Ad Muncher Spotify Desktop App

Want to know how to DJ with Spotify so that you can have a million tracks to play with? You’re not the only one! I get this question a lot so I decided to put together the best Spotify DJ hardware, software, top tips, and a few words on those dreaded legal implications.

Download this app from Microsoft Store for Windows 10. See screenshots, read the latest customer reviews, and compare ratings for Spotify Music.

So if you’ve ever wondered “How can I DJ with Spotify music?” This is the article you need to read. Let’s get started.

Table of contents

Last updated: May 21, 2020

Firstly I’ll go through all of your DJing with Spotify options just so you know whats really available to you.

One of the easiest ways to DJ with Spotify is to use the onboard DJ mode that’s accessible in the standard Spotify app, but there are a couple of caveats to that. If you use the standard mode then you’ll need to be online throughout your set.

There will also be pauses to your track list whilst the ads play. Clearly you don’t want this to happen! So you’ll have to get Spotify Premium. There you can skip the ads, and download tracks so they’re available offline. This is a obviously a must but something worth pointing out. You can get Spotify Premium here.

A much MUCH better solution is to play tracks from Spotify via third party software.

Algoriddim’s Djay 2 (Until July 2020)

The Djay app is a good example as it allows you to mix every track on Spotify with the help of virtual mixing decks.

It also comes with a function called “Automix AI” that might be useful if you’re looking to just forego the duties of DJing and just want a crude DJ mix for a party.

It predicts and recommends tracks that will enhance your set, based on what you’ve already downloaded. It’s never going to be perfect, but it comes in handy for the rookie DJ looking to level up. You can find out more about djay 2 here.

UPDATE from Algoriddim

Algoriddim announced in March of 2020 that Spotify is pulling support for its popular Djay software as of 1st July 2020. While this is bad news for users of the software they are busy working on offering replacement streaming services that should offer a more robust long term solution to DJ-ing with streaming services.

It currently supports both Tidal and SoundCloud streaming services so its worth checking those out. DJay has always been one of the best DJ apps for streaming services, being one of the first to offer Spotify integration, so you’ll no doubt see some of the best DJ streaming options in their software.

Virtual DJ – (Currently suspended)

Virtual DJ is another app that you’ll see a lot written about, but at time of writing the integration with Spotify has been suspended. We’ll keep you up to speed with how that goes, but for the time being you’ll be better off with a few of the other entries on this list. If its your preferred DJ app then its worth keeping an eye on their website to see if they bring this feature back.

JQBX

Another popular choice is JQBX. It’s not the catchiest name, but it does allow you to create ad-free mixes when you signup for a Spotify Premium account.

The queuing function for your songs is a bit limited, and it doesn’t include everything from Spotify.

For example, you can’t synch recently played songs between the two apps. But it kind of redeems itself by having a built-in chatroom where you can swap tips with other aspiring DJs.

Pacemaker

Pacemaker is also worth a look when you want to auto mix with Spotify. It’s designed so that you can display a virtual turntable on your iPad, and a track list on your iPhone at the same time. Whilst some of the other apps on this list are specifically for parties, Pacemaker is also great when you’re practicing.

It allows you to quickly and easily send your mixes to your mates over the built-in messenger. That way you can get feedback and tips on how to get better before your next set.The best version is for iPad.

Can I use Spotify with Traktor?

Unfortunately at this time its not possible to play Spotify songs with Tracktor. There’s a number of reasons here. The Digital Rights Management of Spotify makes songs inaccessible to DJ software like Traktor unless the makers of Traktor (Native Instruments) set up a licensing deal with Spotify.

At the moment they haven’t done this but they are aware its a feature many users would like to see integrated in the future.

Can I use Spotify with Serato Pro?

Again at this time its not possible but unlike Traktor there are some work-arounds that some users have claimed work. Its not easy and possibly unreliable, prone to being stopped quite easily with a Spotify update. Its always best to work with offline, fully legit music sources for your DJing. If you really want to try it then watch this video.

As well as compatible DJ app you’re also going to need plenty of hardware when you want to DJ with Spotify. Algoriddim is one of the best manufacturers to take a look at, not least because they make the djay 2 app. That means you can browse the specs without having to get stressed out by those annoying compatibility issues Spotify.

