YouTube isn’t only a video platform, it’s also the second-largest search engine in the world. Need a quick tutorial? About to dive deep into a niche hobby? Or maybe checking a questionable life hack that may or may not work? It’s all a search away on YouTube. From music and movies to conspiracy theories about why pigeons are government spies, there’s almost nothing you won’t find.
But this free content comes at a price. And it’s ads. Lots and lots of ads. In 2025, YouTube ads feel like a full-blown hostage situation. Almost every video comes with unskippable ads now. Then there are banner ads, ads in shorts, and they’re apparently testing more ads in pause screens? Unless you’re willing to pay for YouTube premium, ad supported YouTube is your only option. Or is it? We’ve compiled a list of five ad blockers that work great on YouTube, despite their all-out war on ad blockers.
A Quick Comparison Between The Top 5 Best Ad Blockers for YouTube
| Ad Blocker | Adblock Tester Score | Starting Price | Where it Works | Why it’s the best? |
| Total Adblock | 100 | $19.99/year | Chrome, Android & iOS | Easy setup, one-click |
| AdGuard | 100 | $39.99/year | Everywhere | Blocks everything |
| Stands Adblocker | 58 | Free | Chrome, Firefox & Safari | Best for Streaming |
| NordVPN | 91 | $71.88/year or $12.99/month | Everywhere | Streaming ads and privacy |
| Surfshark | 98 | $47.85/year + 3 months | Everywhere | Best for privacy |
1. Total Adblock – The Best Ad Blocker for YouTube in 2025
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $19.99/year
Total Adblock is the one to use for blocking YouTube ads in 2025. It’s super easy to use, works amazing and scored 100/100 on Adblock Tester. Pre-rolls, mid-rolls, banners. Total Adblock gets rid of them all with one click.
One Click Setup
Not everyone wants to mess with settings or custom filters. Total Adblock keeps it simple. Just install the extension and it starts blocking ads immediately. No complicated setup, no tweaking. Just instant ad free browsing.
Blocks Everything
Total Adblock passed all 22 tests on Adblock Tester, blocking banners, pop-ups, trackers and video ads. In real world testing it removed all YouTube ads except for some YouTube Shorts ads. But for longform content it’s perfect. If you’re a binge-watcher this is the closest you’ll get to an ad free YouTube experience.
Works Across Devices
Total Adblock works on Android and iOS, blocks ads in browsers and some mobile apps. Basically other than Smart TVs, you’re covered everywhere else.
Faster Browsing
Ads often slow down websites. Total Adblock removes unnecessary scripts, so YouTube and other sites load faster. No more waiting for heavy ad elements to load before your video plays.
Blocks Trackers and Phishing Sites
From the same team that brought you TotalAV antivirus, Total Adblock focuses heavily on user security. It blocks malicious pop-ups, phishing attempts and trackers that collect your data. So while you’re skipping YouTube ads, you’re also keeping your browsing more private and secure.
Who’s Total Adblock For?
If you want the best plug and play YouTube ad blocker Total Adblock is the one. It’s perfect for beginners who want a no fuss experience and anyone looking for a powerful ad blocker with antivirus protection. If you’re okay with paying for the best ad free YouTube experience this is the one to get.
2. AdGuard – The All-Terrain Ad Blocker
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 100/100
💵 Starting Price: $39.99/year
AdGuard aims to restore balance and mimise the ad chaos of YouTube. It covers a wide range of devices. It makes sure no ads get through. And it gets a perfect score on Adblock Tester.
Blocks Ads at the DNS Level
Most ad blockers work at the browser level, but AdGuard takes it a step further. It works at the DNS level, so ads never even get a chance to load. This also blocks tracking scripts from running in the background.
Manifest v3 Update
AdGuard’s latest Manifest v3 (MV3) update makes it one of the most solid ad blockers on Chromium based browsers like Chrome, Edge and Opera. With Google’s constant attempts to break ad blockers, AdGuard has managed to stay one step ahead. We tested it multiple times before and after the update and the results were the same, zero YouTube ads every time.
YouTube Ad Blocking on iOS
Many ad blockers struggle to work on iPhones but AdGuard makes it happen. It offers a content blocker for Safari and a DNS based filtering option that can block YouTube ads across apps and browsers.
