Best YouTube ad blockers in August 2026
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Despite YouTube’s attempts to crack down on ad blockers, there are still some that work. My #1 choice is Surfshark CleanWeb, as it works smoothly and helps me to enjoy YouTube without any ad interruptions.
I’ve been using ad blockers for more than 4 years now, and I’ve noticed that YouTube is employing stricter ad blocker detection measures. So, not all ad blockers are effective with YouTube ads anymore. As a result, over time, I had to switch providers to find the ones that actually work.
In this article, I cover my top 5 YouTube ad blockers that still work on YouTube ads as of August 2026. I picked only those providers that offer a great experience and value for money, including free and free-trial ad blockers.
5 best YouTube ad blockers in 2026
- Surfshark CleanWeb – best ad blocker for YouTube in 2026
- Total Adblock – versatile YouTube ad blocker
- Ghostery ad blocker – YouTube ad blocker for mobile
- NordVPN next-gen antivirus – trustworthy YouTube ad blocker with a money-back guarantee
- uBlock Origin – customizable ad blocker for ads in browsers
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 should you use an ad blocker for YouTube?
YouTube displays ads to keep the platform free. However, lately, the ads appear not only at the beginning of the video but are also scattered throughout. I find this annoying, as YouTube has gotten way too comfortable with displaying advertisements. For this reason, I chose to use ad blockers to avoid interruptions while I’m watching my favorite content. If you too find these ads annoying, I recommend picking one of the best ad blockers that will effectively reduce the amount of advertising you see.
But keep in mind that YouTube is constantly working on cracking down on ad blockers and notes that it’s against its Terms of Service to use one. So, if YouTube detects that you’re using an ad blocker, it might block access to the site.
The best ad blockers for YouTube – detailed list
Watching YouTube ad-free requires a reliable ad blocker that works across your devices. With YouTube increasing its efforts to block ad blockers and using new server-side ad injection methods, I reviewed each option on my list. My evaluation covered multiple devices and operating systems to ensure the ad blockers still work. Below are my top picks based on effectiveness, compatibility, features, and pricing.
1. Surfshark CleanWeb – the best YouTube ad blocker in 2026
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes (free 7-day trial) |
| Money-back guarantee: | ✅ Yes, 30 days |
| YouTube ad blocking: | ✅ Yes |
| Supported platforms: | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV, Android TV |
| Best deal: | 85% OFF Surfshark CleanWeb + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is my #1 choice for an ad blocker for YouTube. I recommend it for those who value great features for an affordable price. 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.
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).
💡 Did Surfshark CleanWeb manage to block YouTube ads?
Surfshark CleanWeb did a great job blocking YouTube video ads when I tested it. What stood out to me was its performance on mobile apps, where it successfully blocked YouTube video ads in both the browser and app versions. While some sponsored content in the suggestions bar or banner ads was still visible, there were no issues on macOS or within its browser extensions.
⭐ My experience using Surfshark CleanWeb with YouTube – 5/5
I liked how easy Surfshark CleanWeb is to set up and use. What’s more, it’s equally simple to use on a browser, app, and desktop, which makes it a truly versatile ad blocker.
Another great Surfshark feature that stood out to me is a cookie pop-up blocker. It 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.
All in all, I think that Surfshark is a feature-rich and effective ad blocker for YouTube. I recommend it for beginners, as it’s easy to use. Also, it comes for an affordable $2.49/month, making it accessible to users of various budgets.
You can read more about this service in our in-depth Surfshark CleanWeb review.
2. Total Adblock – a great YouTube ad blocker for different types of ads
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | ✅ Yes, 14 days |
| YouTube ad blocking: | ✅ Yes |
| Supported platforms: | Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, Firefox, Android, iOS |
| Best deal: | Get 80% OFF Total Adblock |
Total Adblock is a great YouTube ad blocker that still works in 2026, based on my testing. It removes 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.
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.
💡 Did Total Adblock manage to block YouTube ads?
