The Best Ad Blockers for Microsoft Edge 2024

Find the best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge to protect your online privacy and security, no matter what device or browsing habits you have.
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Best Overall

4.8
Editorial Rating
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On NordVPN Threat Protection's website

NordVPN Threat Protection
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Best for Numerous Devices

4.8
Editorial Rating
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On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website

Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking
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Best for Torrenting Speeds

4.9
Editorial Rating
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On Proton VPN's website

Proton VPN
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NordVPN Threat ProtectionSurfshark CleanWeb, and Proton VPN NetShield are three strong contenders when it comes to ad blockers for Microsoft Edge. All three services offer excellent protection against intrusive ads, ransomware, phishing campaigns, tracking cookies, web bugs, and malicious scripts. Additionally, thy provide an easy-to-use user interface that makes setting up blockers a breeze.

Whichever option you choose, you'll be sure to have a safer browsing experience on Microsoft Edge that's free of intrusive ads. Let's take a look at each of the best ad blockers for Edge to figure out which one is best suited for your needs.

In this article
The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge in 2024
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best overall
Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for numerous devices
Proton VPN NetShield: Best for torrenting speeds
Honorable mentions
Best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge FAQs
Bottom line: The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge
How we tested the best ad blockers for Edge browsers
How to choose the best ad blocker for Edge

The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge in 2024

Microsoft Edge is one of the most popular web browsers in use today, and it’s no surprise that its users want the best ad blockers to safeguard their surfing experience. Here's a look at some of the best ad blockers we found for Edge:

Top 3 ad blockers for Microsoft Edge compared

Ad blocker
NordVPN Threat Protection
Best Overall

Surfshark CleanWeb

Proton VPN NetShield
Price Starts at $3.39/mo Starts at $2.29/mo (billed biennially) Starts at $4.49/mo
Microsoft Edge extension
Learn more Get NordVPN Threat Protection

Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review

Get Surfshark CleanWeb

Read Surfshark CleanWeb Review

Read Proton VPN NetShield Review

NordVPN Threat Protection: Best overall

Enjoy Privacy and Security Even When Not Connected to a VPN
4.8
Editorial Rating
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On NordVPN Threat Protection's website
Ad Blocker
NordVPN Threat Protection
Save up to 69% + 3 months free
  • 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
  • Lacks a dedicated firewall

NordVPN Threat Protection is the best choice if you need to block annoying ads along with malware while browsing the web with Edge. It's a comprehensive package that not only blocks ads, pop-ups, banners, and trackers, but also scans files you download to protect against malicious downloads.

NordVPN Threat Protection also offers URL trimming, a feature that removes tracking parameters from website URLs you visit. This means your browsing history and data can't be used to track you, giving you an extra layer of privacy. URL trimming works automatically, so there's no need to fight with your cursor to manually highlight parts of a web address.

In addition to the standard features of ad-blocking, NordVPN also offers next-generation encryption protocols and advanced threat protection capabilities like an automatic virtual private network (VPN) kill switch to ensure your data is always safe and secure.

Overall, NordVPN Threat Protection’s comprehensive suite of features makes it a great choice for privacy-conscious people who want more than just basic ad-blocking functionality.

What we liked

NordVPN Threat Protection is an all-in-one solution that offers comprehensive protection from online threats. With URL trimming, it helps to eliminate tracking parameters from website URLs you visit, making sure your data remains secure and private. Threat Protection also comes with malware scanning capabilities and scans files you download to help protect against malicious software.

The service also provides Meshnet technology, which ensures you’re protected even if you're connecting to other devices. The VPN provides powerful encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), and IKEv2/IPsec to make sure your browsing activity remains anonymous and untraceable. There’s also a dark web monitor that tracks the safety of your download links and helps you stay safe from potentially dangerous websites.

What we didn’t like

We had some trouble figuring out how to whitelist websites with Threat Protection. We couldn't find the setting after 10 minutes of searching and we didn't find any clarity with some Google searches. After more testing, we found that you can whitelist websites by turning Threat Protection on and viewing the Web tab. This may not be intuitive for most users. 

In addition, it's very difficult to cancel NordVPN. The process includes several clicks, including a request for email confirmation that expires in 15 minutes. This makes it difficult and time-consuming to cancel the service if you decide you no longer want it.

NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons

Pros
  • Outstanding ad-blocking abilities
  • Blocks unsafe and malicious sites
  • VPN included
Cons
  • Whitelisting function is confusing
  • Hard to cancel service

Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Review | Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review

Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for numerous devices

Comprehensive Ad Blocking Online and in Apps + VPN Connection
4.8
Editorial Rating
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On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website
Ad Blocker
Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking
85% off + 2 months free
  • Blocks ads, banners, and pop-ups on your browser and apps, including smart TVs
  • Enjoy boosted browsing speeds and save money on mobile data with its effective ad-blocking capabilities
  • Added benefit of a VPN to encrypt your data, hide your IP address, avoid phishing scams, and minimize malware risks
  • Does not completely hide your digital fingerprint

Surfshark CleanWeb is a reliable and affordable ad blocker designed to provide you with maximum protection against annoying or intrusive ads, tracking technologies, cookie consent requests, malicious content, and more. The software uses advanced algorithms to detect and block potentially dangerous elements while also freeing up system resources that would otherwise be occupied by unwanted ads.

