SHORT ON TIME? HERE’S A QUICK SUMMARY

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. In this review, we delve into Surfshark CleanWeb's features and pricing to help you decide if this ad blocker suits your needs.
👍 PROS:
  • Blocks ads and malware across browsers and apps
  • Convenient single app for multiple devices
  • Low cost with high value
  • Unlimited devices can be used simultaneously
  • CleanWeb 2.0 blocks all ads, including YouTube ads
  • Excellent ad-blocking results
  • Whitelist feature
  • Multi-device compatibility
  • Private search engine
  • Powerful VPN included
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
👎 CONS:
  • Whitelisting unavailable on iOS and macOS
  • Limited in-app customization options

Get Surfshark Adblock - Block Annoying Ads & Trackers!

SEE WHAT USERS HAVE TO SAY

Trustpilot Rating: 4.4 out of 22,708 reviews

“Best VPN and Antivirus I've ever had! I would say this will be my go to from now on. Blocks pop ups, blocks unwanted spying from third parties and government eyes. You can even go through a completely 'anonymous' lineup by setting up an alternative IP account through your antivirus/vpn. I can't say enough positive stuff about it.”

“The whole experience with Surfshark VPN has been amazing so far. Ultra-reliable, fast speed and a great ad-blocker that was the main selling factor for me. In my experience other VPNs also do their job... Until you need customer support! Today I had a problem (with my machine, really, not with the VPN) and I was in touch with Carl, from Surfshark customer support. He was amazing and got me up and running in a few minutes, despite the problem being caused by a different software. Can't really ask for more.”

“Easy to set up on desktop and mobile. Excellent UI shows connection process and status is an easy to view screen. So far the connection has been flawless with zero drops. I purchased SurfShark to reduce ad tracking and spam. So far I've seen my spam drop considerably and less ad targeting based on my online activity. I highly recommend SurfShark for your personal online security.”


WHAT IS SURFSHARK CLEANWEB?

Surfshark CleanWeb is an ad-blocking feature integrated within the Surfshark VPN service. It enhances your online browsing experience by effectively eliminating intrusive ads, pop-ups, and banners. CleanWeb also acts as a protective shield against various online threats, such as phishing attempts and malware, resulting in a smoother, safer internet experience. CleanWeb 2.0 expands compatibility with popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, providing users with a seamless, clutter-free, and secure browsing environment.


WHO IS BEHIND SURFSHARK CLEANWEB?

Surfshark, a renowned VPN provider known for its robust security and privacy measures, is the company behind CleanWeb. Surfshark has built a reputation for offering reliable and effective internet security solutions. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction known for its strong privacy laws, further reinforcing its commitment to user privacy and security.


WHO IS SURFSHARK CLEANWEB FOR?

Surfshark CleanWeb is ideal for users looking to block ads and malware while browsing. It suits anyone seeking to enhance their online privacy and security by using an integrated solution that combines ad-blocking with a powerful VPN service.


WHAT ARE THE FEATURES?

Surfshark CleanWeb is a top-tier ad blocker that employs DNS filtering and a proprietary list of known malicious ads and websites to block ads before they load. Here's an in-depth look at its key features:

Contextual Advertising Blocking

Surfshark CleanWeb blocks ads based on the content of the webpage you are visiting. This means it can recognize the nature of the content and prevent related ads from appearing. For example, if you're reading an article about cars, it will block ads for car dealerships and insurance, ensuring a cleaner and more focused browsing experience.

Banner Advertising Blocking

Capable of blocking static images and animated GIFs used in banner ads, Surfshark CleanWeb ensures that these common forms of display advertising do not disrupt your browsing. By preventing banner ads, it helps maintain a clutter-free and visually appealing web environment.

Video Ads Blocking

One of the standout features of Surfshark CleanWeb is its ability to block in-video ads. This includes ads on popular platforms like YouTube and Facebook. It blocks ads that play before, during, or after videos, providing an uninterrupted viewing experience.

Malware Blocking

Surfshark CleanWeb goes beyond ad-blocking by preventing malware, also known as malicious ads, from harming your computer or stealing personal information. This protective measure is crucial for maintaining your device's security and privacy.

Pop-ups and Banners Blocking

Disruptive pop-ups and banners are effectively blocked by Surfshark CleanWeb, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience. By eliminating these interruptions, you can focus on the content you want to see without distractions.

Tracker Blocking

Trackers are small files placed on your device by websites to monitor your browsing activity and collect personal information. Surfshark CleanWeb blocks these trackers, helping you maintain privacy and avoid targeted ads.

