Best ad blocker for games: get rid of ads in 2025

Our extensive testing shows that the best ad blockers for games are Surfshark CleanWeb, Total Adblock, and Nord Threat Protection due to their reliability and effectiveness in removing ads from mobile and PC games. Intrusive ads can easily disrupt the gaming experience on mobile, PC, and iPads. Luckily, you can eliminate these annoying game ads by using an ad blocker app and enjoy smoother, distraction-free gameplay.

I’ve tested various ad blocking solutions for mobile and PC games and ultimately found the top 5 options to get rid of these irritating ads and game in peace. Continue reading to learn more about these ad blockers and how to stop ads when playing games on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices.

Top 5 best ad blockers for mobile & PC games

1. Surfshark Adblock

   Best overall ad blocker for games
   9.4
2. Total AdBlock

   Cheap solution to get rid of ads in games
   9.8
3. Nord Adblock

   Premium mobile game ad blocker
   9.7
4. IPVanish ad block

   User-friendly game ad blocker to remove ads
   9.3
5. Proton VPN Adblock

   Security-first solution to stop ads in games
   8.8

How to block ads in games on different devices

Ad blockers are the best way to block ads in games due to their efficiency, nonintrusive nature, and high compatibility across platforms and devices. You can also try a free ad blocker for games, like Proton VPN, but remember that free ad blockers are not as efficient as premium ones and might simply reduce the number of ads instead of blocking them completely. Alternatively, free ad blockers may not work with all games.

Ad blockers for games usually work by preventing in-game ads from loading. This can be achieved by blocking ad servers and filtering network traffic. Modifying game files to get rid of ads can also be used, but this may violate the terms of service and is usually not recommended. Thus, my selected ad blockers stick to server blocking and network filtering.

A truly good game ad blocker should have an ad server blocking feature that is often updated to keep up with the newest ad servers. It should also work across all apps and games, not just browsers – this feature is usually called system-wide filtering. Additionally, a great ad blocker should be easy to customize, offer lightweight performance for you to enjoy your games smoothly, and have anti-detection mechanisms to bypass ad blocker restrictions imposed by some games. Lastly, I also always recommend using ad blockers together with gaming VPNs, as this additional level of encryption and security will also help in getting rid of these pesky ads.

How to block ads on mobile games [Android & iPhone]

Annoying and interruptive mobile game ads are usually the main source of revenue for games. However, you can still effectively block these nuisances with a mobile game ad blocker. Such game ad blockers are readily available on the market; however, their effectiveness often depends on the platform and the game itself.

For Android users, using a third-party ad-blocking apps and VPN services can quite reliably remove ads, while iPhone users face more restrictions, but can still use ad-blocker apps based on DNS or system-wide content filters. The best ad blockers for Android and iPhone might vary, but the best choices that I found are Surfshark CleanWeb, Total Adblock, and Nord Threat Protection.

Here’s how to use an ad blocker app to stop mobile game ads:

1. Subscribe to an ad-blocker service. I recommend using Surfshark CleanWeb, which is available together with Surfshark VPN in the Surfshark Starter package. Right now, you can get it with 87% off.
2. Download the app onto your smartphone. Surfshark CleanWeb is compatible with Android and iPhone devices.
3. Open the app and log in.
4. Navigate to the Settings tab, look for CleanWeb and toggle the feature on.
5. That’s it – you can now enjoy your games without the annoying ads.

You can also use an ad blocker app to block ads on iPad games. I recommend using Surfshark CleanWeb due to its effectiveness and compatibility with iOS devices. Subscribe to Surfshark, download the app, head to settings and toggle on the CleanWeb feature. Now, you can enjoy your iPad games ad-free.

Enjoy smooth gaming with Surfshark CleanWeb

How to remove ads from games on PC

PC game ads can appear in several different forms, including pop-ups, banners, and in-game overlays. The most effective way to stop browser game ads is by getting an ad blocker browser extension. For instance, Surfshark CleanWeb has an extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge which offers all the latest and most advanced features of the ad blocker. Once installed, the extension automatically blocks all ads. However, if you run into some really stubborn ones, you can open the CleanWeb extension settings and adjust its filter lists for optimal performance.

For standalone PC games, you’ll need to use a system-wide ad blocker, like Nord Threat Protection for Mac and Total Adblock for Windows. Using this solution is very helpful in filtering and blocking traffic from known ad servers and can also be adjusted on a deeper DNS settings level for maximum effectiveness. Remember, that the best ad-blockers for Mac and Windows might be different, so choose accordingly.

