The Best Ad Blockers 2024

Ad blockers declutter websites and generally make the internet a better place. Whether your goal is to visit a blog without a slew of ads littering your screen or to keep yourself safe from malicious scripts and trackers, a good ad blocker should cover you.

After extensive research and testing, we chose seven of the best ad blockers based on features, policies, and strengths. NordVPN Threat Protection tops our list with its strong blocking capabilities, virtual private network (VPN), and anti-malware protection. Total Adblock is another strong contender that successfully cleared up YouTube ads even after the platform's crackdown on ad blockers. Surfshark CleanWeb standouts for its ability to block ads on streaming services, even from your smart TV.

Ad blockers can rid you of video ads and block pop-ups, and they can keep you safe by blocking malicious scripts hidden in advertisements. Let’s take a deeper look at these ad blockers and their features.

The best ad blockers 2024

• NordVPN Threat Protection: Best overall
• Total Adblock: Best for blocking YouTube ads
• Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for streaming
• uBlock Origin: Best for custom filters
• AdGuard: Best for parental controls
• Ghostery: Best for Chrome and Firefox
• AdLock: Best for blocking social media trackers

Top 7 ad blockers compared

Ad blocker	Best Overall Threat Protection		CleanWeb
Price	Starts at $3.59/mo (billed every two years)	Paid plan costs $1.59/mo (billed annually)	Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	Free	Paid plans cost Free-$5.49/mo	Paid plans cost $1.99-$11.99/mo	Paid plans cost Free-$3.50/mo
Compatibility	Threat Protection: Windows, macOS Threat Protection Lite: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Edge, Firefox	Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Android, iOS	CleanWeb 2.0: Chrome, Firefox, Edge CleanWeb: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, FireTV	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (prior to 13), Opera, Chromium	Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, Yandex, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari	Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Blocks YouTube ads
AdBlock Tester score	91/100	100/100	98/100	96/100	100/100	98/100	97/100
Cover Your Tracks score	2/3	2/3	0.5/3	2/3	2/3	0/3	2/3
Can You Block It score	2/3	3/3	3/3	2/3	3/3	3/3	2/3
Learn more	Get NordVPN Threat Protection Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review	Get Total Adblock Read Our Total Adblock Review	Get Surfshark CleanWeb Read Our Surfshark CleanWeb Review	Get uBlock Origin Read Our uBlock Origin Review	Get AdGuard Read Our AdGuard Review	Get Ghostery Read Our Ghostery Review	Get AdLock Read Our AdLock Review

How we tested the best ad blockers

We chose these seven ad blockers for their strength and usability. From NordVPN Threat Protection's anti-malware and ad-blocking features to Total Adblock's ease of use, each one has strong and unique properties.

We tested most ad blockers using the Google Chrome extension, but some tools required the Apple Safari extension or web app. From there, we tested each ad blocker on YouTube ads. We also tested for pop-ups, banners, and other ads on Forbes.com.

We ran AdBlock Tester and Cover Your Tracks tests to get more detailed information on what types of content each ad blocker removes.

When looking at ad blockers, they had to have these features:

• Blocks ads: Banner ads, video ads, pop-up ads, interstitial ads, and in-page ads had to be blocked.
• Blocks trackers: Trackers follow you around the internet, building a profile of you. Blocking them keeps them from logging your data.
• Compatibility: Each ad-blocking extension had to be compatible with several different web browsers.
• Ease of use: We looked for ad blockers with either an app that you can set and forget or a browser plugin that allows for quick access.
• Blocks YouTube video ads: Too many ads hinder your viewing experience, so our ad blockers had to work with YouTube.
• Doesn’t sell data: A security tool shouldn’t sell your information, so we selected privacy-focused ad blockers.

NordVPN Threat Protection: Best overall

NordVPN Threat Protection is an online security service that combines anti-malware and ad-blocking features — augmenting the online privacy features and security capabilities of its namesake, NordVPN. 

Virtual private networks (VPNs) like NordVPN allow you to access the internet in more secure, private ways by masking your internet protocol (IP) address and traffic. NordVPN is a renowned VPN provider, and Threat Protection extends its security capabilities by scanning files you download — identifying and blocking threats, trackers, ads, and more.

What we liked

Among NordVPN Threat Protection’s features that block malware and other nefarious threats are a few standout ones. Real-time protection monitors online activity from web browsing to emailing to app usage and immediately alerts you if it suspects malicious activity. Threat Protection also offers anti-phishing capabilities that identify and block phishing attempts to neutralize this type of threat.