Surfshark CleanWeb can be turned on from your Surfshark VPN app for dekstop and mobile. It also works for other applications like streaming services and gaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch. This ad blocker is also designed to be lightweight, requiring minimal system resources and memory consumption.

Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0 doesn't require a VPN and instead is an ad blocker browser extension.

In addition, Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0, which is available as an ad blocker extension for your browser, can be configured to allow certain types of ads or trackers if desired, providing a level of control over your experience.

What we liked

Surfshark CleanWeb is an excellent choice for anyone searching for a secure and convenient online experience. Its low price makes it accessible to almost everyone, no matter your budget.

The cookie consent pop-up blocker is one of the most notable features, as it allows you to browse and shop without having to deal with unwanted pop-up requests or ads.

The compatibility with various platforms and devices also makes this product more appealing if you need access on multiple devices simultaneously. CleanWeb 2.0 is available as a browser extensions for Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Firefox, while the standard CleanWeb is available with the VPN app on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and FireTV.

Additionally, the Surfshark One bundle, which starts at $2.89/mo for 24 months, includes add-ons like data breach alerts, an antivirus, and a private search engine, which all add up to a complete package that can help protect your privacy even further.

What we didn’t like

We wish CleanWeb was available without having to connect to the Surfshark VPN. On the other hand, CleanWeb 2.0 works even with the VPN disconnected. While we certainly recommend connecting to a VPN for greater privacy and security whenever accessing the internet, in certain situations this simply may not be possible. So extending this functionality to the original CleanWeb feature would be helpful.

Additionally, CleanWeb may also interfere with the functionality of some websites. For these reasons, you should consider carefully whether or not you need to have Surfshark CleanWeb enabled at all times.

Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons

Pros
  • Blocks ads and malware
  • Cookie consent blocker
  • Faster website loading time
Cons
  • May require VPN connection
  • Can interfere with websites

Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Read Our Surfshark Review | Read Surfshark CleanWeb Review

Proton VPN NetShield: Best for torrenting speeds

Proton VPN NetShield can be toggled on in the VPN app.

NetShield comes built into Proton VPN and blocks pop-up ads, malware, and trackers from websites to keep your browsing activity safe. It also helps protect your device by stopping malicious software from downloading in the background or running on your computer without your knowledge.

NetShield uses multiple levels of protection to keep you safe online. Its advanced security technologies, such as AES 256-bit encryption, advanced server architecture, and a strict no-logs policy, help ensure your data remains protected at all times. (Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which is outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance.) It also features a kill switch that instantly disconnects you from the internet if it detects any suspicious activity on the network.

What we liked

Proton VPN NetShield is great for torrenting, equipped with exclusive servers, and compatible with most popular clients, such as BitTorrent and qBittorrent.

NetShield uses DNS filtering to block ads and online trackers. It also helps maintain faster browsing speeds by blocking this unnecessary content from the webpages you visit. 

Furthermore, when you change your NetShield settings, Proton VPN will automatically turn on the kill switch. This ensures that if there is any sort of disruption in your connection, all unencrypted data will be blocked to protect your privacy.

What we didn’t like

One of the major issues with Proton VPN NetShield is its higher cost than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. You can save money by upgrading to a longer term, but you still won’t get the discounts that come with the other services.

In addition, NetShield isn't available with the free Proton VPN plan. So you'll need to pay for a VPN subscription to access its ad, tracker, and malware blocking features.

Proton VPN NetShield pros and cons

Pros
  • No-logs policy and not in a 14 Eyes country
  • Torrenting support
  • Ad, tracker, and malware blocker
Cons
  • More expensive than Nord and Surfshark
  • Not included with free VPN plan

Get Proton VPN NetShield | Read Our Proton VPN Review | Read Our Proton VPN NetShield Review

Honorable mentions

Even though these three ad blockers didn't quite make the cut, they still deserve recognition. Each of them has its own standout features and is worth exploring if the top three don't fit your needs.

  • Total Adblock: Total Adblock is a great alternative if you want further customization options. It's easy to set up and allows you to choose specific ads that you'd like to block. It also offers the ability to set up custom blocking lists that allow enhanced control over your browsing experience. However, it can be tricky at times to configure all the settings properly, making Total Adblock slightly less user-friendly than other ad blockers on this list.

    Get Total Adblock | Read Total Adblock Review

  • Adblock Plus: Adblock Plus provides basic ad-blocking capabilities and offers an easy setup process. The app also has some customization options that allow you to tweak settings to fit your preferences.

