Zen Ad Blocker
Zen Ad Blocker is free desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux that filters ads, trackers, and malware across browsers and desktop apps.
What Zen Ad Blocker is
Zen Ad Blocker is free desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux that filters ads, trackers, and malware across browsers and desktop apps. It runs a local proxy, checks HTTP(S) traffic against filter lists, and shows blocked requests with their source and stopping reason. Built-in ad, tracker, and malware lists include 35 regional lists; users can add lists or custom rules. Zen also blocks cookie popups and works with major browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, and Brave. Desktop apps using system proxy settings are supported, although custom networking or certificate pinning can bypass filtering. HTTPS filtering uses a local root certificate and private key removable in settings. The maker says browsing data is not collected or sent to servers, while local debug logs redact hostnames and can be deleted. Zen works with any VPN on Windows and Linux and most VPNs on macOS. It is open source under MIT.
Good
- Free and open source
- System-wide browser and app filtering
- 35 regional filter lists
- Custom rules and cookie blocking
- Works alongside many VPNs
Watch out
- Some apps may bypass filtering
- HTTPS filtering installs a local certificate
- Only latest app version supported
- Signed update system still in progress
Who it suits
Zen suits desktop users who want system-wide filtering across browsers and proxy-compatible apps. It is also useful for people who want custom filter lists and local request visibility.
Verdict
Zen Ad Blocker offers broad desktop filtering with custom lists, request explanations, and local processing. Check app compatibility and its certificate setup before relying on it for every application.
Plans and prices
From Zen Ad Blocker's own pricing page, checked 20 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | System-wide ad blocking · Open source · Windows, macOS, and Linux support |
| Zen | Free | Free and open source (MIT) · Windows, macOS, Linux |
The facts
Each one read from Zen Ad Blocker's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Browser and app compatibility
- Zen works with major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, and Brave, plus desktop apps that use system proxy settings.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Browser support
- major-browserschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Device coverage
- desktopchecked 20 Sep 2026
What it does
- Compatibility limits
- Apps with custom networking or certificate pinning may bypass filtering or need to be excluded in Zen’s settings.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Cookie popup blocking
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Custom filter lists
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Filtering method
- Zen runs a local proxy, checks requests against filter lists, and filters HTTP(S) traffic on the device.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Filter lists
- Zen includes built-in ad, tracker, and malware lists, including 35 regional lists, and supports adding lists or custom rules.checked 7 Oct 2026
- HTTPS certificate
- Zen generates its local root certificate and private key on the device, and the certificate can be removed in settings.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says Zen does not collect browsing data or send it to servers; its privacy policy says local debug logs have hostnames redacted and can be deleted.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Real-time visibility
- Zen shows blocked ads, trackers, and background requests, including where each came from and why it was stopped.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- The security policy says only the latest app version is actively supported and asks users to report vulnerabilities privately by email.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can get help from maintainers and other users on Discord and report bugs or suggest features on GitHub.checked 7 Oct 2026
- System-wide filtering
- Zen blocks ads, trackers, and malware across browsers and desktop apps.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Third-party services
- Zen uses Cloudflare to serve update manifests, GitHub for source code, downloads and updates, and public filter-list providers for filtering rules.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Update security
- The maker says builds are reproducible and attested, while a verifiable cryptographically signed update system is still in progress.checked 7 Oct 2026
- VPN support
- Zen works with any VPN on Windows and Linux and most VPNs on macOS.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
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