You know Surfshark as a VPN. They’re one of the best. But did you know they have an ad blocker too? And no, it’s not one of those VPN based ad blockers that only work when you have the VPN enabled. We’ve tested it extensively and it surprised us with excellent performance on ads and trackers blocking.
It secured an excellent score on Adblock Tester and it blocks all YouTube ads perfectly. So we’re dissecting it to learn more about its features, usability, and of course pricing. Stay with us.
Quick Overview
| 🌟 Feature | ✨ Details |
| ⭐ Rating | 98/100 |
| 💵 Price | $15.45/month, $47.85/year, or $59.13/two years |
| 🆓 Free Version | Nope |
| ▶️ YouTube Ads | Yes, all of them |
| ⛔ Blocks Trackers | Yes |
| 💻Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Apple TV, and FireTV |
Overall Score
Surfshark Cleanweb achieved a near perfect score of 98 of 100 on Adblock Tester. Which is excellent. It means Surfshark Cleanweb can handle almost any ads, trackers, and annoyances, you can throw at it.
Testing Parameters
To see how well Surfshark CleanWeb fares against more complex online ads and trackers, Adblock Tester ran it through a series of tests covering key areas of digital advertising and data tracking. Here’s what we looked at:
- Contextual Advertising: These are the sneaky ads that know you’ve been looking for new headphones (even though you only looked once). They rely on user data to serve personalized content. We tested if CleanWeb could block these ads from loading, which is a good indicator of how well it handles data-driven ad tracking.
- Analytics Tools: Tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar track user behavior on websites. What you click, how long you stay, and more. We checked if CleanWeb could block these scripts from running. Blocking them doesn’t just reduce tracking; it’s also good for user privacy.
- Banner Ads: The classic banner ads. We’ve all seen them. Those big, flashy rectangles you can’t ignore. Some are deeply embedded into page layouts, making them harder to block. We tested CleanWeb’s ability to handle different types: Flash banners, GIFs, and static image ads.
- Error Monitoring: Services like Sentry and Bugsnag aren’t ads, but they do track a lot of user activity to help developers identify website issues. While blocking these aren’t particularly nessesary, we still tested if CleanWeb could stop these scripts from running. This potentially adds an extra layer of privacy by reducing unnecessary data collection.
Key Result Highlights
- Surfshark Cleanweb scored 98/100.
- Few parts of the results were inconclusive, but they were mostly related to analytics and monitoring.
- Cleanweb likely passed the inconclusive tests.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔️ Integrated VPN + Ad Blocker
✔️ Solid performance
✔️ Quick installation with zero hassle.
✔️ User-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate.
✔️ Works across multiple devices and browsers without a hitch.
✔️ Responsive support with 24/7 live chat.
✔️ 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
❌ No Free Version
❌ Limited trial options
❌ Struggles with blocking advanced trackers.
❌ Lacks customization
Compatibility and Platform Availability
Surfshark VPN works on a wide variety of platforms and devices. It’s device includes (but not limited to) computers, smartphones, smart TVs, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Oculus Quest, Apple Vision Pro, and even Raspberry Pi.
| Platform | Availability |
| Chromium Extension | ✔️ Yes |
| Firefox Add-On | ✔️ Yes |
| Safari Extension | ✔️ Yes |
| MV3 Compliance (Chrome) | ✔️ Yes |
| Windows App (System-wide) | ✔️ Yes |
| macOS App (System-wide) | ✔️ Yes |
| Android App (System-wide) | ✔️ Yes |
| iOS App (System-wide) | ✔️ Yes |
As Surfshark Cleanweb comes with Surfshark VPN, it can also run on a wide variety of devices. However, Cleanweb and Cleanweb 2.0 compatibility may vary. More on that later.
Core Features of Surfshark Cleanweb
Cleanweb is a full-on privacy companion to keep your browsing smooth, secure and ad-free. Here’s the breakdown:
Ad Blocking + VPN Integration
CleanWeb is a part of Surfshark’s VPN. This means your traffic is encrypted, your IP is masked and you’re protected from your ISP and ads. But remember, the magic only works when both are enabled and set up properly.
Malware Alert Protection
Scared of landing on dodgy websites? CleanWeb’s got your back with its malware alert feature. It flags compromised sites and warns you about data breaches, so you can avoid bad interactions. It’s a good security layer but not a full antivirus.
