Blocking ads adblock list versus proxy versus hosts?

Out of these three what is the best way to block ads and why?

- via browser( adblock list)
- a proxy like proxomitron, privoxy etc
- hosts file

Thanks

 

My only experience is with Hosts files and it is positive. I merge four of them using HostsMan which creates a list of over 130,000 entries. It does not slow down my surfing and the majority of ads are blocked.

 

My opinion is that it depends on how much control you want and how good the HOST file or ad list author is about keeping up to date and not going overboard with entries. if you want fine-tuning and the ability to block and configure anything and everything, a program like Proxomitron really is the only way to go.

If it's simply ads and general malicious website blocking you want, then I believe a HOST file such as MVPS is a better way to go. There's an issue though to be aware of. Most HOST files are not updated on a set schedule. It may be a week, or it may be two months before it is updated again. If left for two long, it quickly becomes outdated and could pose a liability.

A program such as AdBlockPlus on the other hand has a generally regular updating schedule, so you will stay current pretty easily. The bad thing I have found is that using a single list is often not enough, but additional lists end up suffering the same issue IP blockers have, redundant entries and, sometimes, overly aggressive blocking.

 

I would imagine that a close inspection of your file would show unbelievable redundancy. Most reputable HOST file authors cover the "major players" in the ad-serving world. IMHO, stick with one, two at the most. Just an opinion though, do what you feel you need to do.

 

HOSTS and proxy allways noticable slowed down my browsing, so I use OpenDNS and adblock in browser to block ads, it is worth of a little slow down.

 

Thanks for responses. I am really concerned for slow downs.

 

I see at least two advantages of browser ad blockers over Hosts file, one is ad block lists are updated regularly. The other is ability to block ads by using Regex, this way ads can be blocked based on their css properties etc. Hosts file can only block known ad servers whereas ad block plus can block unknown ads too, plus with element hiding helper you can block missed ads and whatever you don't want to see.


Proxies can do what ABP does and probably in a more efficient way, Ad Muncher is pretty good, don't know about the free ones.

 

I use a Hosts file and browser blockers. Don't know if that is best or not but it works well for me.

 

I am esp inclining towards a local proxy. I wonder what other advantages are provided by a local proxy such as proxomitron?

 

HostsMan deletes duplicate entries.

 

From what I understand a hosts file needs every ad or site listed to be blocked. Browser add-ons or privoxy can do the same thing with a fraction of the entries. With a hosts I've also heard that you have to wait for each blocked item to time out. Please correct me where I'm wrong here. I'm trying to avoid using hosts since I keep hearing about how the new ad blocking solutions are more efficient and updated more often. But it does claim to have most malware sites blocked.

Ad block plus has served me well. However when I add the malware domains sub it takes a long time for firefox to start so I might remove that sub. I'm looking into using privoxy so I can use other browsers.

Edit: Removed stuff

Edit again: I tested out privoxy. It stopped a few ad's with the default setup. Very configurable program. However if you just want something that works I'm thinking adblock plus or hosts will be the answer because they do a better job than privoxy out of the box.