Ads Slipping Through? Thoughts on Ad Blocker Effectiveness in 2025

I recently came across a post from someone expressing frustration that ads were starting to slip through their ad blockers. They mentioned using several popular ad blocking extensions simultaneously and still encountering unwanted advertisements on various websites. This got me thinking about the evolving landscape of ad blocking and the challenges users face in maintaining a truly ad-free browsing experience.

Let’s break down some potential reasons why this might be happening and what you can do about it. It’s a constant cat-and-mouse game between ad blockers and ad networks, so staying informed is key.

Why Are Ads Getting Through?

Several factors can contribute to ads bypassing your ad blockers. Here are some of the most common:

1. Evolving Ad Technology

Ad networks are constantly developing new techniques to circumvent ad blockers. This includes:

• Ad Cloaking: Disguising ads as regular content or using dynamic URLs to evade blocklists.
• Anti-Adblock Scripts: Detecting ad blockers and displaying messages or refusing access to content.
• Server-Side Ad Insertion: Embedding ads directly into the website’s content stream, making them harder to distinguish.

2. Blocklist Limitations

Ad blockers rely on blocklists that contain known ad servers and domains. These lists need to be regularly updated to remain effective. If a new ad network or technique emerges, it might take time for blocklists to catch up.

• Outdated Lists: If your ad blocker’s lists aren’t frequently updated, you’ll miss new threats.
• Incomplete Coverage: No single blocklist is perfect. Some may focus on specific types of ads or regions.

3. Multiple Ad Blockers Conflicting

Using multiple ad blockers simultaneously might seem like a good idea, but it can sometimes lead to conflicts and reduced effectiveness. Here’s why:

• Resource Consumption: Each ad blocker consumes resources, potentially slowing down your device.
• Overlapping Rules: Conflicting rules between different ad blockers can cancel each other out.
• False Positives: Aggressive blocking can sometimes block legitimate content.

4. Website Design and Implementation

The way a website is designed and implemented can also affect ad blocker performance:

• Complex Scripts: Websites with complex JavaScript code can make it difficult for ad blockers to identify and block ads.
• First-Party Ads: Ads served from the same domain as the website are harder to block without breaking the site’s functionality.

5. DNS-Based Blocking Exceptions

While DNS-based blocking is excellent for system-wide protection, it has limitations:

• HTTPS Circumvention: Some ads are served over HTTPS, bypassing DNS filtering.
• CNAME Cloaking: Using CNAME records to disguise ad servers as part of the website’s domain.

Analyzing the User's Situation

The person in the post mentioned using “Adblock/Adblock Ultimate/Plus/Pie Adblock/ and Ghostery Adblock.” That's a LOT of ad blockers! Let's analyze why that might not be the best approach:

• Redundancy: Many of these ad blockers likely use similar blocklists and techniques. Using them all together provides diminishing returns.
• Conflicts: The ad blockers might be interfering with each other, preventing some ads from being blocked.
• Resource Drain: Running so many extensions simultaneously can significantly impact browser performance and battery life.

Potential Solutions and Recommendations

Based on the issues outlined above, here’s what I would recommend to someone experiencing similar problems:

1. Simplify Your Setup

Start by disabling all your ad blockers except for one. Choose a well-regarded option like AdGuard or uBlock Origin (if using a browser extension) or a robust DNS-based solution. Less is often more when it comes to ad blocking.

2. Update Your Blocklists

Make sure your chosen ad blocker is configured to automatically update its blocklists regularly. Most ad blockers have settings to control the update frequency.

3. Choose the Right Type of Ad Blocking

Consider the type of ad blocking that best suits your needs:

• DNS-Based Blocking: Ideal for system-wide protection on mobile devices. Use a service like NextDNS or AdGuard DNS.
• Browser Extensions: Effective for blocking ads within a specific browser. uBlock Origin is a popular and highly customizable option.
• Local VPN Apps: Provides system-wide blocking on Android devices without routing traffic through an external VPN. Blokada is a good choice.

4. Investigate Specific Websites

If ads are only slipping through on certain websites, investigate those sites specifically. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

• Check for Anti-Adblock Messages: If the website detects your ad blocker, try disabling it temporarily or adding the site to your ad blocker’s whitelist (if available).
• Inspect Element: Use your browser’s developer tools to inspect the website’s code and identify the source of the ads. This can help you create custom filter rules.
• Report the Issue: Report the issue to your ad blocker’s developers so they can update their blocklists.

