HostsBlock Indicator

HostsBlock Indicator

HostsBlock Indicator is a free, open-source ad blocking program for Windows. It blocks ads and tracking by redirecting requests to host files that contain domains known to serve ads/tracking.
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ad-blocking privacy hosts-file

HostsBlock Indicator: Free Ad Blocking for Windows

A free, open-source ad blocking program that redirects requests to host files containing domains known to serve ads/tracking, effectively blocking ads and tracking on Windows

What is HostsBlock Indicator?

HostsBlock Indicator is a free, open-source program for Windows that blocks ads, tracking, malware, and other unwanted content by redirecting requests to locally stored host files. It works by mapping domain requests known to distribute ads, tracking scripts, malware etc. to the localhost, preventing your device from connecting.

Key features of HostsBlock Indicator include:

  • Blocks ads, tracking scripts, malware, porn, fake news, and other unwanted content
  • Very simple to install and configure
  • Uses minimal system resources
  • Regular automatic updates of host files
  • Automatically handles host file backups
  • Easy to temporarily disable blocking for a domain
  • Compatible with most web browsers and programs on Windows
  • Available for free with no ads or tracking
  • Open-source software under GPLv3 license

As an ad blocking program, HostsBlock Indicator can help speed up page loading, improve privacy, and enhance security by preventing connections to harmful domains. It takes a crowdsourced approach based on maintaining huge host files that cover nearly all known ad/tracking domains.

HostsBlock Indicator Features

Features

  1. Blocks ads and tracking by redirecting requests to host files
  2. Supports Windows operating system
  3. Open-source and free to use
  4. Easy to install and configure

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Effective at blocking ads and tracking

Free and open-source

Simple to use

Cons

Only available for Windows

May not block all ads and trackers


The Best HostsBlock Indicator Alternatives

Top Security & Privacy and Ad Blockers and other similar apps like HostsBlock Indicator

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HostsMan icon

HostsMan

HostsMan is a free, open-source application for Windows that makes it easy to manage your system's hosts file. The hosts file maps domain names to IP addresses and can be used to block ads, tracking networks, malware sites, and other unwanted content.Key features of HostsMan include:Intuitive graphical user interface for...
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Auto Hosts icon

Auto Hosts

Auto Hosts is a free, open-source ad blocking browser extension for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. It works by using curated crowdsourced host files that contain domains known to serve ads, tracking scripts, malware, and other unwanted content.When enabled, Auto Hosts automatically blocks requests to these domains before they are...
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