The internet is full of obtrusive ads. Pop-up banners, auto-play videos, and ads are eating your browsing time, sucking the life out of your battery, and spying on your personal data against your will. Ad blockers have turned into a necessity for privacy-conscious individuals. Among the existing alternatives, Pie Adblock is a unique innovation: it not only blocks unwanted ads but also compensates users for their browsing habits. But is the Pie Adblock really safe?
This comprehensive guide discusses whether Pie Adblock is safe and legitimate. We look at its features, functionality, security protocols and overall reliability. Whether you’re a casual browser or concerned about privacy, understanding Pie Adblock will help you make an informed decision about your digital experience.
What is Pie Adblock?
Pie Adblock combines a traditional ad-blocking algorithm with a unique rewards system. Founded by Ryan Hudson, the creator of Honey (which PayPal acquired for $4 billion), Pie is the People’s Internet Experiment. The platform shows what is possible when users are in control of the internet experience again.
Unlike traditional ad blockers, Pie lets users block only specific ads. Block all ads or view targeted ads in return for cash rewards. This dual-model approach fundamentally changes how users and advertisers interact online.
Main features
Pie Adblock provides complete features on various platforms:
- Core Ad-Blocking: Greatly reduces the presence of banner ads, pop-ups and intrusive video content (pre-roll, mid-roll) from YouTube, Twitch and other sites.
- Customizable Reward System: Users can click on chosen advertisements and receive cash rewards or gift cards. This is an optional feature to monetize ad views.
- Whitelist and Blacklist Functions: Granular control allows you to support specific websites by enabling ads on them. The blacklist functionality is used to block advertisements from specific domains.
- Cookie Popup Suppression: Automatically deletes cookie consent notices and privacy banners to simplify the browsing experience.
- Anti-Adblocking Circumvention: Detects and prevents scripts that detect and bypass ad blocking, ensuring consistent protection across websites.
- Shopping Integration: Cashback Rewards for Shopping From Partnered Retailers, Automatically Applies Coupons, and Integrates With Amazon.
- Real-Time Statistics: View milestone notifications for total ads blocked and accumulated benefits.
Know what it is before you install. Plus, ad-free doesn’t always mean risk-free.
How does Pie Adblock work?
Pie Adblock uses a browser extension architecture that actively scans web content in real time. It establishes a shield between your browser and web servers to identify and block advertisements from being displayed.
The technology combines client-side filtering with domain-level blocking. Curated filter lists the known advertising domains, tracking pixels and malicious ad networks. The extension filters out banners, pop-ups, autoplay videos, and other intrusive formats by blocking requests before they reach your device.
When rewards are enabled, the algorithm selects approved advertisements from vetted brand partners. Users are presented only with relevant, brand-approved content from companies willing to pay for their attention. Its official explanation clearly outlines the various types of ads it can block, along with its optional reward system.
The availability of browsers and devices:
- Desktop: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave browsers.
- iOS: Safari Web browser extension (available as “Pie Adblock for Safari”).
- macOS: Safari support.
- Android: Is currently not available.
- Windows & macOS: Chrome and Edge extensions are available.
How Pie Adblock makes money
Unlike traditional ad blockers, which are monetized through the sale of user data, Pie has a transparent, multi-revenue model with user privacy at the top of the agenda:
- Advertiser partnerships: Pie makes money from brands that are willing to pay for access to opted-in users who’ve actively chosen to view their content.
- Publisher partnerships: Getting paid from content platforms and websites for content ecosystem management.
- Affiliate revenue: Revenue generated by cashback business partnerships with retailers and earned money on purchases referred from the website.
Pricing structure: Pie Adblock is on a free model with no premium tier. All features – ad blocking, rewards programs, cashback integration, and coupon application- are available for free. Revenue is not from user charges, but from advertiser partnerships.
How to use Pie Adblock?
On Browsers
- Go to the Pie Adblock official website, install it as an extension.
- Review requested permissions and confirm installation.
- The Pie icon is displayed on your extension bar.
- Configure the AdBlock.
Once you’re done with the setup, your browser automatically disables conflicting Ad Blockers.
For iPhone/iPad users:
- Open the App Store App on your iOS device.
- Search for the “Pie Adblock for Safari.”
- Tap on Get and authorise installation.
- Open Settings > Safari > “Extensions.”
- Enable the “Pie Adblock for Safari” check box.
- Select “Allow” to give access to the website.
- Return to Safari, and Ads are automatically blocked in the browser.
Using Pie Adblock on Android:
Pie Adblock doesn’t provide special Android extension support. Users are able to use alternatives:
- System-level ad blocking by Private DNS tools for Android 9+.
- Access shopping cashback using mobile browsers.
- Check Pie’s Web site for upcoming Android availability.
Customize Pie Adblock to your liking
- Accessing Settings: Click on the Pie icon in your browser toolbar to bring up the pop-up menu.
- Enabling/Disabling: Turn the use of ad-blocking on/off for individual websites.
- Whitelist Websites: Help specific content creators by adding URLs to your whitelist section. Ads display on these sites.
