The Best Ad Blockers of 2026 (Free and Paid)

Using our own money, we thoroughly evaluated dozens of popular ad blockers to find the best, conducting in-depth, hands-on testing across browsers, devices, and streaming platforms. We scored each one on AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It, then browsed ad-heavy sites like Forbes and streamed YouTube to see how they hold up in the real world. We evaluated ease of use, effectiveness at blocking ads, performance impact, and value. We test every pick quarterly, so these results stay current.

A quality ad blocker should do more than just remove annoying pop-ups or skip video ads. It should also protect your privacy, stop trackers in their tracks, and guard against malicious code embedded in online ads.

Our best overall ad blocker is Total Adblock, which scores a perfect 100/100 on AdBlock Tester and kills YouTube ads start to finish. Total Adblock impressed us the most with its ease of use and consistent performance against ads, trackers, and video ads. Close behind is Surfshark CleanWeb, which can even block streaming ads on smart TVs.

Below, you’ll find our editorial team’s top picks for 2026, the best free options worth installing, and how to pick the right one for your browser and devices.

Best ad blockers of 2026

Compare the best ad blockers

Total Adblock: Best overall ad blocker

What we liked

Blocking capabilities: Total Adblock consistently blocks a wide range of ad types and trackers, including YouTube ads. According to our ad blocker historical data, Total Adblock is the only blocker that has received perfect scores on AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It every time we retest.

We also appreciate the additional blocking features, such as Cookie Consent Cutter. This means that in addition to blocking third-party cookies and hidden trackers, Total Adblock lets you completely skip cookie consent banners with a simple toggle.

Tracking technologies are widespread online. According to our internet cookies study, 24% of internet users blindly accept cookies, and 87% report seeing hyper-personalized ads based on recent searches.

When using Total Adblock, we never had to "accept" cookies because it automatically rejected unwanted cookies and accepted first-party cookies, which are the default cookies necessary for a smooth browsing experience.

Ease of use: During our testing, we found Total Adblock easy to use. It took only three simple steps to block Netflix ads. No advanced configurations necessary. Once it was set up, we had a hands-off experience.

Customization is also easy, with no clunky dashboards in your way. You can choose exactly what you want to block or allow, like automatically blocking cookies and trackers.

Value: 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. If you go premium, the TotalAV security suite also includes Total WebShield, which offers real-time browser protection.

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

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

Also won:

• Best mobile ad blocker: Total Adblock offers native apps for iOS and Android devices. We've tested both Total Adblock apps and found that they performed almost as well as the Chrome extension. During testing, one mobile feature that we loved was its ability to block YouTube ads on the app. Share the YouTube video with the Total Adblock app, and it can play the video without ads. We tested Total Adblock on an iPhone and an Android phone, and it performed almost as well as the Chrome extension.
• Best web security: Total Adblock Premium includes TotalAV, an award-winning antivirus with Total WebShield. WebShield enhances browser security by scanning websites for malware, phishing, and scams.

What we didn’t like

Limited free version: Anyone interested in blocking ads will find it hard to make a case for Total Adblock’s free version. It excludes 15,000 of the most popular websites — a significant limit to ad-blocking capabilities. The free version also doesn't block browser notifications. The paid version will block ads and notifications on all websites.

Annoying upgrade pop-ups: Our testing experience was marred by the free version's pop-ups. Total Adblock relentlessly shows pop-up ads to prompt you to upgrade to the premium plan. It's an ironic twist for an ad blocker.

Star rating summary

Test results

Surfshark CleanWeb: Best value ad blocker

What we liked

Bundle value: Surfshark CleanWeb is a feature included with Surfshark VPN, one of the best-value VPNs you can buy. Its starting price is only $2.49/mo. Surfshark allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can provide an ad-free experience for every device and family member.

The original CleanWeb can block ads, trackers, and malware. We were impressed with the new CleanWeb 2.0, which is part of the browser extension. It can block pesky video ads on YouTube and streaming services. It also provides alerts for data breaches and malware.

Seamless streaming: We love that Surfshark CleanWeb can block streaming ads on any device, including smart TVs, Fire TV, and Apple TV. With more streaming services including ads on its basic plan tiers, this feature becomes invaluable for any streamer who's looking for uninterrupted Netflix time.

Since CleanWeb comes bundled with a VPN (virtual private network), you can easily switch to a different virtual country to watch shows on Netflix that aren't available in your location. This also works when trying to watch out-of-market sports games, like NFL games.

