The Best VPNs with Ad Blocking in 2024

Aksel Hellerud

Last Updated: 14/11/24

A VPN with ad-blocking does more than just enhance your browsing experience by removing annoying ads. It also protects your privacy by blocking trackers and preventing harmful elements from reaching your device. While most VPNs don’t come with built-in ad blockers, some top-tier options provide this feature, making them the best VPNs for users looking to avoid intrusive ads and boost their online security.

Finding the best VPN ad blockers can be time-consuming, so we’ve compiled a list of the top VPNs that offer reliable ad-blocking features while ensuring your privacy and security online.

Choosing a VPN with Ad Blocking

When choosing a VPN with ad-blocking, it’s important to consider more than just its ability to block ads. Strong privacy features, robust security, and high-speed connections should also be part of the package. Even the best VPN ad blockers won’t be useful if the VPN’s overall security is weak.

The best VPNs for ad-blocking provide a combination of reliable ad-blocking and comprehensive security features that ensure your online activities remain private and protected, and that’s the criteria the following list is based on.

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

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ExpressVPN takes a unique approach to ad-blocking by using a DNS filtering technique. This system blocks ads at the DNS level, meaning that once connected to ExpressVPN’s servers, any requests for domains known to host ads are automatically blocked. This prevents intrusive ads from even reaching your browser or device, offering a smooth and ad-free browsing experience.

In addition to ad-blocking, ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive suite of security features such as AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a built-in kill switch, ensuring your online privacy and security. While ExpressVPN’s ad-blocking feature is highly effective, its robust privacy protection measures also play a crucial role in keeping your data secure from trackers and malicious entities.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

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NordVPN’s ad-blocking feature, CyberSec, is widely regarded as one of the most efficient ad blockers integrated into a VPN service. CyberSec not only blocks intrusive ads but also offers protection from malware, phishing attempts, and other online threats. Once enabled, CyberSec ensures that you won’t see any banner ads, pop-ups, or video ads, which is particularly useful on platforms where traditional ad blockers struggle. The feature works seamlessly across all major platforms, such as Chrome, Firefox, iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

Besides CyberSec, NordVPN stands out with its military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the implementation of Double VPN for added security layers, making it a top choice for users seeking both privacy and a smooth browsing experience.

Best for Connecting Multiple Devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

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Surfshark’s CleanWeb is another excellent ad-blocking tool, designed to provide users with a clean and uninterrupted internet experience. CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware-laden websites at the source, ensuring faster load times and a safer browsing session. This feature is particularly easy to use, requiring just a single toggle to activate it across major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions.

Alongside CleanWeb, Surfshark offers solid security features such as MultiHop (double VPN), AES-256 encryption, and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring both privacy and security. CleanWeb’s ability to block ads and harmful websites makes Surfshark not just an ad-blocking VPN but also a tool to enhance your overall internet security.

Broadest server reach in our tests

PrivateInternetAccess

Overall score: 9.2

• Great unblocking ability
• Supports WireGuard protocol
• Decent streaming speed
• Affordable subscription offers

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Private Internet Access (PIA) incorporates an ad-blocking feature called MACE, which blocks not only ads but also trackers and malware at the DNS level. MACE works across all PIA apps and devices, ensuring a seamless browsing experience free from unwanted distractions. This feature allows you to browse faster by reducing the amount of data your device has to download, thanks to the elimination of bandwidth-heavy ads.

Besides ad-blocking, PIA excels in privacy and security with features like military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and advanced settings like split tunneling and custom encryption options. PIA is highly configurable, making it a popular choice for users who want both flexibility and protection from online threats and intrusive ads.

Does a VPN Block Ads?

By default, a VPN ad blocker doesn’t typically block ads, as VPNs are primarily designed to encrypt your data and hide your IP address. However, some VPNs have added ad-blocking features as part of their service to improve both security and the browsing experience. When you use a VPN with ad-blocking features, ads are blocked at the DNS or server level, preventing them from loading on your device.

If you’re subscribed to a VPN with ad-blocking, it will prevent ads from reaching your browser, making your internet browsing faster and more enjoyable.

Do Ad Blockers Work?

Yes, VPN ad blockers are effective, but their performance depends on the quality of the VPN. Traditional browser ad blockers only block ads within the specific browser, but a VPN ad-blocker blocks ads across all browsers and apps on your device. This makes VPN ad-blocking a more comprehensive solution for users who want to block ads and improve their online security.

The best VPN ad blockers also block access to websites known for malware, phishing, and other malicious content, offering layered protection beyond ad-blocking.

VPN with Ad Blocking: More than Just Ad Blocking

A VPN with ad-blocking provides more than just the ability to block ads. Many of these VPNs also include anti-malware features and tools to block phishing attempts. When combined with VPN security features such as AES-256 encryption and no-logs policies, ad-blocking VPNs provide a well-rounded solution for both privacy and security.

In addition to blocking ads, these VPNs also hide your IP address, encrypt your traffic, and ensure that your personal data remains secure. For users seeking an all-in-one tool for enhanced privacy, ad-blocking VPNs are an excellent choice.

Free VPNs vs. Paid VPNs

When considering free VPNs vs. paid VPNs, it’s important to remember that free services come with significant drawbacks. Free VPNs might limit your data usage, slow your connection, and compromise your privacy. In contrast, paid VPNs with ad-blocking offer faster speeds, more reliable service, and advanced security features.

While some free VPNs offer ad-blocking, they often don’t include the comprehensive privacy and security measures found in paid services. If you want the best experience, it’s worth investing in a paid VPN with ad-blocking.

Conclusion

Using a VPN with ad-blocking provides multiple benefits. Not only does it block intrusive ads, but it also enhances your privacy by preventing trackers and malicious ads from reaching your device. By choosing one of the best VPNs for ad-blocking, you’re investing in more than just ad-free browsing—you’re also protecting yourself from malware, phishing attempts, and other online threats.

The VPN ad blockers featured in this list offer strong security features like AES-256 encryption, no-logs policies, and DNS filtering, ensuring your data and online activities remain private. For users looking for both security and a cleaner browsing experience, a VPN with ad-blocking features is the ideal choice.

While some may consider using free VPNs, it’s important to note that paid VPNs with ad-blocking offer far superior performance and protection. Paid services ensure faster speeds, better security, and more reliable ad-blocking, making them worth the investment for anyone serious about their privacy and security online.

In conclusion, the best VPN ad blockers not only stop annoying ads but also provide a comprehensive solution for safeguarding your online privacy. By choosing a VPN with ad-blocking, you’ll enjoy a safer, faster, and ad-free internet experience.