During my testing, Total Adblock effectively blocked YouTube ads across both mobile apps and desktop devices. Whether I was using the YouTube app or website on Chrome or Safari, Total Adblock consistently removed ad interruptions. While I didn’t encounter any in-video ads during tests on mobile, Total Adblock offers the option to open or share YouTube videos directly through the app, ensuring full ad-free playback.
⭐ My experience using Total Adblock with YouTube – 4/5
The setup of Total AdBlock was quick and took me less than 3 minutes. Also, I found all browser extension versions very easy to use, which makes them equally accessible to beginner and experienced users.
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. What I liked about Total Adblock was that 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.
To learn more about this service package, read our Total Adblock review.
3. Ghostery ad blocker – a free YouTube ad blocker app
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | ❌ None, because it’s a free service |
| YouTube ad blocking: | ✅ Yes |
| Supported platforms: | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, macOS, and Windows |
Ghostery ad blocker is primarily a tracker blocker, but it also blocks pop-ups, ads, and even cookies. Additionally, it seems to work with YouTube ads.
Compatibility. Ghostery is available as a browser extension on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge browsers, as well as an app for Mac, Windows, and iOS. There is also a mobile app called Ghostery Private Browser, which includes ad and tracker blocking.
💡 Did Ghostery ad blocker manage to block YouTube ads?
During my most recent review, Ghostery ad blocker successfully blocked YouTube ads on various popular browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Edge. It effectively blocked autoplay ads, but it wasn’t as good with push notifications, so I kept seeing quite a few of those.
⭐ My experience using Ghostery ad blocker with YouTube – 4/5
Getting started with Ghostery was easy, and it took me only a few clicks to add it as a browser extension. Sadly, from there, my experience was less positive. Once I switched to a detailed view on my Android device, I got lost in the abundance of information presented to me.
The Settings section also requires some polishing. At first glance, it is not evident what the Tracker-Tally option is or that Notifications refer to Ghostery's notifications and not other apps or browsers. While it’s a solid ad blocker, I believe that Ghostery might be overwhelming for both beginner and experienced users.
On the bright side, the Ghostery ad blocker application allowed me to customize tracker blocking, as well as see statistics on which ads and trackers were removed. I could also use the Never Consent feature to remove cookie notifications and whitelist websites.
For more information, check out our Ghostery review.
4. NordVPN next-gen antivirus – trustworthy YouTube ad blocker
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes (free 7-day trial) |
| Money-back guarantee: | ✅ Yes, 30 days |
| YouTube ad blocking: | ✅ Yes |
| Supported platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, Opera, and Edge |
| Best deal: | Up to 76% OFF + 3 months extra with built-in next-gen antivirus |
NordVPN next-gen antivirus (formerly Threat Protection) is another ad blocker that works on YouTube in 2026. Aside from YouTube ads, it can remove pop-ups, banners, autoplay video ads, trackers, and even malicious files.
Compatibility. NordVPN offers lighter web protection across iOS, Android, and major browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Opera, Brave, and Edge. More advanced protection is available on desktop, particularly on Windows and macOS, where NordVPN’s next-gen antivirus includes stronger web and file protection. However, desktop performance for YouTube ad blocking can still be inconsistent depending on how and where you watch.
💡 Did NordVPN next-gen antivirus manage to block YouTube ads?
During my latest tests, NordVPN was effective at blocking some YouTube ads, but the results weren’t fully consistent across platforms. On mobile, DNS-based filtering worked surprisingly well and blocked in-video ads during testing, although some ads still showed up elsewhere in the app. On the desktop, I tested both the browser extensions and desktop apps. While NordVPN blocked ads at times, I still noticed occasional ads during video playback. In short, NordVPN can reduce YouTube ads, but it isn’t the most consistent option for desktop users.
⭐ My experience using NordVPN next-gen antivirus with YouTube – 4/5
Setting up NordVPN was quick and straightforward, regardless of platform. The interface was easy to use, and getting the ad-blocking features running only took a few moments.