Using ad blockers to remove ads from PC games is very straightforward – simply download your chosen app, install it onto your PC, turn on the ad blocking feature, and you’re good to go.

Best Ad Blockers for games in 2025

Before compiling this list, I tested several different ad blocking solutions. To find the best ones, I performed tests with various ad blocker capability tools, including Adblock-tester and Can You Block It, checked their performance while gaming, and evaluated their ease of use among other metrics. Ultimately, I found top 5 ad blockers for games and you can find their reviews below.

1. Surfshark CleanWeb - best ad blocker for mobile games & PC gaming

Surfshark CleanWeb is a reliable ad blocker for games that is integrated with Surfshark VPN. Due to its excellent compatibility and performance at stopping ads, blocking pop-ups and removing malware, it is perfect for Android and iPhone users, as well as Windows and Mac PC gaming.

Testing Surfshark CleanWeb while playing games

After running my primary tests with CleanWeb using the Adblock Tester, Can You Block it, and Cover Your Tracks tools, I then tried Surfshark CleanWeb in the most straightforward way - I used it for playing mobile and PC games on various devices. During my tool tests, Surfshark performed with around 90% accuracy, which is probably the highest score I saw. With mobile games, I chose some of the most popular free-to-play games, such as Clash Royale, Roblox, and Candy Crush Saga, which are known to be notoriously full of ads. Once I toggled on the CleanWeb feature on my Surfshark ads, it effectively eliminated all pop-up and banner ads from these games. As for PC, I tried CleanWeb with browser games first and here, too, CleanWeb did its job with 100% efficiency. However, it did struggle with some in-game ads, especially the ones integrated into the game’s interface, and did not eliminate them entirely. Overall, though, I found it to be very effective against game ads and I liked how well it minimized risks associated with malicious ads during gameplay.

Features I liked the most

I liked that CleanWeb is very effective not only at eliminated browser ads, but across different apps, too. This means, Surfshark Clean Web can be used in a lot of different situations. Additionally, if you use it together with the Surfshark VPN which is integrated in the same app, it will provide a higher level of security, protecting against malware and phishing attacks. In my opinion, this is very important when online gaming. And there’s an additional use of combining CleanWeb with VPN – that way you can bypass bandwidth throttling imposed by your ISP and enjoy a smoother experience. Lastly, the CleanWeb did not seem to slow down my devices at all and I liked how easy to use the app was.

Best for:

In my opinion, Surfshark CleanWeb is a surprisingly versatile ad-blocking solution, no matter your preferred platform. It’s highly efficient at removing game ads, even though it might struggle from time to time to remove ads that are integrated very deep into the game’s interface. Even then, it’s a rare occurrence. You can get this user-friendly solution together with the premium Surfshark VPN for only $1.99/month or try it out for free during the 7-day Android, iOS, and Mac app free trial or the 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Total Adblock - cheapest ad blocker to remove ads in games on any device

Total Adblock is a very affordable game ad blocking solution, excellent for anyone looking for a cheap, yet highly effective solution. The ad-blocker comes together with Total VPN for greater security and is very simple to use even for beginners.

Testing Total Adblock while playing games

After looking at the incredible results that Total Adblock showed on ad-blocker testing sites, I was very excited to try it in real life by playing ad-filled games on mobile devices and PCs. First, though, I have to mention that there's no Total Adblock browser extension for Firefox and if you prefer this browser you’re going to have to stick to the app. As for Chrome, Opera, Safari, and Microsoft Edge users, the extension is readily available. Back to testing - same as for Surfshark, I tried Total Adblock with Roblox and Clash Royale on mobile and PC. Once I toggled on the feature, all the ads from those games were gone, due to Total Adblock’s seamless integration with the apps. With PC games, Total Adblock was just as effective with server-based ads, but did not manage to get rid of all of the in-game interface embedded ads. In total, this ad-blocking solution removed around 85% of the ads, which is a very high number. Overall, I was pleased with its performance and the smooth gaming experience it provided.

Features I liked the most

I liked that Total adblock is a highly customizable solution, which allowed me not only to tweak the whitelisted pages, but also customize the blocking itself. At the same time, I was surprised how easy to use it is and the lightweight performance that did not disrupt my gaming experience. Lastly, Total Adblock also has a script-blocking feature that prevents sites from reading and writing cookies or accessing your personal data without your consent. But, even if you’d simply prefer to toggle the Adblock on and forget about it, it still does an excellent job on default settings.

