Short answer: Chrome's pop-up blocker stops windows that open without a click. An ad blocker hides ads inside the page using lists of ad servers. An ad tab blocker like AdTabBlock stops new tabs a page opens behind your click. They fix different problems, so many people use an ad blocker and AdTabBlock together.
The three tools at a glance
| What it stops | Chrome pop-up blocker | Ad blocker | AdTabBlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop-ups that open with no click | Yes | Often | Yes |
| Banner and video ads inside the page | No | Yes | No |
| Ad tabs opened when you click the page | No | Sometimes, if the ad network is on its list | Yes |
| Invisible "click anywhere" links | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| Your tab swapped for an ad (tab-under) | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| How it decides | Was there a click? | Is the address on a block list? | Did the tab come from what you clicked? |
Chrome's built-in pop-up blocker
It is on by default and lives under Settings, Privacy and security, Site settings, Pop-ups and redirects. It blocks windows a page tries to open on its own. It has to allow tabs that open right after a click, because that is how normal links work, and that is the gap ad scripts use. More in why Chrome's pop-up blocker doesn't stop ad tabs.
Ad blockers (uBlock Origin, AdGuard, AdBlock)
Ad blockers compare every request a page makes against filter lists of known ad and tracking servers, and block or hide the matches. They are excellent for banner, video and tracking ads. Pop-under networks change domains often, so a list-based blocker catches many ad tabs but not all of them.
Ad tab blockers (AdTabBlock)
AdTabBlock doesn't use ad lists. It watches how a page opens tabs: a tab you clicked a link for opens, a tab a script fires off behind your click doesn't. That means it works against new or unknown ad networks too. It does not remove ads shown inside the page, which is why it pairs well with an ad blocker.
Keep your ad blocker. Add AdTabBlock for the ad tabs it misses.
Add to ChromeWhich one do you need?
- Ads cluttering the page: an ad blocker.
- New tabs with ads every time you click: AdTabBlock.
- Both: use both. They don't conflict.
- Tabs opening with no click at all, or at startup: neither; check your computer with this guide.
Questions
Is a pop-up blocker the same as an ad blocker?
No. A pop-up blocker stops new windows and tabs, while an ad blocker hides ads inside the page using lists of ad servers. Chrome's built-in pop-up blocker also lets tabs through when they open right after a click, which is how most ad tabs get past it.
Do I need AdTabBlock if I already use uBlock Origin?
If you still get ad tabs when you click on some sites, yes. uBlock Origin blocks known ad servers, while AdTabBlock stops any tab a page opens behind your click, including ones from ad networks that aren't on a list yet. They work well together.