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Surfshark CleanWeb Review 2025


Ad blockers have become an indispensable tool in today's digital landscape, enhancing our online experience by eliminating annoying ads and protecting us from malicious content.

Surfshark CleanWeb is an integral part of the Surfshark VPN service, offering a comprehensive package to safeguard your online activities. With CleanWeb, you not only bid farewell to intrusive ads but also shield yourself from phishing attempts, malware, and other cyber threats. It seamlessly integrates with popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, ensuring a smooth and secure browsing experience.

While Surfshark CleanWeb is undoubtedly impressive, one area that could benefit from improvement is the customization options. Users might appreciate more granular control over the types of ads they wish to block. Nonetheless, what sets Surfshark apart is its ability to provide a complete security suite in one product, encompassing features like VPN, a private search engine, ensuring comprehensive protection for your online presence.

In this Surfshark CleanWeb review, we’ll delve into its characteristics, capabilities, performance, CleanWeb 2.0, and overall value, exploring how it can not only eliminate ads but also improve your browsing experience.

⭐ Rating:
4.6
🥇 Overall rank:#3 out of #11
💵 Price:From $2.19/month
✂️ Free version:No (free trial only)
🛑 Blocks trackers:Yes
🍿 Blocks YouTube ads:Yes
🖥️ Compatibility:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV, Android TV
🌐 Supported browsers:Chrome, Firefox, Edge
🔥 Coupons:Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0 coupon 86% OFF

Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons

Visit Surfshark CleanWeb to learn more about the features

What is Surfshark CleanWeb?

Surfshark CleanWeb is an ad-blocking feature integrated into the Surfshark VPN service. It’s designed to enhance your online browsing experience by effectively eliminating intrusive ads, pop-ups, and banners. Beyond just ad-blocking, CleanWeb also acts as a protective shield against various online threats, such as phishing attempts and malware, resulting in a smoother internet experience.

Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0 expanded its compatibility with popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, providing users with an efficient and seamless solution to enjoy a clutter-free and secure online environment. With Surfshark CleanWeb, you can explore the web without disruptions while staying protected from potential cyber risks.

Learn more about the other features in our Surfshark review.

Surfshark CleanWeb capabilities

Having tested dozens of ad blocker tools, Surfshark CleanWeb has landed as one of the top ad blockers for removing all sorts of online adverts. Surfshark CleanWeb uses a combination of DNS filtering and a proprietary list of known malicious ads and websites to block ads before they can load on your device.

Surfshark CleanWeb blocks these types of ads:

  • Contextual advertising. Surfshark CleanWeb can block contextual ads, which are the most common type of advertising. These ads are placed on websites based on the content of the page you are visiting. For example, if you are reading an article about cars, you might see ads for car dealerships or car insurance companies.
  • Banner advertising. CleanWeb is also capable of blocking banner ads, which are a very common type of display advertising. These ads are typically static images or animated GIFs. Surfshark CleanWeb managed to block them all.
  • Video ads. Surfshark CleanWeb is capable of blocking various in-video ads (like those on streaming platforms) and is also one of the best ad blockers for YouTube. It blocks video ads that are typically played before, during, or after a video. Our test results showed that the CleanWeb 2.0 version on the Chrome browser blocked all the video ads shown on YouTube and Facebook.
  • Malware. Surfshark CleanWeb can also block some types of malware (malicious ads), which is software that can harm your computer or steal your personal information.
  • Pop-ups and banners. Pop-ups and banners are annoying and can be disruptive to your browsing experience. CleanWeb blocks them so you can focus on the content you want to see.
  • Trackers. Trackers are small files that are placed on your device by websites you visit. They can be used to track your browsing activity, collect personal information, and target you with ads. CleanWeb blocks trackers to help you stay on top of your privacy game.
Cybernews pro tip

Surfshark CleanWeb is a powerful ad blocker that can help you protect your privacy and security. It blocks malicious ads and websites, trackers, pop-ups, banners, and video ads. It's also easy to use and built-in to the Surfshark VPN, so you can be sure your browsing is always protected.

Get Surfshark Adblock

Is Surfshark CleanWeb safe?

Yes, Surfshark CleanWeb is safe. It’s a proprietary ad blocker that blocks ads by filtering DNS requests. It also uses a proprietary list of known malicious ads and websites to identify and remove pop-ups, banners, and other types of ads. This list is compiled by a team of security experts who are constantly monitoring the internet for new threats. This just proves that Surfshark CleanWeb is always up-to-date with the latest malicious ads and websites.

CleanWeb is developed and maintained by Surfshark – one of the most reputable VPN providers. It’s regularly audited by independent security experts to ensure that it’s safe to use and won’t collect any of your data. Generally, Surfshark has been tested to have a strong track record of security and privacy. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has strict privacy laws.