In addition to these security features, Threat Protection is an effective ad and tracker blocker. The tool blocks trackers and scans for malware during downloads, identifying threats before they can harm your devices. It blocks intrusive ads to give you a more streamlined web experience, and you can leverage all these benefits without having to run a VPN in tandem with Threat Protection.

What we didn’t like

Despite Threat Protection’s many upsides, there are a couple of drawbacks to this powerful service. It doesn’t offer a standalone firewall, which is one of the main distinctions between NordVPN Threat Protection and branded antivirus solutions. You’ll need to purchase a firewall separately (which Threat Protection will complement), so those hoping to get a truly all-in-one online protection experience from Threat Protection might find this irksome.

Additionally, Threat Protection Lite — an option for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox — only blocks some intrusive ads, malicious domains, and phishing domains.

NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons

Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review

Total Adblock: Best for blocking YouTube ads

Total Adblock is one of the most popular ad blockers. It offers protection from malicious websites and delivers tools like whitelisting and third-party tracker blocking. Its paid version provides unlimited ad blocking and antivirus protection bundled in with TotalAV — an award-winning antivirus solution.

Total Adblock is easy to use and has received perfect scores in ad-blocking testing. Plus, it blocks YouTube video ads.

What we liked

One of the most impressive features of Total Adblock is its ability to block YouTube ads. In testing, we found that Total Adblock successfully blocked all ads for the entire duration of multiple videos that run with multiple ad timestamps. 

We even tested it after YouTube's recent push to block ad blockers, and Total Adblock still provided us with a smooth, ad-free experience. If you’re a heavy YouTube user who doesn’t want to pay for YouTube Premium in order to block ads, the paid version of Total Adblock is the next best choice, as we named it one of the best ad blockers for YouTube.

While only the paid version of Total Adblock offers highly-rated antivirus protection from TotalAV and the ability to block browser notifications, it’s notable that both paid and free versions provide tracker-blocking and whitelisting capabilities. Our testing experience found Total Adblock to be super easy to use and hands-off.

What we didn’t like

Anyone seriously interested in blocking ads across their web-surfing experience will find it hard to make a case for Total Adblock’s free version. It excludes 15,000 of the most popular websites — significantly limiting ad-blocking capabilities. The free version also doesn't block browser notifications.

Our testing experience produced some irritation, as Total Adblock relentlessly prompts you with pop-up ads to upgrade to “premium” to block YouTube ads, which is an ironic twist for an ad blocker.

Total Adblock pros and cons

Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review

Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for streaming

Surfshark CleanWeb is a feature included with Surfshark's desktop apps, mobile apps, and browser extensions. The original CleanWeb can block ads, trackers, and malware.

We were really impressed with CleanWeb 2.0, which is part of the browser extension. It can block pesky video ads on YouTube and streaming services, and it provides alerts for data breaches and malware. This all comes with Surfshark VPN at a budget-friendly price.

What we liked

We love that Surfshark CleanWeb can stand up to ads on streaming services. With more streaming services including ads on their basic plan tiers, this feature becomes invaluable for any streamer who's just looking for uninterrupted Netflix time.  

When you use CleanWeb 2.0, you don't even need an active VPN connection. Since you might not always want your VPN on, it's nice that Surfshark allows you to continue blocking ads. 

Surfshark is one of the best value VPNs you can buy. Its starting price is only $1.99/mo (billed every two years), and it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can provide an ad-free experience for every device and family member. 

What we didn’t like

CleanWeb 2.0 has lots of extra features we love, but we wish these weren't limited to the browser extension. With its compatibility limited to Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, it leaves Safari, Opera, and other browser users with just the desktop app's capabilities. 

Surfshark, as well as Surfshark CleanWeb, can be limited for iOS as well. Split tunneling is unavailable on the iPhone app, so you won't be able to control which websites can bypass the VPN connection or which sites you want to allow ads.

Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons

Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Read Our Surfshark CleanWeb Review

uBlock Origin: Best for custom filters

uBlock Origin is one of the best free ad blockers. It's also an open-source ad blocker that touts its ability to save CPU and memory usage. Also notable, uBlock Origin supports web browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, and all Safari releases prior to 13.

More than an ad-blocker, uBlock Origin can filter and block other content, such as coin miners and anti-blockers.

