The internet has gotten bloated with ads over the past few years. Yes, ads were a part of the internet from the very beginning, but the last few years have been different. Ads are more intrusive, tracking is more aggressive, and they’re everywhere. Now if you’re someone like me who uses multiple web browsers and apps on their windows device, and switch between them frequently, you may need to invest in a good ad blocker.
While most ad blockers are browser based, having to install and maintain separate ad blockers for each app and browser can be very frustrating and time-consuming. This is why you need a system-wide ad blocking solution for Windows. And we’re here to discuss our best picks.
A Quick Comparison Between The Top 5 Best Ad Blockers for Windows
| Ad Blocker | Adblock Tester Score | Starting Price | Where it Works | Why it’s the best? |
| AdGuard | 100 | $39.99/year | Everywhere | Blocks everything |
| NordVPN | 91 | $71.88/year or $12.99/month | Everywhere | Streaming ads and privacy |
| Total Adblock | 100 | $19.99/year | Chrome, Android & iOS | Easy setup, one-click |
| Surfshark Cleanweb | 98 | $47.85/year + 3 months | Everywhere | Best VPN ad blocker bundle |
| AdBlocker Ultimate | 92 | $29.95/year | Chrome, Firefox, Windows, Android, iOS | User-friendly |
1. AdGuard – The Best System-Wide Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $39.99/year or $99.99 for a Lifetime License (Promo Code: ADBLOCKTESTER30 for 30% discount)
AdGuard is one of the most powerful ad blockers available for Windows. It offers system-wide ad blocking, privacy protection, and DNS-level filtering. Unlike browser-based ad blockers, AdGuard works outside your browser. This means it blocks ads across all apps and software, including games, streaming apps, and even Microsoft Store apps.
System Wide Ad Blocking
Most ad-blockers only work in a browser, so you still see ads in apps, games and even streaming services. AdGuard blocks ads system wide, so you get an ad-free experience on Windows, no matter if you’re browsing, gaming or streaming. By filtering ads at the network level, AdGuard makes sure no pop-ups, banners or autoplay video ads show up anywhere on your system. That means Spotify, Twitch, YouTube and Microsoft Store apps are ad free.
Blocks All Ads
AdGuard doesn’t just block banner ads, it removes all ads including YouTube ads, autoplaying video ads, popup ads and in-app ads. AdGuard prevents ads from loading entirely, so web pages and apps load faster and use less bandwidth.
Blocks Trackers and Fingerprinting
AdGuard is also a privacy tool. It stops tracking scripts, blocks social media widgets and prevents browser fingerprinting. Websites and advertisers can’t track you, so you won’t see personalised ads following you around the web. It removes tracking scripts from Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel and other data collecting platforms, so websites can’t monitor your browsing behaviour.
DNS Level Ad Blocking
AdGuard’s DNS filtering goes beyond what most ad-blockers offer. Instead of blocking ads after they load, it prevents them from reaching your device. That means no chance for ads to slow down browsing and use bandwidth. Which is great for data limited connections.
Blocks YouTube Ads Without Buffering Issues
YouTube’s constant attempts to bypass ad-blockers have made it hard for many ad-blockers to work properly. Some ad-blockers cause buffering issues or prevent videos from playing. AdGuard however removes all YouTube ads while keeping playback smooth. With AdGuard you can watch ad-free YouTube without interruptions.
Phishing and Malware Protection
Beyond blocking ads and trackers, AdGuard protects users from malicious websites. If you accidentally visit a phishing or malware site, AdGuard blocks the page before it can load, so you won’t fall victim to scams or malicious downloads.
Works Out of the Box
Despite being one of the most advanced ad-blockers, AdGuard is very user friendly. The installation is quick and once set up it runs in the background and blocks ads automatically.
Customisation Options
For those who like customisation, AdGuard has detailed settings, including:
- Whitelisting for allowing ads on specific sites.
- Advanced filtering for power users who want fine grain control over blocking rules.
- Accessible blocklists and filters.
- Ability to add custom rules
- Stealth Mode, which blocks tracking, clears cookies automatically and hides search queries.
