Questions on ad-free/tracker-free web browsing experience

3 pointssecretforest2y ago4 comments

What with ads, tracking, and such at an all-time high, and manifest 3 coming for Chrome (and derivatives), and YouTube blocking users that won't view ads, I've done the usual like Pi-hole, SmartTube, FreeTube, Violent Monkey, uBlock Origin, etc. but I'm looking for something more, something that I don't have to maintain.

Is there a service, or a type of hosted "proxy" out there whereby one can connect and this is done via DNS, etc., where one is given a "sanitized" web experience? I imagine whoever pulls this off could become fairly well off.

4 comments

NettleBurr2y ago

Could try a VPN - this is one of the few things that also works on ios. The Mullvad vpn app on iOS gives a decent experience and can block ads though not always successful.

It's not really comparable to a pi-hole in that you get no control over it but it's trivial to set up and get going with it and also works when you're travelling.

carlosjobim2y ago

Go to your browser settings and set it to open all pages in reader view by default. This removes all the crap and leaves you with legible text, images and embedded videos. Works perfectly in macos and iOS Safari. You can then whitelist on a per domain basis.

NexDNS for system wide adblock.

theandrewbailey2y ago

If someone is concerned about ads invading their privacy, I don't think they would be interested in someone else MITM'ing all their internet traffic. I run pihole, Freetube, and uBlock Origin, and they are all low maintenance, and I wouldn't be interested in such a service.

biglyburrito2y ago

How does Freetube require you to maintain it...? Seems like you just go there & use it, no?

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