, namely uBlock Origin. I’m currently sticking to the AdGuard Extension for the iMac and AdGuard App for iPhone and iPhone.

So, what are you all doing, have you stuck with uBlock Origin from GitHub, running another Extension or jumped to the App version, if so which one.

If you have Adblock installed Safari 12 merely disabled it.

Turn it back on in the Extensions tab of Safari preferences.

You could check for an up-to-date ad blocking extension using Safari/Sfari extensions.

You are welcome. You can also check for options here.

https://safari-extensions.apple.com

Thanks, lets hope a few others will contribute 🙂