Adguard for Google Chrome 1.0.3.8

Overview

Adguard for Google Chrome is an ad blocking web browser extension. It provides cross-platform support for ad blocking and some extra useful facilities which varies depending on the platform. There is this browser extension for Chrome and others for Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Yandex. There is also a Windows and Android app, with a Mac one in development.

The principal goal of Adguard for Chrome is to block adverts that will display when using the Google Chrome web browser. The type of adverts that can be blocked include text ads, banner ads, floating ads, YouTube video ads, Facebook ads, and unwanted pop ups. The software can speed up the downloading of web pages and reduce bandwidth usage by pre-parsing web page code and preventing the download of adverts contained within the web page.

Web sites can be configured individually so that adverts display on some web sites, but not others. The extension control is a green shield icon in the toolbar which provides access to the configuration options and delivers information about adverts blocked already.

Additional to ad blocking, the extension blocks the ad network code which usually allows the network to track the user around the web. A number of third-party tracking systems are blocked using this software.

There is also the option to use a database within the app to check and block web sites that are known to contain malware or attempt phishing attacks to get user data. Furthermore, this version of Adguard can also optionally attempt to block adware, spyware and dialer installers (which try to get a modem to dial an expensive phone number) from activating on the user's computer.

Adguard can also attempt to get around web sites which prevent users accessing their content if they are using this ad blocking browser extension (we have a notice at the top of the page suggesting either white-listing the site or making a donation if blocking ads).

Installation

The installation is performed by accessing the Adguard Adblocker extension page on the Chrome web store. Clicking the blue “Add to Chrome” button in the top-right corner of the pop-up page will start the installation of the 1.6MB extension to the Chrome browser.

A green shield-like extension icon will be displayed near the Settings bar icon in the right side of the browser once the installation is complete.

The memory usage of this extension is about 40 percent lower than when using either Adblock or Adblock Plus.

Interface

Clicking on this green shield toolbar icon to the left of the Settings bar icon brings up a little display. This will show the total number of adverts blocked and the total ads. It will also present various options to configure the web site currently being viewed. This includes: Block ad on this web page, Submit a complaint on this website, and a few other options. The "Submit a complaint" option is so that the developers can figure a workaround for sites that are completely blocking access due to the use of this extension.

Pros

• Block text, banner, YouTube video and pop-up ads on web sites when using Chrome
• White-listing and black-listing of sites
• Prevent ad networks from tracking internet usage
• Prevents malware and phishing attacks from malicious web sites
• Block adware, spyware and dialers from installing
• Uses 40 percent less memory than other ad blocking extensions
• Regular updates for bug fixes and improvements.

Cons

• None.

Conclusion

Adguard is an excellent cross-platform ad blocking and phishing web site blocker that provides an alternative to other popular ad blocking extensions in Google Chrome. Many types of adverts including annoying video ads can be removed by the extension. It can also block phishing or malware sites and prevent adware, malware and dialers from installing too.