Ad Blocking on Chromebooks: My Take on the Best Solutions

I recently saw a question about the best way to block ads on a Chromebook, and it got me thinking about the unique challenges and opportunities that ChromeOS presents for ad blocking. The original poster, a self-described "PC guy," was looking for a solution for his kid's Chromebook, mirroring the familiar territory of uBlock Origin on Firefox.

Here's my take on the best approaches, drawing from my experience with ad blocking solutions for mobile devices and adapting them to the ChromeOS environment.

Understanding the Chromebook Ad Blocking Landscape

Chromebooks, with their Chrome browser-centric design, offer a few distinct avenues for ad blocking. Unlike traditional operating systems, the focus is heavily on the browser experience, making browser-based solutions particularly relevant. However, system-wide options still exist and can be beneficial.

1. Browser Extensions: The Obvious Choice

• Pros: Easy to install, familiar to most users, highly customizable.
• Cons: Only works within the Chrome browser, may impact performance.

For many users, browser extensions will be the first port of call. Extensions like uBlock Origin, AdBlock, and AdBlock Plus are readily available in the Chrome Web Store. These extensions operate by filtering out ad requests and blocking known ad servers directly within the browser.

2. DNS-Based Ad Blocking: A System-Wide Approach

• Pros: Blocks ads across the entire device (including apps that use webviews), doesn't require browser extensions.
• Cons: Requires configuration changes, may not be as customizable as browser extensions.

This approach involves changing the Chromebook's DNS settings to use a DNS server that filters out ad traffic. Services like NextDNS, AdGuard DNS, and Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 for Families offer this functionality. This is the approach we at AdBlock for Mobile recommend for system-wide protection on iOS and Android, and it translates well to ChromeOS.

3. VPN-Based Ad Blocking: Comprehensive but Resource-Intensive

• Pros: Blocks ads in all apps and browsers, provides additional privacy benefits.
• Cons: Can impact performance and battery life, may require a paid subscription.

Using a VPN that includes ad blocking functionality can provide a comprehensive solution. The VPN routes all internet traffic through its servers, filtering out ad requests before they reach the device. However, this approach can introduce latency and consume more battery power.

4. Android Apps with Ad Blocking: A Hybrid Approach

• Pros: Can block ads in apps and browsers, offers more control than DNS-based blocking.
• Cons: Requires installing Android apps, may not be compatible with all Chromebooks.

Many Chromebooks now support Android apps. Ad blocking apps like Blokada or AdGuard for Android can be installed to filter traffic at the system level. These apps typically create a local VPN connection to intercept and block ad requests.

My Recommended Solutions for Chromebook Ad Blocking

Based on my experience and the original poster's needs, here's a breakdown of my recommended solutions:

For the Average User: AdGuard DNS

Just like on mobile, AdGuard DNS offers a simple, effective solution for blocking ads system-wide. To configure it on a Chromebook:

1. Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet, if applicable).
2. Select the network you're connected to.
3. Expand the "Advanced" section.
4. Change the DNS settings to "Custom DNS servers."
5. Enter AdGuard DNS's addresses: 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15.

This will block ads across the entire Chromebook, including in apps that use webviews. It's a set-it-and-forget-it solution that requires minimal configuration.

For Users Who Want More Control: NextDNS

NextDNS provides granular control over what gets blocked. You can customize blocklists, view detailed logs, and configure different settings for different devices. To use NextDNS on a Chromebook:

1. Create a NextDNS account and configure your settings.
2. Follow the instructions above to set custom DNS servers on your Chromebook.
3. Enter NextDNS's custom DNS server addresses, which you can find in your NextDNS account.

NextDNS offers a free tier with 300,000 queries per month, which should be sufficient for most users. If you need more queries or want access to advanced features, you can upgrade to a paid plan.

For Browser-Specific Blocking: uBlock Origin

If you only want to block ads within the Chrome browser, uBlock Origin is an excellent choice. It's lightweight, highly effective, and open source. To install it:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for "uBlock Origin."
3. Click "Add to Chrome."

uBlock Origin will automatically block ads on websites you visit in Chrome. You can customize its settings to fine-tune its behavior.

For Blocking Ads in Android Apps: Blokada

If you need to block ads in Android apps on your Chromebook, Blokada is a great option. It's a free, open-source ad blocker that creates a local VPN connection to filter traffic. To install it:

1. Enable Android apps on your Chromebook (if you haven't already).
2. Download the Blokada APK from the Blokada website.
3. Install the APK.
4. Open Blokada and follow the instructions to configure it.

Blokada will block ads in most Android apps, but it may not work with all apps. It can also impact battery life.

Addressing Specific Concerns

YouTube Ads

Blocking YouTube ads effectively often requires a browser-based solution. While DNS-based blocking can sometimes mitigate some YouTube ads, it's not a foolproof method. Using a browser extension like uBlock Origin is generally the most reliable way to block YouTube ads.

Performance Impact

Ad blocking can sometimes impact performance, especially if you're using a resource-intensive solution like a VPN. Browser extensions can also slow down browsing if they're not optimized. I recommend starting with a lightweight solution like AdGuard DNS or uBlock Origin and then experimenting with other options if you need more comprehensive blocking.

Privacy Considerations

Some ad blocking solutions may collect data about your browsing activity. It's important to choose a solution that respects your privacy. Open-source solutions like uBlock Origin and Blokada are generally considered to be more privacy-friendly than closed-source solutions.

Paid vs. Free: What's Right for You?

As with mobile ad blocking, many effective solutions for Chromebooks are free. Here's a quick guide:

Free is sufficient if:

• You primarily want to block ads.
• You don't require detailed analytics or customization.
• You're comfortable with basic configuration.

Consider paid options if:

• You need advanced features like detailed logs and analytics.
• You want to support the developers of your chosen solution.
• You require priority support.

Setting Up Your Chosen Solution

I've outlined the basic setup steps above, but here's a quick recap:

DNS-Based Blocking:

1. Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
2. Select your network.
3. Expand "Advanced."
4. Set DNS to "Custom DNS servers."
5. Enter the DNS server addresses.

Browser Extensions:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for the extension.
3. Click "Add to Chrome."

Android Apps:

1. Enable Android apps on your Chromebook.
2. Download the APK.
3. Install the APK.
4. Configure the app.

My Final Recommendations

After considering the various options, here's my ranking for Chromebook ad blocking:

1. AdGuard DNS: Best for simplicity and system-wide protection.
2. NextDNS: Best for customization and advanced features.
3. uBlock Origin: Best for browser-specific blocking.
4. Blokada: Best for blocking ads in Android apps.

I recommend starting with AdGuard DNS or uBlock Origin, depending on your needs. If you need more control or want to block ads in Android apps, consider NextDNS or Blokada. Remember to prioritize your privacy and choose a solution that you trust.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best ad blocking solution for your Chromebook depends on your individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different options and find what works best for you. With a little effort, you can enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more private browsing experience on your Chromebook.