Zen

Simple, free and efficient ad-blocker and privacy guard for Windows, macOS and Linux

Free Privacy Guard Ad-blocker Open Source

Zen is a simple and powerful desktop application that helps you browse the internet and use your apps without annoying ads, trackers, or hidden threats. It works quietly in the background, blocking unwanted content across your entire computer—not just in your web browser, but in your other apps too. Zen comes ready to protect you with built-in filters, and you can easily customize it to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a cleaner, faster, and more private online experience, or just want to stop invasive tracking, Zen has you covered. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Free and open source, forever.

Screenshot of Zen's main page
Zen in action: the main page. Each request can be inspected to see which filter and rule blocked it.

Features

Screenshot of Zen's Filter lists page
Zen comes with many filters, with the ability to add your own.

  • Replaces many tools with one

    Forget countless browser extensions, hosts files, and other tools. Zen works across all your browsers and many desktop apps, with no configuration needed.

  • Comes with powerful built-in filters

    Zen comes with powerful pre-configured filters for ads, privacy, security and malware. It also includes 36 regional filters for your country or language. Want more protection? Easily add your own filters and rules—Zen supports all popular filter formats.

  • No compromises

    Zen is free and open source. It's built to be fast, efficient, and lightweight. The app itself respects your privacy, and doesn't track you or collect any data. Built with love and care by a small team of passionate developers.

Downloads

During the first run, Zen will prompt you to install a root certificate. This is required for Zen to be able to intercept and modify HTTPS requests. This certificate is generated locally and never leaves your device.

Windows

Unsure which version to download? Click on 'Start' and type 'View processor info'. The 'System type' field under 'Device specifications' will tell you which one you need.

macOS

Unsure which version to download? Learn at Apple's website.

Linux

On Linux, automatic proxy configuration is currently only supported on GNOME-based desktop environments.

Community

Zen needs you! Join our Discord server to chat with other users and project maintainers, get help, and stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates. You can also contribute to Zen by reporting bugs, suggesting features, or submitting code.