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Best for Unlimited Devices
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Best All-in-One Online Protection
Following Google Chrome's Manifest v3 update, ads have become more aggressive and harder to find. Finding a reliable ad blocker for Chrome is essential to keep autoplay videos, pop-ups, and even trackers from slowing down your browsing.
To determine which options work best, I conducted hands-on testing with several ad blockers. Each was evaluated on three main criteria:
The following breakdown highlights which tools stood out in these tests and how they compare across usability, performance, and customization.
| Ad blocker |
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Best Overall |
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CleanWeb |
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Ad Blocker |
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Threat Protection |
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|
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| Best for | YouTube | Unlimited devices | All-in-one online protection | Blocking malicious ads | Lightweight protection | Freemium plans |
| Adblock Tester score | 100/100 | 96/100 | 92/100 | 96/100 | 100/100 | 96/100 |
| Cover Your Tracks score | 2/3 | 0/3 | 2/3 | 2/3 | 2.5/3 | 1/3 |
| Can You Block It score | 3/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 | 2.5/3 |
| Blocks YouTube ads? | Partially | Inconsistently | ||||
| Features | Tracker blocking, whitelisting, malware protection | Tracker blocking, whitelisting, malware blocking, Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Alt ID | Tracker blocking, malware blocking, malware scans, VPN, password manager, antivirus, Safe Browsing | Tracker blocking, whitelisting, malware blocking, malware scans, NordVPN | Tracker blocking, whitelisting, blacklisting, parental controls | Tracker blocking, whitelisting, social media filter, spyware filter |
| Manifest v3 compliance | Unaffected | Unaffected | Unaffected | Unaffected | Created a new compliant extension | Recommends switching to its desktop app |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Get Aura Ad Blocker | Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Get AdGuard | Get AdLock |
The top Chrome ad blockers were chosen according to their ability to freely block all kinds of ads on contrasting web platforms. News websites, general content sites, social media sites, and multimedia platforms were tested.
Free ad blocking ranks equally as high as privacy here, with customization features closely behind.
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
Total Adblock includes almost everything you'd want from an ad blocker. It's easy to use, works diligently in the background, and keeps track of ads blocked, trackers blocked, and data saved.
It offers a limited free version, which still has impressive ad blocking test results, and a worthwhile premium plan with unlimited ad blocking potential — plus you get TotalAV antivirus included at no extra cost.
And the cherry on top is that Total Adblock Premium works great on iOS and Android. The mobile app includes a built-in workaround for blocking ads in the YouTube app.
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Ease of use: Total Adblock only took minutes to set up, and it started blocking ads immediately. I didn't have to do anything after installing the extension, but you can adjust your trusted websites and ad preferences manually if you desire.
Performance: I was impressed by Total Adblock receiving a 100/100 test score from Adblock Tester, which is designed to test how effectively an ad blocker can prevent pop-ups, banner ads, Facebook ads, and much more.
It's also a successful YouTube ad blocker, which is handy following YouTube's latest crackdown on ad blockers — even on mobile.
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Value: Total Adblock's paid plan is only $1.59/mo (billed annually). The Premium plan blocks all ads, removes browser notifications, and comes with an award-winning antivirus, TotalAV.
Limited free plan: As far as free ad blocker extensions go, Total Adblock can be limiting; it excludes the top 15,000 most popular websites, which is basically all of the ones you'll be visiting. I also found that some reviewers had trouble canceling their subscriptions, which is worth noting if you opt for the premium plan. I haven't run into this issue myself.
Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review
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
Surfshark CleanWeb is designed for individuals or households that use multiple devices. Most ad blockers cover only one device, which is a bummer. Surfshark CleanWeb is bundled with the top-rated Surfshark VPN, and one of its best perks is the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices. Surfshark is also great for streaming and browsing, offering broad device compatibility that includes smart TVs.
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Usability: The Surfshark cybersecurity suite is super easy to install and use. The interface has a clean, modern look and intuitive navigation. Other ad blocker bundles, like NordVPN Threat Protection, are clunkier to use. Surfshark makes it easy to access all the advanced features.
Performance: Surfshark CleanWeb is versatile. It's an ad and pop-up blocker that includes data breach alerts and malware alerts, ensuring you're safe as you browse the web. I appreciate the malware alert because it lets me know if I am going to access a malicious website. Plus, it seamlessly blocks video ads, making it one of the best ad blockers for streaming.
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Unlimited devices: This is worth mentioning twice since most ad blockers (and even VPN services) don't offer unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark lets us connect our desktops, smartphones, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. You can even install Surfshark on your home router for ultimate privacy and security.