Data Saving for Mobile Users
On a limited mobile data plan? CleanWeb can help stretch those gigs. By blocking ads before they even load, it reduces data consumption. The savings can be noticeable especially on ad heavy sites or apps, but mileage may vary based on your browsing habits.
Faster, Cleaner Browsing
Tired of slow page loads? CleanWeb removes resource heavy ads and background trackers that slow down performance. The result? Faster, smoother browsing. Just remember, it’s not a magic cure for slow Wi-Fi speeds. It won’t make your internet faster but it will make websites feel snappier.
Phishing Protection
CleanWeb is your first line of defense against malicious ads that try to trick you into clicking on shady links. With Surfshark’s VPN it’s a strong protection against online threats but always remember a healthy dose of caution is your best defense.
Usability and Installation
Cleanweb gets a usability score of 4 out 5 as it makes things very easy for the users.
Super Easy Setup
Installing Surfshark CleanWeb is a one-click process, whether you’re setting it up on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile.
- For Desktop: Download the Surfshark app and install it.. Log in and go to “VPN Settings” and toggle CleanWeb on.
- For Mobile: Same deal! Download the app, log in and toggle CleanWeb. Easy!
- For Browsers: Add the Surfshark extension, log in and enable CleanWeb from the extension dashboard. You’ll be up and running in 2 minutes.
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, it’s foolproof. No complicated setup, no digging through menus. Just click, toggle, done.
Set It and Forget It
CleanWeb’s philosophy is simple: turn it on and forget it’s there. Once enabled, it works in the background, blocking ads and trackers without any user input.
- Browser Extensions: CleanWeb works even if the VPN is not connected, which is super convenient if you just want ad-blocking without routing your traffic through a VPN.
- Mobile Devices: Here, CleanWeb works best. Just enable the VPN and CleanWeb will block ads on all your traffic.
But this simplicity comes with a trade-off. Disabling CleanWeb is not a one-click switch like dedicated ad blockers. You’ll need to go into the app settings, which can be a bit annoying if you toggle ad-blocking on and off frequently. Still, for most users who just want a “set-it-and-forget-it” solution, CleanWeb is perfect.
Limited Customisation
While CleanWeb is great at simplicity, it falls short on customization. Unlike dedicated ad blockers like uBlock Origin or AdGuard, it doesn’t offer advanced filtering options. You can only adjust basic toggles like:
- Enable/disable ad blocking.
- Cookie pop-up blocking.
- Language specific ad blocking.
What’s Missing? Well, for starters, there’s no filter lists. So you can’t enable, disable, or add filters and blocklists. There’s no manual element blocking, no custom scripts, and no whitelisting (no, you can’t even allow ads on specific sites).
For tech-savvy users who like to have control over their tools, CleanWeb might feel a bit too… basic. But if you just want something that works without the need for all the settings, its simplicity might be perfect for you.
Pricing & Free Version
Cleanweb is not a standalone product. It comes with all Surfshark plans. And Surfshark being a Premium VPN is a paid only software. So, is it worth it? Well, that depends if you want a bundled solution or prefer standalone tools. Let’s break it down.
The Pricing
As Cleanweb comes with Surfshark VPN, you get double the value for the same price. Here’s what the pricing looks like:
- Monthly Plan: $15.45/month
- Yearly Plan: $47.85 total ($3.19/month) (comes with 3 extra months)
- Two-Year Plan: $59.13 total ($2.19/month) (comes with 3 extra months)
If you’re planning to stick around for a while the multi-year plans are the best bang for your buck. Since you get a VPN, ad blocker and privacy tools all in one, Surfshark’s pricing is competitive compared to standalone VPNs or premium ad blockers.
But wait! There’s more. If you want extra features the Surfshark One and One+ plan adds more tools for a higher price. It bundles an antivirus, a safe search tool, a data leak alert, and a data removal tool.
Free Tier & Trial
Here’s the deal: there’s no free version of Surfshark CleanWeb. That might be a deal-breaker if you just want to test the waters without committing to a paid plan. But Surfshark does offer a couple of trial options:
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Available on yearly and two-year plans. It’s essentially a risk-free trial. You pay upfront but can get your money back if you’re not impressed.
- 7-Day Free Trial: Only available on Google Play Store. You can activate it on the Surfshark android app.
Pro-tip: There’s no free trial for desktop users. But here’s a little hack: activate the trial on an Android device and you’re good to go on all your devices. Not the perfect solution but it works.
Is Surfshark Cleanweb Worth It?
