The Best Adblock VPNs: 10 Powerful Solutions In 2024
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Using a VPN is one of the best ways to stay protected online. It encrypts your internet connection, masks your real IP address and location, and keeps the snoopers and censors at bay. Yet, there are still risks when browsing the web, which is why I tested the best Adblock VPNs to keep you safe.
These combine the anonymity of a VPN with the extra security of an ad blocker. Here’s everything you need to know:
The Basics
This isn’t just an adblock VPN review – all the VPNs featured include the attributes that make a VPN service high quality. That means no logs, impenetrable encryption, kill switches and leak prevention, and copious locations. They also split tunnel specific apps and sites you wish to encrypt or not.
However, if you’re going to use a VPN, why not kill two birds with one stone and block ads without using a separate adblock app?
10 Best Adblock VPNs
Top Deals
Snap up a deal now to get the most cost-effective Ad Blocker VPN:
VPN Adblock Capabilities | Current Deal | |
Surfshark | All ads, trackers, YouTube, and Cookie consent | $2.19/mo for 2-years and 3 extra months |
NordVPN | Ads, trackers, phishing, malware, and URL tracking codes | $3.99/mo for 2-years |
CyberGhost | All ads, video ads, trackers, and malware | $2.19/mo for 2-years |
The following 10 VPNs pass the test and offer both a comprehensive VPN and ad blocking experience.
1. Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0 – The Best VPN with Adblock
Surfshark has long been featured in my top VPN lists for a number of reasons and blocking ads is one of them.
Its CleanWeb ad blocker is available from the Starter Plan and above and it stops tracking cookies, popups, annoying banner ads, and even those pesky autoplay videos.
Now known as Clean Web 2.0, all you have to do is enable the extension for your favorite browser – be that Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. It also functions on Surfshark’s other apps, which is rare for most ad blockers.
Other standout features include blocking video ads on YouTube and simplifying webpage cookie consent by removing the popups.
Depending on your plan, Surfshark also prevents identity theft. Use the personal detail and masked email generators to stay anonymous on the Starter plan or get complete ID monitoring and alerts on the higher tiers.
Surfshark is an all-round exceptional VPN, offering more than 3,200 individual servers across 100+ different countries.
It’s also one of the few that supports unlimited devices, so your whole network and its users can stay protected at the same time.
Worried about bandwidth? Fear not, most servers support up to 10 Gbps, so you can game, stream, and torrent, without sacrificing internet speed.
Plans start from as little as $2.19/mo when you commit to 24 months upfront, with a nice 3 extra months for free.
Pros:
- VPN ad blocker on all plans
- Comprehensive desktop and mobile support
- Verified no-logs policy
Cons:
- Identity theft protection only on higher tiers
- Lacks URL tracking trimming
2. NordVPN Threat Protection – Best Adblock VPN with URL Trimming
Another household name on the VPN front is NordVPN. It provides a VPN ad blocker via its Threat Protection Pro service.
This blocks intrusive ads and web trackers that secretly collect information about you.
Its URL trimmer even removes tracking parameters from long URLs, making it harder for websites to follow you across the web.
Moreover, it’s now on the AI bandwagon, using AI and robust databases to prevent you from entering dangerous phishing websites.
Threat Protection also includes a malware scanner that monitors files you download, removing any that are infected.
As a VPN, Nord has all the key features, including over 6,000 fast servers in 100+ countries, and support for up to 10 devices.
This all includes obfuscation, Double VPN, and even a combination of the Tor Network and a VPN connection for superior encryption.
To get the full Threat Protection experience you must subscribe to its mid-range Plus plan for $3.99/mo when you commit to two years upfront. Basic ad blocking is also available on the Basic plan.
Its Ultimate Bundles also includes Identity Theft protection features.
Pros:
- Basic VPN ad blocker on all plans
- Multiple connection methods for tougher encryption
- Up to 10 Gbps server network
Cons:
- Full Threat Protection Pro requires Plus plan
- Threat Protection Pro limited to Window and macOS
Nord VPN Threat Protection
Block intrusive ads and web trackers with this powerful solution.3. CyberGhost Block Content – Best Domain-Based Adblock VPN
CyberGhost’s VPN apps include a feature called Block Content that neutralizes ads, trackers, and malicious content.
