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 | 9.8Best Overall | Block pop-ups and mute annoying notifications | Read review |
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| 2Surfshark Adblock | 9.5Great | Get data breach & malware alerts | Read review |
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| 3Private Internet Access Adblocker | 9.3Very Good | Blocks ads, trackers, and phishing attempts | Read review |
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| 4Cyberghost Adblocker | 9.0Very Good | 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
9.3/10In 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
9.0/10Founded 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 browser extension or app that stops ads, pop-ups, and many tracking scripts from loading. Most use regularly updated filter lists to recognize ad and tracker domains. Some work inside one browser, while others filter traffic for your whole device, including apps.
What are the benefits?
• Fewer distractions: no pop-ups, auto-playing video ads, or banners covering the content.
• Less tracking: many blockers also stop third-party trackers that follow you from site to site.
• Lower risk from malicious ads: blocking ads reduces exposure to "malvertising" that leads to scams or malware.
• Faster pages and less data use: pages that skip heavy ad scripts often load faster, which also helps on mobile data plans.
What should I look for?
• Support for your browsers and devices (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Android, iPhone)
• Frequent filter updates, especially for YouTube and other video sites, which actively work against ad blockers
• Easy allowlisting, so you can support the sites you like
• Whether "acceptable ads" are shown by default, and whether you can turn them off
• A clear privacy policy that explains what browsing data, if any, is collected
Should I pay for an ad blocker?
Many capable ad blockers are free. Paid plans typically add device-wide blocking, apps for more platforms, extra privacy tools, or priority support. Try the free version first and upgrade only if you need those extras.
Are ad blockers legal?
Using an ad blocker for personal browsing is generally legal. However, some websites limit access for visitors who block ads, and some services' terms of use don't allow it.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.