So here’s a few Spotify compatible hardware options

Reloop MIXTOUR

The Reloop MIXTOUR is a compact 2-channel controller that you can use just about anywhere. It’s not advertised as an entry level piece of kit, but the affordable price and slimline design make it an ideal first purchase for the novice DJ.

It comes with a built-in audio interface which is great, and has all of the basic mixing controls you need as a beginner. A good option if you want to give DJing with Spotify a try without spending too much.

Think of this as your basic Spotify DJ hardware to get you going. It should have more than enough features for you at least at this price point. For the latest price take a look on Amazon here.

Beatpad 2

Then there’s the Beatpad 2 if you’re looking for more advanced hardware. Again, it’s from Reloop, and it comes with the seamless integration with Spotify that you would expect from one of the top DJ brands.

It’s got a sampler, slicer, looper, and a dynamic multi-effect control all in one slimline package that looks great in your room, and in the club.

We’re a big fan of the touch-sensitive pads as they offer plenty of control and touch, and feel very solid and reliable when you’re working on your set.

Then there’s the eye-catching tricolour illumination. It’s not all for show; it actually helps you know exactly what your music is doing at a glance. It will take a little getting used to, but is well worth the investment. Because you can control every aspect of your mix from the Beatpad 2, you get a lot of flexibility for your money. A definite one to check out here for the latest prices.

MIXON 4

The MIXON 4 is also worth a closer look if you’re in the market for an upgrade. It’s the world’s first 4-channel DJ controller that you can use with the full suite of djay apps, as well as Spotify.

You can easily connect it to any iOS device to get the music across, and because it accepts a lightning connector you won’t have any issues with WiFi or Bluetooth dropping out in the middle of your set. Something you’re going to really love is that it’s also a docking station for the brand new iPad Pro.

With a 12.9” screen showing you even more controls, you’ll be able to have unprecedented control of your mixes without the need for a laptop. I can see a lot of pros moving over to the latest iPad as it has the power and connectivity a DJ needs. This is one of my favourite controllers at the moment. For the best price at the moment take a look here.

Pioneer DDJ-WeGO4

Let’s put the Reloop hardware to one side for the time being, and take a look at the DDJ-WeGO4 from Pioneer DJ. Not the catchiest name, but the control it offers will have you glad you gave it a second look.

It’s a compact budget level piece of kit, but that shouldn’t put you off. The tactile control is a really important feature, because it gives you the same kind of responsive feedback.

The great thing about it is that you can actually start scratching with the jog wheels — something that you can’t say about all that many budget controllers.

There’s an onboard sampler, and it’s even taken Hot Cues and Pad FX from far more advanced hardware. Here’s Amazon’s latest prices for this impressive piece of DJ gear.

Numark iDJ Pro

Last but not least, we have the iDJ Pro from the musical maestros at Numark. It’s a piece of kit that looks just like DJ equipment used to, and yet it’s compatible with all the latest streaming platforms.

The smartest thing about it is that you can dock your iPad in it backside down, and add a screen right where you want it.

This allows you to have it in your eye line whilst you’re mixing, rather than having to glance up at it every time you want a snapshot of your mix.

The physical controls are a nice compliment to the touchscreen interface, and show that when it comes to DJing, there’s no substitute for developing that all-important touch and feel.Visit the Numark website here for the latest details.

So this is where it all gets a little bit tricky. You know that there’s a Spotify Premium that you’re paying extra for, and you know there’s a whole host of hardware that’s compatible with it. So…is it actually legal to DJ with Spotify? Here goes…

If you take a look at the rights Spotify grant you under section 4 of their Terms & Conditions of Use, they have the following to say:

“The Spotify Service and the Content are the property of Spotify or Spotify’s licensors. We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, revocable licence to make personal, non-commercial, entertainment use of the Content. You promise and agree that you are using the Content for your own personal, non-commercial, entertainment use”

Sounds very much like lawyer speak, and it’s not that clear to all too many DJs precisely what they can and can’t do. After all, you just want to play some tunes.

What is explicitly clear however, is that you can use Spotify within DJing software and apps like Pacemaker and djay (until July 2020) that we talked about a little earlier.