What stood out most during testing was that NordVPN’s next-gen antivirus does more than just block ads. Features like URL trimming help reduce tracking by removing unnecessary parameters from links, while file protection helps scan downloads for malware. Since it’s included as part of a broader VPN security package, it offers extra value for users who want ad blocking, privacy, and threat protection in one app.
One note, though: the full next-gen antivirus feature set is only available on desktop, so mobile users get a more limited level of protection.
You can learn more about the other features in our NordVPN next-gen antivirus review.
5. uBlock Origin – free ad blocker extension for YouTube on desktop
| Rating: | |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | ❌ None, because it’s a free service |
| YouTube ad blocking: | ✅ Yes |
| Supported platforms: | Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera |
uBlock Origin is a free and open-source ad blocker available as a browser extension on Firefox, Edge, and Opera browsers. In our tests, it proved to block a variety of ads, including those on YouTube.
Compatibility. uBlock Origin is available as a browser extension for Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge, as well as a manual installation. Unfortunately, there is no mobile application.
💡 Did uBlock Origin manage to block YouTube ads?
uBlock Origin successfully blocked ads on Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Edge browsers on Windows and macOS. However, uBlock Origin is no longer available on the Chrome Web Store, as it was removed for not aligning with Chrome extension best practices. Also, keep in mind that uBlock Origin isn’t available as a mobile app, so you’ll need to use a different ad blocker for mobile YouTube ad blocking.
⭐ My experience using uBlock Origin with YouTube – 3/5
After I set up the uBlock Origin extension on my browser, it took me some time to figure out how it works and to find the tools. So be aware that you might also experience a slight learning curve. However, if you don’t plan to use additional features and only want to block ads, its default settings are enough.
What I liked about uBlock was that its interface is exactly the same across all browsers and operating systems. So, if you have devices with different OS, this is very convenient.
It’s a pity that uBlock doesn’t have system-wide apps. So it only works on Android and Apple mobile devices as a browser extension too. This means that it won’t block ads on the YouTube app.
For more information, check out our uBlock Origin review.
Comparing the best YouTube ad blockers
To summarize the findings of the best YouTube ad blockers that work in August 2026, I made a side-by-side comparison of providers that made it to my list. Below you can see a table highlighting the main features of each ad blocker.
 |  |  |  |  | |
| YouTube ad blocker | Surfshark CleanWeb | Total Adblock | Ghostery | NordVPN Threat Protection | uBlock Origin |
| Best for | Removing YouTube ads | Eliminating different types of ads
| Blocking YouTube and other browser ads and trackers | Removing pop-ups and banners | Blocking YouTube and browser ads and trackers
|
| Browser compatibility | Chrome, Firefox, and Edge | Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, and Firefox | Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, and Firefox | Chrome, Firefox, Edge (includes malicious websites and intrusive ad blockers) | Chrome, Chromium, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Pale Moon |
| OS compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Fire TV | iOS and Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows and macOS offer the full next-gen antivirus feature set; lighter protection is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux | - |
| Read review | Surfshark CleanWeb review | Total Adblock review | Ghostery review | NordVPN next-gen antivirus review | uBlock Origin review |
How we selected and tested YouTube ad blockers
To start, I filtered out unreliable ad blockers and continued with the ones that made the cut for further testing. I followed our ad blocker testing guidelines to ensure that selected providers effectively blocked unwanted ads.
I tested ad blockers on Chrome and Firefox extensions, which is currently the most effective way to block YouTube ads. Then, I tested mobile apps where available, but it’s worth noting that ad blocking on phones and smart TVs is usually less effective due to YouTube's server-side ad insertion on those platforms.
Here are the criteria I looked at:
- YouTube ad-blocking capabilities (40%). My main focus was on how well each ad blocker removes YouTube ads. I tested them on both the YouTube app and website across various devices and browsers to ensure they could bypass YouTube’s latest restrictions.
- Other ad-blocking capabilities (20%). The best ad blockers don’t just work for YouTube. I picked providers that also block other interruptions, such as intrusive third-party trackers and cookie consent pop-ups.