It’s designed to filter out domains that deliver these, as well as malware. Many common types of online ads such as banner ads, pop-ups, and video ads will disappear during browsing sessions, providing a much smoother experience.
The feature is available on Windows, macOS, and Android, but not iOS, which isn’t uncommon due to the limitations of Apple’s mobile devices.
You’re never strapped for locations, as its 11,000 strong server network covers over 100 countries and supports 7 devices at once.
It also lets you select optimized servers for certain streaming networks, gaming, and torrenting.
CyberGhost’s Block Content feature is available on all its plans. Its cheapest plan works out at $2.19/mo when you subscribe for two years upfront, or you can opt for a non-committal $12.99/mo plan.
Pros:
- VPN with ad blocker on all plans
- Optimized servers for different activities
- 11,000 individual servers
Cons:
- Expensive monthly plan
- No identity theft features like Surshark or NordVPN
<strong>CyberGhost Block Content</strong>
Use powerful technologies in order to neutralize ads, trackers and malicious content.4. Proton VPN NetShield – Best VPN with Free Ad Blocking
NetShield is Proton VPN’s built-in ad-blocker. It offers two levels of protection for your online browsing.
Firstly, display ads, trackers, and malware are blocked to protect your privacy, security, and improve browsing speed.
NetShield further prevents your browser from loading resources from domains that host malicious software, spyware, or other harmful content, much like an antivirus.
Among its methods is DNS filtering, which removes the majority of ads and tracking scripts across all your VPN apps.
This includes:
- Desktop: Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Mobile: iOS, iPadOS, and all Android devices
The full Proton VPN Netshield is available on all its paid plans, though it is one of the few with a free forever plan that blocks some ads. This limits you to 11 counties and 288 servers.
For the full experience, the Swiss-based company offers a two-year €4.49 /month plan, as well as a more expensive yearly or monthly plan.
These unlock 6500+ servers in 110+ countries, with protection for up to 10 devices at once.
Features include double VPN, speed of up to 10 Gbps, and dedicated torrenting servers.
I particularly like that it shows its ad blocking performance and even the data saved from preventing ads loading.
Pros:
- Netshield on all paid plans
- Some ad blocking on free plan
- VPN adblock across desktop and mobile
Cons:
- Not the cheapest
- Hit and miss streaming performance
Proton VPN Netshield
Improve security and block annoying ads in just a few minutes.5. IPVanish Threat Protection – Best Adblock VPN for Apple TV
The comprehensive Threat Protection feature from IPVanish prevents tracking cookies, filters dangerous sites, and blocks ads in one swoop. This includes regular banners, video, and audio ads.
It uses regularly updated blocklists and smart DNS filtering to keep the most invasive ads from ruining your browsing experience.
Threat Protection can be easily turned on and off in the settings of its Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps. Surprisingly, I also had success filtering ads on Apple TV, which is possible because of its advanced DNS-based blocking.
IPVanish is also an excellent VPN by itself, offering over 2,400 fast servers in over 90 locations.
You get unlimited connections, so you and your family’s entire network is protected. Plus, bandwidth is never an issue thanks to speeds of up to 25 Gbps.
I was pleased to find a bunch of new plans, including a revamped Advanced suite. This not only blocks ads but offers 1TB of encrypted cloud storage, and a remote secure browser.
This operates in the cloud, isolating your browsing sessions from your device itself. In effect, it’s like running a firewall and antivirus, all through a VPN app.
The Advanced plan is just $4.49/mo when you subscribe for a year. Standard Threat Protection is also available on the Essential plan for $3.33/mo for a year’s commitment.
Pros:
- Comprehensive VPN ad blocking on all plans
- New secure browser and cloud storage
- Use on unlimited devices
Cons:
- Not the most intuitive app
- Subject to US law despite no-logs policy
IPVanish Threat Protection
Employ powerful DNS blocking to filter out annoying ads.6. PIA MACE – Best VPN for Blocking Phishing and Malware
Private Internet Access (PIA) utilizes DNS ad blocking via its MACE feature, which you can use on all of its plans.
MACE offers a complete solution, removing banner ads, popups, floating bars, and other annoying display ads.
I found it especially good at blocking dangerous sites, such as those with phishing scams, malware, and secret tracking. It achieves this through an ever-growing list of known advertising and malicious domains.