So, how about the massive grey area in the middle? The definition of a DJ is someone who plays music for public entertainment, which you would think means that you can’t DJ at a party with Spotify. Clearly you can use it in your own home when you’re practicing, but what about if you want to play that same mix at a party?

Well, first make sure that you’re playing at a venue that has a license for you to play and perform music to the public. Every good DJ will know to do this, but we’re trying to shed some light on this grey area.

Next, you need to decide whether what you’re doing is akin to ripping a CD and changing platforms, or playing a mix you legally prepared at home.

If you can argue that what you’re doing is the latter, then all our research shows you should be fine.

There are no cases of fines or prosecutions to my knowledge that have resulted from DJs using Spotify Premium with some authorised third party hardware to entertain a crowd in a public place. As long as you’re happy with what you’ve read above, and the venue you’re playing at is happy, go for it. Just make sure they know you’ll be using Spotify, because honest is always the best policy.

UPDATE: Spotify change of terms and conditions

Spotify recently updated their terms to include the following which makes things a little clearer for all types of DJ, whether professional or ameteur.

“You may not, and you may not permit any device or system used in connection with the Spotify Service to, segue, mix, re-mix, or overlap any Spotify Content with any other audio content (including other Spotify Content)”

Pretty concise right? If you’re transitioning one song over another and using their service, they wont be happy.

Whether this is enforceable is another matter. Software developers love to find loopholes and ways around licensing issues in order to make money.

Just to throw another legal implication of using Spotify with DJ equipment….

In order to DJ commercially with digital music you will most likely need a license such as the ProDub licence from PRS. The issue is that this licence and others like it are allowing you to pay royalties on the songs you play and those you digitally copy or transfer from one medium or location to another.

This doesn’t however currently apply to streaming music services. Where you’re not downloading a track but streaming it destroying the data as its consumed. DJing with Spotify really throws up a serious grey area here. So if you’re looking to DJ commercially and legitimately you’ll need to consider this rather dubious sticking point. Its unclear at this time whether a service like Spotify would cause more legal headaches than any of the convenience it may offer.

Another issue you are going to need to consider is just how reliable Spotify actually is. There are a number of potential issues that could result from using a streaming service to get your music for a live set.

Internet speed and reliability

Firstly, you want to check the quality of the WiFi at the venue you intend to play at. If it starts to lag and dropout, then it’s going to be a nightmare of an evening up on stage.

You should also factor in the hundreds of revellers who could be using the same internet connection to FaceTime and Facebook Live the evening.

If possible, you might want to ask the venue manager if they can lock people off the WiFi so that you can make full use of the bandwidth. Not an ideal situation. So don’t stream music, only ever play downloaded offline songs.

Download the music before the event

If you’re worried about streaming speed, then you’re going to want to download your setlist, plus a few dozens favourites, onto your mobile device.

This is another bonus of upgrading to Spotify Premium, and it will give you the peace of mind that you still have access to your setlist. The days when DJs used to carry everything around in vinyl certainly have a lot still going for them!

Also make sure that you have a backup somewhere of your download. There’s nothing worse than getting there and for one reason or another your device just dies on you.

If you have a spare then you have a chance to get up and running without having to spend 10 minutes on stage whilst the atmosphere petters out. Check out my useful DJ checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared for your DJ gig.

Spotify will also upgrade itself automatically over time, as all online services do. It’s really important they do this as it fixes bugs, and patches up network security so they don’t drop out for weeks on end.

One potential issue this may cause is incompatibility with a previously fine piece of hardware. If you one day find that your controller just won’t connect, then it’s possible that it’s not supported by the latest version of Spotify. You can either try and return Spotify to an earlier legacy version, or do a full shutdown of the device that’s running it.

Either way its not an ideal situation although its not exclusive to DJing with Spotify. All DJ software is upgraded over time and compatibility is always something to watch out for.

The short answer is no. While there are some options out there its currently an unreliable way to build a music collection and the issues around internet access and software support make it a risky strategy.

The legal grey areas also make it a potential issue, depending on the venue’s licences and permits

Spotify is likely to be regularly updating, meaning that one day everything works fine, the next day it doesn’t work at all. Which can cause you major headaches, not a very professional way to DJ.

