5 Ways to Block ChatGPT Ads in 2026

OpenAI is testing ads in ChatGPT, and users aren’t happy about it. As of 2026, paid subscribers have seen product recommendations for brands like Target and Peloton appearing as cards below their AI responses. OpenAI initially called these “app suggestions” rather than ads, but the backlash was swift enough that they paused the feature.

What Do ChatGPT Ads Look Like?

OpenAI’s ad format is still evolving, but early tests reveal a distinct card-based approach. The product recommendations appear as separate cards below the AI’s response, showing brand logos and prompts like “Shop for home and groceries. Connect Target.”

These aren’t inline text ads woven into the AI’s answers. They’re separate UI elements that show up after the response. That distinction matters for blocking, and it’s fundamentally different from native ads in AI chats where affiliate links appear within the conversation itself.

Microsoft Copilot and Google’s AI search have already integrated sponsored content, and Perplexity has displayed product recommendations since 2024. OpenAI’s entry into advertising was only a matter of time given these precedents. The real question is not whether sponsored content will appear, but rather when OpenAI will resume rollout and how intrusive the final implementation will be.

Can You Actually Block ChatGPT Ads?

The answer is yes, but effectiveness depends entirely on how OpenAI chooses to implement sponsored content. AdGuard’s technical analysis breaks down the two scenarios:

• Separate product cards (current format): Relatively straightforward to block using existing filter techniques
• Ads embedded in AI responses: Would require advanced approaches like prompt reprocessing or AI-powered ad detection

AdGuard has already added filtering rules to their “Other Annoyances” filter for the product card format. They’ve done the same for Perplexity AI’s ads. The technology exists and works.

For now, the separate card format means several standard filtering tools are effective against OpenAI’s current approach.

1. AdGuard: Best for ChatGPT-Specific Blocking

AdGuard stands out because they’ve proactively added rules targeting ChatGPT product recommendations in their filter lists. They were among the first to address this emerging ad format, having already tackled similar implementations in Perplexity.

The free browser extension works across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It blocks ads, trackers, and annoyances without artificial limitations. The premium version ($2.49-5.49/month or $79.99 lifetime) extends protection to desktop apps, mobile devices, and system-wide blocking. You can download it from AdGuard’s official site.

Pros:

• Already blocking ChatGPT-style product recommendations
• Full-featured free browser extension
• Works across all major platforms with premium

Cons:

• Premium required for system-wide protection
• Can be resource-intensive compared to lighter options
• iOS version limited to Safari content blocking

2. uBlock Origin: Best Free Option for Firefox Users

uBlock Origin is widely regarded as the most effective free, open-source content blocker available, and it can block ChatGPT ads with the right configuration. It uses significantly less memory and CPU than alternatives while offering extensive customization through community-maintained filter lists.

There’s one major catch for Chrome users to consider. Google is phasing out support for uBlock Origin due to Manifest V3 restrictions, which limit the extension’s ability to intercept and modify web requests. The full-featured version is being deprecated on Chrome, so you’ll need to switch browsers or pick a different blocker if you rely on Google’s browser.

For ChatGPT ad blocking, you’d need to add or enable filter lists that target similar content patterns. The community maintains lists for AI chatbot annoyances, though ChatGPT-specific rules may require manual configuration.

Pros:

• Completely free with no limitations
• Most efficient ad blocker (lowest resource usage)
• Highly customizable with community filter lists

Cons:

• Being phased out on Chrome (use Firefox or Brave instead)
• Requires some technical knowledge for advanced features
• No official mobile app

3. Ghostery: Best for Chrome Users

If you’re staying on Chrome and want to block ChatGPT ads, Ghostery is your best bet. It’s Manifest V3 compliant, meaning Google won’t disable it like they’re doing with uBlock Origin. Ghostery scored 99/100 on AdBlock Tester’s 2025 evaluation.

The interface is notably user-friendly. It shows you exactly which companies are trying to track you and blocks them with minimal configuration. The “Never-Consent” feature automatically declines cookie pop-ups, which is a nice bonus.

Pros:

• Works on Chrome (Manifest V3 compliant)
• Best interface among ad blockers
• Never-Consent feature for cookie pop-ups

Cons:

• Some ads may slip through compared to uBlock Origin
• Limited platform availability (browser extensions only)
• Controversial history with past ownership issues

4. Brave Browser: Best All-in-One Solution

Brave takes a fundamentally different approach to content blocking than extension-based solutions. Instead of adding software to your existing browser, Brave builds blocking directly into the browser itself through its “Shields” feature, requiring zero configuration out of the box.

Brave scored 96/100 in AdBlock Tester’s 2025 browser blocking roundup. It blocks ads, trackers, and fingerprinting out of the box. For ChatGPT specifically, Brave’s approach means protection works automatically when you visit chat.openai.com.

The trade-off is that you have to switch browsers entirely. If your workflow depends on Chrome-specific features or extensions, that’s a harder sell.

Pros:

• No extension needed, blocking built in
• Supports Manifest V2 (works with uBlock Origin)
• Faster page loads due to blocked content

Cons:

• Requires switching browsers entirely
• Some sites may break with aggressive blocking
• Less granular control than dedicated extensions

5. Pi-hole: Best for Network-Wide Blocking

For those comfortable with a more technical setup, Pi-hole represents the most comprehensive approach to network-wide blocking, though its effectiveness against ChatGPT ads is limited. It operates as a DNS sinkhole that intercepts advertising requests for every device on your home network, including phones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

The setup requires dedicated hardware (usually a Raspberry Pi costing $35-75) and some technical configuration. You’ll need to modify your router to use Pi-hole as its DNS server and be comfortable with basic command-line operations to get everything running.

For ChatGPT specifically, Pi-hole’s effectiveness depends on how OpenAI implements ads. If they use third-party ad servers or separate domains for product recommendations, Pi-hole will block them. If everything comes from openai.com, it won’t help.

Pros:

• Blocks ads on every device simultaneously
• Works on devices that don’t support extensions (smart TVs, IoT)
• Reduces network bandwidth usage

Cons:

• Cannot block same-domain ads
• Requires technical setup and hardware
• Single point of failure for network DNS

Which Ad Blocker Should You Choose?

For most users: Start with AdGuard’s free browser extension. It already has ChatGPT-specific blocking rules and works across all major browsers.

For Firefox users: uBlock Origin remains the best option. It’s free, efficient, and highly customizable.

For Chrome users: Ghostery is your safest bet since Google is removing uBlock Origin support.

For privacy-focused users: Switch to Brave Browser for built-in protection without any extensions.

For tech-savvy users with multiple devices: Pi-hole provides network-wide coverage, but don’t rely on it alone for ChatGPT ads.

The ad blocking landscape for AI chatbots is still evolving. What works today may need adjustment as OpenAI and other AI companies refine their ad implementations. The safest approach is using a browser-based blocker like AdGuard or uBlock Origin that can be updated with new filter rules as the ad format changes.

For developers interested in the other side of the equation, understanding how to monetize AI chatbots through user-friendly advertising can provide perspective on why these ad formats are appearing in the first place.