Best for:

Total Adblock is perfect for the budget-conscious users who’d still like to have the benefits of an integrated VPN and a highly-effective tool against game ads. Total Adblock can easily be used on Android and iPhone smartphones as well as Windows and Mac PCs. You can get Total Adblock together with Total VPN for just $1.59/month and try it out for free during the 7-day free trial. And, if you’d like more information, you can read our in-depth Total Adblock review.

3. Nord Threat Protection - reliable game ad blocker with strong privacy features

Nord Threat Protection is not only an ad-blocker, but also a comprehensive security solution that comes from the developers of the industry-leading NordVPN. The solution is very effective at blocking game ads, trackers, and malware, providing a well-rounded protection for PC, Android, and iPhone gamers.

Testing Nord Threat Protection while playing games

Same as with the other providers, I first tested how effective Nord Threat Protection is with ad-blocking test tools, and found it to be highly accurate at around 87% of blocked ads. Remembering that Nord Threat Protection was primarily designed to block malware and trackers, I was excited to try out its game ad blocking capabilities. So, I started my field tests with some of the most popular free-to-play mobile games like Candy Crush Saga and Roblox, and similar PC games as well. On PC, I found Nord Threat Protection to be highly effective against pop-up and banner ads, both with browser and standalone games. On Android and iPhone, Nord Threat Protection proved to be just as effective with server-based ads; however, similar to other ad-blocking solutions, it sometimes struggled removing native ads. Despite that, I did get a significantly smoother gaming experience and the lightweight program did not slow the performance of my devices.

Features I liked the most

First off, I must highlight the usability of the Nord Threat Protection ad blocker and how well it integrates with the legendary NordVPN service. I liked that with the Threat Protection, I could also enjoy the benefits of the top VPN, which allowed me to access geo-locked content within the games and bypass bandwidth throttling. Additionally, I was surprised that both PC and mobile apps have the same number of features and are equal in performance. Lastly, I liked the enhanced protection against phishing and malware attacks, while also being able to customize the settings of the ad-blocker to great length.

Best for:

Nord Threat Protection is best for gamers who want an ad-free gaming experience and prioritize having a truly robust VPN at the same time. Nord Threat Protection works seamlessly with PCs and smartphones, so you can enjoy your games on multiple platforms with just one ad-blocking solution. You can get the Nord Threat Protection ad-blocker together with NordVPN for $3.09/month or try it out for free during the 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. IPVanish Threat Protection - easy-to-use ad blocker to get rid of ads from games

IPVanish Threat Protection is another excellent PC and mobile game ad blocker which comes together with a well-respected VPN service for enhanced security and efficiency against ads and malware. Its efficiency is the most evident with Android and iPhone devices, where pop-ups and annoying ads are most often found in games.

Testing IPVanish Threat Protection while playing games

After performing my ground tests with Adblock Tester, Can You Block it, and Cover Your Tracks, I then set out to trial IPVanish Threat Protection in a real-life environment. That is, playing free-to-play PC and mobile games and checking how well it works at blocking the ads and pop-ups. Both with mobile and PC games, IPVanish was very effective at blocking ads, with about 87% effectiveness. I liked how quickly it dealt with them, providing me with a much smoother gaming experience. However, even this ad blocker was not capable of removing deeply-embedded ads and at this stage, I firmly believe it would be hard to find a 100% effectiveness on such apps.

Features I liked the most

I loved how lightweight and unnoticeable IPVanish Threat Protection was while I played my games, which further enhanced the smooth gaming experience. Plus, if you want some additional value with your ad-blocker, the DNS-filtering and threat intelligence features will also block malware and trackers besides getting rid of annoying ads. Lastly, I always like to use a VPN while I game, and was not disappointed with the smooth integration with IPVanish VPN service, providing me with an additional level of security.

Best for:

I’d recommend getting IPVanish Threat Protection if you’re mostly playing mobile games. It’s not because the PC version of IPVanish is not as good, it’s simply that the mobile one is close to excellent due to its high efficiency at blocking ads and well-designed mobile apps. Plus, if you already use IPVanish as your VPN service, then why not take advantage of Threat Protection, too. However, if you’re new to IPVanish, you can subscribe to it for $2.19/month and try it out with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. Proton VPN NetShield - impressive game ad blocker with a VPN

Proton VPN is a highly effective ad blocker that works especially well with mobile games. The effectiveness is mostly achieved due to its enhanced real-time filtering, that successfully blocks ads and trackers while you game.