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

Strong ad-blocking performance: During our in-house testing, CleanWeb consistently blocked ads, including video ads on streaming services and YouTube. It's a higher performer than other VPN and ad-blocking tools, like NordVPN Threat Protection.

Also won:

• Best for streaming: CleanWeb is compatible with a wide variety of devices, including smart TVs. Since Surfshark offers unlimited connections, you can block streaming ads on all your devices.

What we didn’t like

Extension only: CleanWeb 2.0 has lots of extra features we love, but it’s compatible only with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. So anyone using a different browser has to rely on the Surfshark desktop app for ad blocking.

Fewer iOS features: Surfshark VPN and Surfshark CleanWeb have limited support on iOS. Split tunneling isn't available in the iPhone app, so you can't control which websites bypass the VPN or allow ads on specific sites.

Star rating summary

Test results

uBlock Origin: Best open-source ad blocker

What we liked

Advanced customization: uBlock Origin is open-source software, meaning anyone can view its source code. The software enables a unique feature: the ability to create custom content filters.

Creating custom filter lists lets you set uBlock Origin to block media with specific 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.

Ability to block ads and trackers: uBlock Origin received perfect scores on all in-house testing. It can block different types of ads, including analytics, banners, and tracking cookies. uBlock Origin can also block YouTube ads. More than an ad blocker, uBlock Origin can filter and block other content, such as coin miners and anti-blockers.

What we didn’t like

Usability: uBlock Origin isn't a simple ad blocker — the platform can get pretty technical. It takes some effort to set up and make sure it's running smoothly. The open-source software is great for tech-savvy users who aren't intimidated by source code. But if you’re not familiar with technical features, you may not get the most out of it.

Limited compatibility: uBlock Origin doesn't have a fully operational Chrome extension. While it supports Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Firefox, Chrome users can only use the Lite version. When Chrome rolled out the Manifest v3 update, which limits the number of rules an extension can use, it impacted uBlock Origin's functionality.

uBlock Origin did create the uBlock Origin Lite extension to circumvent this issue, but it's not as effective as the original extension. Chrome users will need to settle for the Lite version or consider using a different ad blocker for Chrome.

Star rating summary

Test results

Aura Ad Block & Anti-Track: Best for online security

What we liked

Robust online protection: Aura Ad Blocker has advanced security features to help protect your personal information from hackers. Similar to the Surfshark Starter plan, Aura offers a basic subscription that includes an ad blocker, Safe Browsing tools, antivirus software, and a VPN (although the Surfshark VPN offers more robust features).

But what sets Aura apart is its built-in password manager. The password vault lets you create strong passwords, notifies you of data breaches, and lets you automatically update compromised or weak passwords.

Strong ad-blocking performance: We know Aura's security suite is user-friendly and straightforward, but we were impressed with its ad-blocking capabilities. Aura Ad Blocker outperformed other premium ad blockers during our in-house testing. Compared to Total Adblock, Aura blocked over a hundred more ads on Forbes, a notoriously ad-heavy website, during repeated in-house testing.

Aura blocked banner ads, video ads, hidden scripts (including analytics trackers and anti-adblock defenses), invisible trackers, interstitial ads, and more. It even blocked YouTube video ads (though not as fully as we'd like).

Ease of use: The Aura Ad Blocker extension is simple to set up and use. The ad blocker works right away, stopping unwanted ads and malicious trackers. Aura also includes a simple "ads blocked" counter so you can see it working while you browse. There's also an ad blocker widget that provides access to the dashboard for a quick overview of action items.

What we didn’t like

No mobile ad-blocking app: Like CleanWeb, Aura Ad Blocker is a browser extension compatible only with Chrome, Edge, and Safari. That means if you use Android, Firefox, or Samsung Internet, you won't be able to benefit from Aura Ad Blocker. There are also no native apps for ad blocking.

Partially blocks YouTube ads: Aura can block autoplay on YouTube, but it didn't stop ads from showing or loading. Sometimes a timer would appear, counting down to when we could stream our YouTube video. Other times, Aura blocked the YouTube video ad, but a static ad would appear instead. In comparison, Total Adblock consistently blocked YouTube ads.

Star rating summary

Test results

AdGuard: Best for cross-platform

What we liked

Cross-platform coverage: AdGuard installs as a browser extension on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera, and as full desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus Android and iOS. It's the most versatile blocker we've tested, which is why it's our cross-platform pick.

Consistent YouTube ad blocking: AdGuard blocked every YouTube ad we threw at it on both desktop and mobile, including pre-roll and mid-roll, with no slowdowns. On mobile, you tap Share on the video to block ads through the app.