No standalone ad blocker: CleanWeb comes bundled with Surfshark VPN as part of the Surfshark One Starter plan. So if you want to purchase the ad blocker by itself, you can't. However, Surfshark remains one of the most affordable security suites, making a VPN with an ad blocker a good deal.
Low tracking score: I was unimpressed with CleanWeb's Cover Your Tracks score, which measures how good an ad blocker is at blocking trackers and increasing your anonymity online. While this isn't something that you'll notice while browsing normally, I'd still prefer to see this ad blocker do everything it can to protect us online.
Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Read Our Surfshark CleanWeb Review
Seamlessly blocks banner ads, pop-ups, trackers, malicious sites, and phishing attempts
Base plans include antivirus software, a password manager, a VPN, and Safe Browsing tools
Aura Ad Blocker is best for people who need all-in-one protection. While other ad blocking bundles provide enhanced online protection with a VPN and antivirus software, Aura goes a step further with the inclusion of a password manager. Plus, the Aura Ad Block and Anti-Track extension works seamlessly on Chrome to stop unwanted ads, pop-ups, trackers, and more.
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All-in-one protection: Like Surfshark CleanWeb, Aura Ad Ablocker comes as part of a security bundle that offers a VPN and antivirus software. But unlike other premium ad blockers, Aura includes a password vault that can autofill passwords, generate strong passwords, and alert users of data breaches. Plus, Aura's Safe Browsing tools use AI-powered filtering to protect against malicious websites, phishing attempts, and malware.
Ease of use: Aura packs a punch with the inclusion of advanced online security features, but the clean interface and user-friendly controls make the privacy suite accessible for all skill levels. The ad block and anti-track extension is easy to install on Chrome (as well as Edge or Safari) and provides a clear ad-block counter, so you know that it's working across the web. Additionally, Aura Ad Blocker features a widget that provides quick access to the Safe Browsing tools and password manager.
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Proven ad blocking performance: During our in-house testing, Aura Ad Blocker effectively stopped various unwanted ads (including pop-ups, banner ads, interstitial ads, video ads, and more) as well as invisible trackers and hidden scripts. We weren't expecting Aura to offer a complete ad blocker and were impressed with how it outperformed other premium ad blockers.
Only partially blocked YouTube ads: Most premium ad blockers can stop YouTube video ads completely. For example, Total Adblock will bypass the ad and go straight to the YouTube video. Unfortunately, Aura Ad Blocker only partially blocks YouTube ads. During our in-house testing, Aura successfully blocked autoplay on YouTube, but not the ad from showing or loading. When autoplay was blocked, a timer would appear, counting down to when we could stream our YouTube video. Other times, Aura blocked the YouTube video ad from playing, displaying a static ad screen with a skip option.
Lack of customization: Similarly, premium ad blockers typically offer advanced customization features, such as the ability to whitelist or blacklist websites. Aura Ad Blocker is simplified, making it accessible to most people, and it doesn't offer filter lists, cookie management, acceptable ads, or other advanced features.
Get Aura Ad Blocker | Read Our Aura Ad Blocker Review
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
As far as virtual private networks go, NordVPN is one of the top providers on the market. What you may not know is that NordVPN comes with features beyond a VPN to enhance your cybersecurity. One of those features is NordVPN Threat Protection, formerly known as Cybersec.
Threat Protection is more than just an ad blocker — it also blocks trackers, malware, and phishing scam attempts to keep your device and personal data safe as you browse online.
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Web protection: Unlike other ad blockers, Threat Protection can also scan for and block malware, like adware, phishing, and more. It offers real-time protection, so we received alerts for any suspicious activity regardless of whether I was browsing on my desktop or scrolling on my phone.
Threat Protection even passed my tests for malware detection and phishing detection, proving that Nord will reliably detect and block cyberthreats.
Performance: NordVPN proved to be a formidable opponent of ads during my testing. It received a 96/100 score with AdBlock Tester, with only some small misses in the error monitoring category. It also provided strong protection against trackers according to the Cover Your Tracks test.
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Not affected by MV3: The NordVPN Chrome extension will not be affected by the rollout of Manifest V3.[1] So if you're sold on NordVPN's ad blocker, you won't need to worry about your extension being watered down.
Inconsistent YouTube blocking: Though NordVPN Threat Protection has successfully blocked YouTube ads for us in the past, it's been a few months since its worked.
No standalone ad blocker: Unfortunately, there's no free or standalone version of Threat Protection, and it can only be purchased with NordVPN, which has costs ranging from $3.09–$17.99/mo. This might not be ideal if you're on a budget or if you're only looking for an ad blocker and don't want to install a VPN.
Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review
User-friendly ad blocker that offers broad coverage across browsers and devices without compromising device speed
The free version provides basic extension-only coverage, while the premium plans boast robust app coverage
App plans include parental controls, browsing security, browser assistant, DNS leak protection, and a VPN
If you pay for an ad blocker, it typically only covers one device. AdGuard stands out for its ability to cover three to nine devices, so you can give your entire household an ad-free experience.
With AdGuard, I got a cleaner, more enjoyable browsing experience. It dismisses pop-ups and banner ads, leaving plenty of resources for smooth page loading.
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Broad compatibility: AdGuard has a wide range of compatibility for several operating systems, mobile devices, and browsers. Beyond Chrome, you can use AdGuard on Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera, and Yandex. Plus, with AdGuard Personal, I could cover up to three devices. AdGuard Family is the best deal by far, as it covers up to nine devices for only $3.29/mo (billed annually).
Statistics dashboard: I also like that AdGuard provides plenty of details on how well its blockers perform. The extension panel integrates a statistics tab, allowing me to view a simple graph that shows the number of blocked ads on a website.
MV3 beta extension: Finally, AdGuard has developed a Chrome extension that's compliant with Manifest V3. This beta extension still had high performance scores with the AdBlock Tester and Cover Your Tracks tests.[2]
Advanced stats aren't clear: AdGuard isn't the most user-friendly ad blocker. The statistics tab may be overwhelming for users who just want to block ads, but you can just keep AdGuard going in the background if that's the case.
Get AdGuard | Read Our AdGuard Review
Offers a free extension that's compatible with major browsers and a premium plan with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS compatibility
Effective blocker against follow-along videos, banner ads, YouTube ads, and more
Doesn't share or sell your data with third parties
For a free extension, AdLock proved to be a standout. During our testing, it had a strong Adblock Tester score of 96/100. Although only the Pro plan is supposed to block all types of ads, it looks like the free version comes pretty close.
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Usability: AdLock is another ad blocker we found easy to use. I could easily toggle the app on and off or add exclusions to an "allow list," supporting specific content creators while keeping the rest of my browsing ad-free.
Advanced filters: When testing the paid plan, AdLock’s extension has an integrated spyware filter with rules that stop websites from tracking your activity. AdLock Pro also comes with a social media filter that protects my data from being tracked as I visit Facebook, Instagram, and other social media networks.
Easy to read data policies: I was also impressed by AdLock's transparent privacy policy. It's written in plain language, making it easy for any to read, and it doesn't sell my data, even if I choose the free plan. AdLock only collects data for analytics and usage purposes.
Limited free plan: There's not much to complain about when it comes to AdLock. Some features, like the social media blocker, are only available with paid plans, so that's something to remember when picking your plan.
Limited payment options: I also noticed AdLock only accepts Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, which is limiting if you're looking to pay with other credit cards, payment processors, or even cryptocurrency.
No MV3 support: Unfortunately, AdLock doesn't seem to be developing an extension for Manifest V3. Instead, it suggests you opt for its desktop apps, which require a paid subscription.[3]
Get AdLock | Read Our AdLock Review
uBlock Origin was originally one of our favorite ad blockers for Chrome. It's completely free and open-source, plus endlessly customizable with several filters to block ads, trackers, malware, and other web annoyances.
Unfortunately, uBlock Origin was affected by Google's Manifest V3 update. Having personally used the ad blocker, I noticed it was turned off by Chrome and listed as no longer supported (as of December 2024).
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Although I asked around and it's still working for some people, it looks like Google will actually be taking down uBlock Origin for all its users slowly but surely. That's why I no longer recommend uBlock Origin for Chrome, but I do recommend it for other browsers.
uBlock Origin did develop an extension that's compliant with Manifest V3, but it's just not as effective as the original version. Click here to read our full review of uBlock Origin Lite.
Manifest V3 is Google Chrome's latest browser extension framework. This new framework will limit extensions to just 30,000 rules.
Although this seems like a high number, it's proven to be incredibly limiting to ad blockers. For instance, uBlock Origin used around 300,000 rules so you can block all kinds of ads and trackers.
Thus, extensions created with Manifest V3 will have a more limited feature set and, by extension, less extensive ad-blocking capabilities. Ad blockers with Chrome extensions will either need to create an extension that's compliant with Manifest V3 or develop desktop apps that won't need to work on Chrome. Alternatively, some ad blockers may encourage their users to switch browsers.