Works on Almost Any Device
AdGuard isn’t limited to just your browser. It works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and even smart TVs and gaming consoles. You can even install it on some routers to block YouTube ads across your entire Wi-Fi network. No more skipping ads manually on every device. Just set it up once and enjoy ad-free streaming.
Regularly Updated Filters
YouTube is always finding new ways to sneak ads past ad blockers but AdGuard keeps up. It has an extensive library of community supported filters that are updated regularly. Whether YouTube tries new ad formats, bypass methods or sneaky sponsorship placements, AdGuard adapts to keep your viewing experience ad-free.
Who is AdGuard For?
If you want a simple, powerful ad blocker that works on YouTube on multiple devices, AdGuard is for you. Beginner or power user, you’ll love it. It can be as easy and comprehensive as you want it to be.
3. Stands Ad Blocker – Best Ad Blocker for Streaming Sites
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 58/100
💵 Starting Price: Free
Stands AdBlocker is a free ad blocker that removes YouTube and social media ads without subscription or upgrade. Easy to install, works immediately and doesn’t lock features behind a paywall.
Blocks All YouTube Ads, Including Shorts
Unlike many free ad blockers, Stands blocks all YouTube ads. Pre-roll, mid-roll, banners and YouTube Shorts ads. If you want a simple way to enjoy an ad-free YouTube experience without spending a dime, Stands is your go to.
Cleans Up Social Media Feeds
Stands removes sponsored posts and ads on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Reddit, so you’ll see more of what you actually follow and less of what advertisers want to push.
Easy to Use
Installation is quick and painless. Default settings work out of the box, so no need to configure filters or anything. If you just want an ad blocker that works without any effort, Stands keeps it simple.
No Payment Needed
Unlike many ad blockers that push a paid version, Stands gives you full access to its features for free. No feature restrictions, no paywalls and no upsell, just ad blocking for free.
Who is Stands AdBlocker For?
If you want a free, no fuss ad blocker that works for YouTube and social media, Stands is for you. If you don’t need advanced settings and just want a cleaner, ad-free browsing experience.
4. NordVPN – Privacy-focused
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 91/100
💵 Starting Price: $71.88/year or $12.99/month
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro is a full security suite that removes ads, blocks trackers, scans for malware and prevents phishing attacks. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for privacy and security, NordVPN Threat Protection is worth looking into.
Blocks YouTube Ads and More
NordVPN Threat Protection blocks all YouTube ads, pre-roll, mid-roll and banner ads. It also cleans up social media feeds, news sites and general web browsing by removing intrusive ads.
Ad Blocker + Advanced Security
Unlike standalone ad blockers Threat Protection Pro also scans downloads for malware, detects phishing sites and trims URLs to remove tracking elements. So you’re not just getting an ad-free experience, you’re also boosting your online security.
Works Independently of the VPN
While it’s bundled with NordVPN, Threat Protection Pro works even when you’re not connected to a VPN. So 24/7 ad blocking and security protection without having to route your traffic through a VPN server.
Compatible with Almost Every Platform
Threat Protection Pro is available on Windows and macOS, basic Threat Protection is available on Android, iOS and browser extensions. So it’s one of the most versatile ad-blocking security tools.
Who is NordVPN Threat Protection For?
If you want ad blocking plus security this is a great option. It’s perfect for those who already use NordVPN or need a VPN, ad blocker and malware protection. While dedicated ad blockers like AdGuard offer more customization, NordVPN Threat Protection is for those who want a simple all-in-one privacy solution.
5. Surfshark VPN – Best Adblock Tester Score on a VPN
🏆 Adblock Tester Score: 98/100
💵 Starting Price: $47.85/year + 3 months
Surfshark’s CleanWeb is a privacy tool that comes with the VPN. It scored 98/100 on Adblock Tester, blocking YouTube ads, social media ads, trackers and even malicious sites. The best part? You can use CleanWeb without turning on the VPN when using the browser extension.
Blocks YouTube Ads, Including Shorts
CleanWeb removes all YouTube ads, from pre-roll and mid-roll ads to banner pop-ups and homepage promotions. It even blocks ads in YouTube Shorts, which many other ad blockers struggle with.
Privacy and Security Beyond Ad Blocking
CleanWeb also alerts you to phishing sites, warns you of data breaches and blocks trackers from monitoring your activity. If you want an extra layer of security this feature makes a big difference.
