Universal What is the difference between content blocker extensions vs. browser extensions that block ads?

[BigBlur]

Apparently there are two different kinds of ad blocker extensions - those that use Safari's "Content Blocker" feature, and those that are just a browser extension. The content blocker I've been happy with on my iPhone/iPad has been discontinued (Norton Ad Blocker), so now I'm trying out Ghostery and realized it isn't quite the same. The set up/configuration is different between the two, so I'm curious what the technical reasons and differences are between these two types of ad blockers in general. I'm not looking for the differences between the apps themselves.

Content Blocker (ex. Norton Ad Blocker, 1Blocker)

• When extension is enabled, a "Content Blocker" section appears in Safari settings.
• Disabling ad blocking is done by using "Turn Off Content Blockers" in address bar menu.
• App has settings and can also turn off/on ad blocking through the app. (At least in my experience with the ones I've tried.)

Extension-only (ex. Ghostery, uBlock Origin Lite)

• No "Content Blocker" section appears in Safari settings when extension is enabled.
• Puzzle piece (and Ghostery icon) shows in address bar.
• Disabling ad blocking is done through either of these two icons; "Turn Off Content Blockers" does nothing, or may not show at all.
• Settings are web-based and accessed through the puzzle piece icon in Safari; the app itself has no settings. (At least the two above behave this way.)

Basically what I'm trying to get at is why are ones like Ghostery and uBlock Origin Lite set up the way they are and not a "Content Blocker". Is one kind better than the other? If so, how is it better?

Which category does Wipr 2 fall under? I was about to purchase that one before discovering Ghostery. It looks like that one may be a mix of both? (Wipr 2 is a "Content Blocker", but Wipr Extra is an extension?)

 

[User #07242024]

Content blocker gives instructions to Safari on what to block. They don’t need to know what Safari is browsing, so you can say it’s passive.

The other takes an active approach to blocking as well as modifying webpages.

You will find some ad blockers use mix approach. I don’t have Wipr but I suspect Wipr Extra is to modify webpage to remove elements or ads that content blocker missed.

Before, I used AdGuard but later changed to Ghostery. Both work well, I just changed because I don’t want to set filters (EasyList or AdGuard Base, etc.) and just block all.