Best ad blockers for Android in 2024
Independent tests conducted by in-house Cybernews experts are the foundation of our comprehensive ad blockers’ reviews. We combine in-house and external tests to gather empirical evidence and assess each provider.
Our reviews include technical specifications and insights to maintain the highest level of transparency. We aim to ensure our information helps readers make informed decisions independently.
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Šarūnas Karbauskas
Online privacy expert
A lot of sites and Android apps depend on ads to generate revenue and make a business. However, some ads can be intrusive or malicious, which interrupts your browsing experience. Fortunately, with the best ad blocker for Android on your device, you can combat unwanted pop-ups and other types of ads.
Android ad blockers – especially those with a built-in VPN – are ideal for disabling intrusive or misleading ads and pop-ups, blocking malicious websites, and even preventing third parties from tracking you and compromising your data.
We’ve researched and tested numerous providers to find the best ad blockers for Android in 2024 that actually work and block the most notorious adware. Keep reading to find our best picks.
Top 5 best ad blockers for Android in 2024
- Total Adblock – overall best ad blocker for Android for 2024
- Surfshark CleanWeb – affordable Android ad blocker with a VPN
- Proton VPN NetShield – secure ad blocker for Android with a VPN
- Avast – free secure browser with a built-in ad blocker for Android
- AdLock – safe Android ad blocker with multiple filtering options
📢 LIMITED OFFER: Get 80% OFF Total Adblock!
The Cybernews in-house research team and expert writers work together to regularly and thoroughly test ad blockers. We use a variety of testing methods to ensure our recommendations are fact-checked and relevant. Find out how we test and evaluate ad blockers.
Why do you need an ad blocker on your Android device?
Advertisements can be annoying, disruptive, and even dangerous regardless of which device they appear on. However, they are particularly troublesome on mobile devices, such as Android smartphones, where ads can take up a lot of space and may be hard to close with a tap of a finger. Here are some of the main reasons why employing a reliable ad blocker on Android is recommended:
- Remove intrusive ads. Most websites and apps on Android rely on ads to generate income. A trusted ad blocker is the best tool to get rid of them and improve your browsing experience.
- Remove cookie notifications. A reliable ad blocker can hide cookie notifications without allowing or declining permission to use cookies. It lets you avoid cookie pop-ups on every website.
- Avoid phishing scams. Online scams can be planted almost anywhere, even inside harmless-looking ads. A powerful ad blocker will identify, block, and mitigate targeted threats and ransomware on your Android device.
- Secure your Android device. With a fully-fledged ad blocker suite, you are likely to get additional protection via such extra features as a VPN or antivirus, and secure your Android even further.
- Reduce data usage and save battery life. Ads can take up space and data. Hence, using an ad blocker will save your mobile data, improve browsing speeds, and save your Android’s battery life.
Best ad blockers for Android in 2024 – detailed list
There are many great ad blocker tools to choose from, which is why we tested numerous providers ourselves. Here’s our list of the top Android ad blocker providers.
1. Total Adblock – the best ad blocker for Android devices
| Free version: | Yes (7-day free trial) |
| Features: | Tracker and ad blocker, filters (Annoyances filter, Tracking Protection filter, Social Media filter), Allow list |
| Customer support: | Knowledge base, video tutorials, blog, email, FAQs |
| Current deal: | Get 80% OFF Total Adblock! |
Our best ad blocker pick for Android is Total Adblock. It’s designed to remove pop-ups and mute all notifications in your browser and apps. This tool also blocks banners, video ads, and third-party trackers, this way protecting private user data.
Compatibility. Even though you can’t download Total Adblock from the Google Play Store (as it doesn’t allow system-wide ad blockers), you can get an app file from Total Adblock’s website and install it onto your Android device manually.
How it works. Total Adblock blocks requests from websites and apps to show ads, pop-ups, and notifications. It also uses filters to understand and block URLs and scripts that Total Adblock relates to suspicious or known advertisers. Furthermore, it can hide ads that are already shown on the site. This is done by changing the HTML and CSS elements of the page. Total Adblock also blocks trackers that collect data and try to deliver personalized advertisements.
