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Pie Adblock Review 2026: Is It Legit and Worth Installing?
July 1, 2025
Pie Adblock promises to block all your ads for free — and even pay you for the ones you do see. In this review we cover how it actually works, what it realistically earns, where it falls short, and how it compares to better alternatives for shoppers.
What Is Pie Adblock?
Pie Adblock is a free browser extension that blocks ads across websites, YouTube, Twitch, and more. It was founded by Ryan Hudson, the co-founder of Honey — though Pie is a completely separate company with no affiliation to Honey or PayPal after Hudson's departure. What makes Pie different from a standard ad blocker is a hybrid model: it blocks the ads you don't want while optionally paying you small rewards for viewing a curated selection of "Fair Ads" from partner companies.
Pie also offers a separate companion extension called Pie Shopping, which automatically applies coupons and offers cash back at participating online retailers. The two extensions are independent — you can install either one or both, and each works without the other.
Both extensions are completely free to install and use. Pie generates revenue through advertiser partnerships in its Rewards for Ads program and through affiliate commissions when purchases are made via the Pie Shopping extension.
How to Set Up Pie Adblock
Getting started takes about two minutes. Here's how the setup works.
Go to pie.org and click "Add to Chrome — It's Free." This redirects to the Chrome Web Store where you can install the extension. Once installed, you'll be prompted to choose your ad-blocking mode and decide whether to enable the Rewards for Ads feature. If you want to earn points for viewing select ads, click "Continue" at this step — if you skip it, you can still use Pie as a standard ad blocker but won't earn rewards.
You'll then be asked whether to also add the Pie Shopping extension. This is entirely optional and does not affect how Pie Adblock functions.
To earn rewards, you'll need to create a free account using your email or a Google login. Account creation is quick — you'll receive a verification code by email and be signed up within seconds. Note that you must be at least 18 years old to create an account and access the rewards features.
Pie Adblock is currently only available as a Chrome browser extension for desktop. A mobile version is available for Safari on iOS. It is not currently available as a standalone extension for Firefox or Edge, though it can run in Chromium-based browsers like Opera.
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What Pie Adblock Actually Does
Once installed, Pie works across three main areas.
Ad blocking is the core function and it performs well in real-world testing. It blocks banner ads, pop-ups, pre-roll video ads on YouTube, mid-roll ads on Twitch, and most display advertising across news sites and blogs. YouTube ad blocking in particular is a standout — it handles pre-roll ads consistently, which is where many competing ad blockers struggle.
One useful feature that other ad blockers don't typically offer: Pie lets you whitelist specific YouTube channels or websites so their ads still run. This means you can support creators whose content you value while blocking ads everywhere else. It's a thoughtful touch for users who are conscious of the impact ad blocking has on content creators' income.
On the privacy side, it's worth noting what Pie does collect. The Chrome Web Store listing discloses that Pie Adblock collects personally identifiable information including location and web history data. Pie's privacy policy states this data is used to power the platform's features and is not sold. However, if you are privacy-sensitive, you should review their full privacy policy at pie.org/privacy before installing. On the tracker blocking front, independent testing has found that Pie does not stop trackers as effectively as dedicated privacy tools like uBlock Origin or AdGuard.
Rewards for Ads is the optional earn feature. When enabled, Pie will occasionally show you a limited number of its own curated ads. You earn points for viewing these, which accumulate in your account toward cash payouts or gift cards.
How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
This is the question most people want answered plainly, and the honest answer is: not a lot. Based on real user data and independent testing, most active Pie Adblock users earn in the range of $1 to $2 per week from the Rewards for Ads feature. That works out to roughly $50 to $100 per year for consistent, daily users.
Payout options once you reach the minimum threshold of 1,000 points (equivalent to $10) include PayPal cash — the most popular option for fast direct payment — and gift cards from a wide range of retailers including Amazon and Starbucks. Based on user-submitted payment confirmations, Pie does pay reliably once the threshold is reached.
Pie Shopping can add meaningful savings on top of the ad rewards, particularly if you shop frequently at participating retailers. The shopping extension automatically applies coupons at checkout and earns cash back at thousands of stores, similar to how Honey and Rakuten work. The cash back network is somewhat smaller than Rakuten's, which is worth knowing if you shop at a wide variety of retailers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Completely free to install and use with no subscription or hidden charges. Effective YouTube and Twitch ad blocking that handles video pre-roll ads better than many alternatives. Option to whitelist specific creators and websites so they still earn from ads you choose to allow. Legitimate rewards program with real PayPal payouts and a clear minimum threshold. Pie Shopping adds automatic coupon-finding and cash back as a separate optional layer. Privacy policy states browsing data is not sold to third parties.
Cons
Rewards are modest — $1 to $2 per week is not a meaningful income source for most users. Tracker blocking is weaker than dedicated privacy tools like uBlock Origin. Data collection (location and web history) may be a concern for privacy-focused users. Currently desktop-only for Chrome; no Firefox or Edge support. Minimum payout threshold of $10 means new users wait before seeing their first cash out. The Pie Shopping network is smaller than Rakuten's, with fewer participating retailers. You must be 18 or older to access the rewards features.