Fast Browsing with Less Data Usage
Cleanweb blocks ads before they load. This not only speeds up your browsing, it also reduces data usage, which is great for mobile users. Without heavy ad scripts slowing pages down, websites load faster and smoother.
Works on Multiple Devices
CleanWeb works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and even smart TVs. The browser extension (CleanWeb 2.0) can block ads without the VPN, so it’s a great choice for users who don’t always want their traffic routed through a VPN server.
Who is Surfshark CleanWeb For?
If you’re looking for a VPN + ad blocker Surfshark CleanWeb is a good value. It’s ideal for users who want privacy protection, ad blocking and anti-phishing tools in one package. While it lacks customization options like filter lists, it’s perfect for those who want a simple, effective and real-world tested ad blocker.
Pricing Comparison – Which One Offers The Best Value?
When choosing the right ad blocker, you need to understand the pricing and value proposition of each. Here’s a breakdown of the 5 ad blockers we’ve mentioned:
Total Adblock is a great deal at $19.99 for the first year. This premium plan blocks ads on all platforms and includes the award winning TotalAV antivirus software. But remember the renewal price is $99 per year after the first year.
AdGuard is priced at $39.99 per year for extensive ad blocking on multiple devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and some routers). If you want a long term solution AdGuard offers a lifetime license for $99.99. The browser extensions are free and feature rich, but the premium version adds system wide blocking and advanced privacy tools. You can avail an extra 30% discount with promo code ADBLOCKTESTER30.
Stands AdBlocker is a free ad blocker that removes ads on YouTube and social media sites. But it lacks features like tracker blocking and system wide protection which are available in paid versions. If you want a basic ad blocker but not full privacy and security features this might be the one for you.
NordVPN’s Threat Protection is part of the premium subscription which starts at $71.88 per year or $12.99 per month. This is more than just an ad blocker, it’s a full security suite with malware scanning, tracker blocking and phishing protection. It’s pricey but you get a top tier VPN service and more.
Surfshark’s CleanWeb comes bundled with its VPN service which is $47.85 per year and often with extra months thrown in for free. CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites making your browsing experience better. Considering you get a VPN service as well, Surfshark is a good balance of price and protection.
Overall Comparison
When choosing between these options Stands AdBlocker is free but limited. Total Adblock and AdGuard are mid range with full ad blocking features, AdGuard’s lifetime license is a long term value. If you want extra security features along with ad blocking NordVPN’s Threat Protection and Surfshark’s CleanWeb bundle ad blocking with premium VPN services, Surfshark is the more budget friendly of the two.
In the end it all comes down to what you need. Basic ad blocking, system wide protection or a full security suite.
Compatibility Across Device
When choosing an ad blocker, make sure it works across the devices you use, especially for uninterrupted YouTube watching. If we are to assume, you likely watch YouTube on your web browser on your computer, or via the YouTube app on your phone and TV. Now keep in mind, it is not possible to block YouTube ads from their official app. But web browsers are fair game.
Total Adblock has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. While it blocks ads well in these browsers, it doesn’t have desktop or mobile apps, so ads in standalone apps or other browsers on your device won’t be blocked.
AdGuard stands out with its device compatibility. It has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and even Linux. Beyond traditional devices, AdGuard can be configured on some routers so ads are blocked across all devices connected to the network, including smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Stands AdBlocker has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. It doesn’t have mobile apps or system wide ad blockers, so its ad blocking is confined to desktop browsers and won’t block ads in mobile apps or other browsers.
NordVPN Threat Protection is built into its apps for Windows and macOS, with system wide ad blocking, malware protection and tracker blocking. For Android and iOS it has the Threat Protection Lite feature which provides basic protection but requires an active VPN connection. While it blocks ads across multiple platforms, its full features are best experienced on desktop. citeturn0search2
Surfshark’s CleanWeb is bundled with its VPN service and offers ad blocking across many devices. It has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge and apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and even smart TVs. So you can stay ad free across multiple platforms including YouTube on many devices. citeturn0search9
Which Adblocker Supports Most Platforms For YouTube?
If you want to support the most devices for ad free YouTube, AdGuard, NordVPN Threat Protection and Surfshark CleanWeb are the clear winners. Both have cross platform support including desktop and mobile apps, browser extensions and even smart TV and router configuration. So you can watch ad free YouTube on almost all your devices. Also, this is probably a very small percentage of users. But NordVPN and Surfshark also work on VR headsets like Oculus Quest and Apple Vision.
