Best ad blockers for YouTube in 2023

YouTube ad blockers effectively block annoying ads and protect your online privacy by blocking third-party trackers. They are a cost-effective alternative to YouTube Premium subscriptions. Ad blockers also keep you private from your Internet Service provider (ISP), threat actors, and third parties.

However, recently, YouTube announced about testing measures to block videos for users who haven't disabled their ad blockers. We conducted our own testing with a dozen of ad blockers in a US location to see whether it’s true. The good news is that we didn’t encounter any error messages prompting us to disable any of our top ad blockers.

Keeping in mind possible restrictions, we tested and identified the 5 best ad blockers for YouTube. Our recommended list can block ads and prevent annoying pop-ups or other interstitials while browsing online. So, read the article and pick the best YouTube ad blocker that passed our tests, and can provide a seamless experience on the platform.

Top 5 best YouTube ad blockers for 2023

1. NordVPN Threat Protection – best ad blocker for YouTube in 2023
2. Total Adblock – trustworthy YouTube ad blocker with a free trial
3. Surfshark CleanWeb – YouTube ad blocker for multiple devices
4. Atlas VPN SafeBrowse – inexpensive ad blocker
5. Proton VPN NetShield – customizable ad blocker for ads and malware

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Why block YouTube ads?

You should be blocking ads on YouTube simply because it’s convenient. YouTube has gotten way too comfortable with displaying advertisements over the years, placing more than one on a single video. Aside from being annoying, it interrupts your online experience. So, here are some benefits of blocking ads on YouTube:

• Skip middle-of-the-video ads. You already watched an ad at the beginning of the video, and you deserve to watch a 15-minute video without additional annoyances. YouTube ad blockers let you enjoy seamless streaming altogether.
• Avoid unskippable ads. Some advertisers or YouTubers decide that you can’t skip a particular ad, making you sit through a 20-second video about something you may not even care about. The easiest way to avoid this is, you’ve guessed it… getting a reliable ad blocker.
• Ensure more privacy. YouTube collects your personal information to personalize ads and lure you into the consumerism trap. Getting an ad blocker in a VPN package ensures data privacy as well as third-party tracker avoidance.

The best ad blockers for YouTube – our detailed list:

Watching YouTube without ads requires getting a reliable ad blocker that’s compatible with the devices you own. Here are our top ad blocker picks based on our YouTube ad blocking tests, compatibility, features, and so on.

1. NordVPN Threat Protection – best YouTube ad blocker in 2023

Visit NordVPN Threat Protection

NordVPN Threat Protection is the best ad blocker for YouTube on the market that comes in a VPN package. Its excellence lies in its ad blocking capabilities and reliability. Aside from YouTube ads, it can remove pop-ups, banners, autoplay video ads, trackers, and even malicious files.

YouTube ad blocking. During our Windows tests, Threat Protection effortlessly blocked all YouTube ads on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge browsers. The same goes for YouTube on the Safari browser on macOS and iOS as well as the YouTube app on iOS.

Features. With NordVPN Threat Protection, you get the URL trimming feature. It deletes tracking parameters from the URLs you visit so you wouldn’t be tracked. Additionally, it scans the files you download to prevent malware from getting into your device. The ad blocker comes in a VPN package, letting you watch your guilty pleasure YouTube videos privately.

Compatibility. Threat Protection is available on Safari, Chrome, Opera, Brave, and Edge browsers. Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS apps include the tool as well.

Pricing. Threat Protection is available with any NordVPN plan. Its prices start from $2.49/month, and you can also make use of the free 7-day trial. In any case, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re left unsatisfied.

You can learn more about the other features in our NordVPN Threat Protection review.

2. Total Adblock – trustworthy and free ad blocking solution

Visit Total AdBlock

Going as the next strong contender for the best ad blocker is Total Adblock. It can remove various other types of ads aside from countless interruptive YouTube ones. It can also eliminate trackers, pop-ups, and banners. So you not only remove annoyances but also improve your online privacy posture.

YouTube ad blocking. Whether you’re using Total Adblock on Android or iOS, our tests revealed that it’s capable of removing YouTube ads on each device. Be it the YouTube app or site on Chrome or Safari, the ad blocker had no issues removing interruptions. The same situation applied to browser extensions on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Features. Total Adblock allows whitelisting ads and pop-ups when they’re acceptable. If you’re a mobile device user, you’ll be able to make use of various convenient blocking filters. You can also get this ad blocker with the Total Security antivirus package. This way, you also get a full-on malware protection and removal tool.

