If you’re really serious about online security, check out eBlocker 2

eBlocker‘s eBlocker 2 is the company’s latest device designed to anonymize a user’s online identity, block data collectors, thwart tracking ads, and prevent children from accessing inappropriate content. If you’re in the market for such a product, this one is easy to use.

You just connect it to your home router; no software installation is necessary. The eBlocker is compatible with most routers and other network devices. You can find a compatibility list here. Note that you shouldn’t connect the eBlocker between the router and your hardware firewall. It will recognize the hardware firewall as an active device and display it as visible to the eBlocker.

You’ll know the device is working when you browse the web and see the small orange eBlocker logo occupying the top right of your browser’s window. Clicking on this will open up a toolbar, which lets you anonymize your connection via Tor or a VPN of your choice.

The eBlocker is designed to prove more safety online. After all, it’s easy for companies to access your personal info and spending habits. Most of us blindly agree to have our personality profiles collected when accepting terms of service. The eBlocker 2 protects all devices in your home network from snooping services such as data trackers, harmful malware or phishing scams. 

You can hide your surfing habits and stop your Internet provider from spying on you. You can also assign an anonymized IP address to a smart TV or gaming console to overcome regional barriers and access media that would normally be blocked by geo-blocking.

There are different models of the eBlocker. The Pro includes the same features (those mentioned) as the eBlocker Base, but also offers self-managed online surfing. You can use it to prevent the analysis, permanent storage, and resale of personality profiles that includes hobbies, political orientation, state of health, and sexual orientation by third parties. You can also benefit from Device Cloaking to avoid dynamic pricing.

This means an iPhone X will be disguised as a Windows PC to circumvent a higher price on products, plane tickets or hotel reservations. (Apple users are sometimes — unknowing to them — charged more because we’re believed to be more affluent.)

eBlocker Family adds an Internet Parental Control feature, allowing you to block predefined categories such as violence, pornography, gambling and social media. 

There are some downsides, however. Using an eBlocker slowed website loading slightly. It doesn’t always “catch” and block ads or trackers. And it doesn’t always play nice with Google Chrome.

If those aren’t major concerns, the eBlocker 2 is available now. The Base version is available for $99, Pro for $149, and Family for $169.

A free 12-month update service is included with every eBlocker Pro or eBlocker Family. Beyond this period, the update service (it’s not called a subscription) is  $59 for eBlocker Pro, and $99 for eBlocker Family for 12 months. Or you can spring for a $199 Lifetime Auto Update License.

There are other solutions that promise to block trackers and spoof IPs. However, none are easier to use nor more thorough than the eBlocker. The closest option would be to install a VPN on a router, such as ExpressVPN. And some folks simply use Safari’s private browsing feature and CleanMyMac X.

Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★