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.
How to block YouTube ads on your phone
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:
- Android, the strongest free route: ReVanced is a patched YouTube client that strips ads and adds background play. We cover it in getting YouTube Premium features for free with ReVanced.
- System-level apps: AdGuard filters the whole device, so it can cut many YouTube app ads where a browser tool cannot. See our guides to blocking ads on Android and iPhone.
- Brave browser: if you watch YouTube in a mobile browser rather than the app, Brave blocks ads and even allows background play.
- iPhone reality check: Apple is strict, so for the YouTube app on iOS a system-level or DNS tool is the most reliable option, since Safari content blockers cannot reach inside the app.
YouTube Premium vs an ad blocker: which is worth it?
YouTube would much rather you paid for Premium than blocked ads, and it is a fair question which one makes more sense. Here is the honest trade-off.
YouTube Premium removes every ad officially, works perfectly in the app on every device, and adds background play, offline downloads, and YouTube Music. It also pays creators. The downside is the monthly cost, which adds up over a year.
An ad blocker is free or close to it, and a good one like AdGuard or uBlock Origin clears YouTube ads on desktop reliably. The downside is the cat-and-mouse game: when YouTube changes something, you may see ads for a day or two until filters catch up, and the YouTube app on mobile is harder to cover. If you mostly watch on a computer and do not mind the occasional hiccup, an ad blocker wins on price. If you live in the YouTube app on your phone and want zero fuss, Premium is the smoother ride. Plenty of people do both: an ad blocker on the desktop and Premium only if the app annoyance gets too much.
Bonus: skip the in-video sponsor segments too
Here is something no ad blocker handles: the sponsor reads baked into the video itself, where the creator pauses to talk about a VPN or a meal kit. Those are not served as ads, so blockers cannot touch them. For that you want SponsorBlock, a free, community-powered tool that automatically skips sponsor segments, intros, and self-promos. Pair it with any blocker above and your YouTube gets even cleaner. We explain it in how to skip sponsored segments on YouTube.
What to do when your YouTube ad blocker stops working
Every so often YouTube pushes an update and ads slip back in, or you get the dreaded ad blocker warning. Before you switch tools, try these in order, since it is usually fixed in minutes:
- Update your filter lists. Most blockers do this automatically, but forcing an update in the dashboard often fixes it instantly.
- Refresh the page or restart the browser so the new filters load.
- Clear YouTube cookies and cache, which clears the detection flag that triggers the warning.
- Switch to a stronger route if it persists: uBlock Origin on Firefox or a system-level app like AdGuard recovers fastest after a YouTube change.
- Give it a day. When YouTube makes a big change, filter maintainers usually patch it within hours, so a stubborn case often resolves on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get banned for using an ad blocker on YouTube?
No. YouTube may show warnings or briefly limit playback if it detects a blocker, but it does not ban your Google account for using one. The worst case is a nag screen, which the fixes above usually clear.
Why did my YouTube ad blocker suddenly stop working?
YouTube regularly changes how it serves ads, which can break filters for a short time. Updating your filter lists, clearing YouTube cookies, or switching to uBlock Origin on Firefox or a system-level app usually restores blocking within a day.
Do ad blockers work inside the YouTube app?
Browser extensions do not, because the app does not allow them. To block ads in the YouTube app, use ReVanced on Android, a system-level app like AdGuard, or YouTube Premium for the official route.
Is YouTube Premium worth it instead of an ad blocker?
If you mostly watch in the YouTube app on your phone and want zero hassle, Premium is smoother and also adds background play and downloads. If you mostly watch on desktop, a free ad blocker does the job for nothing.
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.