Who is AdGuard for?
AdGuard is for Windows users who want an ad-blocking solution beyond their browser. It’s good for:
- Those who want system wide ad blocking across all browsers and apps.
- YouTube users who want ad free videos without buffering issues.
- Privacy aware users who want to block trackers and fingerprinting.
- Anyone who wants a fast, simple and easy to use ad blocker with minimal setup.
2. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro – The Best Security-Focused Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 91/100
💵 Starting Price: $71.88/year or $13.99/month
You know NordVPN because it’s a VPN. But it also comes with this feature called Threat Protection Pro. And it goes beyond encrypting internet traffic and rerouting your network through foreign servers. This feature blocks ads, trackers, malware and phishing attempts so it’s a full blown security suite rather than an ad blocker. Unlike standard browser based ad blockers, Threat Protection Pro works system wide across Windows, protecting browsers and apps, downloads and online activities.
No More Ads
Threat Protection Pro is great at blocking all types of ads, from banner ads and pop-ups to autoplay video ads. It blocks YouTube ads, including pre-roll, mid-roll and homepage banner ads so you can play videos uninterrupted. Unlike some ad blockers that cause buffering issues, Threat Protection Pro removes ads without disrupting your experience. Since it works system wide, ads in apps, games and non-browser software are also blocked. This is a big advantage for Windows users who want ad free experience beyond just web browsing.
Blocks Trackers and Analytics
Threat Protection Pro is a complete privacy suite. It stops websites and advertisers from tracking your activity so Google, Facebook and other data brokers can’t build a profile based on your browsing habits. It blocks tracking scripts, analytics tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar and social media tracking pixels. It also trims URLs to remove tracking parameters so your online activity remains private and untraceable.
Phishing and Malware Protection
One of the best part of Threat Protection Pro is the built in phishing and malware protection. It blocks access to known scam websites so you won’t fall victim to phishing attacks and harmful downloads. It also scan downloaded files in real-time using cloud based threat detection to identify and block malicious software before it can infect your device. If a file is flagged as potentially dangerous, Threat Protection Pro will alert you so you can delete it before any harm is done.
Identifies Security Risks in Installed Applications
Unlike standard ad blockers, Threat Protection Pro has a vulnerability detection system. It scans installed applications for known security flaws and will alert you when software needs to be updated or has an exploitable vulnerability. For users who install third party applications often, this feature helps identify weak points in your system security reducing the risk of attacks from outdated software.
Easy Installation and Setup
Threat Protection Pro is easy to set up. Just download the app from the NordVPN website. Once installed, activating Threat Protection Pro takes a few clicks and it runs in the background without any user input. It has no customization options but it’s designed to be a set it and forget security tool so it’s perfect for users who want protection without manual configuration.
Is NordVPN Threat Protection Pro For?
- Already a NordVPN user and want extra features.
- Want ad-blocking and anti-malware and phishing protection.
- Windows user who need system wide ad-blocking beyond browsers.
- Looking for a simple no setup security tool that works automatically.
3. Total Adblock – The No-Fuss Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $19.99/year
Total Adblock is the easiest ad blocker to install and use. It’s part of the Total Security suite so it also includes built-in malware and phishing protection. While it doesn’t block system wide ads, it removes ads from all browsers and most major sites so you get a smooth, ad free experience.
Blocks Ads Everywhere
Total Adblock blocks all types of ads. Whether it’s YouTube pre-rolls, mid-rolls, autoplay videos or banner ads it ads an ad free experience across most sites.
In testing it removed ads from news sites, blogs, shopping platforms and social media feeds. However it blocks most YouTube ads but struggles with some Shorts ads so you might still see occasional ads in the YouTube Shorts feed.
Solid Ad Blocking Performance
Total Adblock scored 100/100 in AdBlock Tester. It blocked contextual ads, banner ads, GIF based ads, tracking scripts, social media widgets and embedded analytics tools.