Test results. Total Adblock received the perfect 100/100 score when we tested it with AdBlock Tester. It blocked all ads, including Google Analytics monitoring, GIF images, and error trackers. The d3ward test revealed an 80% success rate when dealing with ads because it didn’t block Amazon, Google, and social media ads, Google Analytics, and error trackers.
In terms of pricing, premium plans start at $1.99/month. You can try the premium service for free with its 7-day free trial.
2. Surfshark CleanWeb – budget-friendly Android ad blocker with a VPN
| Free version: | Yes (7-day free trial) |
| Features: | Malicious website and ad blocking, YouTube ad blocking (on app and browser) |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email, guides and articles, FAQs |
| Current deal: | 86% OFF Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0 + 3 months FREE! |
Surfshark’s ad blocker feature is called CleanWeb. It’s powerful and can block all types of adware and phishing attempts.
Compatibility. To enable CleanWeb (newly released CleanWeb 2.0) on Android devices, you’re required to use a VPN. Luckily, it is compatible with all popular OS and can be set up as a browser extension as well.
How it works. Interestingly, Surfshark doesn’t specify how CleanWeb blocks ads. It’s likely that the app is able to filter a website’s DNS requests and block the ones that come from blacklisted sources. It probably blocks requests to show advertisements as well. That includes YouTube ads, which Surfshark CleanWeb can block both while using the app and the browser.
Test results. Surfshark’s CleanWeb results were a bit disappointing. The AdBlock Tester gave the tool 58/100 points because it didn’t didn’t block GIF and static images, Sentry error monitoring, as well as Google and Hotjar monitoring tools. The d3ward result was 57% because it couldn’t block Cosmetic Filters, ad scripts loading, Google Ads, Google Analytics, error trackers, and some social media advertising. Nonetheless, CleanWeb is part of a well-rounded VPN product that offers plenty of security and privacy perks, which is why we’ve ranked Surfshark’s CleanWeb this high.
As for pricing, Surfshark offers really affordable plans. Its services start from $2.29/month, and there's a 7-day free trial, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re already a registered Surfshark VPN user – the CleanWeb feature is free.
3. Proton VPN NetShield – secure Android ad blocker with a VPN included
| Free version: | No (only the VPN has a free version) |
| Features: | Malware, ad, and tracker blocker, malware-only blocker |
| Customer support: | Email, knowledge base, FAQs |
| Current deal: | Get up to 50% OFF Proton VPN NetShield! |
Proton VPN has a powerful ad blocker NetShield that's well-suited for Android devices. Like other leading providers, it does not only block ads but also protects you from malicious websites, intrusive trackers, and malware.
Compatibility. NetShield comes with Proton VPN, which can easily be set up on different devices – it supports all popular OS, including Android.
How it works. Proton VPN’s NetShield checks the requests of every website and application and compares it to the database of domains that are known to host malware, ads or trackers. If a match is found, the DNS server automatically blocks the flagged website or app from loading content.
Test results. Proton’s NetShield has demonstrated successful ad-blocking abilities during the AdBlock Tester test – it scored 76/100 points. The score would have been higher if the tool also blocked GIF and static images as well as Sentry error monitoring. The d3ward test revealed a 75% success rate – NetShield failed to block script loading, Amazon and Google ads, error trackers, as well as TikTok and Pinterest ads.
Proton VPN and ad blocker combination pricing starts at $4.99/month, and you can test out a full-featured version with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Avast – free secure browser with a built-in ad blocker for Android
| Free version: | Yes |
| Features: | Tracker, ad, and website blockers, adjustable ad-blocking modes, encrypted media vault |
| Customer support: | Live chat, phone, email, knowledge base |
| Current deal: | Get Avast AntiTrack, now $54.99/year! |
Avast is one of the very few services that provide a free browser with a built-in ad blocker for Android devices. It blocks all kinds of ads, pop-ups, browser notifications, browser fingerprinting, and trackers.