Adblock Tester’s Testing Parameters – How We Test Adblockers?
Not all ad blockers are created equal and some like to talk big without delivering. That’s what AdBlock Tester aims to solve. We put these tools through their paces to see how well they actually perform in real-world conditions. Our testing isn’t just about blocking obvious banner ads; we dive deep into how well each ad blocker handles different types of ads, tracking scripts and hidden nasties that lurk behind the scenes. Here’s what we look at:
Contextual Advertising
You know the ads that magically appear after you casually mention needing new headphones? It’s not mind-reading, it’s contextual advertising which uses your browsing data to serve up eerily relevant content. We test if an ad blocker can stop these ads before they load, cutting off their ability to track you and serve up targeted recommendations.
Analytics & Tracking Tools
Google Analytics, Hotjar and similar tools don’t serve ads but they track everything. What you click, how long you linger on a page, even how you scroll. These scripts help websites profile you without your permission. A good ad blocker should stop these and prevent sites from building a digital dossier on you. We test how well each ad blocker blocks these invisible trackers.
Banner Ads
Some banner ads are small and tolerable; others are full-blown, screen-hogging monsters. Worse, some are deeply embedded into page layouts making them harder to remove. We test if an ad blocker can clean up banners across different formats like: static, animated and interactive, without breaking the website’s functionality.
Error Monitoring Services
Services like Sentry and Bugsnag aren’t ad networks but they still track user behaviour to help developers debug website issues. While useful for debugging they collect a surprising amount of user data in the background. A good ad blocker should limit data collection without breaking website functionality. We test if an ad blocker can block these scripts while keeping sites running smoothly.
Final Scoring – How an Ad Blocker Earns Its Rank
Each ad blocker is tested against 22 criteria, from YouTube ads to hidden tracking pixels. We score them on how many ad types they block, how well they handle advanced tracking and how well they run without breaking sites. The final score is out of 100 giving you a clear idea of how well each ad blocker works in reality.
Wrapping Up
YouTube ads are especially hard to block these days because they’re served using the same domains as the content. Which is why no ad blocker can block the YouTube app ads. Other than that, the ad blockers we have mentioned do the job really well, especially if you’re okay with using a web browser to watch YouTube videos.
While there are alternatives like open-source wrappers, and Revanced, they’re not ideal. And based on where you live, YouTube Premium might actually be very affordable and worth considering. Other than that, we hope this list helps you with you ad blocking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can YouTube detect ad blockers?
Yes, YouTube has a strong anti-ad-blocking system. If you’re using an ad blocker, you might see a message asking you to disable it. Some ad blockers like AdGuard and uBlock Origin update their filters frequently to bypass detection.
Why do some ad blockers stop working on YouTube?
YouTube updates its ad-serving methods to bypass ad blockers. If your ad blocker isn’t working, try updating your filter lists, switching to a different browser or using Firefox with uBlock Origin which tends to be more effective.
Do ad blockers work on YouTube Premium?
No but YouTube Premium is already ad-free so you don’t need an ad blocker. If you’re tired of ad blockers, YouTube Premium might be worth it depending on your region’s pricing.
Can ad blockers remove YouTube sponsor segments?
No but SponsorBlock can. It’s a separate browser extension that automatically skips sponsor segments in YouTube videos including self-promotions and in-video ads.
Can using an ad blocker get you banned from YouTube?
No, YouTube doesn’t ban accounts for using ad blockers. However they may block video playback until you disable your ad blocker or subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Do VPNs help block YouTube ads?
Not directly but some VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark CleanWeb have ad-blocking features. They block ads at the network level which helps with YouTube ads in browsers but won’t work in the official YouTube app.
Does YouTube have more ads than before?
Yes. In 2025, YouTube has more ads than ever, with longer unskippable ads, ads in YouTube Shorts and even pause-screen ads.
How do I block ads on YouTube Music?
The only ad-free way to use YouTube Music is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Ad blockers don’t work well with YouTube Music’s mobile app though they can block ads on the web version.
Do ad blockers affect monetization for YouTube creators?
Yes. Since YouTube revenue comes from ads, using an ad blocker means creators don’t get ad revenue from your views. If you want to support a creator, consider using YouTube Premium or donating directly via Patreon or channel memberships.