If you’re an Apple user, finding a good ad blocker that works well on macOS, iOS, and Safari might be a bit hard. There are very few options, and even then, many of those options lack essential features. That’s where 1Blocker comes in. Built for Apple’s ecosystem, 1Blocker doesn’t just block ads. It also improves your browsing experience with its full feature set. From ad blocking to tracker protection and even parental controls, 1Blocker is a great choice for Safari users who want power and simplicity.
Unlike many ad blockers that feel bolted onto Apple devices, 1Blocker integrates beautifully and syncs across all your devices. Whether you’re using Safari on a MacBook or browsing on your iPhone, 1Blocker gives you a clean, distraction-free experience.
| 💵 Price | $2.99/month or $38.99/lifetime |
| 🏷️ Free version | No |
| ▶️ Blocks YouTube Ads? | Yes |
| ⛔ Blocks Trackers? | Yes |
| 💻 Compatibility | Safari, macOS, iOS |
Pros & Cons of 1Blocker
Pros
- Designed specifically for Apple devices
- Offers extensive customisability with filters and rules.
- Blocks YouTube ads
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Affordable pricing, with a one-time payment option.
- Family Sharing support with no extra cost.
Cons
- Some website functionalities may break when strict blocking is enabled.
- There is no trial period for the premium version.
Features that set 1Blocker Apart
1Blocker blocks trackers, social media widgets, comments, and cookie requests, so you have full control over what you see and what you don’t. One of the standout features of 1Blocker is its flexibility. You can create custom rules to whitelist or block specific websites, hide annoying page elements, or even enforce HTTPS for added security.
And for those concerned about data privacy, 1Blocker’s firewall blocks in-app trackers. This ensures that social media apps and other services don’t overstep their boundaries.
However, it’s not without its quirks. Some users might find the lack of an easy toggle for Safari on iOS a bit inconvenient. Still, its robust feature set and focus on user privacy is appreciated on Apple devices with limited options.
Here’s a round-up of its standout features:
- Tracker Protection
- Custom Rules
- Parental Controls
- Firewall for In-App Trackers
- Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration
- Customisable Regional Filters
How Well Does 1Blocker Perform in Real-World Tests?
1Blocker works well at blocking ads. In our tests on news sites, social media and video sites it removed most banner ads. The only place it failed was Yahoo Mail where some ads were blocked but the ones displayed alongside inbox emails were still visible. But for regular browsing it works fine. And with the ability to add custom rules and enable regional filters tech savvy users can unlock more features.
Here’s a quick look at some of the boxes it ticks.
| Banner Ads | Blocked |
| Floating Ads | Blocked |
| Video Ads | Blocked |
| Mail Ads | Allowed |
| Pop-ups | Blocked |
| Cookie Consent | Blocked |
| Notification Prompt | Blocked |
| Paywalls | Allowed |
| Adblock Detection | Allowed |
Does 1Blocker Block YouTube Ads?
Yes 1Blocker blocks YouTube ads,but only on Safari. It removes pre-rolls, mid-rolls and banner ads from YouTube videos. But keep in mind this only works on Safari so you’ll still see ads if you’re using the YouTube app or another browser. On desktop, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. But on iOS, there’s very few alternatives for ad-free YouTube.
How Much Does 1Blocker Score in Benchmarks?
We tested 1Blocker against four popular benchmark tools, and its results were impressive.
- AdBlock Tester: Achieved a perfect score of 100. This is really impressive as it means it will
- d3ward’s Ad Block Test: Scored 74%, which is low compared to some of the other ad blockers
- Can You Block It?: I blocked all ads but failed to avoid detection on the last test.
- Cover Your Tracks: Did exceptionally well by blocking all invisible trackers. And the test found a “nearly-unique fingerprint” which is better that a unique fingerprint.
How to Use 1Blocker?
After installing 1Blocker the first thing you must do is enable all its filters in Safari. From the Safari menu bar, click on Safari > Settings > Extensions. There, you will find the filters. Tick the boxes to enable them.
Once enabled, they won’t work automatically. You must also enable them from the 1Blocker app. There you can pick and choose which filters you want. You can also enable regional listers, maintain an allow list, block specific sites and cookie consents, hide elements, and force HTTPS. You can also add your own custom rules.
Is 1Blocker Worth It?
1Blocker is free but only for a single filter. If you want to enable multiple filters, going premium is your only option. 1Blocker Premium gives you the ability to enable multiple categories. You can update rules frequently via cloud service. There’s a system-wide firewall protection from in-app trackers. The custom rules and many advanced customisation features are also reserved for the premium users.
It’s $2.99 a month, but you can get it for $14.99 annually or as a life-time purchase for $38.99. If you opt for the annual subscription, there is a 2-week trial option.
If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem, 1Blocker is a no-brainer. It’s one of the few ad blockers designed specifically for macOS and iOS, offering easy integration and user experience. While its limited platform support might not suit multi-platform households, its wide feature set, lightweight performance, and user-focused design make it a must-have for Safari users.
Wrapping Up
With its seamless Safari integration, many customisation options, and privacy features, it’s for those who want control over their browsing experience. It doesn’t have cross-platform support and might be a bit complex for casual users, but it’s lightweight and flexible, so it’s perfect for MacOS and iOS users. $38.99 for a lifetime license is a great value for the features. If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem, 1Blocker is a solid tool to keep your online life clean, private, and secure.
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