This is an honest breakdown before you give up on your browser extension for good.
Ad blocking isn’t limited to browsers anymore. We spend most of our time in different apps now, and web browsing occupies only a small amount of time. VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark now claim they can block ads and trackers on your entire device, no need for extra software or browser extensions, just clean browsing with a simple switch. Sounds almost too good to be true, right?
Now, while built-in VPN ad blockers catch a ton of junk, they often don’t do everything a dedicated tool like uBlock Origin or AdGuard can do. There are blind spots, particularly when it comes to cosmetic filtering, YouTube ads, and how different platforms handle blocking.
This guide provides an in-depth look at how VPN ad-blocking actually works, its strengths, and its limitations. We’re going to compare its performance, coverage, and bandwidth savings and take a close look at how Surfshark CleanWeb and NordVPN Threat Protection Pro stack up against the competition.
Time to figure out if you can finally simplify your setup or if layering tools is still the smart way to go.
How does a VPN’s built-in ad blocker actually work?
A VPN’s built-in ad blocker works at the network level, blocking unwanted connections before they even reach your browser or app. Instead of waiting for an ad to load and then hiding it like uBlock or AdGuard do, the VPN stops your device from connecting to known ad or tracker domains altogether.
Here’s how it works:
When you open a webpage or app, every image, video, and ad request goes through a DNS lookup. A VPN with ad blocking compares those requests against a constantly updated blocklist of ad, tracker, and malware domains. If a match is found, the VPN denies the connection. The ad never loads, which means less clutter, fewer tracking scripts, and lower data use.
Because this filtering happens inside the VPN tunnel or on the VPN’s own DNS servers, it protects all your traffic, not just your browser. That means fewer ads in mobile apps, games, and even smart-TV interfaces. The trade-off? These blockers can’t always handle “first-party” ads that share the same domain as the content you’re viewing, and they don’t clean up empty spaces on the page.
What can a dedicated ad-blocker do that a VPN can’t?
A dedicated ad blocker, like uBlock Origin, AdGuard, or Privacy Badger, lives inside your browser, giving it the precision a VPN can’t match. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Cosmetic filtering: It doesn’t just stop ads from loading; it removes leftover spaces, banners, and pop-ups, so pages are clean and readable.
- First-party ad control: Browser blockers can block ads that come from the same domain as the site you’re on.
- Script and element blocking: Tools like uBlock Origin can stop inline JavaScript ads, trackers, or social widgets at the code level, so the page is light and private.
- Custom filters and whitelists: You can fine-tune what’s allowed or blocked, which is great for advanced users who want control, not presets.
- Better YouTube ad blocking: Browser-based blockers can suppress YouTube’s in-video ads, which VPN filters often can’t touch.
In short, a dedicated ad blocker is the surgeon of ad blocking. It’s customizable and tidy. While a VPN blocker is the bouncer that handles threats before they get in. Both matter, but the browser blocker still wins on precision and presentation.
Can VPN ad blockers remove YouTube and in-app ads reliably?
Not everywhere, at least not across every platform.
VPN ad blockers, such as those offered by Surfshark CleanWeb and NordVPN Threat Protection Pro, are pretty good at blocking lots of types of ads, but YouTube and in-app ads are a special case.
Here’s why:
YouTube ads have a bit of a problem. They often come from the same servers that deliver the video content, which makes it difficult for DNS-based filters to distinguish between the ads and the video itself. The result is that some ads do get through, but Surfshark does a better job than most, as its CleanWeb feature has been tested to consistently block YouTube ads in web browsers and even in mobile apps. NordVPN’s Threat Protection gets some of them, but not all.
In-app ads (the ones you see in games, weather apps, news apps, and so on) are a bit easier to deal with. These ads typically rely on established ad networks, such as Google Ads or Facebook Audience Network, which means VPN ad blockers can usually block them, making mobile experiences a bit cleaner.
Smart TVs and streaming apps are kind of in the middle ground. If your VPN or DNS filter is running on your router, then it may well block a lot of those ad calls. But the ads that are actually embedded in the video stream itself aren’t affected.
So, VPN ad blockers will help reduce the noise significantly, especially on mobile, but they’re not a guarantee. If you want total ad-free YouTube and app coverage, you’ll still get the best results by pairing a VPN’s blocker with a dedicated browser extension.
Does Chrome’s Enforcement of Manifest v3 Affect VPN Ad Blockers?
No. Chrome’s Manifest V3 changes don’t affect VPN ad blockers at all.
Manifest V3 is a new ruleset that limits what browser extensions can do, especially ad-blockers like uBlock Origin or AdGuard. It caps the number of filtering rules extensions can use and removes some advanced scripting capabilities. That’s why many users noticed weaker blocking or switched to Firefox or Brave, which still support stronger versions of those extensions.
VPN ad blockers, however, operate outside the browser entirely. They filter traffic at the network or DNS level, not through Chrome’s extension system. Whether Chrome tightens or loosens its policies, your VPN’s ad blocker continues working the same way, by blocking ad domains before they even reach your device.
In fact, Manifest V3 makes VPN ad blockers more valuable. If Chrome limits what your extension can filter, having a VPN like NordVPN Threat Protection or Surfshark CleanWeb adds a second layer of protection that Google can’t restrict. Think of it as moving the filter one step earlier in the chain, where Chrome has no control.
Which VPNs have the strongest built-in ad blocking right now?