Surfshark CleanWeb features

CleanWeb is an ad-blocker feature built into the powerful Surfshark VPN. Here are its detailed functionalities:

  • Increases browsing speeds. Ads can take up a lot of bandwidth, which can slow down your internet connection. By blocking ads, Surfshark CleanWeb can free up bandwidth and make your browsing experience faster.
  • Blocks malware and helps to avoid phishing attempts. Surfshark databases contain over 1M infected websites.
  • On browser extensions, the feature is automatically enabled. On apps, it needs to be enabled manually.
  • Cookie pop-up blocker prevents cookie consent requests.
  • Data breach alert. This functionality alerts you about website breaches.
  • CleanWeb has a bypass list to allow ads on websites of choice.
  • Comes together with a VPN service subscription.
  • Has a built-in antivirus with additional cost (on apps).
  • Surfshark Search search engine prevents tracking and targeted ads.
  • Shows how many ads, trackers, or malware have been blocked on the website.
surfshark cleanweb browser functionalities

The extension version (CleanWeb 2.0) is a fuller version of CleanWeb. It has options to enable and disable Blockers (Ad blocker and Cookie popup blocker) and Site Safety (Data breach alert and Malware alert).

Compatibility

Surfshark ad blocker is compatible with all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. CleanWeb 2.0 version is only compatible with major browsers – Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Both versions of Surfshark CleanWeb are effective at blocking a wide range of adware, including pop-ups, YouTube ads, social media ads, and trackers. This is important because adware can be a major nuisance and security risk on many devices.

The broad compatibility that CleanWeb has is a significant advantage since adware can be found on many devices. Other ad blockers like Total Adblock only work on browsers, which results in limited compatibility.

Surfshark CleanWeb pricing and payment options

CleanWeb is included in all Surfshark VPN subscription plans. You don't have to pay anything extra for it. Here are its main plans and prices:

Subscription PlanMonthly Price
One month$15.45/month
1-year plan$3.19/month
2-year plan$2.19/month

The best value for money is with its 2-year plan for $2.19/month. Alternatively, if you’re not keen on a long-term option, the 1-year plan for $2.69/month or just a single-month plan for $4.29 is also available. For what it offers, Surfshark CleanWeb is very affordable compared to its contenders – Total Adblock or NordVPN Threat Protection, also varying around the same price.

Surfshark CleanWeb is also included in the Surfshark One bundle, in which you also get a VPN and antivirus package. It’s ideal if you want an all-around security suite. However, if you’re looking for an ad blocker only, Surfshark CleanWeb (included in a VPN package) will do the job.

Here are the payment options that Surfshark accepts:

  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
  • PayPal
  • Google Pay
  • Apple Pay
  • Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple)
  • Surfshark gift card

If you're not sure which subscription plan is right for you, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee or a 7-day free trial. So you can try it risk-free and see if you like it.

How to use Surfshark CleanWeb?

Getting started with Surfshark CleanWeb is considerably easy. You can either download the Surfshark app on any of the compatible devices or use it as an extension. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to enable it:

  1. Download the Surfshark app from its official website download surfshark cleanweb
  2. Install the app on your device install surfshark on your device
  3. Log in or create an account surfshark create an account
  4. Go to Settings, click on VPN Settings, and scroll down to find CleanWeb surfshark vpn settings
  5. Enable the CleanWeb option surfshark enable cleanweb option
  6. Go back to the main interface and connect to VPN for CleanWeb to work surfshark cleanweb connect vpn
  7. That’s it! Browse away securely and ad-free

Interface and ease of use

Surfshark CleanWeb is versatile in its use, as you can set it up both on a browser, as an app on your desktop, or your mobile. It’s compatible with the most popular operating systems, so you’ll have no issue using it on your preferred device.

VersionUse
Browser versionChrome, Firefox, Edge (easy to navigate, beginner-friendly)
App versionWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux (fully-featured, well-designed, intuitive)

Both browser and app versions are beginner-friendly and easy to use, as its interface is well-designed to suit all screens and systems.

Browser extension

Surfshark CleanWeb is available on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers. The interface on each of them is nearly identical – the extension icon is a green shield in the top right corner of your browser window.

surfshark cleanweb browser version (extension)

We liked that the extension is very lightweight and doesn’t slow down browser performance. The design is clean and uncluttered. One thing to be pointed out on the browser version – CleanWeb 2.0 offers more ad blocking functionalities than desktop or mobile apps.

Desktop app

Surfshark's desktop app that we tried is also simple and easy to use – you can get it on Windows, macOS, and Linux OS. The app icon is a blue shark in the system tray. When you click on the icon, you will see a brief overview of the VPN app's features, including a list of available servers, a quick connect button, and a settings menu.

surfshark cleanweb desktop app version enabled

You can also toggle the app's features on or off, including CleanWeb. The app is also very lightweight and didn’t slow down our computer performance.

