Best free ad blockers in 2025: stop ads on any device for free

An ad blocker improves your online experience by blocking intrusive ads, while enhancing your privacy by stopping personalized data-harvesting ads that target your preferences and internet searches. By preventing constant ads, you can also make your device’s battery last longer and lower your risk of malware. Since we all use our phones and computers on a daily basis, using a free ad blocker, at a minimum, is completely necessary.

With the constant barrage of online ads in 2025, most browsers now include built-in or easily accessible ad-blocking extensions, including Google Chrome, Samsung Internet Browser, and Firefox. Privacy-focused browsers like Brave, Vivaldi, and Opera have similar features. However, browser-based blockers often have limited customization and filters, less frequent updates, and a lack of cross-platform support.

That’s why a third-party, standalone application is typically a much better choice. While not everyone has money to spare for a new subscription, even a free ad blocker is better than not having one at all. So, to help you find the perfect solution for your device, I researched and tested 25 ad blockers to find the best free ad blockers of 2025.

List of popular and effective free ad blockers

1. Surfshark Adblock

   Best free ad blocker for 37 days
   9.4
2. Total AdBlock

   Best 37-day free ad blocker for Android and iPhone
   9.8
3. Nord Adblock

   37-day free ad blocker with a VPN
   9.7
4. IPVanish ad block

   Great pop-up blocker, free for up to 37 days
   9.3
5. Proton VPN Adblock

   Easy-to-use ad blocker with a 30-day money-back guarantee
   8.8

While there are a lot of free ad blockers available, many aren’t trustworthy. From testing, some were ineffective and still regularly let ads through their defences. They can also lack customization options, and some free ad blockers can even risk your privacy and security. I saw some free ad blockers collect browsing data with the intention of selling it to third-party companies – the business model that helps the company behind the ad blocker give it away for free.

None of these behaviors are shared with premium ad blockers, which is why I recommend trying a free trial from a premium ad-blocking service instead. They are far more effective at blocking ads, and what’s more they work at the system level so they’ll protect all browsers and apps on your device. They also collect no data nor do they sell your information to other companies. Overall, they’re a much more effective and more secure choice.

Total Adblock is the one exception, offering a free ad-blocking experience that isn’t a risk to your privacy. That said, the features available in the free version are still limited compared to the premium service, which is why I recommend choosing one of the best premium ad blockers available with a free trial and money-back guarantee. Surfshark CleanWeb was the most effective and inexpensive premium service I found that’s capable of blocking pop-ups, banner ads, autoplay videos, and even YouTube video ads.

🥇1. Surfshark CleanWeb – free ad blocker with VPN for all devices

While CleanWeb is built into Surfshark VPN's functionality, it effectively blocks every type of advert, YouTube included, and is free to use for up to 37 days. Better yet, you get the benefits of Surfshark VPN, including robust data encryption and a kill switch for no extra charge. This is possible thanks to Surfshark’s 7-day free trial on mobile devices and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why Surfshark CleanWeb is my top choice

Surfshark CleanWeb outperformed every truly free ad blocker I tested, blocking pop-up ads, banners, video ads including YouTube, and persistent trackers across both browsers and software apps. It works flawlessly on desktop and mobile, offering full device-wide protection that isn’t just limited to your browser session. While most free ad blockers I tested had limited customization or struggled with in-app ads, CleanWeb allowed me to whitelist specific sites and control which content to block, giving me complete control and customization.

Surfshark CleanWeb also includes advanced security features like malware and phishing protection – functionality that you won’t commonly find in any free ad blocker. Surfshark is also clear about its no-logs policy and doesn’t collect unnecessary personal data, which adds an extra layer of trust.

Pricing starts from $1.99/month, which is already a great deal, but it’s even better when you consider that this includes Surfshark VPN. While the 30-day money-back guarantee requires a subscription, you’re guaranteed a refund if you choose to cancel before the time’s up.

Who should pick Surfshark CleanWeb

I recommend Surfshark CleanWeb to users with a lot of devices, including large families. With support for unlimited simultaneous devices and compatibility with all major operating systems, you can cover the entire household at no additional cost.

🥈2. Total Adblock – best free ad blocker for Android and iPhone

Total Adblock is a truly-free ad blocker that has a free tier that you can use indefinitely. While this is a solid ad blocker, it has limits compared to the paid plan. Fortunately, you can test all premium features for free too, by using the 7-day free trial.

Why Total Adblock is my second choice

Total Adblock is a strong choice for you if you want an easy-to-use ad blocker with decent customization options. It offers robust protection against pop-ups, banner ads, and video ads across all major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. While it’s not as powerful as Surfshark CleanWeb, it works well for basic needs and provides a user-friendly experience.