What we liked

uBlock Origin offers a unique feature that tech-savvy users will find useful: the ability to create custom content filters. Creating custom filter lists enables you to set uBlock Origin to block only media with certain qualifiers such as size or cloud storage sync.

The tool also provides preselected filter lists that block ads, trackers, malware sites, and more by default.

uBlock Origin also passed two out of the three tests on Cover Your Tracks. Cover Your Tracks is a tool that tests how you’re viewed and tracked online. It detects trackers that follow you around the internet, building a profile on you and your browser fingerprint, which can be used to identify you. The test results noted that uBlock effectively blocked tracking ads and invisible trackers.

What we didn’t like

It’s pretty technical. If you’re not familiar with some of the features and how to use them, you may not get the most out of it. Also, it's only compatible with Safari up to version 13, which is several versions behind.

uBlock Origin pros and cons

Read Our uBlock Origin Review

AdGuard: Best for parental controls

AdGuard has a user-friendly interface and is easy to download and install. It also gives you options like “blocking adult sites” to help keep kids off websites they shouldn’t see. While the free version offers all you could want for a browser extension, the individual and family paid plans allow you to extend your protection to multiple devices. Plus, the premium version offers parental controls. 

What we liked

We were impressed with the effectiveness of a free tool that doesn’t sell your data. Having parental controls is a nice option, especially when you’re trying to keep your kids safe online. There’s also a Stealth Mode feature that allows you to browse the internet with more security. Stealth Mode hides your search queries, asks websites not to track you, and strips tracking parameters from URLs. 

Its uncluttered user interface is easy to navigate. While that might not be the most important factor in an ad blocker, ease of use makes it more likely that you'll actually use it.

What we didn’t like

The ad-blocking stats aren’t easy to interpret. If you’re looking for solid statistics, AdGuard may leave you wanting. And while Stealth Mode can help with getting rid of trackers and cookies, it doesn’t hide your IP address.

AdGuard pros and cons

Get AdGuard | Read Our AdGuard Review

Ghostery: Best for Chrome and Firefox

Ghostery is really committed to blocking ads. It also offers a host of features, including private browsing and in-depth analytics about the sites you visit.

What we liked

Ghostery is highly rated, award-winning, and free. We also love that it automatically declines cookies. When Ghostery is running, you won’t need to worry about reading cookie policies and toggling off unnecessary cookies again.

We also like the ability to become a paying contributor and really dig deep into the analytics side. (Oh, and you can create custom themes as a paid contributor!)

What we didn’t like

While Ghostery shines on Chrome and Firefox, we found that the efficacy and functionality are greatly reduced when installed on Safari during our testing. Also, your settings don’t sync across browsers and devices. If you’re an iOS and macOS user with multiple devices, there are better options.

Ghostery pros and cons

Read Our Ghostery Review

AdLock: Best for blocking social media trackers

You know those cute little social media buttons you see on blogs and other web pages? Yeah, those are tracking you. Even if you never click one, it’s still building a profile of your activity and sending it to social media sites. Luckily, AdLock isn’t having it. This ad blocker goes to work on those trackers and shuts them down. No one deserves free reign over your browsing data.

What we liked

AdLock blocks the videos that pop up or follow you down the page when you’re trying to read a blog. It also adjusts the space on a website so you don’t see big blocks of empty space while you’re reading.

We also liked that you can whitelist sites in case you have favorite creators you’d still like to support by viewing their ads.

Blocking social media trackers is our favorite AdLock feature by far. Social media loves to follow you around the internet, creating profiles of you. You don’t need that, and AdLock keeps that hassle out of your life.

What we didn’t like

AdLock knows what it’s got, and while many features are free, the social media tracking and spyware blockers only have paid tiers.

Also, AdLock only accepts Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. If you were hoping to rack up some American Express points by paying for your security products, you won’t be able to do that with AdLock. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it would be nice to see more payment options.

AdLock pros and cons

Get AdLock | Read Our AdLock Review

Honorable mentions

We've researched and tested many ad blockers to bring you the best recommendations. Even though they didn't make the cut, these honorable mentions are worthy contenders, each with their own strengths like superior smartphone compatibility, free advanced features, or extra privacy protection. As a bonus, all three are free ad blockers. 

