Top free and free trial ad blockers of 2024
Nowadays, online ads are more prevalent than ever since practically every website requires a monetization method. You’re bombarded with pop-ups, banners, in-video ads, trackers, and much more wherever you go online. Crucially, online ads aren’t just annoying – they’re also security and privacy risks.
As such, using a high-quality ad blocker is vital. However, not everyone is willing to pay for an app that provides such an essential service. Instead, they understandably opt for free ad blockers, which are abundant.
In this article, I’ll cover some of the best free ad blockers that emerged from our in-house testing efforts. I’ll review their performance results, features, ease of use, and other information you need to know to make an informed decision.
Use Total Adblock to remove online ads for free
Total Adblock is the most effective free ad blocker for making your online browsing experience free from any interruptions. Its free tier has all the essential features for eliminating online ads, trackers, and other nuisances.
The best free ad blockers should ensure excellent ad and tracker removal rates without compromising online security. Here are our top 5 services according to internal 2024 tests.
5 free ad blockers best in 2024
Total Adblock – best overall free ad blocker in 2024
Surfshark Cleanweb – best free trial ad blocker for unlimited devices
NordVPN Threat Protection – solid ad blocker with a top-tier VPN
uBlock Origin – free and open-source ad-blocking extension
Proton VPN NetShield – privacy-focused freemium VPN and ad blocker
📢 LIMITED OFFER: Get 80% OFF Total Adblock!
Best free ad blockers – detailed list
Our extensive ad blocker tests resulted in a list of 5 providers that are either completely free or with time-limited free trials. The research team and I noticed that many free ad blockers aren’t that great. As such, we included free trial options for users prioritizing effectiveness. The completely free ones are good, too, but they have limitations. Read on to learn each provider’s details.
1. Total Adblock – the ultimate free ad blocker
Total Adblock is the best free ad blocker overall. As expected, its free tier is a bit limited compared to the premium version, but it’s still better than many of its competitors.
Performance testing. Our internal Total Adblock tests showed excellent ad-blocking results. The research team tested both the Chrome extension and the Android app since this service has no desktop apps. Total Adblock garnered a perfect 100/100 score on Adblock Tester and 96/100 on d3ward’s Adblock test. Additionally, Can You Block It and Cover Your Tracks showed no flaws in Total Adblock’s overall protection and ad blocking. For the most part, Total Adblock successfully blocked all ads on YouTube and weather.com. The one exception was on Android, where we could watch ad-free YouTube using Total Adblock’s app, but ads on the YouTube ad weren’t removed. Overall, I consider these to be genuinely great results.
Compatibility.
Total Adblock works as an extension on most modern browsers, such as Chrome, Safari, Opera, and Edge. It can also be installed as a separate app on Android and iOS smartphones or tablets. Sadly, there are no full-fledged desktop or streaming device apps.
Features.
Total Adblock primarily blocks ads and trackers and doesn’t offer many additional features. However, you can extensively customize it to suit your specific needs. For example, Allow List lets you pick sites where ads or notifications should be permitted. Then there’s Customize Blocking, which allows you to select which specific nuisance should be blocked by Total Adblock. The feature includes the base ad-blocking filter, tracker blocking, notifications, social widgets, malware protection, and cookie prompt masking. Interestingly, not all blocks are enabled by default, so I recommend turning everything on to get complete online protection. Finally, it’s vital to mention that Total Adblock’s free tier doesn’t block ads on the top 15,000 websites ranked on Alexa. You can find the complete list on the provider’s website if you're unsure what that entails.
Cost.
When you initially install Total Adblock and log in with a new account, you’re put on the 7-day free trial offer. Once it’s over, you can either stay with the stripped-down free tier or switch to the premium tier, which costs $1.59/month. Best of all, the premium tier includes a 30-day money-back guarantee if you require more testing.
Pros
Stellar ad-blocking performance
Allows whitelisting
Customizable filters
7-day free trial and free version
Affordable initial prices
Cons
Can’t use without an account
2. Surfshark CleanWeb – top freemium ad blocker for unlimited devices
Although Surfshark CleanWeb doesn’t have a free version, I still consider it an excellent free ad blocker. Its main selling point is the ability to protect any number of devices because one account supports unlimited connections.