Currently, only a small number of VPNs offer genuinely effective built-in ad blocking, and only two of them consistently lead the pack: NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro and Surfshark’s CleanWeb. Here’s a rundown of the top contenders:
NordVPN Threat Protection Pro
Nord’s implementation is one of the most advanced ones available, blocking ads and trackers while also scanning downloaded files for malware. Additionally, it filters out phishing website links and continues to work even when the VPN is turned off. What we’ve found from testing is that it does a good job of blocking all but a few web and app ads, but can sometimes let YouTube ads and the odd banner ad slip through. One thing to like is how it runs across all of Windows, macOS & mobiles without needing much setup, making it a great choice for getting full system protection without making a fuss.
Surfshark – CleanWeb (and CleanWeb 2.0)
Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature has been upgraded to CleanWeb 2.0 in their browser extensions and is a powerful tool. It blocks ads, trackers & cookie pop-ups across the board (across browsers & apps). And when we put it to the test, it was one of the only VPN ad blockers that could consistently remove YouTube video ads even on mobile.
Other options that are worth a look
ProtonVPN’s NetShield and Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T. use DNS-level filtering to block ad and tracking domains. They get the job done alright, but don’t have as many features built in as NordVPN and Surfshark.
If you’re looking for top-notch coverage and consistency, plus regular updates, then at this point in time, NordVPN and Surfshark are the clear leaders in built-in ad blocking for 2025.
Are DNS services like AdGuard or NextDNS better than VPN ad-blocking?
They don’t compare that well because they’re different, with different approaches to going about your ad-blocking.
DNS services like Adguard DNS, NextDNS, and Pi-hole do their thing before your device even sees the ad, very similar to a VPN doing ad-blocking. However, unlike a VPN or ad-blocker, these tools typically provide a much clearer view of what is being blocked & where. That added transparency gives you way more control over your ad-blocking
Here’s how they compare:
- Control: DNS services let you build your own custom blocklists, or you can choose to only block certain domains – and see exactly what’s coming in. vpn blockers, on the other hand, mostly use the same old lists and won’t give you much of a clue what’s going on
- Coverage: Both will protect your entire device or network, all your smart TVs, IoT devices, and apps. Which is a real lifesaver if you want ad-blocking across the whole house without having to mess around with extensions.
- Privacy: Tools like nextDNS can run in super-private mode, wiping all logs & running locally. VPN filters, on the other hand, rely on your provider doing the right thing. You’re essentially putting all your trust in them to keep things secure.
- Performance: Ad-blocking with DNS is superlightweight, but a vpn can give you a lot more, like built-in malware & phishing protection.
So if you want to be in control and see what’s going on, and you’re prepared to put in the effort to pick out all the settings, a DNS tool will probably be the better option. But if you just want something that works, with a bit of extra protection thrown in, a VPN is probably the easier option.
Which VPNs have the strongest built-in ad blocking right now?
Here’s how the three leading VPNs stack up for built-in ad blocking in 2025. We’ll be looking into where each one really shines.
1. Surfshark – CleanWeb (and CleanWeb 2.0)
Perfect for the average Joe
Surfshark’s CleanWeb does an incredible job of blocking ads, trackers, and malware domains on all your devices – no browser extensions needed, ever. And with the latest CleanWeb 2.0, it even features cosmetic filtering in its browser extension, which makes a significant difference by hiding those annoying pop-ups and cookie banners, making things look a whole lot cleaner.
Why does it stand out?
It’s really fast, lightweight, and works system-wide on both desktop and mobile – including blocking YouTube ads accurately and even stripping ads from mobile apps. No need for complicated browser extensions, and it even feels smoother to browse with it turned on.
2. NordVPN – Threat Protection Pro
The most advanced choice for total protection
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro does a whole lot more than just block ads – it scans any files you download for malware, stops phishing sites dead in their tracks, and amazingly, it even works without needing the VPN to be turned on.
What does it get right?
Nord has deep protection that covers all platforms, strong tracker blocking, and it even has your back when it comes to phishing scams.
Some caveats, though
Occasionally, it does miss out on those banner or in-video ads, but it’s still a top-notch all-in-one security suite.
3. Proton VPN – NetShield
For those who are extremely particular about their online privacy
Proton VPN’s NetShield takes a totally different approach by using DNS-filtering to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites right at the server level – which means data is never ever sent outside Proton’s secure servers.
The good stuff
It’s as transparent as it gets, a true champion for those who want control without sacrificing a shred of anonymity.
Where does it fall short?
DNS-based filtering means you won’t get that same level of cosmetic cleanup or in-app ad removal that you get with some other VPNs.
Bottom Line
If speed and smooth performance are your top priorities, then Surfshark’s CleanWeb is the option you should choose. For a security-focused option that just covers all bases, go with NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro. And if keeping your data ultra-private takes top priority, then Proton NetShield is the best option.
Final Verdict: Are VPNs with Built-in Ad Blockers Worth It?
Yeah, they’re worth it. But only if you have a clear idea of what they can and can’t do.
VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN have turned ad blocking into a one-stop solution, eliminating ad pop-ups, trackers, and malware across all your devices, including your phone, laptop, and even smart TV. And for most folks, that’s a big deal. Just flick a switch and you’re good to go.
But let’s not get carried away. VPN ad blockers work at a network level, so they can’t always filter out the flashy stuff or all first-party and YouTube ads. That’s where dedicated blockers like uBlock Origin or AdGuard still hold court. If you want perfect pages and complete silence, the smart move would probably be to use a VPN to handle the system-wide junk, and a browser extension to polish the rest.
So are VPN ad blockers worth it? Absolutely. Especially if you pick the right one. Surfshark CleanWeb does a seamless job, even tackling YouTube ads. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro wraps ad blocking with anti-malware and tracker blocking for serious peace of mind.