How To Block Reddit Ads in the App and on a Desktop

There are a number of ways to block Reddit ads, both on the desktop or in the Reddit app, but the best way is with an ad blocker. The ads that appear after seemingly every post on Reddit can become an annoyance or worse.

The best ad blockers are user friendly and usually work seamlessly in the background after their initial setup. As a bonus, they usually come with versions that work on your phone’s browser, and also have other useful features like built-in virtual private networks (VPNs) or antivirus software.

Here’s how to block ads on Reddit to ensure a comfortable, unobtrusive browsing experience.

How to block ads on Reddit

If you’re tech savvy, there are ways to create your own white and black lists to avoid the code for ads on websites. If you aren’t a developer (and most of us aren’t), you can get the same results with an ad blocker. A good ad blocker works by stopping ads on the page as well as follow-up ads, video ads, and other pop-ups. Below are some of our favorites.

• Total Adblock: This component of the Total Security suite can be purchased separately or as part of the Total Security package. With it you can list what sites you want to block ads on and which are acceptable, so you can still support your favorite creators with ad revenue.
   
  Best Overall Adblocker — Including YouTube Video Ads

  

  4.9

  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.

  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
  
  Get Total Adblock | Read Total Adblock Review
• NordVPN Threat Protection: There are a lot of great features that come with NordVPN, and Threat Protection is definitely one of them. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites but can also scan downloads and assess apps for malware or security risks.
   
  Enjoy Privacy and Security Even When Not Connected to a VPN

  

  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.

  Editorial Rating

  Learn More

  On NordVPN Threat Protection's website

  Ad Blocker

  NordVPN Threat Protection

  BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 72% off + 3 months extra

  • 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
  
  Get Threat Protection | Read Threat Protection Review
• Surfshark CleanWeb: As part of Surfshark’s security suite, which includes antivirus and a VPN, CleanWeb stops ads, trackers, and malware. It will take care of all of the pesky and potentially dangerous ads online, but it can even block ads on smart TVs and deny cookie requests without you needing to do anything.
   
  Comprehensive Ad Blocking Online and in Apps + VPN Connection

  

  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.

  Editorial Rating

  Learn More

  On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website

  Ad Blocker

  Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking

  BLACK FRIDAY: 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
  
  Get CleanWeb | Read CleanWeb Review

How to block ads on the Reddit app

Blocking ads within an app on your phone can be tricky, so they require a workaround. Though some ad blockers, like Surfshark CleanWeb, claim they can block ads in other apps, we’ve found that technology is still buggy in most instances.

Some countries, like Russia, outlaw in-app ads, so some users on Reddit have mentioned finding success using a VPN set to that country to eliminate ads. Since data laws are usually dicey in those areas, you may not want to take that route.

Instead, what you can do is use your Android or iOS browser to access Reddit and install an ad blocker there.

1. First, you’ll want to get an ad blocker that works with your phone’s operating system. Here are the best ad blockers for iPhones and the best ad blockers for Androids.
2. Next, you’ll follow your software’s instructions for installing browser extensions.
3. Enable the extension.
4. Exit the browser and reopen it to make sure all the changes were applied successfully.
5. Finally, you can set it as a shortcut on your main screen so it opens like an app.

To set a shortcut on Safari:

1. Open Safari
2. Tap the Bookmark icon at the bottom of the screen (the box with the up arrow)
3. Tap “Add To Homescreen”
4. Name your shortcut

To set a shortcut on Android:

1. Open Chrome
2. Tap the Menu icon (the three dots in the upper right corner)
3. Tap” Add To Homescreen”
4. Name your shortcut

Block ads with Reddit Premium

Like most apps, Reddit has a subscription model that allows you to bypass ads and gives you little perks along with it.

Reddit Premium offers users an ad-free experience as well as other features. If you’re a Reddit regular, this may be worth it so you can skip the ads and get different customization options.

You can purchase Reddit Premium monthly for $5.99 or with an annual subscription of $49.99. With this price tag comes these features:

• No ads
• Exclusive Avatar gear
• Members lounge
• Custom app icons

Can I block Reddit ads with DNS?

A popular suggestion for blocking ads is to change your DNS server to Adguard's DNS, or use a similar DNS filtering method. The claim is that this will add a block at the DNS level and prevent ads from ever loading. While it sounds like it could be a viable solution, unfortunately, it's not reliable or very effective.

Typically, ads you see on a page are hosted by an external site. DNS filtering works by checking the domain of the ad against a database of known sites that serve ads. This may work for some ads, but it won't prevent ads that are coming from an unfamiliar domain or even ads hosted directly on the site you're visiting.

Using an ad-blocker is a much more effective method. You don't need to change any DNS settings and it's more likely to actually block the ads you don't want to see.

Blocking ads on Reddit FAQ

Bottom line

Yes, ads can be annoying, but there’s also the potential for them to be dangerous. Some can be laced with malware, and some could take you to fraudulent sites rife with phishing attempts. Whatever your reason for blocking ads, we’re with you.

The best ad blockers for Reddit are easy to use and are installed as browser extensions for use all across the web. An ad blocker saves you the yearly fee of Reddit Premium while also keeping your experience seamless.