Is there a Free Native App for Ads and Tracker Blocking

Privacy Questions
1

I found out that Portmaster cannot reliably block ads on a web page level the same way Ublock Origin does. I think one way for native apps to do this is through the MITM (man-in-the-middle) scheme of intercepting HTTPS traffic which requires installing a local certificate. Even then, HTTP/3 (QUIC) protocol cannot be filtered on Chrome [Adguard]

2

What is your question?

3

Is there a free/opensource substitute for something like AdGuard. I was hoping Portmaster might be it but it is not suitable for web page level ad blocking. But great for blocking Windows telemetry.

4

Why not uBlock?

2 Likes
5

I am still a bit confused about what you want to replace, and on which platform.

Since you mentioned Windows telemetry so I assume you are asking for a windows desktop application that blocks ads and trackers for both browser and desktop applications (be it UWP or traditional desktop applications).

In this case, you need to use 2 separate tools, one for your browser (i.e. browser extension) and one for other desktop applications.

For browser extension, it depends on which browser you use, but in general UBO is the best but only works on Brave and Firefox, not sure about cromite. Chrome, MS Edge retired Manifest V2 so full-fledged UBO wont work.

For other desktop applications, you can combine Firewall and DNS filter to achieve DNS / IP level and .exe level blocking, but unlike browsers you might not be able to block some of the ads if it cannot be identified on DNS / IP / .exe level.

1 Like
6

maybe this ?

1 Like
7

You need both a network level and a in-browser filter really.

3 Likes
8

I use iodéOS on mobile, it’s got an adblocker and tracker blocker integrated into the OS, and after using it when I go back to Linux I’ve been longing for something like portmaster or zen. Has anyone tried both and can compare the two?

9

Never used Zen but it seems to be a DNS filter? Safing Portmaster offer additional functionality e.g. SPN & Firewall.

10

Just use your VPN tracker blocking on addition to Brave or Browser+uBlock Origin.

Also per this chrome now allows HTTP/3 blocking. Needs to be confirmed.

11

First time hearing about this tool. Looks like it cannot currently block YT ads but the developer might add support for this in the future. I see it has been discussed before and it was marked as rejected coz of security risks of HTTPS Interception.