Automatic redirects can drop you on ad pages, fake update prompts or phishing sites without any click on your part. Chrome blocks some pop-up based redirects on its own, but many redirect scripts run differently and slip through. A dedicated extension watches for these patterns and stops the jump before it happens.
How chrome extensions block redirects
Most redirect blockers work by intercepting navigation requests before the browser follows them, comparing the destination against known ad and malware redirect patterns, and canceling the jump if it matches. Some also block the pop-up windows and new tabs that redirect scripts try to open in the background.
Redirects Chrome already blocks vs what slips through
Chrome's built-in pop-up blocker stops many pages from opening new windows or tabs automatically, and its Safe Browsing feature warns about known malicious sites. What it doesn't fully catch are same-tab redirects triggered by ad scripts on otherwise normal pages, which is the gap a redirect blocker extension is built to close.
What to check before installing a redirect blocker
Check that the extension explains what it blocks and lets you allow specific sites, since some legitimate services use redirects for logins or payments. Prefer one that only requests access to read and modify navigation requests rather than full access to browsing history, and confirm it is built on Manifest V3.