- Extra features (10%). Some ad blockers come bundled with additional cybersecurity tools like VPNs or antivirus software. These features can highly improve your privacy and security.
- Compatibility (15%). I only included ad blockers that support various operating systems and browsers. Since most allow usage on multiple devices with one account, compatibility is an important decision factor.
- Value for your money (15%). I made sure that you’re getting yourself more than just an ad blocker for the price you pay. The products on my list are not only effective but also reasonably priced, often with extra security and privacy perks.
Surfshark CleanWeb is the best ad blocker for YouTube. It blocks intrusive ads that often contain malware and prevents various trackers, pop-ups, and banners. You can get the best YouTube ad blocker for 85% OFF or try it out with a 7-day free trial.
Get Surfshark AdblockWhat to look for in the best YouTube ad blocker?
The best YouTube ad blockers do exactly what the name suggests – remove ads on YouTube. But not all ad blockers work the same way. My advice is to consider your needs and select an ad blocker that fits them the best. Here are some key factors I consider when choosing an ad blocker:
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, Opera, and Edge |
| Features | Whitelister, tracker blocker, cookie blocker |
| Ad blocking capabilities | Blocks YouTube mid-roll video ads, pop-ups, banners |
| Trial | 7-day or longer free trial, 30-day or longer money-back guarantee |
- Great ad-blocking capabilities. Do prior research and find out whether the ad blocker of your choice works on your device or browser. The ad blockers on our list can all effectively remove YouTube ads.
- Additional security features. If an ad blocker comes with a VPN or antivirus package, you’re already getting a great deal. You get extra cybersecurity benefits, such as malware protection or improved privacy – all for a much better price than YouTube Premium.
- Intuitive apps. Before getting an ad blocker, make sure it’s compatible with your device or browser. Some have a very limited number of apps or don’t offer browser extensions 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.
How to use YouTube with an ad blocker?
YouTube and ad blockers don’t get along, and, sometimes, your ad blocker might be detected or stop working. Here are some tips to keep watching YouTube ad-free and avoid detection:
- Use one ad blocker at a time. Stick to one reliable ad blocker for YouTube – running multiple extensions or apps at once makes it easier for YouTube to detect and block them.
- Use apps instead of extensions. Ad blocker apps offer more features and filtering options than browser extensions. Plus, since they work system-wide, they block ads not just on YouTube but across other sites and apps as well.
- Update your ad blocker. Ad blockers rely on constantly updated filter lists and rules. As such, you should always install the latest updates to ensure your blocker stays effective.
- Disable JavaScript. Some websites, including YouTube, may use JavaScript-based bait ads to detect ad blockers. By disabling JavaScript in your browser, you can bypass this, but keep in mind that this might impact site performance.
- Use your browser’s reading mode. A reading mode (or reading mode extension) will prevent JavaScript from running on YouTube, blocking ad blocker detection. However, it also simplifies the webpage, which may impact its layout and functionality.
For more tips on keeping YouTube ad-free, check out our guide for bypassing ad blocker detection on YouTube.
Why is my YouTube ad blocker not working anymore?
As of March 2025, YouTube has been stepping up its ad delivery game by experimenting with server-side ad insertion (SSAI). Unlike traditional ads that load separately from the video content, SSAI stitches ads directly into the video stream before it even reaches your device. That means the ad becomes part of the video itself – making it nearly impossible for most ad blockers to detect or remove without disrupting the stream.
Instead of solely improving ad blocker detection, YouTube is shifting toward new ways of serving ads that bypass traditional ad-blocking methods altogether. As a result, on June 3rd, 2025, YouTube updated its anti-ad-block program, which made even more ad blockers ineffective on YouTube.
Fortunately, not all hope is lost. The ad blockers I recommend in this guide have been tested and proven to still block YouTube ads, particularly on desktop browsers and mobile apps where filtering is still possible.
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 which features you need. YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that completely removes ads and lets you enjoy videos in the background as well as download them. You also get access to YouTube Music Premium.
