How to watch YouTube without ads in 2025: 7 simple tricks

YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform that allows creators to monetize their production. To support this model, YouTube relies heavily on ads as its primary source of revenue, which is later shared with creators.

There are countless ways to block ads on YouTube. However, most methods don’t work well. Luckily for you, I tested dozens of options and found the best apps and plugins for ad-free streaming on all major devices.

The most effective way to watch YouTube without ads is by changing your country with a VPN. A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to change your virtual location by providing another IP address to a country where YouTube ads are blocked. As YouTube ads are getting worse, with longer and more frequent interruptions, such a solution effectively ensures a smooth and add-free watching experience.

Other tested and 100% working ways to stop ads on YouTube include ad-blocking browser extensions, getting a premium YouTube subscription, or using dedicated third-party apps for ad-free streaming.

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The easiest way: connect to a VPN in a country with no YouTube ads

Advertisers can only target regions where YouTube generates revenue through its monetization program. This means countries without YouTube ads, like Albania, Myanmar, or Moldova, offer a commercial-free viewing experience.

Additionally, ads are banned in countries such as China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Sudan. However, most VPN service providers either lack active servers in these regions or offer very limited capabilities there. The restrictions on ads in these countries stem from various political, social, and cultural factors.

If you want to watch YouTube without ads, a reliable VPN is essential. Based on my tests, NordVPN stands out as the top choice for blocking YouTube ads. It performed exceptionally well, thanks to its vast server network, including servers in Albania and the Bahamas, and its consistently high streaming speeds. Additionally, NordVPN features a built-in ad blocker, making it an excellent choice for eliminating all annoying ads altogether.

To enjoy YouTube without ads, start by signing up for NordVPN and installing it on your device. Once installed and set up, connect to a VPN server in a region like Albania, where YouTube ads are restricted. With this simple solution, you can stream your favorite videos seamlessly, free from annoying ads.

NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial, so you can test it risk-free and see how well it blocks YouTube ads. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you have plenty of time to decide if it's the right VPN for you. Be sure to check out exclusive NordVPN coupon codes for extra savings.

Other 6 ways to get rid of ads on YouTube

There are other ways to outmaneuver the YouTube advertising machine, though some aren’t foolproof. I’ve ranked them from the most to least effective with some insights.

1. How to watch YouTube without ads with the ad blocker

YouTube ad blockers are specifically designed to block ads on the platform. While some are optimized for use on the website, others are better suited for the mobile app. However, YouTube has advanced software to counter ad blockers, making many options ineffective. To find the best solutions, I tested over 40 ad blockers and identified Total AdBlock, Adblock, Nord Adblock, and Surfshark Adblock as the most reliable services for this task.

1. Get an undetectable ad blocker. My top recommendation is Total Adblock, which escapes YouTube detection and has a free version.
2. Download the app or the web extension to your device.
3. Set up the extension on your browser or install the mobile app.
4. Enable the ad blocker, toggle with settings, and head to YouTube
5. Enjoy ad-free YouTube videos!

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2. Get Youtube Premium subscription cheaper

The simplest way to enjoy YouTube without ads is by getting a subscription. This method complies with the platform’s terms and conditions, making it a legal option. Additionally, it grants access to exclusive YouTube content, YouTube Music, and other premium features—all without the annoyance of ads.

However, the subscription can be quite expensive, costing $13.99 per month in the USA. Fortunately, you can secure a cheaper subscription by using a VPN. Currently, the most affordable YouTube Premium rates are available in countries like Poland, Georgia, and Mexico. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do that.

1. Subscribe to a trustworthy VPN. My suggestion is NordVPN with servers in cheap countries like Poland
2. Download and install the VPN software on the device of your choice
3. Connect to a server located in Poland or Georgia
4. Pay just a few dollars for YouTube Premium!

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3. Download YouTube videos

Downloading YouTube videos is one of the best free ways to watch content without ads. However, it requires third-party software like Tube Ripper or 4K Video Downloader, and the process takes some time. Once you insert video links into the software or website, they will create a file you can download.

Keep in mind that while this method is free, it goes against YouTube’s terms of service unless you have permission.

