1Blocker vs Ghostery

1Blocker is an ad and content blocker for Apple devices, with Safari filtering, custom rules and options for tracker and cookie-popup blocking. Its Safari content blocker filters ads, cookie banners, annoyances and trackers; the separate 1Blocker Scripts extension targets harder-to-block ads and annoyances, including YouTube video ads. On iOS, an in-app tracking filter uses a local VPN profile to block invisible trackers across apps. 1Blocker says filtering happens locally and that the app does not collect personal information or track visited sites. Listed platforms are iOS, macOS and browser extension, with visionOS also supported. Requirements are iOS 16.0 or later and macOS 13.0 Ventura or later. Free mode permits one blocking filter at a time and custom rules. A 14-day trial is listed. Paid options are $2.99 a month, $14.99 a year and a lifetime plan listed at $39.99 a month, described as a one-time payment. Premium includes multiple categories, filter updates and in-app tracker protection.

Ghostery is a free, open-source browser extension combining ad blocking, tracker protection, cookie-consent handling, and tracker information tools. It blocks banners, video ads, pop-ups, and sponsored content. The Tracker Panel displays trackers it identifies and neutralizes, while WhoTracks.Me provides information about tracking activity and companies. Ghostery says its protection replaces personal identifiers with random values. Never-Consent rejects tracking cookies and sends opt-out signals on supported sites. Supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, and Brave, and users can install the extension on as many devices as they like. On iOS and iPadOS, it offers Safari protection; on Android, it supports Edge and Firefox. Chrome on Android is unavailable because Chrome does not allow extensions there. Ghostery says extension telemetry is non-personal, with additional telemetry sent if users opt in. For phishing and malware protection, it says it sends a partial URL checksum to its backend rather than the full URL. Private Search is in closed beta.