To push users toward paid subscriptions or ad-supported viewing, YouTube has stepped up its fight against ad blockers. Some users reported video loading delays while others have been blocked from playing videos until they disable their ad blocker.
However, despite YouTube’s crackdown on ad blockers, many Reddit users agree that background play and ad-free viewing are not worth paying $13.99/month – especially if you watch only a few videos per day.
Instead, you can spend less and get an ad blocker. For instance, Surfshark CleanWeb blocks ads for only $2.49/month, a fraction of the cost of YouTube Premium.
Conclusion
The battle between YouTube and ad blockers isn’t slowing down. As ad blockers adapt to bypass detection, YouTube keeps countering with tougher measures like server-side ad injection, making traditional ad blockers ineffective.
To stay ahead, I tested top ad blockers on both mobile and desktop. My top recommendation is Surfshark CleanWeb. For just $2.49/month, it effectively blocks YouTube ads across all your devices, keeping your viewing experience smooth and uninterrupted.
FAQ
Why is my ad blocker no longer working on YouTube?
Your ad blocker might no longer work on YouTube due to YouTube’s stricter crackdown on all ad blockers. It employs ad blocker detection measures and pop-up warnings and even disables video playback until ads are enabled. To keep your ad blocker working, keep it updated, disable JavaScript, or switch to a reliable provider such as Surfshark CleanWeb.
Which ad blocker still works on YouTube?
There are multiple ad blockers that still work on YouTube, such as Surfshark, Total Adblock, NordVPN next-gen antivirus, and all the other ad blockers listed on this page.There are multiple ad blockers that still work on YouTube, such as Surfshark, Total AdBlock, NordVPN next-gen antivirus as well as all the other ad blockers listed on this page.
Why does YouTube have so many ads?
YouTube relies on ads to help creators earn revenue and keep the platform free for regular users. However, while YouTube used to show ads at the beginning of the video only, it now interrupts your viewing every few minutes.
Do YouTube ads use my data?
Yes, YouTube collects your data to personalize ads both on YouTube and across other Google services. Gathered information includes demographics, location, and search history. Using an ad blocker alongside a VPN can help block ads and mask your IP address for better privacy.
How much does it cost to watch YouTube without ads?
YouTube offers a YouTube Premium subscription to remove ads, but it costs $13.99/month. Alternatively, you can get an ad blocker, such as Surfshark CleanWeb, starting at $2.49/month, and block all kinds of ads across various sites, not just YouTube.
Is YouTube trying to block ad blockers?
Yes, YouTube is trying to block all ad blockers. It uses advanced ad blocker detection methods and pop-up warnings and even prevents videos from playing until the ad blocker is disabled. To get around YouTube ad blocker detection, use a reliable provider like Surfshark CleanWeb, disable JavaScript, and keep your ad blocker updated.
Why is YouTube not allowing ad blockers?
YouTube doesn't allow ad blockers to maintain a flowing income. Since YouTube is available for free, the streaming service uses advertisements to make money. When users block ads, they bypass sponsored content and YouTube partners’ services, leading to lower revenue for the platform and creators.
Do ad blockers work on YouTube?
Yes, ad blockers work on YouTube. Although YouTube ads are among the toughest to bypass, robust providers like Surfshark CleanWeb successfully block various YouTube ads, including video ads.
Is YouTube going to block ad blockers?
Yes, it's possible that YouTube will block ad blockers. Currently, the streaming service is experimenting with ad blocker detection and blocking processes. However, ad-blocking apps and extensions still work and aren't completely blocked by YouTube.
What is the best free YouTube ad blocker?
If you're looking for a free YouTube ad blocker, try out Surfshark CleanWeb which comes with a 7-day free trial. According to my tests, Surfshark CleanWeb is one of the most effective options for blocking annoying YouTube ads – and it works well on other platforms and websites too.
What is the best YouTube ad blocker for Chrome?
I recommend Surfshark CleanWeb as the best ad blocker for the Chrome browser in 2026 . It’s affordable and easy to use and, from my experience, blocks YouTube ads the best.