5. Consider a Premium Solution

While many free ad blockers are excellent, premium options often offer more advanced features and support:

• Customizable Filters: Premium ad blockers typically allow you to create custom filter rules to block specific elements on websites.
• Detailed Analytics: Some premium services provide detailed analytics about blocked ads and tracking attempts.
• Priority Support: Paid users often receive faster and more comprehensive support.

6. DNS-Based Blocking Deep Dive

Since DNS-based blocking is our focus here, let's look at some advanced strategies:

Custom Blocklists

Most DNS providers let you add your own blocklists. Consider these:

• OISD Blocklist Extended: A comprehensive list that blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
• StevenBlack's Unified Hosts List: Combines multiple blocklists into one.

CNAME Uncloaking

Some DNS services offer CNAME uncloaking, which helps to block ads that are disguised as part of the website's domain. NextDNS, for example, has this feature.

Query Logging and Analysis

Enable query logging in your DNS settings to see which domains your device is connecting to. This can help you identify ad servers that are slipping through and add them to your blocklist.

7. Re-evaluate Your Needs

The user mentioned encountering ads on a “crypto place.” It's possible that the nature of the website makes ad blocking particularly difficult. Crypto sites are often heavy on trackers and use aggressive advertising techniques.

Specific Ad Blocker Considerations

Given the user's setup, let's consider each ad blocker they mentioned:

• Adblock: A popular but somewhat resource-intensive ad blocker. Consider alternatives like uBlock Origin.
• Adblock Ultimate: Similar to Adblock, but with potentially more aggressive blocking. Make sure it's not conflicting with other extensions.
• Adblock Plus: Controversial due to its “acceptable ads” program. Might not block all ads by default.
• Pie Adblock: Less well-known. Ensure it's actively maintained and updated.
• Ghostery Adblock: Focuses on privacy and blocking trackers. May not be as effective at blocking ads as dedicated ad blockers.

My Recommendations by Scenario (Inspired by the Original Post)

Let's adapt some of the recommendations from our earlier comparison article to this specific scenario:

"Ads are slipping through, and I'm frustrated!"

→ Simplify your setup and choose one reliable ad blocker (uBlock Origin or AdGuard) or a DNS-based solution (NextDNS or AdGuard DNS).

"I want to block everything possible, no exceptions!"

→ Use NextDNS with custom blocklists and CNAME uncloaking enabled. Be prepared for potential website breakage.

"I'm concerned about privacy and tracking!"

→ Combine NextDNS with a privacy-focused browser like Brave or Firefox with privacy extensions.

"I want to support content creators!"

→ Consider whitelisting websites you want to support or using a browser with built-in support for micro-payments.

"I need to block YouTube ads (which DNS can't do effectively)!"

→ Use a browser extension like uBlock Origin specifically for YouTube or consider a YouTube Premium subscription.

Paid vs. Free (Revisited)

In this situation, the user might benefit from a paid solution if:

• They want more granular control over blocking and customization.
• They need advanced features like CNAME uncloaking and detailed analytics.
• They want priority support from the ad blocker's developers.

However, a well-configured free solution can still be highly effective.

Setting Up Your Choice (Simplified)

Let's reiterate the basic setup steps:

For iOS (DNS-Based):

1. Download the configuration profile from your chosen DNS provider (NextDNS or AdGuard DNS).
2. Install it in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
3. Verify it's active.

For Android (DNS-Based):

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS.
2. Enter the hostname from your chosen provider.
3. Test by visiting a website known for having ads.

The Takeaway

The struggle against intrusive advertising is ongoing. Ad networks are constantly evolving their tactics, and ad blockers need to adapt to stay ahead. If you're experiencing ads slipping through your defenses, don't despair. By simplifying your setup, updating your blocklists, and choosing the right type of ad blocking for your needs, you can regain control of your browsing experience.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Experiment with different approaches and find what works best for you. And don't be afraid to adjust your strategy as the ad landscape changes.

Ultimately, a proactive approach to ad blocking, combined with a healthy dose of skepticism about the websites you visit, is the best way to ensure a clean and private browsing experience. Check out our setup guides for more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.