{"id":370,"date":"2025-09-04T07:51:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T07:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adblock-tester.com\/ad-blockers\/?page_id=370"},"modified":"2026-10-27T13:55:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T13:55:41","slug":"youtube-ad-blockers-that-still-work-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/adblock-tester.com\/ad-blockers\/youtube-ad-blockers-that-still-work-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"YouTube Ad Blockers That Still Work in 2026 (Tested & Verified)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

YouTube and its parent company, Google, have waged a full-on war against ad blockers. Google Play hasn\u2019t allowed system-wide ad blockers since 2014, which is why AdGuard for Android comes from adguard.com instead. Chrome switched off Manifest V2 extensions in 2025, and on August 31, 2026 the full version of uBlock Origin was removed from the Chrome Web Store. In March 2026, GitHub disabled the ReVanced patches repos after a DMCA notice<\/a> from a rival fork, not from YouTube. And YouTube now warns ad blocker users and says it \u201cmay block your video playback<\/a>\u201d if they keep going. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now the question isn\u2019t \u201cwhat are the best ad blockers,\u201d it\u2019s \u201cwhich ad blockers still work on YouTube.\u201d And surprisingly, quite a few still work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last checked October 27, 2026. We found no new YouTube-wide change this month. The current problem is fake buffering with an \u201cExperiencing interruptions?\u201d popup, which uBlock Origin\u2019s maintainers say is tied to the account. The bigger 2026 break was February 11\u201319, when videos failed to load until the filter lists were patched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quick Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not every ad blocker survived YouTube\u2019s crackdown. Here\u2019s how these five compare on score, pricing, and more:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ad Blocker<\/strong><\/td>AT Score<\/strong><\/td>Free Version?<\/strong><\/td>Starts At<\/strong><\/td>Best For<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
AdGuard<\/td>100<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yearly or lifetime plans<\/td>System-wide coverage<\/td><\/tr>
Total Adblock<\/td>100<\/td>No<\/td>About $20 first year, $99 renewal<\/td>Reliable YouTube Ad Blocking<\/td><\/tr>
Surfshark CleanWeb<\/td>98<\/td>No<\/td>Paid VPN plans (CleanWeb included)<\/td>VPN & Ad Blocker Combo<\/td><\/tr>
uBlock Origin<\/td>100<\/td>Yes<\/td>Free<\/td>Free & Open Source (Lite on Chrome)<\/td><\/tr>
Ghostery<\/td>96<\/td>Yes<\/td>Free<\/td>Anti-tracking<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

AT Score is each blocker\u2019s general Adblock Tester result, not a YouTube-specific test. Paid prices change often, so check the amount at checkout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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AdGuard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard<\/a> is the final boss of all ad blockers. There are very few types of ads that it can\u2019t block. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blocks everything<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard doesn\u2019t stop at YouTube pre-rolls and mid-rolls. It blocks ads in apps, games, and browsers too. So whether you\u2019re watching videos, scrolling social media, or even playing a free-to-play game, it keeps it clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blocks everywhere<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unlike browser-only tools, it has both extensions and full apps that work system-wide. That means it can block ads not just on YouTube, but on everything you run on your device. One exception: on Android and iPhone it doesn\u2019t reach inside the YouTube app. AdGuard plays YouTube videos in its own player instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Custom filters for power users<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AdGuard has a large collection of blocklists you can enable. This isn\u2019t a one-size-fits-all blocker. AdGuard also lets you import, tweak, and create your own filter lists. If you want full control over what gets blocked (or what stays), this is the one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Privacy beyond ads<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On top of ads, AdGuard also blocks trackers, phishing links, and malware. There\u2019s even a stealth mode for advanced privacy settings like hiding search queries and removing tracking parameters from URLs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can be free, but not always<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The browser extension is free, but it has limited functionality. For complete device-wide protection, you\u2019ll need a paid plan. You can pay yearly or once for a lifetime license, for 3 devices (Personal) or 9 (Family). It\u2019s not the cheapest, but the one-time buy option is a really good deal for what it offers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Surfshark CleanWeb<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You know about Surfshark<\/a>. You\u2019ve seen the ads on YouTube. You\u2019ve heard your favorite YouTuber endorse it, too. It\u2019s a really good VPN. But did you know that it\u2019s also an ad blocker that can rid you of YouTube ads?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CleanWeb cleans the web<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Surfshark CleanWeb is the ad-blocking sidekick that comes with Surfshark VPN. It\u2019s a good addition to the VPN. And it blocks ads across the web. And the CleanWeb browser extension does a pretty good job at getting rid of pre-rolls, mid-rolls, banner ads, and Shorts ads from YouTube.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safe and secure at all times<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

CleanWeb comes in two forms: a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge, and a setting inside Surfshark\u2019s VPN apps. In the apps, it blocks ads, trackers, and even malicious domains while you\u2019re connected. For YouTube video ads, it\u2019s the extension you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Works Across Devices<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Due to the tie-in, CleanWeb is available on more platforms than most ad blockers. It\u2019s not limited to your browser. On desktop, Android, and iOS, the app version blocks ad and tracker domains at the network level. That\u2019s handy for anyone watching on multiple screens. But YouTube serves its ads from the same servers as its videos, so don\u2019t count on it for ads in the YouTube app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rids you of streaming restrictions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Because it\u2019s part of a VPN, you can also bypass geo-blocks. Want to watch YouTube content that\u2019s region-restricted or access Netflix libraries outside your country? You can do it. But don\u2019t use it to buy YouTube Premium in a cheaper country. Google says misrepresenting your location, such as by using a VPN, may result in cancellation<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be a bit pricey<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

