* Taken from the iTunes Preview page.
Description
Wipr blocks all ads and trackers in Safari and apps that use Safari to display web pages, so you can focus on the content that matters to you.
• Time, Data, and Battery Saver
Web pages load a lot faster with Wipr, and much less needs to be downloaded. Your mobile devices will love this.
• Private
Wipr prevents countless trackers from invading your privacy. Wipr itself cannot, nor wants to, know what you do on the web.
• Fast
By using a new technology called Content Blocking Extensions, Wipr can do its job without slowing down Safari at all.
• Honest
No one can pay to unblock ads. There are no "acceptable ads". Wipr only answers to you.
• Smart
You can set up Wipr in seconds, and it will update automatically in the background to block future annoyances. There is no configuration.
This app was built with love and patience. I hope you'll enjoy using it as much as I enjoyed designing and building it.
Enjoy a cleaner web!
...More
Giorgio Calderolla Web SiteWipr - Ad and Tracker Blocker Support
Screenshots
iPhone iPad
Wipr is a set it and forget it content blocker that updates automatically. Outside of enabling the app in Safari, there are no in app user toggles available.
Wipr app design - D+
The app design of Wipr is simple and straight-forward. Install the app and enable it under "Settings" > Safari > Content blockers. I like the design and colors of the icon and the animated app screen, even though there is nothing noteworthy for the paid user in the app, in regards to settings and amenities.
In my opinion, it is rather ironic, that in the description, the developer states that the app is answerable to the users, and not by selling out to advertisers. The reason I say ironic, is because at the time of review, there was no way to contact the developer in the app to report a problem website or offer suggestions for further enhancements. There was also no mention of contact for the developer via the iTunes Preview page. Makes it very hard for a developer to be answerable to the users, when the users have no practical way (in app) to make contact. For a paid app, I believe that such a basic and essential function should come standard, instead of having to wait on an update along the way.
In regards to paid apps, I think Whitelisting should be a standard function, along with the ability to contact the developer in app. Unfortunately, Whitelisting is currently missing in Wipr.
Wipr blocking power - A
Overall, Wipr did a fine job of blocking ads and correctly rendering webpages, even though there were a few sites that had problems.
At the time of review, Wipr had over 43,000 built in blocking rules.
* Social widgets and comments were not blocked.
* Your experience may differ from mine, in regards to ad-blocking ability and speed.
Wipr's blocking power was tested using the following websites Time Magazine, CNN, Yahoo, MacRumors, Amazon,*** Fox News,**** Huffington Post, iMore, The Verge, National Geographic, Crackle, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Kat.cr, The Pirate...****** MacWorld, MSNBC, Apple, Ebaums World, ImDB, YouTube,*** Hotels.com, Digiday, Reddit, Craigslist (local), Cult of Mac, blog.buttermouth, ESPN, Welt.de,*** Ciudad.com.ar,***** ABC.com.py, Times of Israel, 9to5toys, Straits Times, Str.sg, info.singtel.com, Times of India, Indian Express, Cnet,**** Boston.com, MLB.com and Courier.co.uk.
Unless otherwise noted by the * symbol, all sites loaded correctly without any pop ups or blank advertising boxes.
* Site did not load
** Site loaded correctly but clicking links on main page or subsequent page didn't work.
*** Site loaded correctly but did not block all ad(s) on main page or subsequent site pages.
**** Site did not correctly load all non ad page elements (e.g. pictures, video, text etc.)
***** Site loaded correctly with no ads or pop ups. Empty advertisement blocks were noted.
****** Site loaded correctly but did not stop pop up messages or redirects
Wipr speed - B
I found Wipr's speed to be average compared to a few of the other faster content blockers. While I didn't find myself waiting and waiting on websites, (outside of ThePirate...) I didn't see anything with Wipr that made it standout from the rest of the content blockers (speed wise).
* Your experience may vary from mine.
* I do not place as much emphasis (performance or grading wise) on speed as a lot of other people.
Wipr price and developer contact - A
The price is in line with many of the other content blockers. A rating of A was given for that reason.
I did contact the developer (via Twitter seeking a redemption code) prior to review. He was quick to respond and very cordial. I have no information on customer service rating addressing app problems and concerns.
Wipr overall rating - B -
In regards to blocking ability, Wipr certainly holds its own against several of the other content blockers previously reviewed, especially with the auto update ability.
If you are one that doesn't need extra bells and whistles, (Whitelisting, rule creation and other tweaks) this app may be for you, even though contact ability is currently lacking in the current build of Wipr.
I have spoken with the developer, and he is going to work on rectifying that omission.
While $0.99 isn't going to break the bank, there are other content blockers that are just as strong in blocking ability, that also have more user features and are free.
* Disclosure: I contacted the developer seeking a promo code for review purposes. He was prompt and very cordial with his reply. I appreciate his kindness and generosity. Receiving the promo code did not play a role in what grades were given to the app.