Testing Proton VPN NetShield while playing games

For the playground to be level, I also tested Proton VPN NetShield with the same tools as the other ad blockers. Because I got incredibly good results on those tests, I was quite excited to try it out with free-to-play mobile games and PC games. First off were the Android and iPhone games; here, I got a solid 90% score in blocked ads. As for PC, the story goes the same as with other ad-blockers, and although Proton VPN NetShield worked well with most of the ads, it did fail to block some of the deeply-embedded video ads. Still, I was satisfied with the efficiency and the lightweight performance of the app.

Features I liked the most

I liked that to use Proton VPN NetShield ad blocker, I simply had to subscribe to Proton VPN and the feature was readily available in the app. So, in short, I liked the smooth integration with the VPN that gave me a seamless and secure gaming experience. The DNS-based filtering works in real-time, reducing data usage and providing with low latency, which is always great news for gamers, as it reduces lag. Lastly, the Proton VPN NetShield does not require any additional tampering with, you simply toggle it on, and it works.

Best for

Proton VPN NetShield is the best choice for mobile games and especially for users with poorer internet connectivity. This is because Proton VPN NetShield uses little data and works very smoothly in the background. Plus, it might also be an excellent solution for those who seek a security-oriented VPN together with their adblocker. The only caveat is that Proton VPN NetShield is priced a little higher at $3.59/month. That said, you can try it out first without committing during the 30-day money-back guarantee period.

How I tested and selected best games ad blockers

I tested these ad blockers using a OnePlus 10T (Android 14) and iPhone 12 (iOS 17.2.1) using 456 Cat Survival Master 3D, Candy Crush Saga, Roblox, and Clash Royale games.

The ad blocking efficiency was tested by enabling the ad blocker and performing tests on Adblock-tester.com, canyoublockit.com, and coveryourtracks.eff.org – all of these pages are industry-standard tools at testing ad blocker capabilities. Additionally, I also inspected the amount of ads present on mobile games before and after turning on the ad blocker. The gaming performance could not be measured in numbers; however, the general gaming experience was taken into account and we did not experience any noticeable slow downs. The ease of use was evaluated based on the number of steps needed to enable the ad blocker, and the location of the ad blocker feature within the application's settings and evaluating whether it is not too difficult to find.

Best ad blockers for games compared

How to remove ads in games for free

Apart from ad blockers, several alternative strategies exist to keep your gaming experience ad-free. Most of them are free, some of them are more effective than others, but all are worth trying out:

1. Change game settings

Several mobile games allow users to choose an “ad-free” version of the game in the settings, while some (though rarely) come with no ads at all. However, the most common case of getting rid of ads in the most popular games like Pokémon Go or PUBG Mobile is by either subscribing to the game’s premium version or doing an in-app purchase. Alternatively, some games might offer an ad-free experience for completing certain tasks or reaching a certain level.

2. Limit ads via device settings

Both Android and iOS devices allow users to limit personalized ads. While this might not block all the ads in the mobile games, you might encounter less of them. Here’s how to turn on this feature in your phone’s settings:

• Android – Go to Settings > Google > Ads and enable “Opt out of Ads Personalization.”
• iOS – Head to Settings > Privacy > Tracking and disable “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”

Once you toggle on this feature on your smartphone, the availability of your data necessary for targeted ads becomes inaccessible. Ultimately, you’ll get a smoother gaming experience without these ads.

3. Play games offline

Most mobile games can only show ads when connected to the internet. If you disable mobile data and WiFi connection, you are very likely not to see any ads, except for the native ones that are embedded in the game’s interface. However, this method only works with games that offer an offline mode and even then, you will not be able to access its multiplayer version or get any updates.

4. Turn on Airplane Mode

Turning on Airplane Mode and cutting off your device from all connections is the surest way to get rid of ads that can only appear in the game when connected to the internet. To use this method, turn on the Airplane Mode before launching your game and you won’t see any ads once you’re playing. However, this method has its limitations as it only works with offline-compatible mobile games.

Why are there so many ads on mobile games?