Performance testing. Our most recent Surfshark CleanWeb tests showed interesting results. We tested the service’s Mac app and Chrome extension to see if there’s any noticeable difference between them. I won’t go into too much detail, but the two had a noticeable performance difference. Also, remember that the app version Surfshark CleanWeb only works when the VPN is enabled.
The Surfshark CleanWeb extension garnered 98/100 points on Adblock Tester and 99/100 on d3ward’s Adblock test, while the Mac app got slightly lower scores. Can You Block It showed great results for both, while Cover Your Tracks led to subpar results for the extension. Regarding YouTube, the app didn’t block any ads, while the extension did. Finally, the extension blocked all ads on weather.com, but the app version of CleanWeb blocked ads and some of the site’s content, too. So, the results show that Surfshark’s CleanWeb extension is better than the app version in most cases.
Compatibility. Surfshark’s device compatibility is truly excellent. Firstly, it has dedicated apps for all desktop and mobile operating systems. You can even install Surfshark CleanWeb on various home entertainment devices like Android TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles. If none of that is necessary, you can use it as a browser extension on Firefox and many Chromium-based browsers.
Features. Surfshark CleanWeb’s features vary based on the platform you use. Personally, I prefer the browser extension for ad-blocking because it includes better customization options than the app. Plus, even the app includes a note saying the browser extension is superior, which was confirmed by our tests. With the extension, you can toggle three of CleanWeb’s settings: ad blocking, language-specific ad blocking, and cookie pop-up blocking. As expected, you can also whitelist sites where you want to permit ads for whatever reason. Besides that, you gain many of Surfshark’s other features, such as VPN connectivity, Alternative ID, Alert, Antivirus, and Search. Naturally, the number of features you get depends on your subscription tier. If you’re on a free trial, you’ll only get the VPN, CleanWeb, and Alternative ID.
Cost. You can experience Surfshark CleanWeb for free using its 7-day free trial, which is available on Google Play and Apple App stores. Alternatively, you can use the provider’s 30-day money-back guarantee if you need it for a more extended period. The final option is committing to a paid subscription, which starts at only $2.19/month, a great deal considering Surfshark’s feature abundance.
Pros
Full of extra cybersecurity features
7-day free trial on mobile app stores
30-day money-back guarantee
Customizable ad blocking
Cons
No free tier
3. NordVPN Threat Protection – free trial ad blocker with a powerful VPN
Like Surfshark CleanWeb, NordVPN Threat Protection is only part of a larger cybersecurity package where the VPN takes center stage. However, it ranks below Surfshark because its 7-day free trial is only available on the Google Play Store. On the other hand, it’s an excellent option if you need an ad blocker with the most extensive customization capabilities.
Performance testing. The research team tested NordVPN Threat Protection to gauge its effectiveness, and the results were pretty good. Note that the tests focused on the base level of Threat Protection and not Threat Protection Pro since only the former is available on NordVPN’s free trial and cheapest subscription tier. The feature was tested on the Mac app and Chrome extension to see if there was any performance difference.
NordVPN Threat Protection garnered only 66/100 points on Adblock Tester but went up to 92/100 on d3ward’s Adblock test. Both Can You Block It and Cover Your Tracks services showed that Threat Protection offers great results regarding ad blocking and protection from trackers. Sadly, the feature didn’t block any ads on YouTube, which isn’t surprising since Threat Protection’s base tier only provides DNS filtering. Regarding weather.com, we didn’t see any ads, but some of the content was missing, too. So, it’s clear that Threat Protection is better suited for essential online privacy and protection but not for ad blocking. If you need effective and customizable ad blocking, choose a plan with Threat Protection Pro.
Compatibility. NordVPN’s device compatibility is on par with other premium ad blockers like Surfshark CleanWeb and Proton VPN NetShield. The provider offers full-fledged apps for the most popular desktop and mobile operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS). Besides that, you can install the service on various streaming devices like Android TV and Apple TV to block streaming platform ads. Finally, extensions are available for Chrome-based and Firefox web browsers. However, note that NordVPN permits only 10 simultaneous connections per account, which is the same as Proton VPN, yet less so than Surfshark.