Surfshark CleanWeb is worth it if you need a VPN and an ad blocker in one. In real life it’s reliable and blocks most ads and trackers across devices and browsers. But if you only need ad blocking without a VPN, standalone ad blockers may offer more customization and cost savings.
If you want a one stop solution for privacy, security and ad blocking, CleanWeb with Surfshark VPN is a good value.
Customer Support
Available Channels
Got questions? Technical issues? Billing headaches? Surfshark’s support has got you covered. There are multiple ways to get help. Chat, Email, and Knowledge Base.
24/7 Live Chat Support
The standout feature here is 24/7 live chat support. No matter the time zone, you can instantly connect with a representative to help sort things out. Whether it’s a simple setup question or a more complex tech issue, their agents are friendly, patient and not annoyed even if you’ve hit the “forgot my password” button for the third time.
Email Support via Ticket Submission
If live chat isn’t your thing, you can reach out via email support. They don’t have a direct email address on their website but submitting a support ticket through their contact form works. Their team respond within 24 hours depending on the complexity of your issue.
Helpful Knowledge Base for DIY Fixes
For the do-it-yourself crowd, Surfshark’s website has a big help center with guides, FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Whether you’re setting up CleanWeb, fixing connection issues or navigating account settings, you’ll probably find the answers you need without having to talk to anyone.
Our Experience (And What Others Say)
We tested their support ourselves and had a smooth, hassle free experience. We got quick responses, clear guidance and no copy-paste replies. But don’t just take our word for it. TrustPilot and Reddit reviews say the same: Surfshark’s support is fast, helpful and customer oriented.
Why CleanWeb Stands Out in 2025?
CleanWeb serves a particular niche by offering a suite of features that cater to the modern internet users. And that’s exactly why CleanWeb is making waves in 2025.
One Stop Shop for Security and Privacy
CleanWeb offers a total solution that combines ad-blocking, tracker blocking and malware protection. By bundling these features together, you get a safer and cleaner browsing experience without needing multiple extensions or applications.
Superior Ad Blocking
With CleanWeb 2.0 Surfshark has improved ad blocking. The new version blocks video ads, pop-ups and banners so you can browse and stream uninterrupted. This solves one of the biggest pain points for users: annoying ads.
Proactive Malware and Phishing Protection
CleanWeb effectively stops malware and phishing links from reaching you. It blocks access to malicious websites and alerts you about potential threats so you can add an extra layer of security to your web browsing.
Data Breach Alerts
If you follow tech news, you know Data Breaches happen almost every week now. CleanWeb’s data breach alert feature lets you know if the site you’re vising has been compromised. This proactive approach so you can take action to protect your data.
Easy Integration and User Experience
Surfshark has put user experience first by making CleanWeb work seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices. The intuitive interface and easy to navigate settings means it’s accessible to all levels of users.
Continuous Updates
Surfshark recognises the dynamic nature of online threats and updates CleanWeb regularly. This means you’re protected against the latest threats and get the benefits of ongoing improvements to the tool.
Is Surfshark CleanWeb Safe?
Yes. CleanWeb is absolutely safe. And not just in the “it won’t break your browser” kind of way. It actively works to keep you safer online by blocking ads, trackers and malicious websites before they even load.
How Does CleanWeb Keep You Safe?
CleanWeb works its magic by analyzing website requests through the VPN. This means less malvertising slipping through the cracks. The best part? It does all this without slowing down your browsing speed. So it’s a win-win, especially for mobile users who often don’t have access to robust ad-blocking tools.
No More Sneaky Trackers Following You Around
Tired of those creepy “Hey, you left something in your cart!” ads? CleanWeb shuts that down. It blocks trackers that monitor your online behavior, making it harder for advertisers and data-hungry third parties to follow you around like digital paparazzi. You’re not just browsing ad-free, you’re browsing with less worry about invasive tracking and data collection.
Phishing Protection
CleanWeb helps tackle phishing risks. It blocks access to shady, suspicious websites and alerts you if a site has a history of malware, giving you an extra layer of protection when you’re out there clicking links in the wild.
But It’s Not a Full Antivirus
While CleanWeb is great at blocking threats before they reach you, it’s not a replacement for good browsing habits or a full-blown antivirus. Think of it as your first line of defense. It catches the obvious stuff, but you still need to stay sharp when it comes to suspicious links, downloads and sketchy sites. Also, Surfshark One and One+ comes with an antivirus that is worth considering.
What’s the difference between Surfshark CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2.0?
