YouTube and its parent company, Google, have waged a full-on war against ad blockers. Proper ad blockers are no longer allowed on the Google Play Store. Google Chrome has nerfed ad blockers on its Web Store. Many GitHub projects related to YouTube ad blocking have been taken down due to DMCA takedown notices. And YouTube has stopped serving content to users with ad blockers enabled.
Now the question isn’t “what are the best ad blockers,” it’s “which ad blockers still work on YouTube.” And surprisingly, quite a few still work.
Quick Overview
Not every ad blocker survived YouTube’s crackdown, but these five still work pretty well. Here’s how they compare on score, pricing, and more:
| Ad Blocker | AT Score | Free Version? | Starts At | Best For |
| AdGuard | 100 | Yes | $29.99 per year,$79.99 lifetime | System-wide coverage |
| Total Adblock | 100 | No | $20 first year,$99 renewal | Reliable YouTube Ad Blocking |
| Surfshark CleanWeb | 98 | No | $15.45 per month | VPN & Ad Blocker Combo |
| uBlock Origin | 100 | Yes | Free | Free & Open Source |
| Ghostery | 96 | Yes | Free | Anti-tracking |
AdGuard
AdGuard is the final boss of all ad blockers. There are very few types of ads that it can’t block. And it has always consistently blocked YouTube ads. And even when YouTube does patch its systems, AdGuard’s downtime is one of the shortest.
Blocks everything
AdGuard doesn’t stop at YouTube pre-rolls and mid-rolls. It blocks ads in apps, games, and browsers too. So whether you’re watching videos, scrolling social media, or even playing a free-to-play game, it keeps it clean.
Blocks everywhere
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.
Custom filters for power users
AdGuard has a large collection of blocklists you can enable. This isn’t 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.
Privacy beyond ads
On top of ads, AdGuard also blocks trackers, phishing links, and malware. There’s even a stealth mode for advanced privacy settings like hiding search queries and removing tracking parameters from URLs.
Can be free, but not always
The browser extension is free, but it has limited functionality. For complete device-wide protection, you’ll need a paid plan. $29.99 per year or $79.99 for a lifetime license. It’s not the cheapest, but the one-time buy option is a really good deal for what it offers.
Surfshark CleanWeb
You know about Surfshark. You’ve seen the ads on YouTube. You’ve heard your favorite YouTuber endorse it, too. It’s a really good VPN. But did you know that it’s also an ad blocker that can rid you of YouTube ads?
CleanWeb cleans the web
Surfshark CleanWeb is the ad-blocking sidekick that comes with Surfshark VPN. It’s a good addition to the VPN. And it blocks ads across the web. And does a pretty good job at getting rid of pre-rolls, mid-rolls, banner ads, and Shorts ads from YouTube.
Safe and secure at all times
Instead of being a standalone extension, CleanWeb is inside Surfshark’s VPN apps. Turn it on and it’ll block YouTube ads, trackers, and even malicious domains while your traffic is encrypted.
Works Across Devices
Due to the tie-in, CleanWeb is available on more platforms than most ad blockers. It’s not limited to your browser. Whether you’re on desktop, Android, or iOS, it blocks YouTube ads at the network level. That’s handy for anyone watching on multiple screens.
Rids you of streaming restrictions
Because it’s part of a VPN, you can also bypass geo-blocks. Want to watch YouTube content that’s region-restricted or access Netflix libraries outside your country? You can do it. And YouTube Premium is cheaper in certain regions, so you could also maybe change your region and avail that.
It can be a bit pricey
CleanWeb isn’t free and is tied to Surfshark’s VPN subscription. At $15.45 a month if you go month to month, it’s one of the more expensive ways to ad-free YouTube. However, the longer multi-year plans bring the cost down a lot, especially if you use our promo codes and affiliate links.
Total Adblock
Total Adblock 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.
Blocks pretty much everything YouTube throws at it
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?
Always a step ahead with the updates
A lot of tools get broken when YouTube updates its ad block detection system. But Total Adblock keeps its filters up to date. So you don’t have to look for fixes or alternatives.
Outside of YouTube
It’s not just YouTube. Total Adblock also blocks pop-ups, autoplay videos, and trackers across the web, making browsing faster and lighter. Moreover, due to its focus on security, it blocks phishing links and malware as well.
But… It’s not free
The first year is $20, which might seem like a steal, but renewals are $99. For some, that can be a lot.
uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is the no-nonsense, open-source ad blocker that’s been around for years. And it’s still one of the most effective tools for blocking YouTube ads in 2025. Lightweight, powerful, and completely free.
FOSS
Unlike paid tools, uBlock Origin is run by a community of developers and volunteers. No hidden agendas, no data mining, no upsells. Just a straightforward ad blocker that does what it promises.
Strong on Firefox
While it works on most browsers, uBlock Origin really shines on Firefox. YouTube’s detection updates hit Chrome extensions harder, but Firefox and uBlock Origin continue to be a reliable combination.
Highly customisable
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’s perfect for users who enjoy tweaking settings.
But… not always plug-and-play
Because it’s so hands-on, uBlock Origin isn’t as “set it and forget it” as paid blockers. Less technical users may find it confusing, especially when filters need to be adjusted after a YouTube update.
Ghostery
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. And yes, it still works on YouTube.
Shows you the invisible stuff
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.
Ad blocking that works
When enabled, Ghostery takes care of YouTube’s pre-rolls, mid-rolls, and banner ads. It’s not as aggressive as Total Adblock or AdGuard, but it gets the job done for most users without needing constant updates or heavy tweaking.
Transparency first
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.
Free, with a donation option
The core Ghostery extension has been free and always will be. But if you want to support the project, you can be a contributor by donating.
Is it legal to use an ad blocker on YouTube?
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’re making a personal choice about what loads in your own browser or device. YouTube may not like it, and they’ve introduced warnings and playback restrictions to discourage it, but there are no laws that make ad blocking illegal.
That said, the grey area comes from YouTube’s 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’t get fined or arrested for using an ad blocker.
Do YouTube ad blockers work on smart TVs?
Browser-based ad blockers don’t work on smart TVs, as most TV apps don’t support extensions. But VPNs with built-in ad blocking, that’s a different story. Services like Surfshark CleanWeb and NordVPN Threat Protection Pro can help out here.
When you connect your smart TV to one of these VPNs, the ad blocking happens at the network level. That means pre-roll and mid-roll ads on YouTube are filtered out before they even reach you. It’s not 100% foolproof. It won’t work in the YouTube app, you’ll need to use the browser.
But it does let you unlock region-restricted content. So with one subscription, you’re not only cutting ads but also gaining access to international libraries. For anyone streaming on a big screen VPN VPN-based ad blockers are the most practical way to enjoy an ad-free YouTube experience.
Wrapping Up
YouTube’s crackdown has left a lot of ad blockers in the dust, but a handful still hold the line. The choice ultimately comes down to what you value: paying for stability, bundling ad blocking with privacy tools, or sticking with open-source. Either way, you don’t have to settle for an ad-stuffed YouTube feed just yet.