Mac Format - UK (2020-04)

APRIL 2020 | MACFORMAT | 91

T

here’s no shortage of ad blockers

available for both macOS and

iOS. However, 1Blocker has gained

fans thanks to its customisation features.

New in version 3 is a tool that allows you to

point and click on an element on a web page to

block it – much easier than manually creating

a rule to block objects. Version 3 also improves

content blocking, updates rules twice a week,

allows you to see what resources were blocked

on a page, and adds new customisation tools.

1Blocker allows you to block more than just

annoying ads. You can use it to block trackers

and data collectors, cookie notices, social

media widgets, comments, and ‘adult’ sites.

Custom rules enable you to roll up your

sleeves and create your own rules for blocking

content, based on templates provided in

the app. So, for example, to block cookies

on a specific website, you’d choose the Block

Cookies template and then just add the name

of the site and give the rule a name. When that

rule is switched on, cookies on that site will be

blocked. There’s a Whitelist template so that

you can add the names of sites where you don’t

want ads to be blocked. And a Block Sites

template allows you to completely block

websites you specify.

Follow the rules

If you prefer, you can specify CSS elements

to be blocked and the sites on which the rule

should operate. No ad blocker is perfect, and

1Blocker is no exception – some things slip

through the net. However, to remove them you

need only click on the 1Blocker extension in

Safari’s toolbar, choose Hide Element, and then

click on the elements you want to remove. The

extension button also allows you to whitelist

the current site and to force Safari to use the

HTTPS version of the site.

1Blocker is free to download, though rules

updates, cookie blocking, and some other

features require a subscription. In use, we

found that it worked well. Websites are more

pleasurable to use, and faster, without adverts.

Though we’ll leave you to decide on the ethics.

The Cookie Notice blocker was more miss

than hit in our tests, but otherwise, 1Blocker

is excellent. KENNY HEMPHILL

Custom rules

allow you to

create your

own rules for

blocking

content

A highly

customisable ad

blocker that has a

raft of extra features.

+++++++

Highly customisable

Blocks more

than just adverts

Handy toolbar button

Cookie notice

blocking didn’t work well

VERDICT

Free (offers in-app purchases) FROM Salavat Khanov, 1blocker.com NEEDS macOS 10.15

1Blocker

Protect yourself against tracking, ads and other pests

Image credit: Salavat Khanov

1Blocker allows you to block

trackers, cookies and entire

websites, as well as adverts.

Templates and custom rules are at the heart of 1Blocker.

This one enables you to whitelist specific sites.