However, the free tier is more limited than the premium version in terms of functionality. If you’re using Total Adblock free, adverts will only be blocked on a list of the “top 15,000 websites.” On lesser-known sites, you’ll still see adverts unless you upgrade to premium.

Fortunately, if you start with Total Adblock’s 7-day free trial for desktop, you can try all premium features risk free for yourself. After that, pricing is just $1.59/month, making it one of the most budget-friendly ad blocking solutions available.

Who should pick Total Adblock

I recommend Total Adblock to casual users who would prefer a truly free ad blocker, even if more limited on features. It’s perfect for those who mainly browse on desktop browsers and stick to the most common or popular websites that are included on Total Adblock Free’s whitelist.

🥉3. NordVPN Threat Protection – feature within NordVPN that blocks ads

With NordVPN’s 7-day free trial available from the Google Play Store, and the 30-day money-back guarantee for all platforms, you can use NordVPN Threat Protection free for up to 37 days. This carries the added bonus of giving you access to the best VPN available in the market right now, with anti-malware and online protection tools.

Why NordVPN Threat Protection is my third choice

NordVPN's Threat Protection suite includes a power ad blocker that can stop banner ads, pop-ups, trackers, and video ads – even on YouTube. I tested NordVPN with my favorite travel vloggers and didn't have to watch any annoying ad breaks. Best of all, when you install NordVPN and activate Threat Protection, it works systemwide. That means all your browsers and applications are protected by default.

Since Threat Protection falls under the NordVPN privacy policy, there's a strict no-logs policy meaning your data won't be collected or tracked. There are also feature controls that let you disable specific parts of Threat Protection, like ad and tracker blocking, plus you can add websites to a whitelist.

Pricing for NordVPN starts at $3.99/month, which includes the full NordVPN suite, not just Threat Protection. In my opinion, it’s a solid deal for robust ad blocking, anti-malware tools, and malicious website and phishing protections. Start with a 7-day free trial via the Google Play Store and get a 30-day money-back guarantee on all devices.

Who should pick NordVPN Threat Protection

I recommend NordVPN to users who want ad blocking functionality but who also care about online security and the rise in cyber threats. NordVPN’s the best VPN available right now, and it comes with an arsenal of security tools that offer the best in online security – free for 37 days and affordable subscriptions thereafter.

4. IPVanish Threat Protection – free ad blocking feature for Android and iPhone

IPVanish Threat Protection is bundled into IPVanish’s VPN and offers powerful ad blocking, anti-malware, and anti-phishing protections for both mobile and desktop devices. While IPVanish requires a subscription, you can use the ad blocker on mobile for free for 37 days by combining the 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why IPVanish Threat Protection is my fourth choice

IPVanish Threat Protection includes a robust ad blocker that utilizes DNS filtering and blacklists to stop ads, trackers, and malicious websites. In my tests, I was able to block pop-up and banner adverts, and trackers. Unfortunately though, I couldn’t block YouTube ads. As a systemwide tool, Threat Protection covers all your browsers and software applications in a single installation, while offering strong anti-malware protection as an added bonus.

IPVanish’s Threat Protection and VPN software is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices. What’s more, you can install IPVanish directly onto your router to protect all devices in your household – IPVanish supports unlimited connections under one account. That will automatically give every device on your network access to its ad blocking capabilities.

Pricing for IPVanish’s VPN and ad blocking software starts at just $2.19/month and includes full online protection and data encryption thanks to the IPVanish VPN server fleet. Make sure you get the 7-day free trial on iOS or Android, and use the 30-day money-back guarantee after that to enjoy up to 37 days free ad blocking.

Who should pick IPVanish Threat Protection

IPVanish Threat Protection is another solid choice for users who can benefit from having ad blocking capabilities on unlimited simultaneous devices. Router installation support and anti-tracker VPN functionality make this an even better deal.

5. Proton VPN NetShield – free DNS filtering feature that blocks ads and trackers

Proton VPN NetShield is included in Proton VPN’s free tier, which also comes with a VPN. While the free VPN offers limited server selection, it includes NetShield ad blocking functionality so that you have the option to use a truly free but premium ad blocker.

Why Proton VPN NetShield is my fifth choice

Proton VPN NetShield is built into the VPN of the same name, offering ad blocking and anti-tracker functionality, along with anti-malware and anti-phishing features. Users who want a free ad blocker can subscribe to Proton VPN’s free tier and benefit from the best free VPN available on the market. While functionality on the VPN front is quite stripped back while using the free tier, the NetShield ad blocker is fully functional, and you’ll only miss out on additional security features.

With NetShield free, you’ll be able to block banner and pop-up adverts, as well as autoplay videos and trackers. Only premium users have access to anti-malware tools, but if you’re solely looking for ad-blocking capabilities and want to save money, NetShield is a respectable choice. You can also use the free and included VPN connection to bolster your online privacy with robust data encryption and further anti-tracking protection.