Best for	Apple OS and Safari	Free advanced features	Blocking trackers
Price	Free or starts at $2.99/mo	Free (donations accepted)	Free (donations accepted)
Compatibility	Safari, iOS, Android	Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, Edge, Vivaldi, Brave, Android	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
Blocks YouTube ads
AdBlock Tester score	100/100	55/100	67/100
Cover Your Tracks score	2.5/3	0/3	2/3
Can You Block It score	2/3	3/3	2/3
Learn more	Get 1Blocker Read Our 1Blocker Review	Get Stands Free Adblocker Read Our Stands Free Adblocker Review	Get Privacy Badger Read Our Privacy Badger Review

Why should you block ads?

Granted, ads are annoying. They can make a blog downright unreadable. Almost every person using the internet can recall a time their web experience was interrupted by intrusive ads. Using an ad blocker allows you to streamline your browsing experience.

But the biggest reason for blocking ads is to prevent cookies, phishing attempts, malware, spyware, and internet trackers from watching your every move online. Dicey ads can be riddled with infected code just waiting to turn your computer into a botnet soldier of doom.

Ad blockers also improve page load speeds and facilitate a smoother scrolling experience on pages that would otherwise interrupt you with pop-ups.

Finally, blocking ads and trackers can improve your online privacy. Many websites and advertisers use trackers to gather information about your device, browsing habits, location, and more, then either use the data for creepy personalized ads or sell it to other companies. With an ad blocker, you can browse and click and wander around the internet without having to worry about stolen data, nosy trackers, or nefarious hackers. It’s secure and useful, and really isn’t that what we all want?

How to choose the best ad blocker

Making sure the ad blocker you choose works for your needs means first understanding your personal priorities. Here are some general rules to follow:

• All ad blockers should block ads, provide you with lag-free video streaming, and be compatible with the browser or operating system you use.
• If affordability is important to you, make sure the free ad blocker you choose doesn’t sell your data.
• If you’re looking for more features, like parental controls, make sure your ad blocker of choice offers them before committing to a subscription.

Whatever you decide on, make sure it’s working for you to keep your personal data safe.

Advice from the experts

Being bombarded with ads on social media or while trying to stream your favorite show is a less than desirable user experience. That’s why the All About Cookies team asked experts about the reason online ads are in place and if consumers hold any risk using ad-blockers. 

How effective are online ads versus more traditional methods like TV commercials? 

How do websites generate revenue from showing ads, and why are they important?

Are there long-term implications to consumers of ad blocker adoption? Are they unethical or against the law?

^{Some responses may have been slightly edited for clarity and brevity.}

FAQs

Bottom line: The best ad blockers 2024

The best ad blocker overall is NordVPN Threat Protection, thanks to its highly effective combo of anti-malware, tracker, and ad-blocking capabilities. The added functionality of having NordVPN mask your IP address and online activities makes this choice a no-brainer.

Second up was Total Adblock, another effective ad blocker that puts YouTube video ads in their place, even after the crackdown. We like how easy it is to set up Total Adblock, but you'll likely want to upgrade to the paid version for full functionality. Surfshark CleanWeb also impressed us with its ability to block ads from multiple popular streaming services. Plus, its a part of the secure Surfshark VPN plan. 

Using an ad blocker enhances your internet browsing experience. Whether you decide to go with a free option or a paid service, you’ll see a difference from before you began using it.

Ads are not only annoying, they can also be malicious and deposit malware onto your computer or mobile device. We chose these seven ad blockers for their strength, security, and promise not to sell your data. (Data selling is always a deal breaker for us.) Whichever you choose, we hope you’ve found a new and enjoyable way to browse the internet.

7 best ad blockers reviewed

	Best for	Compatibility	Learn more
Threat Protection	Best overall	Threat Protection: Windows, macOS Threat Protection Lite: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Edge, Firefox	Get NordVPN Threat Protection Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review
	Best for blocking YouTube ads	Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Android, iOS	Get Total Adblock Read Total Adblock Review
CleanWeb	Best for streaming	CleanWeb 2.0: Chrome, Firefox, Edge CleanWeb: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, FireTV	Get Surfshark CleanWeb Read Surfshark CleanWeb Review
	Best for custom filters	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (prior to 13), Opera, Chromium	Get uBlock Origin Read uBlock Origin Review
	Best for parental controls	Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, Yandex, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV	Get AdGuard Read AdGuard Review
	Best for Chrome and Firefox	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari	Get Ghostery Read Ghostery Review
	Best for blocking social media trackers	Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Get AdLock Read AdLock Review