Built-in security and parental controls: AdGuard's Security filter list adds phishing and malware protection with one toggle. Its paid plans layer on parental controls and a cloud DNS service for scheduling screen time and blocking content.

What we didn’t like

Confusing statistics: The "items blocked" counter splits totals across Advertising, Other, Trackers, and CDN with no explanation, and we couldn't match the numbers to anything on AdGuard's site.

Not fully set-and-forget: AdGuard scored lower out of the box and only reached a top AdBlock Tester score after we manually enabled all content-blocking filters.

Higher price: AdGuard's paid plans cost about twice what most premium blockers charge, though a free version is available.

Star rating summary

Test results

Adblock Plus: Best for beginners

What we liked

Beginner-friendly setup: Adblock Plus installs in a couple of clicks and works right away. The interface is clean enough that new users won't feel overwhelmed, even when toggling extra filters.

Free ad and pop-up blocking: The free version blocks ads, pop-ups, push notifications, and social-media icon tracking across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, Android, and iOS.

Acceptable Ads allowlist: You can allow nonintrusive ads on specific sites to support creators you follow, or switch the feature off entirely.

Reliable YouTube blocking: In our latest test, Adblock Plus blocked pre-roll and mid-roll YouTube ads with no banners left cluttering the page.

What we didn’t like

Filter tinkering for top scores: Out of the box, the free version scored lower on AdBlock Tester and reached a perfect score only after we enabled all the free filter toggles.

Limited free tracker protection: Free-version tracker protection is thin, and features like blocking site notifications and floating videos sit behind Premium.

Weak user sentiment: Adblock Plus has a low Trustpilot rating, with recurring complaints about upgrade prompts.

Star rating summary

Test results

1Blocker: Best for Apple users

What we liked

Native iOS and macOS ad blocker: 1Blocker is available as an iPhone app or Safari browser extension. It ensures a smooth and intuitive experience whether you're using iOS or macOS. During our testing, we found that 1Blocker improved our browsing experience on Apple devices. It was able to block ads, including on YouTube.

Includes a firewall: 1Blocker's firewall puts a stop to in-app trackers. The firewall performs on-device security checks to block apps from tracking your browser history and geolocation data. It even integrates with Siri, so you can turn the firewall on and off by voice command.

Customization: Unlike other ad blockers, 1Blocker offers custom lists. You can create your own rules about what content you want to see or block. There's no need for technical know-how to create custom lists. You can enable ads on certain sites, block specific sites or cookies, hide visual elements, and force HTTPS for all websites.

What we didn’t like

Limited free plan: The free plan works just as well as the paid plan. The problem is that you can enable only one feature at a time. For example, if you turn on ad blocking, you aren't able to block trackers, comments, or widgets.

Glitchy: During our testing, we noticed that 1Blocker would sometimes block images from loading on sites, apps, and emails. A quick fix was to turn off the firewall. While it's not a dealbreaker, the glitchy functionality is a hurdle for macOS and Safari users.

Star rating summary

Test results

NordVPN Threat Protection Pro: Best for data privacy

What we liked

Comprehensive web protection: NordVPN Threat Protection Pro offers several standout features for blocking malware and other threats. It includes real-time monitoring of online activity from web browsing to emailing to app usage. Threat Protection Pro also has anti-phishing capabilities that identify and block phishing attempts. It sends an immediate alert if it suspects malicious activity.

Bundled with top VPN: Threat Protection Pro is included in NordVPN's Plus and Ultimate Plans. The NordVPN bundle includes encrypted internet connections, advanced monitoring, and threat protection. Third parties won't be able to spy on your browsing history or display intrusive ads. You'll have a seamless internet experience without worrying about your data being exposed.

Ad and tracker blocking capabilities: In addition to its advanced cybersecurity features, Threat Protection is an effective ad and tracker blocker. The tool blocks trackers and scans files for malware during downloads, identifying threats before they can harm your devices. You can leverage all these benefits without running a VPN in tandem with Threat Protection Pro.

When we tested Threat Protection Pro, it blocked intrusive ads to give you a more streamlined web experience. We were a little disappointed that it didn't block YouTube video ads. But it did a great job at stopping pop-ups, banner ads, analytics tools, and error monitoring.

Also won:

• Best VPN bundle: After extensive testing, NordVPN is our top-rated VPN service. Combined with Threat Protection Pro, your data and browsing experience are safely secured from malicious threats and annoying ads.