    Read Our Adblock Plus Review

Best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge FAQs


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What’s the best ad blocker for Microsoft Edge?

When it comes to the best ad blocker for Microsoft Edge, NordVPN Threat Protection is a great choice. It’s an easy-to-use solution that provides robust protection against malicious ads and malware.


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Is there anything better than AdBlock?

When it comes to blocking ads, the answer is definitely yes — there are several excellent alternatives to AdBlock that offer superior protection. NordVPN Threat Protection stands out as the best ad blocker for Microsoft Edge overall and also blocks ads on other browsers and devices.

Surfshark CleanWeb is another great option for an Edge ad blocker that works across many devices. This ad blocker lets users block trackers and malicious websites with ease, as well as providing safeguards against phishing attacks and other online threats.

Finally, Proton VPN NetShield provides a customizable Edge ad blocker and an extra layer of protection from malware and phishing attempts with its VPN service. It includes features such as WebRTC blocking to stop third parties from tracking your IP address, as well as unlimited bandwidth and data usage.


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What’s the safest ad blocker?

The safest ad blocker is NordVPN Threat Protection. It provides a comprehensive range of protection against malicious online threats, including ads and pop-ups. It blocks ads from loading on websites and in your browser and also prevents tracking attempts, ensuring your data remains secure.

In addition to this, NordVPN Threat Protection also offers malware protection, which helps protect you from threats that may have otherwise gone undetected. All of these features make NordVPN one of the most reliable ad blockers on the market today.


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What’s the best free ad blocker?

Most popular ad blockers come with a free plan that provides adequate protection against annoyances like pop-ups and banner ads. But our favorites include Ghostery, which blocks ads on YouTube videos, and AdGuard, which includes an allowlist that lets you disable the ad blocker on your favorite website or allow acceptable ads, such as those on your favorite YouTuber’s channel.

Bottom line: The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge

The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge are NordVPN Threat Protection, Surfshark CleanWeb, and Proton VPN NetShield. All three of these offer excellent features for blocking ads in the browser.

  1. NordVPN Threat Protection is our top pick for an ad blocker for Microsoft Edge. It has a wide range of advanced security features that make it great at blocking ads, as well as protecting your privacy and data while you're online.
  2. Surfshark CleanWeb is another great choice if you need an ad blocker for multiple devices. It supports unlimited simultaneous VPN connections and comes with powerful content-filtering features to block ads across platforms.
  3. Proton VPN NetShield is the perfect ad blocker for those who need advanced customization features.

While there are other ad blockers out there (such as Total Adblock and Adblock Plus), they didn't quite make the cut in terms of features and effectiveness when compared with these three top choices. All three of our recommended options provide excellent protection against ads while also offering a range of additional security and privacy benefits.

3 best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge in 2024

Price Best for Learn more
NordVPN Threat Protection $3.39/mo Best overall Get NordVPN Threat Protection
Read Our NordVPN Review
Surfshark CleanWeb Starts at $2.29/mo (billed biennially) Best for numerous devices Get Surfshark Cleanweb
Read Our Surfshark Review
Proton VPN NetShield Starts at $4.49/mo Best for torrenting speeds Read Our Proton VPN Review

How we tested the best ad blockers for Edge browsers

When researching the best ad blockers for Edge browsers, we took into consideration a range of features. We evaluated each program’s ability to block ads, protect against pop-ups, and enhance overall internet browsing speed. Additionally, we assessed the user interfaces for ease of use and performance capabilities.

How to choose the best ad blocker for Edge

Choosing the best ad blocker for Edge is an important decision. After all, it’s responsible for protecting you from intrusive and malicious ads that can compromise your security, privacy, and data. To make sure you find an ad blocker that fits your needs and performs optimally, there are a few key factors to consider:

First, it's essential to research the software and verify its legitimacy before installing any ad blocker on your device. Fake or malicious versions of the software may not provide adequate protection against ads or even worse — they could be designed to steal your data or infect your device with malware.

Second, ensure the ad blocker has enough customization options to effectively block various types of ads while still allowing access to specific types of ads or content you want to view.

This includes video ads, banners, and pop-ups, as well as other forms of intrusive advertisements. Some ad blockers are too strong and may block relevant content that is necessary for certain websites or applications to run properly.

Third, investigate the customer support provided by the software developer — this could be a key factor in selecting your ad blocker. A reliable customer service team will address any issues quickly and provide guidance if needed when configuring or troubleshooting the software.

Finally, double-check which type of ads are blocked by each ad blocker before making your selection; some programs may only block banner-type ads but not videos or vice versa. Be aware that many free versions of ad blockers may limit the range of ads that can be blocked and could offer limited customization options.

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
VPN
NordVPN
Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra
  • Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
  • Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
  • 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
  • Too many confusing plans
Author Details
Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.