Compatibility. There is no separate app for Android devices. However, to use the Avast ad blocker, you can download the Avast Secure Browser from the Google Play store – it’s very easy to set up and use.
How it works. Avast Secure Browser blocks online ads by default and can significantly improve website loading times. Also, it blocks online tracking, which stops third parties from seeing your online activity. The secure browser has adjustable ad-blocking modes: Basic, Balanced, and Strict Blocking. What’s more, whitelisting is available – you can manage the sites on which you have enabled the ad blocker. Android devices also can get the Encrypted Media Vault, where downloaded files can be kept encrypted and accessed through the Avast browser.
Test results. During our tests, Avast’s Secure Browser managed to get an outstanding score – 100/100 points during the AdBlock Tester test. It also scored 74% during the d3ward test – it worked well, except for not blocking some cosmetic filters, Amazon ads, Google Analytics, as well as FaceBook, TikTok, and Pinterest trackers.
On the other hand, we reviewed Avasts' privacy policy and got a bit worried about how they protect users, having in mind that recently provider was fined for tracking and collecting user data.
5. AdLock – safe Android ad blocker with multiple filtering options
| Free version: | Yes (browser extensions only) |
| Features: | Allow list, ads report, anti-tracking, safe browsing, filtering, DNS |
| Customer support: | 24/7 email, blog, FAQs, user guide |
| Current deal: | Get up to 77% OFF Adlock! |
AdLock is yet another ad blocker for Android with strong detection and ad-blocking capabilities. It can stop pop-ups, banners, autoplay video ads, trackers, and cryptocurrency mining ads.
Compatibility. There's no available app to download onto your Android device. However, you can set up this ad blocker as an extension on all popular browsers. Additionally, it can work simultaneously with other VPNs.
How it works. AdLock works by blocking DNS – it uses a local VPN to filter out traffic and blocks requests for phishing and malicious sites. AdLock filters out advertising content before loading the site to the user and blocks certain elements. It appears it also uses a VPN connection to filter out the traffic and block phishing or malicious requests. The VPN server is deployed locally on the device. AdLock has whitelisting and multiple filtering options for system applications: you can adjust the behavior of the apps that you’re using on Android devices by disabling or enabling certain filters. Moreover, AdLock blocks YouTube ads.
Test results. AdLock is another tool on this list to attain a perfect 100/100 score from AdBlock Tester. It also scored 87% from d3ward. To sum up, AdLock managed to block nearly everything except for ad script loading, Google and Mouseflow analytics, and some social media trackers.
In terms of pricing, you can use it for free via browser extensions on Android devices.
6. Ghostery – Android ad blocker focused on tracker blocking
| Free version: | Yes |
| Features: | Tracker, ad, and pop-up blocker, private browser, private search |
| Customer support: | FAQs, email, GitHub repository, blog |
| Current deal: | Check out all coupons |
Ghostery is a reliable ad-blocker for Android users that employs AI anti-tracking technology. It offers a completely free service customized to maintain your browsing as private and secure.
Compatibility. Ghostery has a private browser, which can be downloaded on Android and other platforms. It doesn’t collect any personal user data, has an integrated private search engine, and protects devices from trackers.
How it works. Ghostery works by blocking DNS. This ad blocker monitors all the different web servers that are being called from a particular web page and matches them with a library of known trackers. If it finds a match, Ghostery displays a pop-up notification. Even though Ghostery is mostly focused on blocking trackers, it does block ads, pop-ups, and cookies. Ghostery can also block auto-play ads on YouTube.
Test results. During our tests, Ghostery attained an impressive 100/100 score from AdBlock Tester. It also demonstrated great ad-blocking abilities during the d3ward test. Although it failed to block Amazon and Google ads, as well as TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube trackers, it scored 91% overall.