Mobile app

You can use Surfshark CleanWeb on iOS and Android devices. To enable the CleanWeb feature, you have to acquire the Surfshark app first. This way, you get to use not only the ad blocking features but also enjoy the perks and benefits of a top-class VPN (bypassing geo-restrictions and adding that extra layer of security).

Both iOS and Android apps are fully functional and user-friendly. Here’s what the Android dashboard looks like:

surfshark cleanweb mobile android

On iOS, you get a nearly identical dashboard view:

surfshark cleanweb mobile ios

We enjoyed that CleanWeb had a very light impact on the device’s performance. It runs in the background and doesn’t interfere with any of your online activities so you can enjoy adless browsing or streaming.

Surfshark CleanWeb test results

To gain a comprehensive understanding of Surfshark CleanWeb's capabilities, we conducted extensive tests using both our in-house evaluation methods and various third-party testing tools.

Our in-house assessments conclusively demonstrated that Surfshark CleanWeb is proficient in blocking a wide range of advertisements, including pop-ups, video ads, and more. It also effectively stops YouTube ads on your browser and blocks Facebook ads and trackers.

We also used independent testing tools with Surfshark CleanWeb’s Windows app and Chrome extension to see how it performs:

EnvironmentWindows appChrome extension
Adblock-tester.com100/100100/100
D3ward.github.io85/10071/100
Canyoublockit.comBlocked all ads and popupsBlocked all ads and popups
Cover your tracksStrong protectionNot protected
  • AdBlock Tester. Surfshark CleanWeb scored 100/100. It didn’t have any struggles with the trackers – the ad blocker managed to block all of them. surfshark cleanweb adblock tester
  • D3ward. In another online testing tool via Github, Surfshark CleanWeb managed to block 85% of the ads – 125/147 on the Windows app. surfshark cleanweb d3ward test
  • Can You Block It. On a site loaded with different ads and popups, Surfshark CleanWeb blocked all of them. The results were identical both on Windows and a Chrome extension. surfshark cleanweb can you block it test
  • Cover Your Tracks. While focusing specifically on trackers, this external tool helped us to confirm that Surfshark CleanWeb is powerful enough to block tracking ads and invisible trackers on the Windows app. However, it didn’t block trackers on the Chrome extension. surfshark cleanweb coveryourtracks test

Customer support

If you run into any technical troubles and need assistance, Surfshark CleanWeb offers multiple customer support options:

  • 24/7 live chat. Easy and always available support option. We were able to get in touch with a customer support representative within a few minutes, and they were able to answer our questions quickly and accurately.
  • Knowledge base. We also tested Surfshark’s knowledge base and found that it’s comprehensive and easy to navigate. We were able to find answers to most of our questions without having to contact customer support.
  • Email. If you have any other issue not listed in the knowledge base or live chat, you can always email Surfsahrk. We sent an email to Surfshark's customer support team, and they got back to us within 24 hours, so it’s pretty fast and effective, too.

Troubleshooting

It’s not uncommon to run into some technical errors with any kind of ad blocker. Here are the most common issues that you might encounter with Surfshark CleanWeb and tips on how to resolve them:

  • The extension is not working. If the extension is not installed correctly or if there is a problem with your internet connection. Make sure that you are using the latest version of the extension.
  • Getting blocked from websites. Sometimes the website you are trying to access is blocked by CleanWeb's blacklist. You can try disabling CleanWeb to see if this resolves the issue.
  • The extension is slowing down my computer. This can happen if the extension is not optimized for your device or if it is blocking too many websites. You can try disabling CleanWeb or changing its settings to see if this improves performance.
  • Trouble installing the extension. If you are trying to install the extension on an unsupported browser or if there is a problem with your internet connection. You can try restarting your browser or computer or reinstalling the extension. Alternatively, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies.
  • Error message. If you receive an error message when you try to use CleanWeb, contact Surfshark customer support for help.

Video review

If you're more of a visual learner, take a look at our Surfshark CleanWeb review on YouTube:

Is Surfshark CleanWeb good and worth getting?

Summing up our experience with Surfshark CleanWeb, it has undoubtedly impressed us greatly, setting a high standard among ad blockers. The main advantage of CleanWeb lies in its ability to seamlessly eliminate intrusive ads, trackers, and malware, providing a smoother and safer browsing experience.

What we liked the most about Surfshark CleanWeb was its user-friendly interface and its compatibility with various devices and platforms. Moreover, the fact that CleanWeb is just one part of Surfshark's full security suite adds significant value, ensuring comprehensive protection against online threats. Without a doubt, Surfshark CleanWeb is well worth getting for those seeking an all-encompassing and hassle-free cybersecurity solution.

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