Increased Browsing Speeds

Ads consume a significant amount of bandwidth, which can slow down your internet connection. By blocking these ads, Surfshark CleanWeb frees up bandwidth, resulting in faster browsing speeds and a more efficient online experience.

Phishing Protection

Phishing attempts, which are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, are detected and blocked by Surfshark CleanWeb. This feature enhances your online security by preventing access to malicious websites designed to steal your personal data.

Data Breach Alerts

Surfshark CleanWeb provides notifications about website breaches, keeping you informed about potential risks to your personal information. This feature helps you stay proactive in protecting your data and maintaining security.

Cookie Pop-up Blocker

Cookie consent requests can be a nuisance while browsing. Surfshark CleanWeb prevents these pop-ups, allowing for uninterrupted browsing and a more streamlined user experience.

Bypass List

The bypass list feature allows you to whitelist selected websites where you want to see ads. This flexibility ensures that you can support your favorite sites while still enjoying the benefits of ad-blocking on other sites.

Built-in VPN

Included with Surfshark's powerful VPN service, CleanWeb offers added security by encrypting your internet connection. This comprehensive protection ensures your online activities remain private and secure.

Antivirus

For additional protection, Surfshark CleanWeb offers an antivirus option at an extra cost. This feature provides real-time protection against various types of malware, further enhancing your device's security.

Surfshark Search

Surfshark CleanWeb includes a private search engine that prevents tracking and targeted ads. This ensures that your search queries remain private and free from data collection practices used by traditional search engines.

Ad Blocking Statistics

Surfshark CleanWeb provides statistics showing the number of ads, trackers, and malware blocked on each website. This transparency allows you to see the effectiveness of the ad blocker in real-time and understand the scope of its protective measures.


IS IT SAFE AND RELIABLE?

Yes, Surfshark CleanWeb is safe. It is a proprietary ad blocker that filters DNS requests to block ads, using a curated list of known malicious ads and websites. This list is maintained by a team of security experts who continuously monitor the internet for new threats, ensuring CleanWeb is always up-to-date.

Developed and maintained by Surfshark, a highly reputable VPN provider, CleanWeb undergoes regular audits by independent security experts to guarantee its safety and data privacy. Surfshark has a proven track record of security and privacy, and the company operates from the British Virgin Islands, which upholds strict privacy laws.


WHAT PLATFORMS DOES SURFSHARK ADBLOCK SUPPORT?

CleanWeb is available on a wide range of operating systems, while CleanWeb 2.0 is exclusively for the Surfshark browser extension. Here is the compatibility breakdown:

CleanWeb:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS
• FireTV

CleanWeb 2.0:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge


IS IT EASY TO USE?

Surfshark CleanWeb is highly versatile, offering compatibility with browsers, desktop apps, and mobile devices. Its broad compatibility ensures that you can use it on your preferred device without any issues. Whether you are using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, the browser version of CleanWeb is easy to navigate and beginner-friendly. The extension icon is a green shield located at the top right corner of your browser window, and the design is clean and uncluttered. Notably, CleanWeb 2.0 offers enhanced ad-blocking functionalities compared to the desktop or mobile apps.

The desktop app for Surfshark is equally user-friendly and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The app's interface is intuitive, featuring a blue shark icon in the system tray. Upon clicking the icon, you are presented with a brief overview of the VPN app's features, including a list of available servers, a quick connect button, and a settings menu. You can easily toggle the app's features, including CleanWeb, on or off. The desktop app is lightweight and does not slow down computer performance.

For mobile users, Surfshark CleanWeb is available on both iOS and Android devices. To enable the CleanWeb feature, you need to download the Surfshark app, which provides both ad-blocking and VPN functionalities. The mobile apps are fully functional and user-friendly, with the Android and iOS dashboards offering nearly identical views. CleanWeb has a minimal impact on device performance, running smoothly in the background and allowing for ad-free browsing and streaming. This ensures that your online activities remain uninterrupted and secure.


IS THERE A FREE VERSION?

Unfortunately, Surfshark CleanWeb does not offer a free plan. It is bundled with Surfshark VPN, which includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service before making a commitment.


HOW MUCH IS IT?

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

• One month: $15.45/month

• 1-year plan: $2.79/month

• 2-year plan: $2.19/month

The best value is the 2-year plan at $2.19/month. If you prefer a shorter commitment, the 1-year plan is available for $2.79/month, or you can opt for the single-month plan at $15.45.