As mentioned, you don’t have to spend a buck on Ghostery – the browser is free for Android devices.
How we selected and tested these Android ad blockers
To select the best Android ad blockers, we’ve performed thorough research and testing to see how functional and reliable the available options for Android are. Here are the key criteria we focused on:
| Compatibility: | Android app, browser extensions |
| Independent testing: | Positive results from AdBlocker and d3ward tests |
| Types of ads blocked: | Social media ads, banners, pop-ups, etc. |
| Blocking filters: | Fuss-free filtering, allow lists |
| Versatility: | Tracker and malicious sites blocking, additional functionalities, including filters, VPN, antivirus |
| Security: | Strong encryption |
| Privacy: | No-logs |
- Compatibility with Android. We made sure our selected ad blocker tools were compatible with Android devices and functional on apps and browsers, since not all ad blockers support mobile devices.
- Independent testing. We tested each provider using AdBlock Tester and d3ward, both of which measure the strength of the ad blocker and give you results based on the ad-blocking capability.
- Types of ads blocked. Only the best ad blockers for Android can get rid of all sorts of ads, including pop-ups, banners, social media apps, video ads, and other types. We made sure that the tools on this list are versatile and can protect against all kinds of ads.
- Blocking filters. With this feature, you can select which ads you want to avoid and which ones to keep, and configure the settings according to your preferences. Usually, the filters are provided in collections called filter lists.
- Versatility. We looked into each ad blocker feature suite and tested it on Android devices. The best ad blocker will offer you complete protection against different kinds of ads, malware sites, and trackers. As a bonus, they may provide extra protection measures – a VPN, antivirus, secure cloud storage.
- Security. Most ad blocker providers for Android don’t replace anti-malware software and won’t fully protect you from viruses, so we selected the providers with extra security to ensure top-class encryption.
- Privacy. A reliable ad blocker will make sure you are not bombarded with annoying and potentially dangerous ads, but that is not the only privacy feature you should be looking at. For example, you want your ad blocker to follow a no-logs policy – Surfshark and Proton VPN do not track data, and so you can rest assured that the integrated ad-blockers will maintain your privacy too.
Best ad blockers for Android comparison
See how different Android ad blockers compare to each other:
| Types of ads blocked | AdBlock Tester score | Price | Cookie removal | Free version available | YouTube ad blocking | Comes with | |
| Total Adblock | Pop-ups,banners, video ads, third-party trackers | 100/100 | $1.59/month | ✅ Yes | Yes (Free 7-day trial) | ✅ Yes | Stand alone or antivirus |
| Surfshark CleanWeb | Pop-ups, banners, video ads, cookie consent pop-ups, trackers, malware | 58/100 | $2.19/month | ✅ Yes | Yes (Free 7-day trial) | ✅ Yes | VPN or VPN+ antivirus bundle |
| Proton VPN NetShield | Trackers, malware | 76/100 | $4.99/month | ❌ No | No (Only the VPN has a free version) | ✅ Yes | VPN |
| Avast Secure Browser | Pop-ups, banner ads, video ads, social media ads, browser notifications, browser fingerprinting and trackers | 100/100 | Free | ✅ Yes | Yes | ✅ Yes | Private browser |
| AdLock | Pop-ups, banners, autoplay video ads, trackers, Cryptocurrency mining ads | 100/100 | Free | ❌ No | Yes (browser extension) | ✅ Yes | Stand alone |
| Ghostery Ad Blocker | Trackers, pop-ups, cookies | 100/100 | Free | ✅ Yes | Yes | ✅ Yes | Stand alone |
What is the best free ad blocker for Android?
Some of the free ad blockers for Android might be safe. However, we don’t recommend them. Free services are limited in supported platforms, features, security, and what they offer to your device overall.
Built-in free browser ad blockers for Android might not block ads and pop-ups or might be designed to block only a certain type of ads. Simply put, it’s limited in its capabilities and can minimally solve the annoying ads.