Features. First, it’s important to note that NordVPN’s Threat Protection comes in two flavors. One is called Threat Protection, while the other is Threat Protection Pro. This confused me initially because I was used to one version of this feature. The standard version is available on all desktop and mobile devices, plus browser extensions. It blocks malicious domains, phishing domains, and some intrusive ads using DNS filtering. Meanwhile, Threat Protection Pro is only available on Windows and MacOS and is significantly superior.
NordVPN Threat Protection Pro has three feature categories: Web protection, File protection, and Vulnerability detection. Let’s overview Web protection first because it’s responsible for blocking ads and other cyber threats. The feature includes an impressive array of toggleable modes, allowing customers to choose what should be blocked. So, NordVPN’s Web protection includes scam detection, malware blocking, web tracker blocking, ad blocking, URL trimming, and a search results safety indicator. There’s also a separate feature for DNS filtering, but it only works with the VPN enabled.
As you can imagine, NordVPN’s feature arsenal is extensive and includes more than just Web protection. For example, File protection ensures the files you download aren’t laced with malware, while Vulnerability detection ensures there aren’t any security flaws on your system. Besides that, NordVPN includes Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, and other essential VPN perks. However, the features you gain vary by subscription tier.
Cost. You can test Threat Protection by claiming NordVPN’s 7-day free trial on the Google Play Store, which can only be claimed with an Android device. Thankfully, you can enjoy the trial on any other device once it's claimed. Another option is using the 30-day money-back guarantee if you need more flexibility. Finally, NordVPN’s subscriptions start at $3.99/month, but remember that Threat Protection is included in the Basic tier, while Pro is reserved for Plus and Ultimate subscribers.
Pros
7-day free trial on the Google Play Store
Extensive customization options
Solid ad blocking results
Includes a powerful VPN
Cons
No free tier
4. uBlock Origin – free and open-source ad-blocking extension
5. Proton VPN NetShield – privacy-focused VPN and ad blocker
| Free version: | No (Only the VPN has a free version) |
| Risk-free trial: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Supported platforms: | Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows |
| Current deal: | Get up to 50% OFF Proton VPN NetShield! |
Proton VPN NetShield is an ad blocker that comes with an excellent privacy-focused VPN. And although Proton VPN offers a fantastic free version, it doesn’t include NetShield. That means you’ll need to opt for a trial version if you want to use Proton VPN NetShield for free.
Performance testing. Our Proton VPN NetShield tests showed that this tool isn’t impressive regarding ad blocking, but it covers everything regarding anonymity. Also, note that we only tested the app since NetShield is unavailable as an extension.
NetShield garnered only 72/100 points on Adblock Tester, which is relatively low compared to other providers on this list. It didn’t do too well on d3ward’s Adblock test either, netting only 79/100 points. Conversely, it blocked all ads and trackers on the Can You Block It test. Similarly, Cover Your Tracks noted that Proton VPN NetShield offers strong protection and a nearly-unique fingerprint. Finally, we saw no ads while browsing YouTube or weather.com with NetShield enabled. So, while the feature didn’t necessarily get excellent scores on ad-blocking testing services, real-life tests showed a different picture. Plus, the feature took care of anonymity and trackers.
Compatibility. Proton VPN’s device compatibility is pretty good. You can enable NetShield on all mainstream desktop and mobile devices (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS). However, while Proton VPN also offers a few browser extensions, they omit NetShield, meaning you’ll have to rely on the dedicated apps for ad blocking. Additionally, one premium Proton VPN account permits 10 simultaneous connections, while the free version supports only 1.
Features. As with NordVPN and Surfshark, Proton VPN NetShield is a single feature of a larger cybersecurity package. And in this case, this feature isn’t particularly customizable. The tool has three modes on the app: disabled, block only malware, or block malware, ads, and trackers. It also shows the number of ads and trackers blocked and the estimated amount of data saved from their removal. Besides that, there’s no way to customize NetShield to suit your needs. Instead, you can play around with Proton VPN’s other features, such as Secure Core, split tunneling, port forwarding, and more. Also, note that Proton VPN has multiple subscription tiers with varying feature packages.
