Quick comparison
The products on this list side by side: our score, a highlight and a link to our full review.
| Product | Score | Highlight | Review |
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| 1TotalAdblock | 9.8100% FREE! | Block pop-ups and mute annoying notifications | Read review |
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| 2Surfshark Adblock | 9.3Very Good | Get data breach & malware alerts | Read review |
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| 3Private Internet Access Adblocker | 8.8Very Good | Blocks ads, trackers, and phishing attempts | Read review |
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| 4Cyberghost Adblocker | 8.3Good | Comes free with your Cyberghost subscription | Read review |
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Our picks in detail
A closer look at the products on this list, with what we like and what could be better.
Total AdBlock was created and developed by TotalAV, an award-winning antivirus and security Software. It is a comprehensive solution designed to block intrusive advertisements and unwanted content across various online platforms. It goes beyond traditional ad-blockers by not only removing ads but also preventing the tracking and collection of user data by advertisers and websites.
What we like
- Instantly blocks most annoying online ads
- Eliminates intrusive trackers
- Easy whitelisting
What could be better
- To continue using Total Adblock, you must purchase a subscription once the free trial ends.
Many virtual private networks (VPNs) include ad-blocking features, but Surfshark CleanWeb stands out from the crowd. Once activated, it effectively blocks ads, trackers, and malware, ensuring your browsing remains ad-free, private, and secure from cyber threats. CleanWeb excelled in our ad blocker tests, even successfully blocking YouTube ads.
What we like
- Blocks ads and malware across browsers and apps
- Convenient single app for multiple devices
- Low cost with high value
What could be better
- Whitelisting unavailable on iOS and macOS
- Limited in-app customization options
Private Internet Access Adblocker
8.8/10In 2016, Private Internet Access, the world's top VPN service provider with a no-log policy, introduced a fresh feature known as Private Internet Access MACE™. This innovative feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing online security. Offering a budget-friendly price, strong performance, and customizable security settings, Private Internet Access MACE™ is poised to bring a significant transformation to the industry.
What we like
- Ad blocking score: 20/28
- Blocks ads, malware, trackers, etc.
- Faster browsing experience
What could be better
- Unable to block self-promotional ads on the website
- Requires APK installation for Android
Cyberghost Adblocker
8.3/10Founded in 2011, Cyberghost is a one-stop tool designed to offer users the greatest levels of anonymity, privacy, and security online. Since its inception, the prevalence of invasive adware, spyware, and other malicious programs has turned using a protective program such as CyberGhost from an option to a necessity. In 2015, CyberGhost added a comprehensive ad blocker to their suite of complimentary extras.
What we like
- Protects against all malicious adware
- Extremely simple to use
- Protect across 7 devices simultaneously
What could be better
- Does not block non-malicious ads
- Unavailable in China
What is an ad blocker?
An ad blocker is a software program designed to remove or control different kinds of advertising content on a webpage. These programs typically target irritating ads like pop-ups, flashy banner ads, YouTube video ads, Facebook ads, and other forms of online advertising. Using an ad blocker, you can block all ads or use a filter to whitelist your favorite sites or allow non-intrusive ads. Quality ad blockers like those in our list can even block malvertising - a malicious cyber tactic that aims to spread malware to our devices via online advertising.
Should I get an ad blocker? What are the benefits?
Ad blockers can transform your online browsing experience. If you're still on the fence, here are some benefits of using an ad blocker that may help you make up your mind.
No more unwanted ads. Say goodbye to distracting pop-ups and browse just the way you want to! Using an ad blocker will improve your browsing experience tremendously. You'll be able to get rid of adverts from "following" you around and prevent them from popping up on your screen, eliminating endless frustration. You also won't have to worry about inappropriate stuff displaying on your screen while the kids are around or any distractions while working online. Moreover, using an ad blocker gives you control over what kind of content you see, challenging advertisers to get creative with serving you relevant and helpful ads rather than spammy. Over time, we'll see better quality content and an enjoyable browsing experience.
Protect yourself online. As mentioned previously, cybercriminals are getting more cunning and are constantly scheming up new ways to steal sensitive information like your passwords, bank account details, and more. Would you believe that they are now buying up advertising space on popular apps and websites? They then inject these ads with malicious codes that will "pop up" on your screen. When clicked, it either installs malware on your device or sends you to corrupted web pages. Either way, your computer and data are compromised. The simplest way to fight back is to block these ads from displaying in the first place, and that's precisely what ad blockers are for.
Prevent online tracking and personal data collection. These ad servers often do more than serving ads. These ad servers can track your movements online, collect personal information, and monitor your browsing habits without your knowledge. These data are then sold to third parties or used to provide you with targeted advertising. Using an ad blocker will not only help block ads but can also reduce tracking and improve your privacy online.
Wait less, browse faster. There's nothing more annoying than a web page that's taking forever to load. If your internet connection is not to blame, most of the time, it's because of rich media ads or ads that include video, audio, images, and graphics. These elements are heavy and take time to load, which slows down the website. Ad blockers will stop these ads from loading, allowing your browser to load just the actual content without any ads. The result? You can read that news article without having to wait while the page loads.
Get the most out of your data plan. It's a domino effect. Rich media ads slow down web pages AND consume a significant portion of your mobile data! Once you get rid of these useless ads, there's a lot less data to download, displaying pages faster and making your data plan last longer!
Should I pay for an ad blocker?
Our list is a good mix of free and paid ad blockers. All of these brands work against unwanted ads and intrusive trackers. That said, some ad blockers provide extra features for as low as $1 per month. Some of these premium features include an ad-free search engine, the ability to export your ad blocking settings into other platforms, backup and sync, and more.
Are ad blockers legal?
Yes, you have the right to decide what kind of content goes into your smartphone, laptop, tablet, desktop computers, and other devices. Some companies tried to dispute this by arguing that using an ad blocker violates intellectual property rights by changing content owned by the publisher. Nevertheless, we've yet to see website owners drag anyone to court over ad blockers.How we rank these products
Our scores are editorial opinions out of 10 and are reviewed regularly. We look at four things:
- Features what the product does and how well it does it.
- Ease of use setup, everyday use and how it works on a phone.
- Value for money prices, free plans or trials, and what each plan includes.
- Security and support how your data is handled and what help is available.
This site earns a commission from some of the providers listed, which can affect the order in which they appear.
Disclaimer
The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect software for your needs in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. Software.fish does not feature all of the software available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in each vertical. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the software companies that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the software is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Software listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.