If you want to have a safe, ad-free browsing experience, investing in a premium option is the way to go. To test a top-class ad blocker risk-free, take advantage of a free trial and use money-back guarantees:
- Total Adblock. Block all sorts of adware and prevent pop-ups on your Android device. Try the service for free – use a 30-day money-back guarantee or a 7-day free trial.
- Surfshark CleanWeb. This VPN provider with a built-in ad blocker blocks all types of adware and phishing attempts. You can try it for free with a 7-day free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.
Browsers with built-in ad blockers for Android devices
If you’d prefer using a browser with an already built-in ad blocker rather than getting a separate ad blocker app for your Android device or manually configuring it via DNS, there are a few powerful options you can choose.
Google Chrome comes with a built-in ad blocker for the majority of Android devices. It has been updated to block the ads by default. However, it still passes through many of them alongside other intrusive and potentially dangerous malvertising.
Here are some other high-quality browsers with built-in ad blockers:
- Firefox – although Firefox doesn’t have a built-in ad-blocker, the Firefox Add-ons are available to Android users.
- Opera browser – can work with another ad blocker add-on or app.
- Pure Browser – easy-to-use and configure, smooth ad-free browsing experience with improved performance and speeds.
- Dolphin Browser – fast loading times and powerful ad-blocking engine.
- Vivaldi – integrated ad blocker will not only block intrusive ads but also protect your Android devices from trackers.
Video review
If you feel like watching a video instead, check out our video on how to block ads on Android devices. You'll learn all about the top three ad blocker tools and their functionality.
Conclusion
There are many options when it comes to getting an ad blocker for your Android device. The selection ranges from free ad blocker apps to ad blockers built into browsers to fully-fledged ad-proof online protection suites.
You can pin down your choice by deciding what your needs are and how determined you are about preventing notorious adware, ransomware, and malvertising on your Android device.
We recommend Total Adblock for the best ad-blocking services. This Android-compatible tool blocks ads, trackers, scripts, and malicious websites. Independent tests by AdBlock Tester and d3ward have shown excellent ad-blocking capabilities, too, and, on top of all that, the tool is budget-friendly.
More Ad blocker guides from Cybernews:
How to bypass adblock detection on any website: easily bypass ad blocker restrictions
How to block ads on Android in 2024: remove online threats from your Android
How to get rid of ads on Instagram in 2024: safely browse Instagram ad-free
Best ad blockers for Chrome in 2024: use Chrome without annoying ads or pop-ups
FAQ
Which ad blocker is the best for Android?
Total Adblock is the best ad blocker for Android. It’s designed to remove pop-ups and mute all notifications in your browser and apps. This tool also blocks banners, video ads, and third-party trackers, this way protecting private user data.
Does Android have built-in ad blocker?
Yes, Google Chrome has a built-in ad blocker to disable annoying and intrussive ads and pop-ups. On Android, you can enable ad-blocking via the Settings menu: Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects (turn toggle on); and Site settings > Intrusive ads (turn toggle on).
Is there a 100% free ad blocker app for Android?
Yes, Ghostery is a free ad blocker for Android. However, it doesn’t actually have a dedicated ad-blocker app. Instead, it operates as a private browser that offers a private search engine and protects devices from trackers.
How do you activate an ad blocker on Android?
To activate an ad blocker on Android, you will need to manually configure your DNS settings and Chrome browser settings, install an ad blocker on your device, or use an alternative browser with a built-in ad blocker. The configuration will depend on the method you select.
Is there an Android browser that blocks all ads?
Yes, Avast has a browser called Avast Secure Browser that comes with a built-in ad blocker for Android devices. It can block different types of advertisements, notifications, and trackers.
Does Samsung have a built-in ad blocker?
No, Samsung doesn’t have a built-in ad blocker. However, you can ensure clean browsing without ads when using the Samsung Internet web browser. To activate ad-blocking, open the menu from the bottom-right corner (three horizontal bars) and click Ad blockers. Now, Download the chosen ad blocker app.
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