Cost. Proton VPN’s free tier doesn’t unlock NetShield, meaning you’ll have to opt for the 30-day money-back guarantee route if you want to unlock it for free. The feature is available in all of Proton VPN’s plans, which start at $4.99/month.
How we selected and tested these free ad blockers
Our primary ad blocker testing devices were a MacBook Air 2022 and a Nokia phone with Android 11. We used Google’s Chrome browser to test extensions. We enabled the ad blockers and visited ad-laden sites like YouTube.com and Weather.com for real-life testing. Besides that, we pitted the services against independent tests to get more data. Used services include Can You Block it, Adblock Tester, Cover Your Tracks, Toolz by d3ward.
Besides all of that, we had to evaluate non-technical factors when compiling the final list of recommended free ad blockers. The considered factors are as follows:
- Free version or trial available. We selected providers for this list that offer either free or risk-free trials. Of course, we also looked for the most efficient free providers.
- Price. Paying more doesn't always mean you're getting more. Thus, we compared the providers' pricing plans against the features and performance of their services. Only the best-value ad blockers made it into our list.
- Updates. We checked each product's latest ad blocker updates, including NordVPN Threat Protection, to see whether they improved security.
- Additional features. We looked at each provider’s feature list to see if they only offer ad blocking. While an ad blocker is sufficient, additional features can increase its value. That's why the best providers offer protection against malware and phishing scams. Some even deliver secure cloud storage and a VPN.
- Supported platforms. An ad blocker shouldn't dictate what browser or platform you should use. Instead, it should be versatile enough to adapt to your needs. For this list, we selected providers that work with the most widely used operating systems and browsers.
Free ad blockers vs paid ad blockers
Regarding ad blockers, there are two main options: free and paid. While both options can help you block unwanted ads and pop-ups, there are some critical differences between them.
| Free ad blockers | Paid ad blockers |
| Basic ad removal | Advanced ad removal |
| Removes pop-ups | Filtering options |
| Stops trackers | Usually come with VPN or antivirus |
| Prevents cookies | Includes customer support |
| Limited device compatibility | Usually work on desktop, mobile |
| Varying reliability | Usually reliable |
Free ad blockers are great for basic ad removal. They block ads and pop-ups but may need to improve at identifying adware. However, there's another alternative — a free built-in ad-blocking feature. Currently, most browsers offer content blockers to remove some adware and protect users' privacy by stopping trackers. Mostly, they are suited for cookies and trackers.
Paid ad blockers generally offer more advanced features and better protection against ads than free ad blockers. These ad blockers usually have more robust filtering options, allowing users to block specific types of ads or whitelist certain websites. Not to mention the additional security features — most paid ad blockers come with market-approved VPNs or malware detection tools.
Additionally, paid ad blockers often include customer support and regular updates to keep up with new types of adware. This means that paid ad blockers are more efficient than free ones in blocking unwanted ads and providing a better browsing experience.
How to choose the best free ad blocker
Free ad blockers come with different capabilities and features. Thus, it's essential to consider what's important to you and pick accordingly. Here are some ideas we suggest you take note of:
| Free option: | Free trial or money-back guarantee |
| Ad blocking capabilities: | Blocks pop-ups, cookie consent pop-ups, trackers, banners, autoplay video ads |
| Additional features: | URL trimming tool, malware protection, VPN |
| Filtering options: | Whitelisting |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox |
- Price. If you’re on a tight budget, a reliable free ad blocker will do just fine for basic ad removal. Alternatively, you can opt for free trials and money-back guarantees of paid ad blockers for more advanced adware protection.
- Ad blocking performance. While many ad blockers claim to remove all kinds of ads, ad blocking tests such as Can You Block It show the real deal. The best ad blockers should be able to remove pop-ups, banners, cookie consent, and other ads, and trackers.