How Pie Adblock Compares to Alternatives
Pie vs. uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is widely considered the most effective and lightweight ad blocker available. It blocks more ad types, stops trackers more aggressively, and uses fewer system resources than Pie. It does not pay you anything, but if pure ad-blocking performance and privacy are the priority, uBlock Origin is the stronger technical choice. Pie is the better option if you want the optional earn component alongside your ad blocking.
Pie vs. AdGuard
AdGuard is a more comprehensive privacy and security tool. It blocks ads, but also protects against trackers, malware, and phishing across browsers and apps. It offers a free browser extension but charges for its desktop and mobile app versions. If you want broader online protection beyond ads, AdGuard provides more coverage. Pie's advantage is that it's entirely free and adds the earning component.
Pie vs. Adblock Plus
Adblock Plus is one of the most well-known ad blockers and works across more browsers than Pie. However, it runs an "Acceptable Ads" program where certain advertisers pay to have their ads bypass the filter — a practice that has drawn criticism. Pie's approach is more transparent: it shows its own curated ads only to users who explicitly opt in, and users are compensated for viewing them.
Pie Shopping vs. Rakuten vs. PayPal Honey
For the shopping extension specifically, Rakuten has a larger cash back network and higher cash back rates at major retailers. PayPal Honey (formerly Honey) is widely used for automatic coupon application. Pie Shopping is a solid option for users already using Pie Adblock, but if shopping rewards are your primary goal rather than ad blocking, Rakuten's network depth gives it an edge.
Pie Adblock and Maximizing Your Shopping Rewards with Kudos
If you're looking to do more than block ads — specifically, to get more out of every online purchase — Pie Adblock pairs well with Kudos, a free AI-powered smart wallet that helps you maximize your credit card rewards at checkout.
While Pie Shopping handles coupons and cash back, Kudos works differently: it automatically suggests which credit card in your wallet will earn the most points, cash back, or rewards for each specific purchase. This means instead of earning a flat cash back rate from a shopping extension, you might be earning 3x to 5x points on the right card — worth significantly more per dollar depending on your card portfolio.
Kudos works with over 15,000 stores and is free to use. During special promotional Flash Boost events, eligible purchases can earn multiplied rewards on top of your regular card rewards. Sign up for Kudos with code GET20 and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase of $30 or more to receive $20 back.
The combination that works well for many users: Pie Adblock handles the ad-free browsing, and Kudos handles making sure every purchase is charged to the card that earns you the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pie Adblock safe to use?
Yes. Pie Adblock is a legitimate extension with real user reviews and verified payouts. It collects location and web history data to power its features, but its privacy policy states this data is not sold. If data collection is a concern, review the full privacy policy at pie.org before installing.
Does Pie Adblock work on YouTube?
Yes, and it is one of the extension's strongest features. Pie blocks pre-roll and mid-roll ads on YouTube effectively, handling cases where other ad blockers are sometimes detected and bypassed.
How does Pie Adblock make money?
Through two channels: advertiser partnerships in the Rewards for Ads program, where companies pay Pie to show curated ads to opted-in users, and affiliate commissions when purchases are made through the Pie Shopping extension.
How much can I earn with Pie Adblock?
Realistically, $1 to $2 per week from the Rewards for Ads feature, with a minimum payout threshold of 1,000 points ($10). Payouts are available via PayPal or gift cards and are paid reliably once the threshold is reached.
Can I use Pie Adblock without the rewards feature?
Yes. You can install and use Pie Adblock purely as a standard ad blocker without creating an account or enabling the rewards features. The ad blocking functions independently of the earnings component.
Is Pie Shopping the same as Pie Adblock?
No. They are two separate browser extensions that can be installed together or independently. Pie Adblock handles ad blocking and optional ad rewards. Pie Shopping focuses on automatic coupon application and cash back at online retailers.
Does Pie Adblock slow down my browser?
Not noticeably for most users. It is designed to run efficiently, though performance may vary depending on your system specs and the total number of browser extensions installed. It is not as lightweight as uBlock Origin, which is known for minimal resource usage.
The Bottom Line
Pie Adblock is a legitimate and genuinely useful free tool. It blocks ads effectively — particularly on YouTube and Twitch — and the optional Rewards for Ads feature is a real, if modest, way to earn a small amount of cash back for your browsing time. The companion Pie Shopping extension adds automatic coupon-finding and cash back for shoppers who want it.
The honest caveat is that the earnings are modest. At $1 to $2 per week, Pie Adblock is not a meaningful income source — it's a small bonus for something you'd likely be doing anyway. The tracker-blocking limitations and data collection practices are also worth factoring in if you are privacy-conscious.
If you want an ad-free browsing experience at no cost, with a small earning upside and a clean setup process, Pie Adblock is worth installing. If your priority is maximizing what you earn from your online shopping rather than blocking ads, pairing Pie with a dedicated rewards tool like Kudos will get you significantly more value per purchase.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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