However, I could not get it to block in-video ads, and some others did slip through the net.
Nonetheless, it does have other unique VPN features that rank it above others. For example, you get a token-based dedicated IP address. This isn’t shared with other PIA users and makes it much less likely for sites and apps like Netflix or Steam to detect VPN usage, which is against their terms.
Furthermore, it allows you to use unlimited devices from one account, bolstered by its stable 10 Gbps server network.
PIA lets you select servers from 91 countries and has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and other devices.
If you’re willing to subscribe for three years, it works out at a cool $2.03/mo and you get another 3 months thrown in for free.
Pros:
- MACE VPN ad blocker with all plans
- Dedicated IP addresses
- Use on unlimited devices
Cons:
- Some ads still get through
- Cheapest plan still requires 3-years upfront
PIA MACE
Enjoy increased protection by blocking dangerous sites with this powerful tool.7. PrivadoVPN Control Tower – Best Streaming VPN with Ad Blocking
A relative newcomer to the VPN market, PrivadoVPN has quickly become a contender due to its affordable pricing and variety of features. You can currently get a two-year deal with 3 extra months for the equivalent of just $1.99/mo.
Its main focus is optimized streaming servers, so if you need to unblock an overseas content library, it’s a perfect choice.
If you’re looking to install an ad blocker, Privado’s Control Tower is built into the majority of its apps. Besides blocking the most intrusive ads and trackers, it blocks phishing and malware sites too.
The Control Tower also stands out from the crowd by offering parental controls on your children’s devices. You can filter adult content and restrict access to social media apps, which I haven’t seen elsewhere.
With unlimited devices and 10 simultaneous connections, you can protect the whole family and tailor the settings accordingly.
It’s lacking a bit in the locations department, catering to only 49 countries, but all the other important VPN features are there.
Moreover, it has apps for everything from Windows and macOS to iOS and Android, and Amazon Fire TV is protected too.
Strapped for cash or just want to try it out? You can use PrivadoVPN for free with 10GB of data usage a month. The good news? The VPN ad blocker is still included!
Pros:
- Blocks ads and has parental controls
- Free VPN plan with 10GB/mo data
- Optimized for streaming services
Cons:
- Supports only 49 countries
- No Linux support
8. ExpressVPN Ad Blocker – Blocks Display Ads
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN providers, and for good reason. It has industry-leading leak prevention, fast servers, and its range of apps are some of the easiest to use.
It supports desktop, mobile, smart TVs and sticks, and even sells its own Aircove range of VPN protected routers.
ExpressVPN’s servers let you connect through more than 160 cities within 105 countries, so accessing geo-restricted content is never an issue.
There’s a lot to draw you in, and ad blocking is one feature worth considering. Especially when it works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
The feature uses an extensive range of blocklist databases to keep the most intrusive display ads at bay. However, you must use its proprietary Lightway protocol in the settings to turn it on.
That’s not an issue, as Lightway is benchmarked as one of the fastest VPN protocols on the market.
The drawback is its VPN ad blocker is limited compared to my other picks, preventing only some display ads. Only go with ExpressVPN if you don’t mind video and audio ads and prefer its other features as a trade-off.
Currently, ExpressVPN’s best plan is $8.33/mo when you commit to 12 months.
Pros:
- VPN ad blocker on all plans
- Blocks ads on all devices
- Best VPN app interface on the market
Cons:
- Expensive compared to the top picks
- Only blocks display/banner ads, not video or audio
Express VPN Ad Blocker
Take control of your data and prevent leaks and intrusive ads with powerful software.9. BitDefender VPN Ad Blocker – Cheapest Monthly Plan
Bitdefender’s VPN ad blocker acts like a shield, blocking unwanted ads and trackers, so you can browse the internet more securely and with fewer distractions.
It halts banner ads, pop-ups, video ads, and other attention-grabbing advertisements. In addition to scripts that monitor your online activities, allowing advertisers to target you with personalized ads.
Furthermore, Bitdefender ad blocker doesn’t need to see the content of your browsing activity to work, further enhancing your privacy.
If you upgrade to its security suite, you are also safeguarded from malware, phishing, and cryptomining hacks.
As a VPN it only supports 50 or so countries, but speed and congestion is avoided by 4,000 individual servers.
