The Best YouTube Ad Blockers in 2024

Skip disruptive pre-roll and mid-roll YouTube ads with these top rated, high-performing ad blockers.
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Our Top Pick

4.9
Editorial Rating
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On Total Adblock's website

Total Adblock
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Best VPN Combo

4.8
Editorial Rating
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On NordVPN Threat Protection's website

NordVPN Threat Protection
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Best Value

4.8
Editorial Rating
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On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website

Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking
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Based on our testing, we’ve found the best YouTube ad blockers include Total Adblock, NordVPN Threat Protection, Surfshark CleanWebAdGuard, and uBlock Origin. These options all flawlessly blocked YouTube ads as well as bypassed the site's ad blocker detection.

You know there’s nothing more annoying than pesky ads interrupting your YouTube experience. And now even if you use an ad blocker, YouTube has started displaying pop-ups before videos warning users that ad blockers violate YouTube's terms of service. You’re prompted to either view the YouTube ads or pay for a YouTube Premium subscription.

If you're looking for a third option, we’ll cover the best YouTube ad blockers based on their customizable settings, user experience, and ease of use. 

In this article
The best ad blockers for YouTube
How we tested the best ad blockers for YouTube
Total Adblock: Best for ease of use
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for blocking malicious ads
Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for multiple devices
AdGuard: Best for personalized ad blocking
uBlock Origin: Best for simplified ad blocking
Honorable mentions
FAQs
Bottom line: The best ad blockers for YouTube

The best ad blockers for YouTube 2024

Top 5 ad blockers for YouTube compared

Ad blocker


Threat Protection

CleanWeb




Compatibility Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Android, iOS Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, FireTV macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, Yandex Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (prior to 13), Opera, Chromium
Features Whitelisting, malicious website blocking, third-party tracker blocking VPN, malware scans, blocks infected files VPN, data breach alert, malware alert DNS protection, stealth mode, phishing, malware protection Open source, content blocker, advanced privacy filters, EasyList filters
Price Free or $1.59/mo (billed annually) $3.39–$15.99/mo $2.19-$17.95/mo Free-$5.49/mo Free
Free version available
Learn more Get Total Adblock

Read Total Adblock Review

Get NordVPN Threat Protection

Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review

Get Surfshark CleanWeb

Read Surfshark CleanWeb Review

Get AdGuard

Read AdGuard Review

Get uBlock Origin

Read uBlock Origin Review

Unfortunately, all of the ad blockers we found were unable to block ads inside the YouTube mobile app. To minimize ads on a mobile device, use a web browser with an ad-blocker extension enabled. Total Adblock also allows you to open YouTube ads within its own mobile app to watch them ad-free.

If you’re using an iPhone, you can download one of these ad blockers from the Apple App Store, and then enable the ad blocker as an extension in Safari. If you're using an Android device, you'll need to download an ad blocker add-on for Mozilla Firefox.

How we tested the best ad blockers for YouTube

We tested the ad blocker browser extensions as well as any Windows, macOS, or iOS applications that the ad blocker offered. All tests were done on a MacBook Air, Windows laptop, and an iPhone 13.

The tests were done by turning the ad blocker on and off while watching various YouTube channels, and we also looked at websites such as Forbes to see how effectively they blocked ads on other platforms.

Here are the main factors we focused on when determining the best ad blockers for YouTube:

  • Ease of installation: How easy was it to add the ad blocker to our browser? How easy was it to install any desktop or mobile apps?
  • Setup and customization: Was the setup process easy? Did the ad blocker allow you to customize how it performed and what ads it blocked?
  • Effectiveness in blocking browser ads: How successful was the ad blocker in limiting or removing ads while browsing the internet?
  • Effectiveness in blocking YouTube ads: Was the ad blocker able to block ads while watching YouTube in a browser? Was it able to block ads while using the YouTube app?
  • Additional features: What additional features did the ad blocker offer on top of ad blocking?

Total Adblock: Best for ease of use

Best Basic Adblocker — Including YouTube Video Ads
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Total Adblock's website
Ad Blocker
Total Adblock
Special deal: Save 80% off
  • 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

Total Adblock is a top-performing, easy-to-use ad blocker from the makers of TotalAV Antivirus. It took us less than five minutes to complete the setup process, and once it was installed, we found that we didn’t need to do anything else with the app. The extension provides a counter with how many adverts and trackers it’s blocked for you, so you can check in on how well it’s working.

From our most recent round of testing, Total Adblock received an AdBlock Tester score of 100/100. With Total Adblock, you can rest assured that you have a hands-free application that blocks all kinds of ads in the background as you surf the web.