4. Watch YouTube via ads-free browsers

Some browsers are great for watching YouTube because they have built-in ad blockers, e.g., Brave, Firefox, or Vivaldi. Some others are great because they let you add one of the best ad-blocking extensions from their store. Chrome, Safari, and Edge are among these. Secure browsers are not only great for blocking YouTube ads, but they also boost your privacy by blocking trackers and ads. These are the best private browsers:

• Brave
• DuckDuckGo
• Firefox
• Tor Browser
• Mullvad Browser

Most private browsers are equipped with ad-blocking formulas from the get-go. Of course, it doesn’t compare to a stand-alone service, but it’s better than nothing. You still get more anonymity and fewer YouTube commercials to interrupt your sessions.

5. Block specific YouTube commercials

Another free and easy way to watch YouTube without ads is manually blocking the commercials. It’s not practical, and I found the whole process rather tiresome and not worth the results. But you may find this option viable if you can’t invest in a VPN or ad blocker.

Here’s a breakdown of blocking specific YouTube ads:

1. When a YouTube ad plays, hit the Stop seeing this ad button or i icon
2. You can also press Tab + Enter during the pre-roll ad
3. Select the reason you don’t want to block the ad
4. Submit your choice

6. Use an ad-free YouTube alternative app

There are several YouTube alternative apps without ads. One of the popular option is NewPipe, which is an open-source app available to Android users. With it, you can watch YouTube videos, track usage stats, and also download videos for offline usage. It’s also completely free to use.

Another option is SkyTube, which is available on Android. This app allows users to watch and download YouTube content without signing into a Google account. It is free to download and doesn’t display ads.

Blocking YouTube ads doesn’t work: common problems and fixes

Sometimes, blocking YouTube ads doesn’t work, and there might be several reasons for that. Most of them are quite easy to fix, so here I will provide the most common causes and solutions.

If you’re using a VPN to avoid YouTube ads in ad-free countries, the most common issue is that your true location is exposed. You can try clearing the browser cache because browser cookies contain data residues, like your actual whereabouts. Switching to another server in the same country can help if the previous one was already blocked on YouTube or clogged with other users. If that doesn’t work, try updating or reinstalling your VPN. Additionally, check for IP and DNS leaks on sites like ipleak.net. Disabling GPS on your device might also help if you want to hide your true location.

If you're an ad blocker user, firstly, make sure that your ad blocker is advanced enough to bypass YouTube detection systems. Then keep your ad blocker up to date with the newest version, as older versions can leave ad blocker temporary ineffective. Furthermore, check if your ad blocker is correctly configurated to block YouTube ads.

For those, who use browsers with built-in ad blockers, there are also some solutions. Check if your browser’s ad blocker settings have active advanced and custom filters for video ads on YouTube-specific content. Also, make sure that your browser and ad blocker are up to date. If that still doesn’t work, consider combining VPN or additional ad blocker to bypass YouTube detection eyes.

Swipe left on ads with NordVPN

How to stay safe on YouTube with a VPN

You can stay safe on YouTube with a reliable VPN service. Reliable is the keyword here. YouTube is against using VPNs on their platform, so we don’t support their use unless absolutely necessary. But for the same reason, you should use high-tier software to remain undetected and avoid trouble with the platform.

Another concern is YouTube’s snoopy tendencies when it comes to user privacy. The platform actively tracks your behavior and information whenever you hop on to enjoy some free entertainment. A VPN is the most prominent antidote against such practices. But then there’s also the safety of your profile. Here’s how to prevent data harvesting or account breaches:

• Toggle privacy settings. In your account, you’ll find a privacy section. Review the policies and disable or enable settings to limit YouTube’s access to your data accordingly. Once you’re done, apply the changes.
• Use an ad blocker. It’s trackers that collect most of the information about you so that YouTube can forge targeted ads. A good ad blocker disables trackers on each website and app, reducing their access to user data.
• Change passwords often. Freshening up your password regularly makes it more difficult for nefarious hackers to break into your profile.
• Connect via secure links. Some YouTube links could lead you through unsafe connections. Always ensure the URL connects you via HTTPS, a far more secure tunnel.

Can I use a free VPN to watch YouTube without ads?