Blocks Trackers and Social Media Widgets
Besides ad blocking, Total Adblock prevents advertisers from tracking you across the web. It removes tracking pixels, analytics scripts and social media widgets so Google, Facebook and other data brokers can’t collect your browsing history or serve personalized ads. By blocking tracking scripts from Google Analytics, Hotjar and other platforms it makes sure you remain anonymous online,
Built-In Malware and Phishing Protection
Total Adblock is part of the Total Security suite so it includes protection against phishing scams and malicious ads. If you accidentally visit a scam site Total Adblock blocks the page before it loads so you don’t fall for phishing attacks or download malware. While it’s not a full antivirus it’s more than just an ad blocker.
Who Should Use Total Adblock?
Total Adblock is the easiest ad blocker to use on Windows. It’s for:
- Users who want an ad blocker that works out of the box with no setup.
- People who watch a lot of YouTube and want ad free videos.
- Users looking for extra security against phishing and malicious ads.
4. Surfshark – Best VPN + Ad Blocker Bundle
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 98/100
💵 Starting Price: $47.85/year + 3 months
Surfshark is the best VPN and comes with CleanWeb, an ad blocker. CleanWeb is an integrated ad blocker that blocks ads and more. Unlike many VPN-based ad blockers that only work when the VPN is active, CleanWeb 2.0 can run in browsers alone, so you don’t always need to connect to a VPN server to block ads.
All Ads Gone
CleanWeb removes ads from all websites, including streaming platforms, news sites and social media feeds. It removes pre-roll and mid-roll YouTube ads, so you can playing videos uninterrupted. Unlike some ad blockers that cause buffering issues, CleanWeb doesn’t cause errors. Since it runs system-wide when enabled via the VPN app, it also blocks ads in apps, games and Windows software.
Privacy Is The Priority
Contextual ads are designed to track you. CleanWeb ensures that websites and advertisers can’t collect data on your online behavior, stops Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel and other tracking tools from loading. Also removes tracking parameters from URLs, so advertisers can’t sneak tracking codes into your search queries or clicks.
Malware and Phishing Protection
One of the biggest advantages of CleanWeb over traditional ad blockers is its built-in malware and phishing protection. If you accidentally click on a phishing link or try to visit a compromised website, CleanWeb blocks the page before it loads, reducing the chance of getting scammed.
Limited Customization (By Design)
CleanWeb is designed to be simple and automatic, but that means no customization. Unlike uBlock Origin or AdGuard, it doesn’t let you block page elements, adjust filtering lists or create custom rules. There’s no whitelisting option, so you can’t allow ads on specific sites if you want to support them. If you’re looking for an ad blocker with deep customization, CleanWeb will feel too basic. But for users who just want a hassle-free experience, it’s perfect.
Who Should Use Surfshark CleanWeb?
Surfshark CleanWeb is for users who want privacy, ad-blocking and security all in one. It’s for:
- Users who already have Surfshark VPN and want built-in ad blocking.
- People who want a simple, no-setup ad blocker that works on Windows and mobile devices.
- Users looking for an ad blocker with phishing and malware protection.
5. AdBlocker Ultimate – The Best Free Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 92/100
💵 Starting Price: $29.95/year
AdBlocker Ultimate is an ad blocker without compromise. Unlike some competitors who allow “acceptable ads”, it blocks everything by default and gives you a ad-free browsing experience.
Blocks Everything
Many ad blockers work with advertisers to let some ads slip through under acceptable ad programs, but AdBlocker Ultimate blocks everything. Whether it’s YouTube ads, autoplaying video ads, pop-ups or in-app ads on Windows software, this tool will not show ads unless you allow them manually. This is great for users who want full control over their ad-blocking experience without any influence from ad companies.
Blocks Trackers and Background Scripts
AdBlocker Ultimate does more than just blocking ads, it stops websites from tracking your activity. It prevents tracking cookies, analytics scripts and social media widgets from collecting data on your browsing habits. Blocking these elements means Google, Facebook and other data brokers can’t build profiles based on your activity. It also removes background scripts that slow down web pages and expose you to fingerprinting techniques, making it even more private.