Additionally, Surfshark CleanWeb is included in the Surfshark One bundle, which also features a VPN and antivirus package. This makes it ideal for those seeking an all-around security suite. If you're only looking for an ad blocker, Surfshark CleanWeb, included with the VPN package, will meet your needs.

Surfshark accepts various payment options, including:

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

If you're uncertain about which subscription plan to choose, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free and decide if it's right for you.


CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you encounter any technical issues and need assistance, Surfshark CleanWeb provides multiple customer support options:

24/7 Live Chat: This is an easy and always available support option. We were able to connect with a customer support representative within a few minutes, who answered our questions quickly and accurately.

Knowledge Base: Surfshark’s knowledge base is comprehensive and easy to navigate. During our tests, we found answers to most of our questions without needing to contact customer support.

Email Support: For issues not covered in the knowledge base or live chat, you can email Surfshark. We sent an email to their customer support team and received a response within 24 hours, proving to be a fast and effective option.


FAQ

How Do Ad Blockers Work?

Ad blockers operate by examining the HTML of a webpage as it loads, checking for elements that match a list of known ad-related patterns. When a match is found, the ad blocker creates a rule to block that specific ad element from being displayed. This prevents banners, pop-ups, and sponsored content from appearing on the page, resulting in a cleaner browsing experience.

Do Ad Blockers Make Websites Run Slower?

Typically, ad blockers can actually speed up website loading times because they stop the browser from downloading and displaying ads and other unnecessary elements. However, some websites may detect the use of an ad blocker and either refuse to load or prompt users to disable it, which can slow down the browsing experience. Additionally, certain ad blockers may use additional resources, potentially causing a slight decrease in browsing speed.

Can Ad Blockers See Your Passwords?

No, trustworthy ad blockers do not have access to your passwords. They are specifically designed to block ads and unwanted content without intercepting sensitive information. However, it is essential to download ad blockers from reputable sources to avoid malicious software disguised as ad blockers, which could potentially steal private data.

What Are Online Trackers?

Online trackers are scripts embedded in websites that collect data about your browsing activities and send this information to third-party companies. This data is often used for targeted advertising and can compromise your privacy. Ad blockers can help protect your data by preventing these trackers from collecting and transmitting information about your online behavior.

Does Surfshark CleanWeb work?

Yes, Surfshark CleanWeb is highly effective at blocking malicious website ads, providing a cleaner and safer browsing experience. CleanWeb 2.0, the enhanced version, goes a step further by blocking all types of ads, including those on YouTube. This ensures that you can browse the internet without the constant interruption of ads, making your online experience more enjoyable and secure.

Does Surfshark CleanWeb block YouTube ads?

Yes, CleanWeb 2.0, available in the Surfshark browser extension, can specifically block YouTube ads. This capability ensures an ad-free viewing experience on one of the most popular video platforms. By blocking pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll ads, it allows you to enjoy your favorite content without interruptions.

Is Surfshark safe and legit?

Yes, Surfshark is both safe and legitimate. It adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track or store your online activities. Additionally, Surfshark uses RAM-only servers, which ensures that no data is stored permanently and any information is wiped clean with every server reboot. This combination of policies and technologies ensures that your privacy and security are maintained at all times.

Should I leave Surfshark on all the time?

For consistent ad blocking and enhanced privacy protection, it is recommended to keep Surfshark CleanWeb enabled at all times. While the CleanWeb feature effectively blocks ads and trackers, using the VPN adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet connection. This is especially useful when accessing public Wi-Fi networks or when you need to maintain anonymity online.

Does Surfshark keep logs?

No, Surfshark does not keep logs of your online activities. It does not collect IP addresses, browsing history, session information, or any other data related to your internet usage. However, it does collect your email address, encrypted password, and basic billing information necessary for account creation​.

How do I enable an ad blocker on Surfshark?

To enable the ad blocker on Surfshark, simply open the Surfshark app or browser extension, navigate to the settings menu, locate the CleanWeb option, and toggle the switch to turn it on. Once enabled, CleanWeb will start blocking ads, trackers, and malware across all websites you visit.

How good is Surfshark CleanWeb?

Surfshark CleanWeb is a robust and reliable ad blocker. It is continuously updated to block new ads, trackers, and malicious sites, ensuring that you always have the most current protection. Its ability to block various types of ads, including those on video platforms like YouTube, makes it a comprehensive solution for a smooth and secure browsing experience.

Get Surfshark Adblock - Block Annoying Ads & Trackers!