Let’s get this one question out of the way before we dive into the features and tests. You might get a bit confused when setting up CleanWeb on different devices. In some places you’ll see CleanWeb, whereas other devices have CleanWeb 2.0. Is one better than the other? Is 2.0 an update? Are they supposed to co-exist? Let’s figure all that out.
CleanWeb is the original ad-blocker that lays the foundation for ad removal. CleanWeb 2.0 takes it to the next level with more features and customisation options for browser users.
Here are the key differences between Surfshark CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2.0:
- Compatibility and Access: CleanWeb is available on all Surfshark app platforms, desktop and mobile, and integrates with the VPN. CleanWeb 2.0 is only available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge. This means it’s limited to browser activity but has features that aren’t available in the app.
- CleanWeb 2.0 Features: While CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers and malware, CleanWeb 2.0 has four toggles:
- Ad blocker: Blocks video ads on popular streaming services.
- Pop-up blocker: Handles cookie consent pop-ups so you can browse uninterrupted.
- Data breach alert: Tells you if your credentials are found in a breach.
- Malware alert: Warns you about malware on compromised websites.
- No VPN Required: CleanWeb works with Surfshark’s VPN, but CleanWeb 2.0 can work without it. So you can use its features without being connected to a VPN server.
- User Interface and Customisation: CleanWeb 2.0 has a new dashboard in the browser extension with more intuitive and customisable options than the simple toggle in CleanWeb.
CleanWeb 2.0 is for those who want advanced browser-level ad-blocking with more customisation. But if you use Surfshark’s app on multiple devices, the original CleanWeb is still the way to go. Each is for different needs and it’s up to you how you want to manage your online privacy and security.
How to use Surfshark CleanWeb?
Surfshark CleanWeb is a super powerful feature that blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites. Here’s how to use it across all platforms so you can get the most out of it.
On Surfshark Apps
CleanWeb is part of Surfshark’s apps for desktop and mobile devices so you can use it wherever you go. Follow these steps:
- Open the Surfshark app on your device.
- Click or tap on the Settings tab.
- Go to VPN Settings.
- Toggle the switch next to CleanWeb. When the switch turns green, CleanWeb is on.
CleanWeb will now block ads and trackers and some phishing attempts.
CleanWeb 2.0 on Browser Extensions
CleanWeb 2.0 has additional features like cookie pop-up blocking, malware alerts and data breach notifications. It’s available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge.
- Download the Surfshark browser extension for your browser.
- Log in with your Surfshark account.
- Open the browser extension and go to the dashboard.
- You’ll see toggles for CleanWeb features like ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alert and malware alert.
- Enable or disable individual features as you prefer.
Note that CleanWeb 2.0 doesn’t require an active VPN connection.
On Smart TVs
For smart TVs, CleanWeb is integrated through Surfshark’s app or router configuration.
- Download Surfshark on supported smart TVs or streaming devices like Fire Stick or Apple TV.
- Log in and go to settings.
- Enable CleanWeb in VPN settings.
Final Verdict
Surfshark CleanWeb is a solid ad blocker that complements with Surfshark VPN by delivering strong real-world performance.
However, it lack on customisability department. Unlike dedicated ad blockers, CleanWeb doesn’t offer advanced options like filter lists, whitelisting, or manual element blocking. Some power users may not be fully satisfied with this, but it’s ideal for those looking for a hassle-free solution. For a lot of users, the convenience of enabling CleanWeb and letting it run quietly in the background trumps the need for additional settings and tweaking.
Surfshark CleanWeb is the ideal choice for those who care about simplicity and real-world performance over high customisation.
AdBlock Tester Score: 98/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Surfshark CleanWeb block YouTube ads?
Yes, Surfshark CleanWeb blocks YouTube ads – preroll, midroll, banner ads and even the prompts to subscribe to YouTube Premium and get an ad free experience while streaming videos or browsing shorts.
Can I use CleanWeb without enabling Surfshark VPN?
Yes, CleanWeb 2.0 (browser extension) can work independently of the VPN. You don’t need to connect to a VPN server for ad-blocking features like tracker blocking and cookie pop-up suppression to work. However, the same cannot be said about the Surfshark mobile app. There, you need to enable the VPN to use it.
Is Surfshark CleanWeb free?
No, CleanWeb is a feature in Surfshark VPN subscriptions. There is no standalone or free version. But Surfshark offers a 7 day free trial on the Google Play Store and 30 day money back guarantee for yearly and 2 year plans.