CleanWeb isn\u2019t free and is tied to Surfshark\u2019s VPN subscription. Month to month, it\u2019s one of the more expensive ways to ad-free YouTube. But the longer multi-year plans bring the cost down a lot, especially if you use our promo codes<\/a> and affiliate links. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Total Adblock<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Total Adblock<\/a> is a bundled service that comes with the award-winning antivirus Total AV. The ad blocker is heavily focused on keeping your device secure. And it does a good job at blocking ads, including the ones from YouTube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blocks pretty much everything YouTube throws at it<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While YouTube has tried to eliminate ad blocking a number of times, Total Adblock has consistently blocked them. And it still continues to do so. In our review, we occasionally missed ads in YouTube Shorts. But who watches shorts on a desktop browser anyway? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always a step ahead with the updates<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A lot of tools get broken when YouTube updates its ad block detection system. But Total Adblock keeps its filters up to date. You may still need fixes after a YouTube change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of YouTube<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not just YouTube. Total Adblock also blocks pop-ups, autoplay videos, and trackers across the web, making browsing faster and lighter. Due to its focus on security, it blocks phishing links and malware as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But\u2026 It\u2019s not free<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The first year is cheap, which might seem like a steal, but renewals are $99\/year. Check both numbers at checkout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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uBlock Origin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

uBlock Origin is the no-nonsense, open-source ad blocker that\u2019s been around for years. And it\u2019s still one of the most effective tools for blocking YouTube ads in 2026, as long as your browser can still run it. Lightweight, powerful, and completely free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FOSS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unlike paid tools, uBlock Origin is maintained by Raymond Hill, with filter lists kept up to date by a community of volunteers. No hidden agendas, no data mining, no upsells. Just a straightforward ad blocker that does what it promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strong on Firefox<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

uBlock Origin really shines on Firefox, and its developer says it works best there<\/a>. The reason is Chrome\u2019s Manifest V3 rules, which limit what extensions can do. Full uBlock Origin was removed from the Chrome Web Store on August 31, 2026. It still runs on Firefox (desktop and Android) and Opera, and on Edge until Microsoft finishes phasing out Manifest V2 extensions, which started in August 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highly customisable<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

uBlock Origin allows you to go deep into custom rules and filter lists. Want to block an element YouTube missed? You can right-click and zap it instantly. It\u2019s perfect for users who enjoy tweaking settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Chrome? Use uBlock Origin Lite<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On Chrome, your option is uBlock Origin Lite. If YouTube ads still show in its Basic mode, switch YouTube to Optimal. Some users reported muted audio in Optimal mode in October 2026, and a new playable-game ad format was reported the same month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But\u2026 not always plug-and-play<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Because it\u2019s so hands-on, uBlock Origin isn\u2019t as \u201cset it and forget it\u201d as paid blockers. Less technical users may find it confusing, especially when filters need to be adjusted after a YouTube update. Usually the fix is to force-update the filter lists, including the \u201cQuick fixes\u201d list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ghostery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ghostery has been around in the privacy space for a while now. It started out as a tracker blocker and has evolved over the years to become an ad blocker as well. It can block YouTube ads too, though, like every filter-based blocker, it can break for a while after a YouTube change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shows you the invisible stuff<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Most blockers just wipe ads away. Ghostery goes a step further and shows you the hidden trackers behind them. It gives you a real-time dashboard of which companies are collecting data while you watch YouTube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ad blocking that works<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When enabled, Ghostery takes care of YouTube\u2019s pre-rolls, mid-rolls, and banner ads. It\u2019s not as aggressive as Total Adblock or AdGuard, but it gets the job done for most users without needing constant updates or heavy tweaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transparency first<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ghostery is open about what it blocks and why. You can customise which trackers to block, allow, or pause. Gives you quite a bit of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free, with a paid Contributor option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The core Ghostery extension is free. If you want to support the project, there\u2019s a paid Contributor subscription. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is it legal to use an ad blocker on YouTube?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, using an ad blocker on YouTube is legal in most countries. When you install a blocker like Total Adblock, AdGuard, or uBlock Origin, you\u2019re making a personal choice about what loads in your own browser or device. YouTube may not like it, and they\u2019ve introduced warnings and playback restrictions to discourage it, but there are no laws that make ad blocking illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, the grey area comes from YouTube\u2019s Terms of Service, which state that ads are part of how the platform funds creators. Technically blocking them goes against those terms, which is why YouTube can restrict playback or push you to Premium. But from a legal standpoint, you won\u2019t get fined or arrested for using an ad blocker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do YouTube ad blockers work on smart TVs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Browser-based ad blockers don\u2019t work on smart TVs, as most TV apps don\u2019t support extensions. But VPNs with built-in ad blocking, that\u2019s a different story. Services like Surfshark CleanWeb<\/a> and NordVPN Threat Protection Pro<\/a> can help out here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you connect your smart TV to one of these VPNs, the ad blocking happens at the network level. That blocks known ad and tracking domains across the TV. But YouTube serves its ads from the same servers as its videos, so network-level blocking can\u2019t reliably remove pre-roll and mid-roll ads in the YouTube app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it does let you unlock region-restricted content. So with one subscription, you can cut some ads and access region-restricted content. For anyone streaming on a big screen, VPN-based ad blockers are a practical way to cut down on ads and trackers across the TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to block YouTube ads on your phone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of the tools above live in your browser, but on a phone the YouTube app is the real battleground, and the app does not allow browser extensions. So the methods that work on a desktop simply do not apply inside the app. Here is what actually works on mobile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n