System-wide Ad Blocking
Unlike browser extensions that only block ads within a web browser, AdBlocker Ultimate’s premium version blocks ads across all Windows applications. This means ads in games, streaming apps and Microsoft Store applications can be removed, giving you a much cleaner experience across the entire operating system. While this feature requires a paid subscription, it’s cheaper than some competitors so it’s a good option for users who want system-wide ad blocking at a lower price.
HTTPS Filtering
Since most websites now use HTTPS, blocking ads can be tricky. AdBlocker Ultimate has HTTPS filtering that allows it to detect and block ads embedded in secure connections. This prevents websites from injecting ads after pages load while keeping the security intact by keeping the encrypted connection open.
Bypasses Anti-Adblock Detection
Some websites detect adblockers and restrict content if ads are not allowed. AdBlocker Ultimate has anti-adblock bypassing so you can access content without disabling adblocking. This feature ensures ads and trackers are blocked while still allowing you to access websites that force ads onto visitors.
Improves Browsing Speed and System Performance
By removing resource-hungry ads and tracking scripts, AdBlocker Ultimate speeds up browsing. Without autoplaying video ads, banner ads and tracking elements consuming system resources, web pages load faster and run smoother. This also reduces CPU and memory usage so it’s perfect for users who want to keep their Windows devices running smooth while browsing the web.
Who is AdBlocker Ultimate for?
AdBlocker Ultimate is for Windows users who want strict ad blocking with no exceptions. It’s good for:
- Those who don’t trust ad blockers that partner with advertisers.
- Users who want a free and lightweight ad-blocking extension for browsers.
- The premium version is a good alternative for those who want an affordable system-wide ad-blocking solution.
Pricing Comparison – Which One Offers the Best Value?
When it comes to choosing the right ad blocker for Windows the price you pay (or don’t pay) makes a big difference. Some ad blockers are free, others require a subscription or one time payment for system wide protection. If you’re wondering which ad blocker gives you the most bang for your buck here’s how they stack up.
AdGuard is the only ad blocker here that offers full system wide ad blocking with a one time payment option. The $99.99 lifetime license means you’ll never have to pay again, making it the best deal for users who want permanent ad blocking without recurring fees. The yearly plan is reasonable at $39.99 but if you plan to use it long term the lifetime license is by far the best value.
NordVPN bundles Threat Protection Pro with its Plus and Complete plans so you’re not just paying for ad blocking you’re also getting VPN encryption, phishing protection and malware scanning. If you already need a VPN this is a great bundled deal. However if you’re only looking for an ad blocker there are cheaper options that do just as well.
Total Adblock’s $19.99 first year deal is one of the best introductory prices making it a budget friendly option for users who want simple no setup ad blocking. However the renewal jumps to $99.99 per year which is more expensive than AdGuard and offers fewer features. Since it doesn’t offer system wide protection it’s not the best deal for long term users unless you only need browser based ad blocking.
CleanWeb is not a standalone ad blocker it comes bundled with Surfshark VPN so you’re paying for both private browsing and ad blocking in one package. If you already use a VPN or need one this is a good deal. However if you’re only looking for an ad blocker, free options like uBlock Origin or cheaper paid options like AdGuard make more sense.
AdBlocker Ultimate offers system wide ad blocking for less than AdGuard making it a cheaper option for users who want full device wide protection. However it lacks some of AdGuard’s advanced filtering and customization options. If you’re looking for an affordable ad blocker but don’t need the extra features this is a budget friendly option.
Which One Offers the Best Value?
Total Adblock is the cheapest for the first year, and it comes with a full antivirus. However, the second year renewal pricing can be a bit too much. Compared to that, AdGuard’s lifetime licence looks much more appealing. However, if you also need a VPN, you cannot go wrong with either Nord of Surfshark. Both come with great ad blockers.
Wrapping Up
If you’re a Windows user, you’ve dealt with your fair share of adwares. A system-wide ad blocker makes sure no unpleastries pass through. But there’s more to it. And our guide should help you pick the right ad blocking solution for your computer.