Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb 2024: Which Is Best For Your Ad Blocking Needs?
How does Surfshark CleanWeb stand up against the popular Total Adblock? We did the research to find out.
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Last updated Aug 30, 2024
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Best for ad blocking
/images/2023/03/01/logo-total-adblock.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Total Adblock's website
Total Adblock
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Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
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Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
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Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
Best for overall security suite
/images/2023/05/18/surfshark_pos_240px.png)
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website
Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking
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Blocks ads, banners, and pop-ups on your browser and apps, including smart TVs
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Enjoy boosted browsing speeds and save money on mobile data with its effective ad-blocking capabilities
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Added benefit of a VPN to encrypt your data, hide your IP address, avoid phishing scams, and minimize malware risks
Total Adblock and Surfshark CleanWeb are both effective ad blockers that also come with extra options if you pay a bit more. But if your main priority is ad blocking, then Total Adblock is the better option.
Here’s everything you need to know about Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb so you can find the best ad blocker for you.
In this article
Overview comparisonPrices
Features
Test results
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Which is better?
Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb compared
While Surfshark CleanWeb is an addition to all the other services you get with a Surfshark subscription, Total Adblock can be purchased as a standalone product. It even has a free version you can use (though it’s limited in what ads you can block).
That said, Total Adblock does offer you the option to upgrade to premium, which also includes access to one of the top-rated antivirus programs around — Total AV.
- Total Adblock: Best for ad blocking
- Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for overall security suite
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 |
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| Best for | Ad blocking | Overall security suite |
| Price | From Free | From $17.95/mo |
| Ads blocked on Forbes | 12 | 24 |
| Does it block YouTube ads? | ||
| Compatibility | Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Windows, macOS, Linux, FireTV |
| Mobile compatibility | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
Total Adblock pros and cons
Pros
- Free plan available
- 100/100 AdBlock Tester score
- Blocks YouTube ads
Cons
- Free version excludes popular websites
Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons
Pros
- Includes VPN solution
- Affordable monthly cost
- Browser extensions and device protection
Cons
- Can’t purchase CleanWeb standalone
- Month-to-month cost is high
Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb: Prices
|
Our Pick |
|
| Price range | Free or $1.59/mo | $1.99-$20.65/mo |
| Best value plan | 1-year plan for $1.59/mo (billed annually) | 24-month plan for $1.99/mo (billed every two years) |
| Free version available | ||
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
Total Adblock and Surfshark CleanWeb have vastly different prices and subscriptions. Adblock offers a free plan or an annual subscription for $1.59/mo (billed annually). While on the other hand, Surfshark CleanWeb is part of Surfshark’s overall VPN solution which can cost as little as $1.99/mo (billed every two years) with a 2-year commitment.
Just keep in mind that Total Adblock’s price is a special discount for the first year. After that, you’ll be paying $99 per year, which is $8.25/mo.
Winner: From a price perspective and the value you receive, Surfshark is the definite winner. Not only do you get access to the ad blocker, but you also get additional security from the VPN.
Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb: Features
Our Pick |
|
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| Whitelisting | ||
| Blacklisting | ||
| Ads blocked counter | ||
| Paywall blocker | ||
| Block pop-up ads | ||
| Block tracking | ||
| Block video ads | ||
| Block banner ads | ||
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
Surfshark CleanWeb and Total Adblock both offer similar services to help you avoid unwanted ads.
While using an ad blocker, you may want to allow some ads to appear, especially if you’re accessing a website that runs on ad revenue to exist. Both Total Adblock and Surfshark allow you to whitelist sites — or give their ads the OK to show up.
/images/2024/05/10/total-adblock-price-acceptable-notifications.02.png)
In order to whitelist a site with Surfshark, you’ll have to whitelist the site inside the VPN by using the Bypasser feature. However, this is available only on Android and Windows devices.
Total Adblock and Surfshark CleanWeb are effective at blocking video ads, banner ads, and pop-ups. However, there are a few items that Total Adblock can do that Surfshark CleanWeb cannot. This includes blocking tracking from websites.
Neither Surfshark CleanWeb nor Total Adblock are able to bypass paywalls.
Winner: Total Adblock is more effective at blocking different types of ads when compared to Surfshark CleanWeb.
Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb: Test results
Our Pick |
|
|
| Adblock Tester score | 100/100 | 98/100 |
| Cover Your Tracks score | 2/3 | 0.5/3 |
| Can You Block It score | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| YouTube ads blocked | ||
| Paywalls blocked | ||
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
Overall, Total Adblock performed better than Surfshark CleanWeb during our testing. When we analyze the effectiveness of ad blockers, we look at several different factors.
Total Adblock scored 100/100 when we used the AdBlock Tester. This testing tool allows us to rate ad blockers on several different levels, including contextual advertising, Google AdSense, banner advertising, and more. Surfshark CleanWeb still received high scores on this test, but lower than Total Adblock at 98/100.
Another test we use to assess an ad blocker is Cover Your Tracks. This test evaluates how trackers view your browser and how effectively they can follow your activity. Surfshark CleanWeb’s score on the Cover Your Tracks test was disappointing, with 0.5/3. Total Adblock did better but still had room to improve with 2/3.
Total Adblock and Surfshark CleanWeb are tied when it comes to the Can You Block It test. They both got a perfect 3/3 score. They both also were able to block ads inside of YouTube.
Winner: Overall, Total Adblock received higher scores than Surfshark CleanWeb as an effective ad block solution.
Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb Compatibility and customer support
|
Our Pick |
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, phone, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
Both Surfshark CleanWeb and Total Adblock have different nuances when it comes to the devices they support.
With Surfshark, you can use the ad blocking solution in two different ways.
- Surfshark offers a browser extension for its CleanWeb 2.0 offering, which is compatible with Chrome, Edge, and Safari. This allows you to block ads, pop-ups, and more directly from your browser.
- If you want to block ads outside of those browsers, Surfshark’s CleanWeb can be used throughout your device by using the Surfshark app.
Total Adblock is not available as a desktop app, so you’ll be limited to blocking ads inside your browser when not on your phone. Total Adblock also offers limited information on its website when looking for support or additional information on their offerings.
If you want to block ads from a specific browser, you can also check out the best ad blockers for Chrome.
Winner: Surfshark CleanWeb wins when it comes to compatibility and support. From a support standpoint, Surfshark offers more online guides and forums. Between Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0 and the standard version, you can block ads anywhere on your device.
Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb FAQs
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Does Surfshark CleanWeb block YouTube ads?
Yes, Surfshark CleanWeb is able to block YouTube ads.
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What is Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0?
Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0 is a new browser extension for Chrome, FireFox, and Edge. CleanWeb 2.0 includes an ad blocker, cookie pop-up blocker, and data breach and malware alerts.
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Is Total Adblock free?
Yes, Total Adblock does have a free plan, but it excludes the top 15,000 websites. The premium plan removes this limitation and also comes with the highly rated Total AV antivirus program.
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How much does Total Adblock cost?
Total Adblock has a free version and a premium version that starts at $1.59/mo (billed annually).
Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb: Which is better?
Overall, Total Adblock wins this competition. Total Adblock is more effective at blocking ads and doing so effectively.
Total Adblock’s free plan is also pretty effective and the $1.59/mo (billed annually) premium plan is affordable. However, the $99 renewal may come as a surprise after the first year.
Total Adblock vs. Surfshark CleanWeb alternatives
If you don’t want Total Adblock or Surfshark CleanWeb, there are several other solutions available. You can also find ad blockers that are effective for specific browsers, such as the best ad blockers for Safari. Here are a couple of others that may work for your needs:
- AdLock: AdLock is another great solution to block ads on YouTube and other websites. AdLock scored 97/100 on the AdBlock Tester and offers a free plan along with a paid solution for additional features.
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NordVPN Threat Protection: Similar to Surfshark CleanWeb, NordVPN Threat Protection is part of NordVPN’s solution, so you’ll need to purchase the VPN to access the tool. NordVPN Threat Protection scored a 91/100 on the Adblock Tester.
Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review
- uBlock Origin: uBlock Origin is a free option that offers several different browser extensions including Chrome, Edge, Opera, Firefox, and Safari. uBlock is an open-source ad blocker which touts improving CPU and memory as part of its solution. uBlock Origin scored a 96/100 on the AdBlock Tester.
/images/2023/03/01/logo-total-adblock.png){kind=logo}
Total Adblock
-
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
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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.
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