IE 1.0 was included in a "Windows 95 Plus!" which was sold for $50 in 1994; However it was short-lived and it was included in later releases of Windows [1]

Netscape was sold for $50 [2]

Opera was sold (can't find the price) [3]

  [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Plus!#Microsoft_Plus!_for_Windows_95
  [2]: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/netscape-navigator-2-0-hits-the-streets/
  [3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20081013235150/http://my.opera.com/Rijk/blog/2006/02/15/rendering-engines-and-code-names

And Opera 1995-2005 (ads alternative to money since 2000).

Sigh.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/netscape-cuts-prices...

Opera was a paid software

I personally believe that the goal of ads should not be to hook you on new products just because they can. They should not be to sell you on a problem that you don't have. They should not be to pile on tons of "marketing" and look professional and presentable and whatever.

Ads should show you things that you needed anyway; things you wouldn't have known to look for, or didn't find when you did. Things that actually solve problems that you actually have, where you see the utility as soon as you see them.

For example, 45drives has their ads down. They contain nothing more than a little joke, a product image, and a link to their website. You'll know if you need it; they're not trying to market to you or convince you of anything. They know you will come when you're ready.

Advertising culture is currently extremely hostile and I hate it.