- Blacklist Management: To add the domains, add aggressive blocking in Settings.
- Rewards Configuration: Turn on the optional rewards feature to be able to see selected ads and earn cash.
- Managing Notifications: Adjust the notification frequency to reduce the number of milestone notifications.
Is Pie Adblock legit and safe?
Yes, Pie Adblock is a safe and legal service and has established a strong level of trust among millions of active users. Based on authentic user reviews on Trustpilot, many users find Pie Adblock effective at blocking ads and performing well across various websites and video platforms. The extension has a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating based on more than 4,000 reviews.
Data privacy is important when considering browser extensions. Pie Adblock addresses these concerns obviously:
What Pie Adblock collects:
- Email address for account creation
- Browsing statistics (ad blocked, viewed)
- Basic account information
- Aggregated data on usage for performance improvement
What Pie Adblock does not collect:
- Complete browsing history
- Sensitive unnecessary information
- Behavioral data for resale
An independent review by MarketMoved notes that Pie Adblock performs well in terms of security and reputation, with no malicious behavior detected. It also stated that the permissions used by Pie fall within the normal scope of permissions for ad-blocking extensions.
Pros & Cons: Pie Adblock for enhancing browsing experience
Being safe and legal does not guarantee the absolute effectiveness of Pie Adblock. It comes with the following important caveats before installation.
Benefits
- Protecting from malware and spyware danger: Malicious actors have often exploited advertising networks that distribute malware, viruses, spyware and ransomware. Adblock blocks these ads before they reach your device, providing a first-line security advantage.
- Speed and performance benefits: Large, bloated ads with large images, auto-playing videos, and tracking scripts consume bandwidth and processing power, significantly slowing page load times. Ad blocker removes ads, resulting in faster load times, lower data usage, and longer battery life.
- Simple user interface and ease of use: Pie Adblock offers an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. Installation takes seconds. The extension runs quietly in the background. Manage easily with clean pop-up menus.
- Earning money: Users can earn money by viewing brand-approved ads. Users report earning roughly $0.50 per month in rewards, with additional income from shopping cashback at thousands of partner retailers.
Drawbacks
- Use of personal data: While Pie doesn’t sell data, the extension collects browsing data and email information. Users who are uncomfortable with any form of data collection may want to consider alternatives.
- Inconsistent performance on some websites: Some users report that certain ads slip through on news and specialty sites. Occasional YouTube ads are seen by a small percentage of users, but the company quickly plugs the gaps.
- Limited mobile support: The lack of Android support and iOS’s reliance on Safari as the only browser are major drawbacks. Mobile apps are responsible for ever-larger amounts of internet consumption.
- Occasional website compatibility issues: A subset of users reports functional interference on certain platforms due to aggressive anti-adblocking technology.
Bonus tips to enhance the online experience for families and children
Ad blockers alone are not enough to ensure complete online safety, especially for families. Families with children looking for full coverage protection should enact many layers:
Enable Safe Search and family-friendly DNS settings
Enable Google Safe Search or similar settings. At the network level, implement family-friendly DNS providers that filter inappropriate content system-wide.
Establish clear boundaries and screen time limits
Set reasonable, age-appropriate limits. Use device-built-in controls and/or third-party solutions, such as FlashGet Kids, to enforce bedtime restrictions and schedule tech-free family time.
Maintain open communication and digital literacy education
Establish environments where children can talk about their online experiences openly. Teach online safety principles: never disclose personal information, identify suspicious links, identify permanent consequences, and identify trustworthy websites
Implement robust parental control solutions
For parents concerned about their children’s safety, comprehensive parental control apps offer more than just ad blockers. Options like FlashGet Kids provide location tracking with GPS geofencing alerts, real-time screen monitoring, app-level controls with blocking capabilities, screen time management and remote device control.
Bottom Line
Pie Adblock is a legitimate and safe solution with high user satisfaction and transparency. It offers convenience and rewards, making it appealing to casual users. The innovative rewards system distinguishes it from the competition by offering monetary compensation for optional ad viewing. However, its data-driven business model means it may not be ideal for privacy purists.
Ad blockers can significantly improve browsing comfort, but users should remain vigilant—always review privacy policies, understand how tools make money, and choose solutions that align with their personal security priorities.
FAQs
Trustworthy ad blockers have some things in common: they are transparent about their privacy policies, highly rated (4+ stars), do not sell data, are GDPR-compliant, and provide regular security updates. Pie Adblock checks these boxes with its 4.9-star Trustpilot rating and explicit data protection commitments.
Yes, Pie Adblock is a free service with no premium tier or hidden costs. All features, such as ad blocking, rewards programs, cashback integration, and coupon automation, are available for free. Revenue comes from advertisers’ partnerships, not from users.
Pie Adblock collects limited data necessary to operate the service: email address, ad-blocking statistics, and usage data for performance improvement. Critically, Pie clearly does not sell this data to third parties. Industry-standard encryption is used to protect data at rest.
Yes, make small amounts of money through the optional rewards program by viewing approved brand advertisements. There are ad rewards and additional cashback from integrated shopping cashback with thousands of partner retailers.
