Wipr
Kaylee Calderolla (originally Giorgio Calderolla)
Wipr is a lightweight and efficient ad blocker designed exclusively for Safari on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and VisionOS. It blocks ads, trackers, cryptocurrency miners, and GDPR notices, ensuring a faster, cleaner, and more private browsing experience. Wipr is known for its ease of use and focus on privacy, requiring minimal setup and operating automatically in the background.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Simple and easy to use, set and forget
- Effective ad blocking, including YouTube ads in Safari
- Privacy-focused, no data logging
- Lightweight and fast, doesn't slow down browsing
- One-time purchase, affordable price
Top Dislikes
- Limited customization options
- Exclusively for Safari and Apple ecosystem
- No free trial or refund (except Apple's standard policy)
- Some users reported occasional missed ads or needing to manually refresh
Popular Comments
dörkåsbord - App Store User
2024-11-27
Wipr is the bist! I've been using Wipr 1 since release and was so impressed at how well it worked I gave the max tip available.
Reddit User - AstutelyAbsurd1
7mo ago
I've used it for years and only paid $2 for it. It's worked perfectly all this time and gets regular updates.
MacRumors Forum User - rachislenska
2022-08-28
I purchased Wipr a few months ago on both iOS and MacOS and they are both phenomenal. No ads of any kind on 97% of websites I visit including not seeing any ads on YouTube which is great. Well worth the less than $5 I spent overall.
guacjack - App Store User
2019-08-10
Not sure if this catches everything. I can still see some ads when browsing. The ones which come to mind are ads on Twitch, similarly i see promoted tweets on twitter. Using UBlock i dont see either of these things so I think there is still a way to go with Wipr considering this is a paid app.
kevinlewis - App Store User
2021-09-20
Great, but needs an on/off indicator / switch in the toolbar. I like Wipr, it works well, but I never know whether I've turned it on or off for a site... So it needs at the least an indicator in the toolbar to be something I really value.
Reddit User - LuckyShirt_
7mo ago
I use it, but it doesn't work on YouTube.
Detailed Review
Wipr is a highly-regarded ad blocker specifically designed for Apple devices, including Macs, iPhones, iPads and Vision Pros, working seamlessly with the Safari browser. It distinguishes itself with its simplicity and strong focus on user privacy. Unlike some ad blockers that offer extensive customization, Wipr adopts a "set and forget" approach. Once installed and enabled, it automatically blocks ads, trackers, cryptocurrency miners, EU cookie notices, and other web annoyances in the background, without requiring further configuration. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want effective ad blocking without the need to tweak settings or manage filter lists.
Standout Features
- Effective Ad Blocking: Successfully blocks a wide range of ads, including banner ads, pop-ups, and even YouTube ads within Safari.
- Tracker Blocking: Prevents websites from tracking your online activity, enhancing your privacy.
- Cryptocurrency Miner Blocking: Protects your device from cryptocurrency miners that can slow down performance and drain battery.
- GDPR and Cookie Notice Blocking: Automatically dismisses annoying cookie consent pop-ups on European websites.
- Lightweight and Fast: Uses Safari's efficient content blocking technology, ensuring minimal impact on browsing speed and battery life.
- Privacy-Focused: The developer emphasizes user privacy, with no data collection and a commitment to blocking all ads without exceptions for paid "acceptable ads" programs.
- Regular Updates: Blocklists are updated twice a week to keep up with new advertising and tracking methods.
- Universal App (Wipr 2): A single purchase covers all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro).
Conclusion
Wipr is an excellent ad blocker for Mac users who prioritize simplicity, efficiency, and privacy within the Apple ecosystem. Its straightforward operation and effective blocking capabilities make it a valuable tool for improving the browsing experience. While it lacks the extensive customization of some alternatives, its ease of use and strong performance, especially for blocking YouTube ads in Safari, make it a worthwhile investment for users seeking a hassle-free ad-blocking solution. The one-time purchase price for Wipr 2 is also very competitive, offering a lifetime of ad-free browsing for a single upfront cost. However, users requiring ad blocking across multiple browsers or platforms beyond Apple's ecosystem may need to consider alternatives like AdGuard or uBlock Origin.