There’s a reason why the world’s leading DJ software and hardware makers generally don’t support streaming music services.

My advice

Purchase your music legally, download your tracks and keep them in your iTunes library or outside of any music software. Make sure they are backed up to multiple devices. Purchase from only retailers like Beatport and Juno Download.

If you really want to use Spotify then make sure your tracks are downloaded, avoid updating your software by disabling any auto update features. Have a backup set downloaded from another source or sources in case Spotify’s music becomes inaccessible.

More DJing tips for you

Now that you know all about DJing with Spotify here’s some more useful articles worth checking out.

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If you wish to escape being infected by spyware ads, reduce the clutter on sites you visit, and secure your internet privacy, the best ad blockers covered in this post are fruits from heaven for you.

We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with content, often unwanted.

When you access the vast majority of websites on the internet, you will find a ton of advertising content wherever you go, either in the banner at the top, within the content itself, or in the sidebars.

Just think of all the things you feel in your head while walking through your local city and all you can see are advertisements everywhere, telling you what you should buy or consume.

That all put negative effects on our mental states, especially if the ads one sees are negative ones.

While you can’t block the ads you see in real life, you can control the ads you see while on the internet.

Online ads use much more bandwidth than ever, which causes web pages to load much slower, and even cover the content you are trying to see.

Or worse, these days, ads try to trick you into clicking the “fake “download online.

Another concern is the increased privacy and online behavior monitoring.

That is why more and more people use adblocking software.

Advertisements blockers are one of the finest ways to secure your online privacy, reduce website clutter, and avoid malware ads. In this article, we will look at various advertisements blocker options available.

This list of top free ad blockers boasts a mixture of tested (and only highly-effective) tools for Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, and more.

But let me first tell you in detail why you should block online adverts?

Confidentiality: From a confidentiality point of view, online advertising is a nightmare.

Why? I hear you ask.

The short answer is because advertisements are usually delivered via third-party domains and contain complicated tracking.

The ad tracking software creates a unique user profile that includes your interests, location, browsing activity, age, family history, friends, etc.

Depending on your consumer profile, targeted ads will appear to you through the advertising networks of the sites you visit.

In other words, advertisements are like surveillance cameras that continuously violate your confidentiality and privacy.

Performance: Advertisements can compromise the performance of your device by affecting processor consumption and bandwidth usage.

Research has revealed that advertisements can consume up to 79% of your mobile bandwidth.

By using an insubstantial and flexible advertisement blocker, you can dramatically improve page loading speed.

Security: The development of malicious advertisements is truly shocking because your electronic devices can get harmed by merely visiting a website or loading a webpage with advertisements, without even clicking.

Advertisements malware (also known as malvertising) can exploit security holes and can even take control of your devices.

The overview of adblockers’ types

Advertising blockers (also called “adblocks”) are computer programs that remove ads on the Internet to improve the browsing experience.

Advertisements blockers can prevent malware from infecting your device or browser alongside protecting your privacy. There are different types of advertisement blockers. Below are a few of them:

VPN with dedicated Adblockers: Several VPN services include apps that defend you from adware. As VPNs can guard you against several types of tracking or monitoring, the adware will also have a tough time collecting data about you.
Extensions: You can save your browser from adware by selecting one of the trusted third-party browser extensions. There are paid and free apps that work with the majority web browsers.
Browsers: Many web browsers incorporate adblocking software, which allows you to avoid adware effortlessly. Some are relatively effective, but their functionality is generally limited as compared to a third-party blocker.
Router: A virtual router can be configured with a DNS filter which automatically blocks requests from servers that deploy tracking services or adware.

You can also combine several types of Adblockers for optimal protection. Generally, Advertising blockers create two types of filters:

A “blacklist” for annoying ads that the user does not want to appear. Such adverts are those that occupy the entire screen and take time to close — or those that mimic other buttons and trick users into clicking by mistake.
A “white list” in which the user can include the ads that he wants to appear during browsing. In this way, you can continue to reward your favorite pages financed through advertising and advertisers who create non-invasive formats.

Adblocker scams to avoid

Thousands of internet users have been tricked into downloading fake adblocking extensions to date, so you should watch out for Adblocker scams before going with any add-on.