Total Adblock's dropdown browser extension with statistics on total ads blocked, trackers blocked, load times and data saved.
Total Adblock stops trackers and video ads on YouTube.

What we liked

When testing Total Adblock with YouTube, we liked that all we had to do was turn the toggle on from the browser extension. Even with Total Adblock toggled on, YouTube didn’t warn us about using the ad blocker, which was reassuring.

You can open the extension on your browser and see how many ads you’ve blocked, trackers you’ve blocked, and even how much data you saved.

With Total Adblock turned on, we were able to watch our YouTube video without ad interruptions.

To block YouTube ads on Total Adblock’s mobile app, all you need to do is open the YouTube video you wish to watch, hit Share, and then share the link with the Total Adblock app. From there, you’ll open the YouTube video in the app away from YouTube’s relentless autoplay video ads.

We also like that Total Adblock has whitelist functionality, so you can allow ads on websites if you want to support your favorite content creators. In the Settings menu, you just need to select Acceptable Ads and enter the websites you wish to whitelist.

What we didn’t like

Although Total Adblock’s free version is a powerful tool, it excludes the top 15,000 ads listed on Alexa.com. This could be frustrating if you’re looking for a comprehensive ad-blocking experience. The free version also prompted us to upgrade to premium with multiple pop-ups, which is ironic considering it’s an ad blocker.

Total Adblock pros and cons

Pros
  • Easy setup process
  • Blocks YouTube ads and YouTube anti-ad blocker
  • Allows for blocking YouTube ads on mobile
Cons
  • Free version excludes top 15,000 ads
  • Annoying pop-ups prompt you to upgrade to premium

Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review

NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for blocking malicious ads

Enjoy Privacy and Security Even When Not Connected to a VPN
4.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN Threat Protection's website
Ad Blocker
NordVPN Threat Protection
Save up to 72%
  • 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

NordVPN frequently tops lists of the best VPNs for numerous reasons, one of them being its plentiful bonus features. One of those features is NordVPN Threat Protection, formerly known as Cybersec.

On top of blocking YouTube ads, Threat Protection can block trackers, infected files, malicious websites, and tracking URLs, so you can keep your devices safe from all types of cyberthreats all with one app.

What we liked

NordVPN Threat Protection is more than just an ad blocker; it also blocks trackers and malware. After performing an EICAR test, we were pleased to see Threat Protection pass malware detection and phishing detection tests. It also received impressive ad blocking and tracker blocking test scores. If you’re looking for a product that can tackle multiple cybersecurity needs, then NordVPN with Threat Protection may be the choice for you.

Beyond blocking ads, we like that NordVPN, combined with the Threat Protection feature, is a good option for a comprehensive cybersecurity suite. With a VPN, you can encrypt your internet connection to make yourself anonymous online, protecting you from hackers and other cyber threats. Threat Protection scans downloaded files for malware and blocks malicious websites.

NordVPN Threat Protection's settings allow you toggle on and off different levels of protection,
NordVPN Threat Protection

What we didn’t like

Threat Protection is great for some antivirus needs, but it's not the most comprehensive. It lacks a standalone firewall, so you'll probably need to buy a firewall separately or even opt for a full antivirus program.  

NordVPN can also be expensive, depending on your personal budget. Plans range from $3.59–$15.99/mo based on which plan tier you choose and how long you want to pay for a subscription. If you’re looking for just an ad blocker, you may be better off with something like Total Adblock.

NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons

Pros
  • Blocks malware as well as ads and trackers
  • Part of NordVPN
Cons
  • Subscriptions can be expensive
  • Lacks a dedicated firewall

Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review

Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for multiple devices

Comprehensive Ad Blocking Online and in Apps + VPN Connection
4.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website
Ad Blocker
Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking
Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra
  • 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 is one of the newer virtual private networks (VPNs) on the market, but it's quickly become one of the top contenders. It's affordable, allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, and comes with lots of features like CleanWeb.

By hitting a simple toggle on the Surfshark dashboard, CleanWeb can block ads, trackers, and malware. The upgraded version, CleanWeb 2.0, can also block YouTube ads and cookie pop-ups, and it provides alerts for data breaches and malware. 

What we liked

Surfshark CleanWeb netted a high 98/100 score with Adblock Tester, only losing a handful of points on the contextual advertising section (though these received "Most likely passed" statuses). It boasts blocking intrusive ads, pop-ups, and cookie requests, so we're glad our testing backed up these claims. 