No, you can’t use a free VPN to watch YouTube without ads. While investing zero funds into a solution is appealing, the result will also be zero. Even the best free VPNs cannot keep up with YouTube videos and premium counterparts.

There are several disadvantages to consider:

• Abysmal performance. Typically, such services slow your internet down, and video quality could drop significantly. Some VPNs underperform to a point where buffers render YouTube sessions impossible. That’s because they lack fast protocols and have a tiny data cap, among other things.
• Too tiny server fleet. YouTube is adamant about seeking VPN use as it’s against their policies. With nothing but small server networks, free VPNs are bound to fail and remain undetected. Besides, they don’t have servers in countries where YouTube ads are absent.
• Data trafficking. VPN providers do generate income from their free products. How? Typically, they collect user information unbeknownst to them and sell it to advertising companies. Some providers go as far as injecting their software with malware for better data farming.

I advise relying on premium products for effective ways how to watch YouTube without ads and do so safely. If you have a tight budget, you can take advantage of VPNs with free trial. Services like NordVPN offer top-tier quality with no financial commitment via a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Once the time is up, just switch to another VPN.

Watch ad-free YouTube with NordVPN

Conclusion

Enjoying YouTube videos can quickly become frustrating as ads pop up before or during the video. Fortunately, you can avoid these interruptions and enjoy seamless streaming by using a reliable VPN. By connecting to a server in a country where YouTube doesn’t show ads, such as Albania, you can bypass commercials entirely.

The best VPN to watch YouTube without ads is NordVPN. I tested its ability to bypass YouTube location detection software and maintain UHD stream or video quality and was satisfied with the results. With a huge network of servers, lightning-fast speeds, and an advanced security toolkit, NordVPN will keep YouTube commercials at bay no matter where you are. And it comes at an affordable price as well.

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You may also like to read:

How to change Netflix location

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FAQs on watching YouTube without ads

Why does YouTube have so many ads?

YouTube has many ads because it relies on its revenue to support its platform and compensate content creators. Ads allow YouTube to offer free access to its vast library of videos while still generating income.

Can you get YouTube without ads?

Yes, you can get YouTube without ads with the Premium. It costs $13.99 in the USA and can be a bit costly if you don’t need all the benefits of the subscription. You can get the subscription cheaper by using VPN like NordVPN, and connecting to a region where ads are scarce like Albania, or where the subscription is cheaper, e.g., Poland.

How to block ads on YouTube app?

YouTube Premium membership allows you to enjoy videos without ad interruption. However, to save money, you can use a VPN to change your virtual location to Albania, where ads are restricted. VPN can also help you get a cheaper YouTube Premium subscription in Poland if you don’t want to switch servers every time you watch YouTube.

How to block YouTube ads on Android?

To block YouTube ads on Android, you can use a VPN, like NordVPN, and connect to a server in Albania, where ads are restricted. Additionally, you can download an ad-blocking browser like Brave or install an ad-blocker app such as Total Adblock.

How to block YouTube ads on Chrome?

To block YouTube ads on Chrome, you can install Chrome ad-blocking extensions like Total Adblock. Plus, you can use a VPN to connect to countries where YouTube ads are restricted, like Albania or Myanmar.

Does YouTube Kids have ads?

Yes, YouTube Kids has ads, but they are limited and carefully screened to ensure they are child-appropriate. The platform avoids personalized ads and prohibits ads for certain products like food and beverages. For an ad-free experience, parents can subscribe to YouTube Premium, which removes ads from both YouTube and YouTube Kids.

Can teachers get YouTube ads for free?

Teachers can’t directly get YouTube ad-free access for free, but they can use YouTube Premium, which offers an ad-free experience. Alternatively, teachers can explore ad-free YouTube alternatives like YouTube Kids, or YouTube videos downloaded through authorized tools for classroom use, ensuring no ads disrupt lessons.

Is it legal to watch YouTube without ads with a VPN?

Yes, it's legal, but YouTube is against VPN use. It violates their terms of service, which can result in account suspension. That's why you must only rely on a reputable and test provider. Our top pick is NordVPN, which slipped YouTube detection during each test, keeping things fast and simple.