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Best for ad blocking
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Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
Best for comprehensive security
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Stops intrusive ads before they can even load, improving browsing experience and speed
Identifies malware-ridden files and protects against visiting malicious websites
Encrypts your data and blocks third-party trackers for increased security and privacy
Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection are two of the best ad blockers available, each with unique features that cater to different user needs.
Total Adblock is best for users looking for simple and robust ad blocking features, whereas NordVPN is the better choice if you’re looking for a more complete digital security solution.
This article will dive into the specifics of each product, comparing their costs, features, and effectiveness based on comprehensive testing, to help you decide which ad blocker best fits your online lifestyle.
Both Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection provide robust solutions to intrusive ads and trackers, but they each have unique strengths.
Total Adblock is particularly effective for eliminating pop-ups and video ads on popular platforms like YouTube. It's optimized for personal use where straightforward ad blocking is the priority, especially on mobile devices and mainstream browsers.
On the other hand, NordVPN Threat Protection offers a comprehensive suite suitable for users who need an integrated solution that not only blocks ads, but also provides additional security features (like malware protection and advanced privacy tools) across multiple devices and operating systems.
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| Best for | Blocking YouTube ads, pop-ups | Comprehensive security, privacy |
| Price | Free or $1.99/mo (billed annually) | $3.39–$15.99/mo |
| Ads blocked on Forbes | 6 | 15 |
| Does it block YouTube ads? | ||
| Compatibility | Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera | Threat Protection: Windows, macOS
Threat Protection Lite: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Mobile compatibility | Android, iOS | Threat Protection Lite: Android, iOS |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Best value |
| |
| Price range | Free or $1.99/mo (billed annually) | $3.39–$15.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 12-month plan for $1.99/mo (billed annually) | 2-year plan for $3.39/mo |
| Free version available | ||
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Total Adblock provides a straightforward pricing structure with a free version and a premium plan priced at $1.99/mo (billed annually) per month when billed annually.
This premium option is particularly appealing for its extra features, like:
NordVPN Threat Protection, on the other hand, is part of a broader suite of cybersecurity tools available through various NordVPN plans. These range from $3.39–$15.99/mo, depending on the length of commitment and the plan tier chosen.
The best value is arguably found in the 2-year plan at $3.39/mo per month under the Standard tier, which includes both the VPN and Threat Protection.
Higher tiers add features that make them suitable for users who need extensive security measure, like:
Both services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing flexibility and reassurance to test the services risk free.
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Our Pick | |
| Whitelisting | ||
| Blacklisting | ||
| Malicious ad warning | ||
| Ads blocked counter | ||
| Paywall blocker | ||
| Block pop-up ads | ||
| Block tracking | ||
| Block video ads | ||
| Block banner ads | ||
| Block push ads | ||
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection both offer robust feature sets geared toward enhancing user privacy and online safety, but they cater to slightly different needs.
Total Adblock focuses primarily on ad blocking capabilities. It includes essential features like blocking:
A standout feature is its whitelisting capability, which allows users to support their favorite websites by selectively enabling ads. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to ensure that content creators and news sites they care about can still generate revenue.
NordVPN Threat Protection, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive security solution. While it includes similar ad blocking and tracking prevention capabilities, it extends its offerings to include:
Its real-time protection scans downloaded files for malware, enhancing user safety during internet browsing and file transfers.
NordVPN’s solution is more suited for users who require a broader range of security features that go beyond ad blocking, especially those who frequently download files or access potentially risky websites.
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Our Pick |
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| Adblock Tester score | 100/100 | 93/100 |
| Cover Your Tracks score | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| Can You Block It score | 3/3 | 2/3 |
| YouTube ads blocked | ||
| Paywalls blocked | ||
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
In our testing, both Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection demonstrated strong capabilities in blocking unwanted content, but there were noticeable differences in their performances.
Total Adblock achieved a perfect score of 100/100 on the AdBlock Tester, a third party tester. This indicates its effectiveness across various types of ads and trackers. It also successfully blocked all ads on YouTube and passed the "Can You Block It" test with flying colors, scoring 3/3.
However, in the "Cover Your Tracks" test, Total Adblock faltered slightly by not fully protecting against fingerprinting, scoring 2/3.
NordVPN Threat Protection, while slightly less effective in the AdBlock Tester with a score of 93/100, matched Total Adblock's score in the "Cover Your Tracks" test, also failing to completely protect against fingerprinting.
Its performance in the "Can You Block It" test was lower, with a score of 2/3, indicating some gaps in blocking interstitial ads. However, like Total Adblock, it effectively blocked YouTube ads but did not manage to bypass any paywalls, which was consistent across both services.
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Our Pick | |
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | Yes (Lite) | |
| iOS | Yes (Lite) | |
| Linux | Yes (Lite) | |
| Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Email, phone, online guides, blogs | 24/7 live chat, phone, email, guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles. |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection both offer broad compatibility across major operating systems, but they each bring distinct nuances to the table that might sway user preference.
Total Adblock provides seamless integration with popular browsers, making it highly accessible for the typical user. These include:
However, Total Adblock does not offer compatibility with Linux, which could be a limiting factor for users operating on that platform.
Its interface is straightforward, ensuring users can easily find settings and adjust ad blocking preferences as needed. Customer support is robust, including 24/7 access via multiple channels such as email, phone, and comprehensive online guides.
NordVPN's Threat Protection offers a more versatile approach with its dual offerings:
NordVPN also excels in customer support, providing extensive options including 24/7 live chat, phone support, and a wealth of online resources, which are crucial for addressing user issues promptly and effectively.
Yes, Total Adblock is a legitimate tool that effectively blocks a wide range of ads across many websites and platforms, enhancing browsing experience.
The main downside to Total Adblock is that if you don’t purchase a premium plan, it’s limited on Linux systems and has reduced effectiveness on websites ranked in the top 15,000 on Alexa.
NordVPN Threat Protection is highly effective, offering comprehensive security features such as malware scanning, ad blocking, and real-time protection against phishing and other cyberthreats.
Yes, NordVPN Threat Protection blocks ads effectively. It includes an ad blocker as part of its suite of tools to enhance online security and improve users’ browsing experience.
Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection each offer unique advantages tailored to different user needs.
For users primarily looking for robust ad blocking across multiple devices and browsers without the need for extensive security features, Total Adblock is the better choice due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
However, for those who require a more comprehensive security solution that includes advanced protection features alongside ad blocking, NordVPN Threat Protection is the superior option, especially given its versatility and extensive customer support.
If Total Adblock or NordVPN Threat Protection don't perfectly match your needs, consider these best ad blocker alternatives:
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
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