A TinyDesk Concert on YouTube. The Chrome extension for Surfshark shows that CleanWeb is on.
Surfshark CleanWeb blocks trackers and ads, including YouTube video ads

We were also impressed that CleanWeb 2.0 can block ads not just on YouTube but also on streaming services, even from a FireTV. Once we had Surfshark's browser extension installed, all we had to do was hit a button to turn on its blocking capabilities. It even works without a Surfshark VPN connection. 

We love Surfshark because it's budget-friendly, with its starting price at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) for a two-year plan. It also allows for unlimited device connections, so you can block ads and encrypt your connection on as many devices as you like.

What we didn’t like

Although Surfshark has apps for macOS and iOS, we were bummed to find that CleanWeb 2.0 doesn't have an extension for Safari. Apple users will need to either use a different browser or stick with the original CleanWeb's capabilities, which unfortunately can't block YouTube ads. 

We're also wary of Surfshark's headquarters in The Netherlands, which is part of the 9 Eyes alliance. Although Surfshark has a no-logs policy that's been audited by a third party, being based in the Eyes alliances means it could be forced to cooperate with its global surveillance programs. 

Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons

Pros
  • Blocks video ads on YouTube and streaming services
  • High ad-blocking score
  • Works without Surfshark VPN connection
Cons
  • No Safari extension
  • Based in a 9 Eyes alliance country

Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Read Our Surfshark CleanWeb Review

AdGuard: Best for personalized ad blocking

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On AdGuard Ad Blocker's website
Ad Blocker
AdGuard Ad Blocker
  • 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
  • Ad-blocking statistics can be hard to interpret

AdGuard is a great solution for stopping ads when watching your favorite YouTube channel or browsing the internet. It allows you to personalize your ad blocker to meet your specialized needs, such as blocking chatbots or removing context-based ads.

Before turning on AdGuard, we were inundated with a variety of YouTube ads. When we tested AdGuard while using YouTube, all of those ads were blocked.

AdGuard offers a Windows and Mac desktop app and extensions for your favorite browsers. We tested the desktop app and the browser extensions in Chrome and Safari, and we saw the same results: no ads.

In addition, we tested AdGuard’s mobile app while browsing YouTube in Safari. The Safari extension was effective in blocking YouTube ads on mobile, but it doesn’t work on the YouTube app.

What we liked

AdGuard offered additional features we appreciated. When you first download the product, you can go through a series of questions to customize your experience.

We downloaded the AdGuard application on a MacBook Air and the Chrome browser extension. From our testing, it looked like they worked interchangeably. If you turn off the ad blocker from Chrome, it turns it off in the application, too — a nice feature so you don’t have to open multiple things for the same result.

AdGuard’s Chrome extension was effective in removing multiple types of ads, such as pop-up ads and chatbots. We also tested the macOS application when using Safari and saw the same results. We used AdGuard while watching a few videos on YouTube and were pleasantly surprised not to encounter ads while using the platform. AdGuard was able to remove pop-up ads, video ads, and ads embedded in the sections of videos to watch next.

When we turned AdGuard on, we saw no ads in our YouTube videos.

The AdGuard app also provides statistics on its effectiveness, which we found both entertaining and enlightening. AdGuard shows you how many ads, trackers, and threats it blocked, as well as how much bandwidth was saved by not downloading those ads.

What we didn’t like

We really enjoyed AdGuard and its user interface. Though AdGuard doesn’t have a slew of fancy extras, if you’re just looking for a quality ad blocker for YouTube, it won’t disappoint.

AdGuard has a desktop app, but if you don’t want to install that, you have to install the AdGuard extension on each browser you’d like to use. If you oscillate between Chrome and Safari, you’ll need the extension on both. You can avoid this by installing the desktop app, which is available on macOS and Windows.

AdGuard on iOS is only available while using Safari. It doesn't offer a Chrome extension that blocks ads on a mobile device.

AdGuard pros and cons

Pros
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Offers browser extensions and OS applications
  • Simple to customize to your preferences
Cons
  • Must install on each browser unless using the desktop application
  • No Chrome extension for mobile

Get AdGuardRead Our AdGuard Review

uBlock Origin: Best for simplified ad blocking

uBlock Origin is an open-source solution to ad blocking. You won’t find as fancy of a user interface as other ad blockers, but if you’re looking for a simple ad blocker without worrying about extra features, uBlock Origin is a great solution. uBlock also offers an EasyList feature where users can specify filtering options for various sites. Blocking ads can have negative effects on websites that rely on ad revenue to survive, so you may have sites you want to keep ads on to help support the business financially.

