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Best for comprehensive ad blocking
Best for online privacy
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Stops intrusive ads before they can even load, improving browsing experience and speed
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Identifies malware-ridden files and protects against visiting malicious websites
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Encrypts your data and blocks third-party trackers for increased security and privacy
Although Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection are two of our top ad blocker recommendations, we believe Total Adblock is the stronger product between the two.
Total Adblock is best for simple and robust ad blocking features, along with award-winning antivirus protection. It earns perfect scores on all of our blocking tests and even works against relentless YouTube ads.
On the other hand, NordVPN Threat Protection offers advanced online privacy with the inclusion of NordVPN.
We delve into the specifics of each product, comparing their costs, features, and effectiveness based on comprehensive testing to help you decide which ad blocker best fits your online lifestyle.
Prices
Features
Test results
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection: Which is better?
Alternatives
Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection compared
- Total Adblock: Best for comprehensive ad blocking
- NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for online privacy
Our Pick |
| |
| Price | $1.59/mo | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
| Ads blocked on Forbes | 8 | 21 |
| Does it block YouTube ads? | ||
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Safari | Threat Protection: Windows, macOS
Threat Protection Lite: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Mobile compatibility | Android, iOS | Threat Protection Lite: Android, iOS |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Total Adblock pros and cons
Both Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection provide robust solutions to intrusive ads and trackers, but they each have unique strengths.
Total Adblock is particularly effective for eliminating pop-ups and video ads on popular platforms like YouTube. It's optimized for personal use where straightforward ad blocking is the priority, especially on mobile devices and mainstream browsers.
- Effective at blocking pop-ups and video ads
- Browser extension and mobile app are easy to install and set up
- Includes a free version for Android and iOS devices
- Bonus inclusions of TotalAV antivirus software
- Free version excludes the top 15,000 websites
- Annoying pop-ups prompt you to upgrade to premium
NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons
On the other hand, NordVPN Threat Protection offers a comprehensive suite suitable for users who need an integrated solution that not only blocks ads, but also provides additional security features (like malware protection and advanced privacy tools) across multiple devices and operating systems.
- Compatibility across multiple devices and operating systems
- Extensive online security and privacy protections
- Part of the NordVPN security suite
- Bundled protection costs more than a standalone ad blocker
- No longer blocks YouTube video ads
Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection: value
Our Pick |
| |
| Price range | $1.59/mo | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 12-month plan for $1.59/mo | 2-year plan for $3.89/mo |
| Free version available | ||
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Total Adblock provides a straightforward pricing structure with a free version and a premium plan priced at $1.59/mo when billed annually.
This premium option is particularly appealing for its extra features, like:
- Comprehensive ad blocking capabilities across all websites (unlike the free version, which limits blocking to non-top 15,000 Alexa-ranked sites)
- Inclusion of TotalAV antivirus and WebShield for real-time phishing and malware protection
NordVPN Threat Protection, on the other hand, is part of a broader suite of cybersecurity tools available through various NordVPN plans. These range from $2.99–$17.99/mo, depending on the length of commitment and the plan tier chosen.
The best value is arguably found in the two-year plan at $3.89/mo under the Plus tier, which includes Threat Protection Pro, NordVPN, a password manager, and more.
Both services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing flexibility and reassurance to test the services risk-free.
Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection: features
Our Pick |
| |
| Whitelisting | ||
| Blacklisting | ||
| Malicious ad warning | ||
| Ads blocked counter | ||
| Paywall blocker | ||
| Blocks pop-up ads | ||
| Blocks trackers | ||
| Blocks video ads | ||
| Blocks banner ads | ||
| Blocks push ads | ||
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Total Adblock focuses primarily on ad blocking capabilities. It includes essential features like blocking:
- Pop-ups
- Video ads
- Banner ads
- Trackers to prevent websites from monitoring your online activities
A standout feature is its whitelisting capability, which allows you to support your favorite websites by selectively enabling ads. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to ensure that content creators and news sites they care about can still generate revenue.
But for an affordable starting rate, Total Adblock also includes the award-winning TotalAV antivirus protection. TotalAV offers real-time protection from viruses, malware, and malicious websites, data breach alerts, and a suite of performance optimization tools.
NordVPN Threat Protection provides a more comprehensive data security solution. While it offers similar ad blocking and tracking prevention capabilities, it also includes:
- Malware protection
- Phishing protection
- Real-time internet security monitoring
Its real-time protection scans downloaded files for malware, enhancing user safety during internet browsing and file transfers. There's also the email protection feature, which monitors your Gmail and Yahoo inboxes for suspicious links and files.
NordVPN Threat Protection also comes bundled with NordVPN, a virtual private network (VPN). NordVPN helps to safeguard your identity by hiding your real IP address and encrypting your internet traffic.
Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection: test results
Our Pick |
| |
| AdBlock Tester score | 100/100 | 86/100 |
| Can You Block It score | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| YouTube ads blocked | ||
| Paywalls blocked | ||
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
In our testing, both Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection demonstrated strong capabilities in blocking unwanted content, but Total Adblock was the true winner.
Total Adblock achieved a score of 100/100 on AdBlock Tester, a third-party tester. This indicates its effectiveness in blocking contextual advertising, analytics tools, banner advertising, and error monitoring.
It also successfully blocked all ads on YouTube and passed the Can You Block It test with flying colors, scoring 3/3.
On the other hand, NordVPN Threat Protection struggled with some AdBlock Tester categories. It failed tests under the analytics tools and error monitoring categories.
NordVPN Threat Protection received the same Can You Block It score when we tested it on our MacBook, but it failed to block interstitial ads on our PC.
But unlike Total Adblock, NordVPN Threat Protection doesn't effectively block YouTube ads.
Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection: compatibility and customer support
|
Our Pick | |
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | Yes (Lite) | |
| iOS | Yes (Lite) | |
| Linux | Yes (Lite) | |
| Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, phone, email, online guides | Live chat, phone, email, online guides |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection both offer broad compatibility across major operating systems, but they each bring distinct nuances to the table that might sway user preference.
Total Adblock provides seamless integration with popular browsers, making it highly accessible for the typical user. These include:
However, Total Adblock does not offer compatibility with Linux, which could be a limiting factor for users operating on that platform.
Its interface is straightforward, ensuring users can easily find settings and adjust ad blocking preferences as needed. Customer support is robust, including 24/7 access via multiple channels such as email, phone, and comprehensive online guides.
NordVPN's Threat Protection offers a more versatile approach with its dual offerings:
- Threat Protection: Includes malware scanning and advanced ad blocking capabilities, suitable for desktop users on Windows and macOS without requiring a VPN connection
- Threat Protection Lite: Designed for Linux, Android, and iOS, extending basic ad blocking and security features but necessitating a VPN connection
NordVPN also excels in customer support, providing extensive options including 24/7 live chat, phone support, and a wealth of online resources, which are crucial for addressing user issues promptly and effectively.
Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection alternatives
Both Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection are featured on our list of the best ad blockers. But if neither of these services meet your needs, consider one of our other alternatives.
Surfshark CleanWeb is part of the Surfshark VPN service, providing not only ad blocking but also protection against malware, trackers, and phishing attempts. It's an excellent choice for those who want VPN functionality combined with robust online protection.
Aura Ad Blocker seamlessly blocks banner ads, pop-ups, trackers, and more. Its base plans include antivirus software and a VPN, but you can also purchase a full identity theft protection service from Aura to use this blocker.
| Ad blocker | ![]() Total Adblock |
![]() Surfshark CleanWeb |
![]() Aura Ad Block and Anti-Track |
![]() NordVPN Threat Protection Pro |
| Best for | Best for blocking YouTube ads | Best for unlimited devices | Best for identity protection | Best for safe browsing |
| Lowest starting price | Starts at $1.59/mo | Starts at $3.19/mo | Starts at $1.67/mo | Starts at $5.49/mo |
| Blocks YouTube ads | ||||
| Included extras | TotalAV | Surfshark VPN, Alternative ID | antivirus, password manager, VPN | NordVPN, NordPass, scam call protection |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking | Get Aura Ad Blocker | Get NordVPN Threat Protection Pro |
Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection: Which is better?
Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection each offer unique advantages tailored to different user needs, but we recommend Total Adblock for most users.
For users primarily looking for robust ad blocking across multiple devices and browsers without the need for extensive security features, Total Adblock is the better choice due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Plus, you also get to try out TotalAV antivirus software for a low first-year starting rate.
NordVPN Threat Protection is a solid security bundle because it includes NordVPN, but it's not the better ad blocker. For those who require a more comprehensive security solution that includes advanced protection features alongside ad blocking, NordVPN Threat Protection is the superior option, especially given its versatility and extensive customer support.
FAQs
Is Total Adblock legit?
Yes, Total Adblock is a legitimate tool that effectively blocks a wide range of ads across many websites and platforms, enhancing the browsing experience. In fact, it's one of the best ad blockers we've tested.
Is there a downside to Total Adblock?
The main downside to Total Adblock is the limited free version. If you don’t purchase a premium plan, its effectiveness is reduced on websites ranked in the top 15,000 on Alexa.
Is NordVPN Threat Protection any good?
NordVPN Threat Protection is highly effective, offering comprehensive security features such as malware scanning, ad blocking, and real-time protection against phishing and other cyberthreats.
Does NordVPN Threat Protection block ads?
Yes, NordVPN Threat Protection blocks ads effectively. It includes an ad blocker as part of its suite of tools to enhance online security and improve users’ browsing experience.
However, during recent repeat testing, it was unable to block YouTube video ads. We recommend using an ad blocker like Total Adblock for a seamless YouTube experience.