Free-to-play games still have to make money somehow and the easiest way to do so is to rely on ads. These ads allow the game developers to earn money from user interactions, which in turn helps to further improve the game. As you might’ve noticed, the ads in the games can look different as there are several types of them:

• Banner ads. These ads are typically displayed either on top or the bottom of the screen and are usually the least intrusive. Such ads generate revenue from impressions and clicks.
• Video ads. These are the short, 15-30 seconds long, interruptions that might be skippable or non-skippable depending on the platform and the campaign. Ad blockers usually deal with them quite effectively, unless they’re embedded in the game’s interface.
• Interstitial ads. Such ads often appear at natural transitional points of the game, such as progressing through levels or after game overs. Usually, they’re displayed in a full-screen manner and while they might be quite engaging, they are notorious for interrupting smooth gaming experience.
• Playable ads. If ads can ever be fun, they are the playable ones. Basically, these ads allow you to play a demo of the game before urging you to buy it or install it. They’re used to lure you into investing in yet another game and provide a good chunk of revenue for providers.
• Rewarded ads. If a game player chooses to sit through a rewarded ad while playing, they are usually rewarded with in-game perks, such as extra lives or coins. While they’re still very intrusive, they can at least be opted-out.
• Native ads. These are the hardest ads to get rid of with ad blockers since they’re usually deeply-embedded into the game’s interface. Such ads usually mimic the game’s interface to look as least intrusive as possible, while providing the user with relevant information (though that might not always be the case).

In addition to these most common types of in-game ads, there’s also a rise of heavily personalized targeted ads that analyze user behavior and data to provide them with the most relevant content. While these ads might feel the least intrusive, they actually raise a concern about privacy, as to create such ads user data must be tracked. To minimze the risk of data tracking, I recommend using an ad blocker not only while gaming, but also while simply browsing.

Protect your data online with Surfshark CleanWeb

Is there a 100% free ad blocker for games?

Yes, you can find 100% free ad blockers for games in the market, but that does not mean they will serve you well. Although there are quite a few respectable unpaid ad blockers, even the best ones come with limited features and are compatible with only one or two platforms at best. Additionally, free ad blockers might not be able to block all types of ads while also raising frequent false alarms which may disrupt your gaming experience even more than the ads themselves. And, if you’re fond of using ad blocker built-in in browsers, such as in Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Opera, remember that these will not be effective with in-app ads.

Instead of trying to make a free ad blocker work properly, I recommend trying a premium solution, such as Surfshark CleanWeb, and taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. During this time, you’ll be able to enjoy a truly well-functioning ad blocker which will provide you with a smoother and more secure gaming experience.

Try Surfshark CleanWeb for free today

Final Thoughts

PC and mobile games are getting more and more riddled with annoying ads every day. These ads interrupt a smooth gaming experience, distract from the storyline, and simply prolongs the time it takes to actually play the game. Luckily, you can always use an ad blocker solution to get rid of the game ads.

That said, not all ad blockers are effective with in-app, browser, and standalone games, and I always recommend opting out for a premium solution, instead of a free one. Only premium ad blocker are capable of eliminating all types of ads and provide you with a truly uninterrupted experience. My top choice for a gaming ad blocker is Surfshark CleanWeb as it is highly compatible with all sorts of devices, including smartphones, PCs, and tablets. Not to mention, that it is highly effective at removing ads and is very lightweight on the system.

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Best ad blocker for games FAQ

Can you block ads on mobile games?

Yes, you can block ads on mobile games by using an ad blocker app. My top recommendation is Surfshark CleanWeb, as it is very effective at removing in-app ads and works without slowing down your device. You can subscribe to it today with 87% off.

Do ad blockers work on app games?

Yes, ad blockers work on app games. However, for a truly smooth experience, I recommend getting a premium ad blocker, as free solutions might not be capable of removing such ads. Here, Surfshark CleanWeb, emerges as the top choice for removing ads from app games, due to its highly efficient ad-blocking capabilities.

Is there an app to block ads on games?

Yes, there are apps to block ads on games. The game ad blockers are usually paired with VPN services and are available together with their apps. For instance, Surfshark VPN is paired with the Surfshark CleanWeb in one app, while NordVPN has Nord Threat Protection in the same app. By downloading these apps and toggling on the ad blocker features, you’ll be able to experience your games ad-free.

How to stop pop-up ads when playing games?

To stop pop-up ads while playing games, you’ll need to use an ad blocker for gaming. My top choice for the task is Surfshark CleanWeb, because of its cross-platform compatibility, effectiveness in removing pop-up and other ads, and user-friendly apps suitable for beginners.