What we liked

We appreciated the simplicity of uBlock Origin. It’s easy to turn service on and off when directly in a browser. We also saw great results; no pre-roll, mid-roll, or pop-up ads were displayed when we used uBlock Origin while streaming YouTube channels, and we didn’t have any issues with ads while browsing the web either.

When watching different YouTube channels in Chrome and Safari, we didn’t see any pop-up ads, in-video ads, or other kinds of ads. It seamlessly removed all the ads as we watched.

We also like that uBlock Origin is an open-source platform. Applications with open-source code often give transparency into vulnerabilities that can be found and fixed quickly. uBlock Origin also has advanced settings that allow users to customize the ad-blocking features. However, these are focused more on power users who understand how to manage and change these settings. These advanced users can find the open-source code for uBlock Origin on GitHub.

What we didn’t like

uBlock Origin was more difficult than other solutions when it comes to customizing your ad blocker. Other ad blockers walk you through setting up your preferences or have an easier user interface for navigating the settings.

uBlock Origin doesn’t have the user interface you’d expect. You can customize uBlock Origin’s ad-blocking behavior, but it is easier if you’re more of an advanced user.

UBlock Origin's customization settings.

uBlock Origin also only offers browser extensions, so you will not be able to download an app for your desktop or mobile device.

uBlock Origin pros and cons

Pros
  • Open-source for transparent security
  • Quality content blocker
  • Easy to turn the ad blocker on and off
Cons
  • User interface is lackluster
  • Only has browser extensions, no desktop or mobile apps

Read Our uBlock Origin Review

Honorable mentions

If our top options didn't draw your attention, you can consider one of the following ad blocker alternatives we've tested:

  • AdLock: AdLock blocks most ads with just its free extension, which doesn't sell your data. It also checks potentially harmful links, hides your data, and tracks spyware and bugs to protect your device.

    Get AdLockRead Our AdLock Review

    4.8
    Editorial Rating
    Learn More
    On AdLock's website
    Ad Blocker
    AdLock
    • 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
    • Social media and spyware blockers only available on paid tier

  • Adblock Plus: AdBlock is a user-friendly free tool that received solid ad-blocking scores during our testing. It also offers a Premium subscription that can block additional nuisances like site notifications, survey requests, and floating videos.

    Read Our Adblock Plus Review

  • Adblocker Ultimate: Adblocker Ultimate is a solid option for blocking all types of ads. It can block text ads, banner ads, overlay ads, and more.

    Read Our Adblocker Ultimate Review

FAQs


+

Will an ad blocker work on YouTube?

Yes, an ad blocker like Total Adblock will work on YouTube to minimize or remove all ads, including pre-roll ads, banner ads, and more. 


+

Is there a YouTube ad blocker that works with Chrome?

Yes, there are many ad blockers with a Google Chrome extension, including Total Adblock, AdGuard, and uBlock Origin. NordVPN Threat Protection and Surfshark CleanWeb also have Chrome extensions that allow you to use their ad-blocking features. 


+

Does AdBlock still work on YouTube?

Yes, AdBlock still works on YouTube. To use AdBlock, watch YouTube from inside a browser with the ad blocker installed.

Bottom line: The best ad blockers for YouTube

If you're looking for the best YouTube ad blockers, we've found five great options that can improve your overall browsing experience.

  • We loved the ease of use offered by Total Adblock
  • NordVPN Threat Protection provides comprehensive cybersecurity by tackling ads, trackers, and malware with ease
  • Surfshark CleanWeb allows for unlimited device connections, so you can block ads on every device you own
  • AdGuard does a great job of walking you through different privacy settings so you can customize your ad blocking to your liking
  • uBlock Origin is an excellent free option for seamlessly blocking ads on nearly all sites, including YouTube

You can also learn more about other ways to obtain an ad-free YouTube experience, such as investing in a YouTube Premium subscription.

5 best ad blockers for YouTube 2024

Best for Compatibility Learn more

Best for ease of use Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Android, iOS Get Total Adblock

Read Total Adblock Review


Threat Protection
Best for blocking malicious ads Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux Get NordVPN Threat Protection

Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review


CleanWeb
Best for multiple devices Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, FireTV Get Surfshark CleanWeb

Read Surfshark CleanWeb Review


Best for personalized ad blocking macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, Yandex Get AdGuard

Read AdGuard Review


Best for simplified ad blocking Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (prior to 13), Opera, Chromium Get uBlock Origin

Read uBlock Origin Review

Best Basic Adblocker — Including YouTube Video Ads
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Total Adblock's website
Ad Blocker
Total Adblock
Special deal: Save 80% off
  • 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
Author Details
Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.