I was successfully able to unblock several international streaming sites, including the US Hulu from the UK.
On its own, Bitdefender VPN is one of the more affordable choices, with a great $6.99 monthly plan. For a year, it equates to $2.92/mo.
Its security suite plans for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android start from $71.99/yr. This adds the full anti-malware and crypto protection, among other security tools.
Pros:
- Affordable VPN pricing
- Security bundle prevents crypto hijacking
- Unblocks streaming services
Cons:
- Not the fastest VPN
- Only 50 countries
BitDefender VPN Ad Blocker
Enjoy increased security and privacy from this renowned developer.10. TotalAV Internet Security – Best Security Bundle with VPN Adblock
Finally, an honorable mention goes to TotalAV. Its suite of tools combines to be one of the best cybersecurity bundles on the market this year.
Individually, you can purchase TotalAV Antivirus, TotalAV Adblock, Total VPN, and TotalAV Internet Security. However, it is most cost effective to get everything under one roof with TotalAV Total Security.
This includes a competitive VPN, antivirus protection, computer maintenance tools, and a password manager, among other tools. You get practically everything you could need when using desktop and mobile devices and browsing the web.
TotalVPN offers 50 servers in 30 countries and is capable of bypassing geo-restricted content on your computer and iOS and Android mobile devices.
With the inclusion of Adblock, you can use your VPN alongside one of the most complete ad blockers available.
This thwarts all display, popups, and multimedia ads on all sites, whether news, social media, or streaming services.
Moreover, it automatically prevents pesky ‘allow notifications’ requests, tracking cookies, and browser fingerprinting.
TotalVPN by itself is very affordable with its current $29/yr (usually $99) price but lacks ad blocking.
TotalAV Total Security brings it altogether for $49/yr ($149 on renewal).
Pros:
- Full cybersecurity suite
- Comprehensive ad blocker
- Budget VPN pricing
Cons:
- VPN alone doesn’t block ads
- VPN has few servers and locations
How I Chose the Best Adblock VPNs
The best Adblock VPN for you depends on the level of protection you want and how you use your VPN. However, my picks had to meet the following criteria to be considered:
Ad-Blocking Effectiveness – Some ad blockers only target the easiest of ads and trackers. Others neutralize everything including phishing sites, malware, and video and audio ads. I chose a good range of solutions with some unique features like blocking YouTube video ads, stopping notification requests, stripping tracking parameters from URLs, and isolated browsing.
Ease of Use – VPNs with too many features or those that should be set by default can be overwhelming. I focused on VPNs with an intuitive interface, one click connect, and ad blocking settings that are easy to find and configure.
Speed and Performance – It’s no good blocking ads if the VPN itself has a laggy interface or performs slowly and cannot handle high bandwidth tasks. It’s best to avoid free VPNs and go for those with large server networks that handle between 1-10 Gbps of traffic. That means gaming, flawless streaming, and multiple users and devices on your account.
Cross Device Support – Ads aren’t only a problem on desktop, neither are unencrypted connections. A good adblock VPN should have apps for multiple computer operating systems and mobile devices, so you can stay protected on all your devices.
Extras – Ads aren’t the only thing that can put you at risk online. Look out for VPNs with extra security features like identity theft protection, or that come bundled with security and antivirus suites.
Pricing – VPNs can vary significantly in price, but you get the best deals by purchasing long-term subscriptions between 6 months to 3 years. I focused on providers that offer these deep discounts but also featured VPNs with lower monthly plans like Bitdefender. It’s always wise to take advantage of free tiers, free trials, and monthly plans before committing, so you can test the VPN yourself.
Summary
Many VPN providers now offer various forms of ad blocking, but for me, the best all-rounder is Surfshark. Its Clean Web 2.0 blocks everything, including video ads, and Surfshark One even tackles identity theft.
When you consider its two-year special offer and the fact that it’s a top tier VPN beyond ad blocking, it’s a no brainer.
NordVPN isn’t far behind, with unique features like URL tracker trimming and access to the Tor Network. Meanwhile, if you’re really on a budget the likes of Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN offer scaled-back free plans that still include VPN ad blocking.
Now you’ve seen my picks, what’s your favorite Adblock VPN? Let me know in the comments below!
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