We've researched several ad blockers for Chrome to learn more about their action plans for the Manifest V3 update.
| Manifest V3 update | |
|
|
TBD |
|
CleanWeb
|
CleanWeb 2.0 Chrome extension isn't impacted |
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Ad Blocker
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Chrome extension isn't impacted |
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Threat Protection
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Chrome extension isn't impacted |
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Created Manifest V3-compliant extension |
|
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Recommends switching browsers or using its desktop app |
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Created Manifest V3-compliant extension: uBlock Lite |
I put AdGuard and uBlock Origin's newly compliant extensions to the test. See the results for these extensions below:
| AdGuard (MV3 Beta) | uBlock Origin Lite | |
| AdBlock Tester results | 100/100 | 96/100 |
| Cover Your Tracks results | 2.5/3 | 0/3 |
| Does it block YouTube ads? |
AdGuard (MV3 Beta) and uBlock Origin Lite both took some tinkering before they worked at their full potential. Both had AdBlock Tester scores that were about 70/100, but I went into the settings for each and turned on every toggle and checked every filter we could find.
Then, I retested AdGuard (MV3 Beta) and uBlock Origin Lite. Both still maintained perfect AdBlock Tester scores. I was also pleased that both still blocked YouTube ads as well.
When it came to the Cover Your Tracks tests, only AdGuard still blocked trackers. My browser still had a unique fingerprint, but it successfully blocked tracking ads and invisible trackers.
uBlock Origin Lite failed all three Cover Your Tracks tests. Although I hope the extension improves in the future, AdGuard may be the better option if you're looking to stay anonymous online.
uBlock Origin is no longer supported on Chrome, but it developed a Manifest V3-compliant extension, known as uBlock Origin Lite. This version still worked against ads, but failed our anti-tracker testing.
Total Adblock, AdGuard, and AdLock offer a free version. However, the free versions aren't as robust as the premium ad blocker plans and exclude additional security features like antivirus protection, dedicated apps for Windows or Mac, and social media blockers, respectively.
Not completely. Google Chrome includes a built-in ad filter that blocks certain types of intrusive or annoying ads, like autoplay video ads with sound or large sticky banners, based on the Better Ads Standards. However, this filter is not a full ad blocker and allows many ads to still display, especially those served via Google's own ad networks.
To fully block YouTube ads, social media ads, or trackers, you'll need a third-party ad blocker like Total Adblock.
Yes, the best ad blockers offer malware and phishing protection, especially those bundled with security suites that include VPNs, antivirus software, and other advanced security features. We'd recommend checking out Surfshark CleanWeb, Aura Ad Blocker, or NordVPN Threat Protection.
Yes. YouTube has stepped up its efforts to block ad blockers, so many free or older extensions no longer work reliably. Tools like Total Adblock and Surfshark CleanWeb have adapted and continue to block YouTube ads effectively (as of September 2025). However, some, like NordVPN Threat Protection, have shown inconsistent results on YouTube recently. Learn more in our best ad blockers for YouTube page.
Adblock Plus does offer a free extension for Google Chrome. The extension works out of the box and features customizable settings, such as allowing ads from designated accepted advertisers, disabling social media buttons and tracking, and whitelisting specific websites to view their ads.
Yes, using ad blockers is legal in most countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and across Europe. You’re fully within your rights to control what loads in your browser.
However, some websites may detect your ad blocker and request that you disable it in order to access their content. While rare, some platforms (like YouTube) are increasing pressure on users with ad blockers by restricting playback unless the blocker is turned off.
Total Adblock, Surfshark CleanWeb, and Aura Ad Blocker are the best Chrome ad blockers, and there’s good reason for their lofty positions. Beyond offering compatibility with Chrome, they're user-friendly and come with extensive features that allow you to customize your ad-blocking experience and protect yourself from malicious ads.
| Best for | Compatibility | Learn more | |
|
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Best overall | Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Safari | Get Total Adblock |
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| Best for unlimited devices | CleanWeb: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV CleanWeb 2.0: Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
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| Best all-in-one online protection | Ad Block and Anti-Track:Chrome, Edge, Safari |
Get Aura Ad Blocker |
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| Best for blocking malicious ads | Threat Protection: Windows, macOS Threat Protection Lite: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
|
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Best lightweight ad blocker | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari | Get AdGuard |
|
| Best freemium ad-blocker | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari | Get AdLock |
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
[1] Will NordVPN be affected by Manifest V3?
[2] Manifesting change: AdGuard Ad Blocker on MV3 moves from prototype to beta
[3] How Google Killing Ad-Blocking
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