Compatibility. You can get Total Adblock on iOS and Android. While it’s not available as an app on desktop devices, you can use it as a browser extension on Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, and Firefox browsers.

Pricing: Total Adblock is completely free for 7 days. If you wish to continue using it, it’ll cost $2.42/month (a 14-day money-back guarantee is in place). Alternatively, you can opt for the Total Security antivirus package. Its prices start from $49.00/year and it comes with a 30-day refund policy.

To learn more about this service package, read our Total Adblock review.

3. Surfshark Cleanweb – low-cost ad blocker for multiple devices

Visit Surfshark CleanWeb

If a low-cost ad blocker with extra privacy is what you’re looking for, Surfshark CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2.0 features are just that and more. They remove YouTube and many other ads, cookie consent pop-ups, trackers, and malicious content.

YouTube ad blocking. During our tests, the mobile apps blocked YouTube ads in both the browser and app versions. There weren’t any issues on macOS or browser extensions and their CleanWeb 2.0 feature either. Meanwhile, the Windows app started removing ads only a few videos later.

Features. Surfshark CleanWeb implements a cookie pop-up blocker. This helps put a stop to every site asking for cookie consent. The ad blocker comes with the Surfshark VPN or the whole Surfshark One bundle. The latter also includes data breach alerts and a private search engine on top of a time-tested VPN.

Compatibility. You can get Surfshark CleanWeb on most devices, including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, Fire TV, and iOS. The CleanWeb 2.0 feature is available on browser extensions only (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge).

Pricing. If you get CleanWeb with the Surfshark VPN service, you’ll pay as low as $2.30/month for unlimited devices. You can even get a 7-day free trial. The Surfshark One bundle, however, costs $3.98/month and comes with many beneficial additions. Whichever option you pick, a 30-day money-back guarantee is also there.

You can read more about this service in our in-depth Surfshark CleanWeb review.

4. Atlas VPN – affordable ad blocker application

Visit Atlas VPN SafeBrowse

Atlas VPN SafeBrowse is a reliable ad blocker that comes together with a VPN service. It can help block ads on YouTube and other sites as well as prevent trackers and malware.

YouTube ad blocking. During our tests, Atlas VPN SafeBrowse (on the Windows and macOS apps) blocked YouTube ads on various popular browsers without struggle. This includes Chrome, Firefox, Opera Safari, and Edge browsers. The situation was just as good on iOS and Android apps. Both the YouTube app and browser versions were completely ad free as soon as the feature was enabled.

Features. The SafeBrowse feature prevents third-party tracking, ensuring more privacy. Additionally, Atlas VPN is a VPN service. This means your privacy is more than taken care of – not even your ISP will know what you’re up to.

Compatibility. You can use Atlas VPN SafeBrowse on the most popular OS, including Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. While there are no browser extensions, the app versions are capable of removing irritating content interruptions on Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Opera.

Pricing. SafeBrowse is available in the premium Atlas VPN package. Its prices start from as little as $1.82/month, making it a very affordable option. If you change your mind, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to make use of.

If you wish to find out more about the VPN package, read our Atlas VPN review.

5. Proton VPN – customizable ad and tracker blocker

Visit ProtonVPN NetShield

Proton VPN NetShield is another trustworthy ad blocker that can successfully block ads on YouTube. It comes in a VPN package, and is also great for blocking such interruptions as online advertisements on other sites, trackers, and even malicious files.

YouTube ad blocking. Our tests revealed that Proton VPN NetShield can successfully block ads on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Edge browsers (on Windows and macOS). With iOS and Android devices, both apps can only remove ads on the mobile app of YouTube but not on the browser.

Features. NetShield allows you to choose between different protection levels. You can disable or enable ad, tracker, and malware blocking or you can choose to block malware only. The feature comes with the VPN package, letting you keep your data completely private from your ISP and threat actors.

Compatibility. Proton VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even Linux. NetShield is available on all of them. However, there are no browser extension versions of NetShield available.

Pricing. While Proton VPN has a free version, you can get NetShield with the premium Proton VPN subscription only. The prices begin at $4.99/month, and you can also make use of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you wish to learn more about this VPN service, refer to our Proton VPN review.