- Compatibility. Before committing to a specific provider, ensure it offers good cross-platform support. Whether you need an ad blocker for Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS – the provider should have solutions for all major operating systems.
- Other features. Some ad blockers come with whitelisting features for you to customize on what sites you allow ads. If you want to eliminate trackers, you need a URL trimming feature. You'll also see that some ad blockers offer a VPN to encrypt your browsing traffic and malware protection.
Free ad blocker comparison
To help you better compare the best free ad blockers, we prepared a quick comparison table with features, pricing, and more.
| Provider | Price | Free version | Risk-free trial | Passed ad blocking tests | Apps | Browsers | Comes with |
| Total Adblock | From $1.59/month | ✅ Yes | 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | ✅ Yes | Android, iOS | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge | Standalone or antivirus |
| Surfshark CleanWeb | From $2.19/month | ❌ No | 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | ✅ Yes | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | VPN or VPN+antivirus bundle |
| NordVPN Threat Protection | From $3.99/month | ❌ No | 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | ✅ Yes | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, Opera, and Edge | VPN |
| uBlock Origin | Free | ✅ Yes | N/A | ✅ Yes | None | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, Opera, and Edge | Standalone |
| Proton VPN NetShield | From $4.99/month | ❌ No | 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | ✅ Yes | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux | None | VPN |
Is it worth paying for ad blocker?
Yes, ad blockers are well worth the money. After all, they are the best way to secure your online privacy and improve your browsing experience. Even though many free providers are efficient enough at blocking basic ads, paid providers offer well-rounded security suits on top of the ad-blocking feature. Here’s why it’s worth paying for an ad blocker:
- Advanced protection from adware. Advertisers are quick to place ads in the most inconvenient places simply because they need your attention. Only well-developed and frequently updated software can provide sufficient protection. That's where paid providers have the edge over free ad blockers.
- Advanced protection from other malware. Cybercriminals often inject malicious code into adverts, and when you click on them, your device gets infected. Malware protection is not the default feature for free ad blockers. Typically, only the paid plans offer this type of protection.
While it's understandable why you may be unwilling to spend money on an ad blocker, their benefits are undeniable. If you're unconvinced, it's always a good idea to put the providers to the test by making use of free trials and money-back options.
Final thoughts
Free ad blockers come in many different forms to suit varying user needs. Whether you need something simple but effective like Total Adblock or something more comprehensive like NordVPN Threat Protection, the market has you covered. Most importantly, plenty of testing tools are available to the public, making it easy to see whether a provider is as effective as you need it to be.
Most importantly, as our most recent tests show, even free ad blockers can have great results. So, the only thing left to do is find one that suits your preferences.
FAQ
Which is the best free ad blocker in 2024?
The best free ad blocker currently available is Total Adblock. It has an unlimited free tier that works with browsers and mobile phones and provides excellent performance across the board. It’s easy to install, and its beginner-friendly interface allows anyone to utilize the service to its full potential.
What is the most trustworthy ad blocker?
Total Adblock is the most trustworthy ad blocker available. It comes from a long-standing company that offers reliable cybersecurity solutions for various needs. It also doesn’t collect any excess information to sell to data brokers because the service has plenty of other profitable products.
What is the best free ad blocker for Windows?
According to our research and testing, NordVPN Threat Protection and Surfshark CleanWeb are the best free ad blockers for Windows. Both offer full-fledged Windows apps and come with 7-day free trials and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is Adlock free?
Yes, Adlock has a free tier that only unlocks its browser extension. There’s also a 14-day free trial if you’d like to test its premium features before signing up. If you’re ready to commit, premium prices start at only $0.73/month.
Do ad blockers protect from viruses?
No, an ad blocker won’t help if malware enters your device. At best, the ad blocker can prevent you from visiting websites that distribute malware. However, if you accidentally download a virus, an ad blocker won’t be able to remove it.
Is there a free app to stop ads?
Yes, you can stop ads with a free ad blocker app such as NordVPN Threat Protection. It offers an excellent free version for iOS and Android devices and blocks all kinds of ads, including pop-ups, video and YouTube ads, banners, trackers, and more.