On top of the invasion of your privacy, fake Adblockers will secretly collect data about your browsing habits and may even change the behavior of your browser.

They will sometimes try to trick you into using the same or similar name as a reputable Adblocker. Therefore, make sure you are on the correct page before downloading it.

Here are some of the names used by fake extensions in the past:

Adblock Pro
HD for YouTube
Adblock Plus
HD for YouTube
uBlock Plus
Webutation
Superblock Adblocker
AdRemover for Google Chrome

Top 14 best ad blockers

Are you fed up with the advertisements hindering you over the internet?

The good news is that blocking advertisements, which was once an art reserved for the most tech-savvy guys, has become easier.

How? I hear you ask.

All thanks to the top-notch ad blocking extensions and services available today.

Without further ado, here are 15 best ad blockers (most of these are free) to avoid popups, remove ads, and protect your privacy online:

1. Adblock Plus (free)

Adblock Plus is the most popular free Adblocker. It blocks only those ads that are considered to be invasive or potentially malicious. This means that you will still come across certain advertisements unless you change the settings.

ADP works on Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Edge (still in beta, though), and Yandex Browser.

2. Adguard AdBlocker (paid, Offers trial)

If you used and liked AdBlock Plus to block advertising, Adguard AdBlocker might also do the trick for you.

The user interface of this tool is slightly different, but the adblocking functionality is similarly effective.

This software is currently available for Mac, Android, and Windows; it blocks all types of advertising content that may appear on different websites.

Notably, this is a premium adblocker. However, you get 14 days to try for free so you can get to know if it is worth upgrading.

The premium version of Adguard Adblocker costs around $25 for a year subscription.

3. AdLock (free + paid versions)

The AdLock extension is a free Chrome ad blocker, which never asks users to donate or purchase against providing them fast and secure web surfing.

Not only Google Chrome, but it is also unconditionally free for Safari as well.

AdLock also works on Android and Windows for blocking ads in all of your applications, but you’d need to purchase it for those devices. Luckily, that costs $7.61 for the whole year.

Understandably, paid versions that work on Android and Windows devices offer more features than the free extensions offered by the company for Chrome and Safari browsers.

All in all, AdLock is an extremely aggressive and powerful ad-blocking tool that boasts some advanced features, too.

One such advanced feature is, with AdLock you can whitelist a website by going to “Settings -> Whitelist.” You can also add some additional filtering parameters if you wish.

4. NoScript (free)

NoScript is a Firefox advertisement blocker that blocks script (as the name suggests).

It helps avoid every type of scripts from loading on the websites you visit: Java, Javascript, Flash, etc.

Also, you can allow some types of scripts for the sites you trust. All in all, if you are a Firefox user, NoScript will make your browser safer to use.

One con that I noticed while testing this free ad blocker is, the service is a bit heavy by default. I was expecting it to be very lightweight, but it is little on the heavy side.

5. Poper Blocker (free)

As the name suggests, Poper Blocker blocks pop-ups and common overlays on the sites you visit. With this totally free ad blocker, you only need to right-click on overlays to get rid of them.

Poper Blocker detects the pop-ups on all the websites you visit automatically and blocks them without any work required by you. The addon sends a notification in your browser every time it blocks a pop-up.

The extension also allows you to whitelist any website you wish. For that, you only need to hit the “allow popups” button while visiting your preferred website.

It is available only for Chrome. It turns out that there is a Firefox version of this extension as well, but that’s developed by a different company.

Only the name of both extensions is the same. If you are on Firefox, it is safe to try that one too (that also is a good one).

6. Adway (free, open source)

AdAway is a simple Android ad blocker but it only works with rooted devices.

Although it is a simple application, still, it boasts some advanced features. With AdWay Custom Sources you can add your very own sources (of host files). It also allows users to apply custom rules where you can add exceptions to your blocklist, whitelist, and redirection rules.

Everything about this free Android adblocker is great except one thing, it requires users to have their Android device rooted.

That is one thing I would never recommend you to do, so this single point makes AdWay a big no for me.

But I still wanted to list it as it’s a cool ad blocker for Android devices and maybe if someone has got their Android rooted already for some other reasons, they might want to use it.