What we didn’t like

Limited Lite version: Threat Protection Pro is not included in NordVPN's basic tier. Instead, the basic plan has the lighter Threat Protection. It can block malicious domains, trackers, and some ads. But it doesn't have email and anti-phishing protection, malware scanner, or scam and fraud alerts.

Cost: Threat Protection Pro bundled with NordVPN costs more than a standalone ad blocker. If you're not looking for a VPN, it may not be worth the cost. In comparison, Total Adblock offers a dedicated ad blocker (plus bonus antivirus protection) for only $1.59/mo.

Star rating summary

Test results

Why should you block ads?

Granted, ads are annoying. They can make a blog downright unreadable. Almost everyone who uses the internet can recall a time when their web experience was interrupted by intrusive ads. Using an ad blocker helps 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, 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 prioritize customization, your ad blocker should have plenty of blocking filters and an intuitive interface for beginners and advanced users alike.
• If you’re looking for family features, like parental controls, make sure your ad blocker of choice offers them before committing to a subscription.
• Consider the value of comprehensive cybersecurity software, such as an ad and tracker blocker with antivirus protection and a secure VPN.

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

Free ad blockers compared

You don't have to pay to block ads. The best free ad blockers we've tested block YouTube ads and pass the same AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It checks we run on the paid tools. The trade-off is usually narrower device support, a tracker-only focus, or a lower test score, which is why the five below didn't crack our top 8.

Here's how the best free ad blockers we've tested compare, and what each one does best.

Ad blocker
Best for	Privacy	Rewards	Chrome	Fully free	Tracker blocking
Star rating	4.6 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.6 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free (donations accepted)
Adblock Tester score	99/100	100/100	96/100	80/100	63/100
Can You Block It	3/3	3/3	2.5/3	3/3	2/3
Does it work on YouTube?
Compatibility	iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari	Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari	iOS, Chrome, Edge, Safari	Android, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari	Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera
Learn more	Read Ghostery Review	Read Pie Adblock Review	Read uBlock Origin Lite Review	Read Stands Free AdBlocker Review	Read Privacy Badger Review

Ghostery: Best free for privacy

Ghostery is a free ad blocker built around privacy. It blocks ads and trackers, automatically declines cookie banners with its never-consent feature, and blocked YouTube ads reliably in our testing. It didn't make our top picks because it leans privacy-first and has dropped its blacklisting feature, but it's one of the best free options if stopping trackers matters most to you.

Pie Adblock: Best free with rewards

Built by the team behind Honey, Pie Adblock blocked YouTube ads flawlessly in our tests and scored well on AdBlock Tester. Its standout is an optional program that pays you a share of ad revenue for viewing "Fair Ads." It's a legitimate tool, and its creator hosted a public Reddit AMA to explain how it works, but it doesn't block trackers and its browser support is limited, so it stays out of our top picks.

uBlock Origin Lite: Best free for Chrome

After Chrome's Manifest V3 change disabled the original uBlock Origin, uBlock Origin Lite is the Manifest V3 successor built to keep running on Chrome. It installs in under a minute and blocked YouTube ads as well as the original in our testing. It has fewer features and no blacklisting, so we list it here as the best free pick for Chrome rather than in the top picks.

Stands Free AdBlocker: Best fully free option

Stands Free AdBlocker is completely free, funded by optional donations, and works across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera, Vivaldi, Brave, and Android. We liked its block-element tool for hiding anything on a page. It blocked YouTube ads in our tests but scored lower on AdBlock Tester because some analytics and error-monitoring scripts slipped through, which keeps it out of the top picks.

Privacy Badger: Best free tracker add-on

Privacy Badger, from the EFF, is a tracker blocker rather than a full ad blocker. It blocked dozens of trackers on ad-heavy sites like Forbes in our testing, but it doesn't block YouTube ads and isn't built to stop every ad. Use it alongside one of the ad blockers above rather than on its own.

Bottom line: The best ad blockers 2026

The best ad blocker of 2026 is Total Adblock. With perfect ad-blocking scores and an easy interface, it's a good fit for everyone. Combine it with TotalAV, an award-winning antivirus solution, and Total Adblock can stop annoying ads and malicious threats.

If you're looking for a VPN too, Surfshark CleanWeb or NordVPN Threat Protection Pro have you covered. Aura is also an excellent choice, especially since it includes a password manager with all plans. If you need customization, try uBlock Origin or 1Blocker. But remember: 1Blocker works only on Apple devices.

Advice from the experts

Being bombarded with ads on social media or while streaming your favorite show is a less-than-desirable user experience. That’s why the All About Cookies team asked experts about the purpose of online ads and whether consumers face any risks when 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