How we selected and tested YouTube ad blockers

We started our tests by filtering out unreliable ad blockers. Then, we researched the products and tested their blocking capabilities. Here are the criteria we looked at:

• YouTube ad blocking capabilities. We tested each ad blocker with the YouTube app on different devices and the YouTube site on major browsers. All of the ad blockers on our list are capable of blocking YouTube ads on multiple devices.
• Other ad blocking capabilities. The best ad blockers are beneficial not only for YouTube ad removal. We made sure to pick providers that are capable of blocking ads and other interruptions, such as intrusive third-party trackers and cookie consent pop-up ads, on your favorite websites.
• Extra features. Ad blockers that come as part of cybersecurity tools, such as antivirus or VPN, are great picks. This way, you not only stop intrusive interruptions but also protect yourself and your data from threat actors.
• Compatibility. We made sure to only include ad blockers that are available on various operating systems or browsers. Since you can use all of our ranked ad blockers on multiple devices with one account, compatibility is an important decision factor.
• Value for your money. We made sure that for the price you pay, you’re getting yourself more than just an ad blocker. The products we picked are affordable and offer much more than just YouTube ad blocking. This includes extra online security from hackers or privacy from third-party trackers.

What to look for in the best ad blocker for YouTube?

The best ad blockers for YouTube do exactly what the name implies – remove ads on YouTube. So naturally, here are some of the factors you should consider when getting an ad blocker for this platform:

• Great ad blocking capabilities. Do prior research and find out whether the ad blocker of your choice can block YouTube ads on your device or browser. The ad blockers on our list can all block ads on the platform effortlessly.
• Additional security features. If an ad blocker comes with a VPN or antivirus package, you’re already getting a great deal. That’s because you get additional cybersecurity benefits, such as malware removal or complete personal data privacy. All that for a much better price than that of YouTube Premium.
• Intuitive apps. Before getting an ad blocker, make sure it’s compatible with your device or browser. Some ad blockers have a very limited number of apps or don’t have browser extension versions at all.
• Affordable prices. Ad blockers shouldn’t be expensive, even if you’re getting them with an additional security service, such as an antivirus or VPN. A few bucks a month will do the trick just as well.

YouTube Premium for ad-free YouTube – is it worth the money?

Whether YouTube Premium is worth your money depends on how much YouTube you watch and what perks you need. YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that completely removes ads on YouTube and lets you enjoy videos in the background or download them. You also get access to YouTube Music Premium.

However, even many Reddit users agree that getting background play and removing ads is just not worth paying $11.99/month. Especially if you watch only a few videos per day.

Instead, you can pay around 5 times less and get a VPN with an ad blocker. For instance, if you get NordVPN Threat Protection, you get to block ads for only $2.49/month. Not to mention that you get a top-notch VPN service to protect your personal data.

Get YouTube Premium cheaper with a VPN

One of the benefits of getting a VPN is that it can help you get YouTube Premium cheaper. For instance, YouTube Premium costs $11.99/month in the US. If you use a VPN to connect to Israel, you’re going to get a $5.59/month lower price. Same with Thailand – once connected, you’re going to save $7.59/month.

Because even the best VPNs generally cost a few bucks per month only, you’re still going to save money on YouTube Premium after getting a VPN. This way, you’re going to have both YouTube Premium and a VPN service for a cheaper price than when buying YouTube Premium in the US alone.

Watch YouTube Premium with NordVPN

If YouTube Premium is too expensive in your country (or completely unavailable), download NordVPN. This premium provider delivers global servers to change your IP address, has fast connection speeds, and unblocks major streaming sites.

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• Strong encryption
• Many additional features
• Fast speed

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Comparing the best YouTube ad blockers

Different ad blockers are more or less suitable for different devices and browsers. Below you’ll find different picks based on your needs.

Winner

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Conclusion

YouTube ads are becoming more and more interruptive, being displayed not only at the beginning but also in the middle of a video. In many cases, you can’t even skip them. That’s where ad blockers come into play.

Ad blockers for YouTube make your streaming experience seamless. They also save you some money as you don’t have to purchase the expensive YouTube Premium subscription.

Our best recommendation is NordVPN Threat Protection. For $2.49/month, you’ll be able to successfully block YouTube ads on up to 6 devices. You’ll also become more private online and avoid third-party trackers, banner ads, and other interruptions.

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