7. Adblock (free)

This top-notch ad blocker works on Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, iOS, and Android devices.

On Google Play and Apple Store, Adblock is currently one of the most downloaded free ad blockers by users — and considered one of the best to block any type of advertisement.

It is worth noting that AdBlock does not have any relationship with AdBlock Plus despite the substantial resemblance to its name.

AdBlock offers a wide range of features, where users can decide from the different options either to use the default filters, subscribe to others, or create their very own, among others.

That all will allow you to restrict the appearance of the ads and surf the internet faster; most importantly, in a much faster way.

Not only this highly-trusted ad-blocking tool allows you to block annoying ads (including pop-ups), it also blocks autoplay video and audio ads that we normally see on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.

8. uBlock-Origin (free)

This extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Mac (the iOS) — and is famous as the most lightweight adblocker. Amid my tests, I also agree that it occupies a minimum use of both the processor and the computer memory.

So I do not wonder anymore why it is one of the most downloaded adblocker (all because of its great performance).

uBlock has a large number of filters where you can edit them yourself to block the type of content you want, whether from the banner, video ads, pop-ups, among others.

9. Adblocker Ultimate (free + paid versions)

Staying true to its name, Adblocker Ultimate is considered as one of the best and most powerful ad-blocker available today.

It is compatible with virtually all internet browsers and also has strict policies.

As for its functionality, it is one of the strictest (in terms of aggressive ad-blocking technology) and is preferred by most users since it does not allow any type of advertisement to go through.

It ensures that you will not encounter any type of advertising content that can cause your browsing experience to be slower.

With this program, you can also avoid your activities from getting tracked online as it enables users to not keep a browsing history.

That indeed is a good option for those who do not want their movements on the internet to be seen (for any reason).

But, unlike many other blockers, AdBlocker Ultimate does not offer the possibility of allowing certain types of ads to appear as if most of the other programs (of this type) do.

10. Ghostery (free)

It is yet another extension built with privacy in mind. Ghostery will help you escape (I mean block) any type of ads on the internet including pop-ups, other addons, banners, flash, among others.

Ghostery is was launched in 2017, and since then, it has captured a large percentage of downloads, which is only because of the quality service it offers for free. This extension is available for Edge, Opera, Firefox, Cliqz, and Chrome.

11. Ad Muncher (free)

Currently, this ad blocker is competing with giants like AdBlock Plus for the top position as far as the best free ad blockers are concerned.

It allows you to block ads on virtually all the browsers out there. And the best part is, it is free (yet an influence-free ad blocker).

Unlike most of the other advert blockers, Ad Muncher is a software that you need to install directly on the device (it is not an extension but an app).

With Ad Muncher, you can block advertisements in almost all of the web browsers, including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera, Flock, Safari, Netscape, Avant Browser, and Maxthon.

This software has several filters, which you can deploy at your convenience, where you can filter certain addresses, java, background music, plugins, and wallpapers, among other contents of any web page.

12. 1Blocker (free)

This tool is designed to protect iOS devices from all the nasty advertisements and third-party tracking over the internet.

1Blocker is available only for iOS machines, however, it has been updated and for Mac (Safari 10) recently.

Depending on your Apple device, you can download (and start using) it either from the normal App Store or Mac App Store for completely free.

13. HTTPS-Everywhere (free)

This is another top ad-blocking option that will help you block adverts that appears in different web browsers.

It is open-source and is available for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox.

Staying true to its name, the purpose of HTTPs Anywhere is to force websites into using the HTTPS connection as that is way more secure than using HTTP.

14. Privacy Badger (free)

This tool is developed by the very same non-profit parent organization, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), that has built the above-mentioned HTTPS Everywhere extension.

Privacy Badger is considered one of the best tools when it comes to maintaining your privacy as a whole alongside avoiding any type of ads online.

It is available for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Android (for that you will need to download Firefox on Android).

On top of enabling you to block unwanted ads, it automatically detects the invisible trackers and blocks them.

Websites’ shady adverts quality and adblockers

No matter what browser you use, pop-up ads are one of the biggest inconveniences when you’re on the internet.