Pricing for Proton VPN NetShield starts from $4.99/month beyond the free tier, but that unlocks the full power of Proton VPN too. This means having the ability to choose specific VPN servers and use enhanced security tools that protect you from online threats posed by malicious websites and ads.

Who should pick Proton VPN NetShield

If you absolutely need a free ad blocker, Proton VPN NetShield is a solid choice. While you won’t have access to the anti-malware and anti-phishing features, it’s still a powerful layer of protection – especially for those who don’t already have an ad blocker.

How to choose a free ad blocker suitable for your devices

When choosing a free ad blocker, I recommend going with a well-known provider that has been reviewed and vetted by cybersecurity experts like my colleagues and I – this helps to avoid potential privacy risks. Some lesser-known free ad blockers may track and sell user data, which completely defeats the purpose of using an ad blocker. It’s worth reading through the privacy policy to check that there’s nothing that makes you uncomfortable.

In terms of functionality, not all free ad blockers are as good as one another. Some only block basic banner ads and can struggle with pop-ups and autoplay videos. Others might only work on desktop browsers like Chrome or Firefox, while offering little to no support for mobile devices, and only the best ad blockers can block YouTube ads.

What’s also important is having an ad blocker with broad compatibility. In-browser ad blockers only support that browser, whereas standalone software like CleanWeb and Threat Protection, available from top VPN providers, gives you systemwide coverage for all browsers and apps. And finally, performance also matters – a good ad blocker should run in the background without slowing your browser.

Free ad blockers are better than not having one at all, but I recommend trying a premium ad blocker free trial and money-back guarantee. Not only will you get better overall ad blocking capability, but also up to 37 days’ free usage from the best overall ad blockers, like Surfshark CleanWeb.

Free ad blockers: compared

How I test free ad blocker apps

The best ad blockers should work on all types of devices, which is why I conducted my tests on a Windows 11 Alienware PC, a Macbook M4 Pro, and both an iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9. This ensured balanced results from a range of operating systems.

In terms of functionality, I focused my tests on the most important factors linked to a good browsing experience. This included pitting each ad blocker against the kinds of ads I’d expect it to block, such as pop-ups, banner adverts, autoplay videos, and YouTube adverts. It was also important to ensure that the software could block trackers that follow you across the internet to determine your browsing habits.

Beyond basic ad-blocking behaviors, I also took into account any extra features that the software gives you, such as anti-malware and anti-phishing tools, website whitelisting, and whether or not advanced functionality like a VPN was included in the software. Additionally, I ensured that the software I reviewed wasn’t having an adverse effect on my browser, causing it to use more CPU and make pages load more slowly.

Do we recommend a totally free ad blocker?

After thorough testing of 25 different ad blockers, I came to find that most free ad blockers that rely on browser extensions have their drawbacks. This included slowing down my browser by increasing its CPU usage, or serving me with constant reminders that I should upgrade my subscription – not what you want when you’re trying to minimize adverts. Most also lacked additional security features, such as anti-malware and anti-phishing tools or did not sufficiently filter out malicious websites.

For these reasons, I suggest trying an ad blocker that can give you up to 37 days’ free usage when you combine a 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark CleanWeb, Total Adblock, and NordVPN Threat Protection were among the best choices after completing my test circuit and comparing results.

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FAQ

Is there a 100% free ad blocker app?

Yes, Adblock Plus, owned by Eyeo, is a 100% free ad blocker for browsers, but it has faced a lot of user criticism for “Acceptable Ads” settings that still allow certain ads to appear. Instead, I recommend trying Surfshark CleanWeb – you can use it free for up to 7 days on a mobile or Android device, as well as getting a 30-day money-back guarantee that’ll let you try it free for a month. If you choose to continue, subscriptions are among the lowest prices available from a premium ad blocker.

What is the best free ad blocker for Chrome?

Total Adblock is the overall best ad blocker for Chrome that also offers a free version, though bear in mind that it’s limited to a whitelist of 15,000 popular websites on the free tier. However, you can get a 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee to get 37 days’ full access to premium features.

What is the best free ad blocker for Android?

Total Adblock is the best free ad blocker for Android devices; it works for both browsers and applications once installed, and it has filters to help you manage the most ad-infested websites. Bear in mind that to get it on your Android device, you’ll need to visit the official Total Adblock website and install the .apk file.

Are free ad blockers safe?

While some free ad blockers are safe, others can pose a risk to your data privacy by tracking and selling your data. I recommend sticking to free ad blockers that have been tried and tested by trusted cybersecurity experts like my team and I at VPNpro. Surfshark CleanWeb and Total Adblock are two secure and effective ad blockers you can use on your mobile or desktop devices.