They can appear when you least expect it, and there are many out there that try to trick you — making you believe that they are part of the website you are visiting.

Usually, pop-up ads seem innocent marketing, but their true intention is malicious. Pop-ups may be responsible, among other things, for:

Deploying spyware or malware
Tracking your activities online
Capturing your data

All this is done without clicking on an ad since malicious content gets installed while the page loads, that is why you should only be visiting the known sites.

The malvertising has increased due to the increase in popularity and frequency of use of laptops, computers, phones, tablets, etc.

The bigger there is userbase, the more aggressive techniques are going to be used by scammers to make most of it. Simple.

In 2017, Google removed 112 million ads that wanted to install malicious software, viruses, and trackers to record users’ activities online.

The number and frequency of these ads increase every year, and we are into 2020, you can imagine how dangerous the ads can be now.

In February 2018, Google added its very own advertisement blocker in the Chrome browser to avoid “sub-standard advertisement.”

But it made sure that all the Google-sourced advertisement from AdSense is not affected by the tweak in question.

Let’s face it, advertisement income is the main source of profit for several websites.

The use of advertisement blockers resulted in an expected loss of 15.8 billion dollars for websites in the last couple of years.

Browsers with built-in ad-block

So, you are on an agreement to install extensions to block ads on your phone and computer? That is good.

But, try the built-in adblocker that is already included in your browser, too. The best part – it is free!

Browsers with built-in ad-blockers (such as Google Chrome) have integrated technology that blocks ads that help you navigate faster.

Such a web browser will help you save time while browsing, as it loads pages up to 40% faster.

On top of avoiding annoying ads, if you have a limited data plan, blocking ads while browsing will allow you to save data.

And when an ad blocker is built-in within a browser already, the surfing speed increases up to 80% compared to other browsers that do not have an adblocker, and up to 45% compared to browsers that have an adblocking extension installed.

Final thoughts

In this age, adblockers have become the consumers’ best response to invasive advertisements that spoil their browsing experience and make web surfing complicated.

So much that since 2014, the use of these programs has grown by over 90%.

If you understand what an ad blocker is and the critical role it plays in the panorama and operation of internet browsing, you might already have settled for one that best suits your needs from the best ad blockers listed above.

There is nothing that annoys internet users more than intrusive ads right in front of the content they are consuming. You finally are free from such trouble and ready to say goodbye to all the irritating ads online (once and for all).

For the optimum results and better online privacy, you can try combining multiple top ad blockers (I use Adblock Plus and Privacy Badger together with a VPN).

If you care a little extra about your internet safety, you can also turn to secure browsers so that you stay protected online alongside succeeding in avoiding malicious adware.

FAQs

How do I block an ad?

Spotify

If you have a quality ad blocker installed (such as Adblocker Ultimate), it will block all the ads on your visited page automatically.

Can I support my favorite portals while surfing or downloading but having adverts blocked on it with a tool?

No. The majority of advertisers have a pay per click system, so if you hide the ads, you stop supporting the website.

What is the best ads blocker for Safari?

AdBlock Plus is the most useful ads blocker software for Safari.

What is the best ads blocker for Firefox?

AdBlock and AdBlock Plus are the best browser adblocking extensions for Firefox.

How to block ads in apps?

You can download NordVPN, AdBlock Plus or AdLock .apk for Android phones and install following the instructions. But in the case of an iPhone there is no way to block in-app ads except using a network advertisement blocking device.

What is the best ads blocker for Opera?

Opera has default advertisement blocking feature so, there’s no need for any extension, just switch it on in your browser settings.

How to block advertisements on Youtube?

Download a desktop application or install a browser extension. One free YouTube ads blocker that we can recommend is AdBlock (search on Chrome extensions page).

How to block advertisements on the phone?

Depending on your phone, you can block ads on it either by using an ad blocking software such as AdBlock or by simply tweaking your smartphone’s security settings.

How to block advertisements on Facebook?

You can do it with Social Network Adblocker or AdBlock extension easily.

Featured Image via Pixabay.

About the author

Ali Qamar

Ali Qamar is a seasoned, versatile writer. He is a geek. He is crazy (and competent) about internet security, digital finance, and technology. Ali is naturally attracted to transforming things.