Best VPN with ad blocker in 2025

The best VPNs for ad blocking offer robust online privacy and security while simultaneously blocking banner, pop-up, and video ads, and stopping trackers and malware. Adverts aren’t just annoying – they can risk your device security by injecting malware or capturing your credentials, so a VPN with ad blocking is essential.

Standalone, browser-based ad blockers aren’t enough. They’re limited to their own ecosystem, meaning they’ll only stop adverts in that browser. They also lack the protections offered by a VPN, such as data encryption and IP cloaking. Conversely, a VPN with ad-blocking functionality covers your entire system, protecting all browser sessions and standalone applications at the system level.

I tested 20 different VPN providers that bundle ad-blocking tools into their software, comparing them against each other and key criteria that I discuss and explain below. So, read on to discover the best VPN with ad blocker in 2025.

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Top 5 VPNs with ad blocker: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Overall best VPN for ad blocking in 2025
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Inexpensive VPN for ad blocking on any device
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Freemium ad-blocking VPN with robust security
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheapest VPN for ad blocking
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   VPN for ad blocking with unlimited connection
   8.4

Why do I need a VPN for ad blocking?

A VPN for ad blocking is essential for security, privacy, and internet freedom. The VPN keeps you and your data safe and expands your entertainment options online, while the ad blocker stops frustrating ads from ruining your browsing experience, and keeps you safe from malicious ads that can infect your device.

Here’s a summary of the key benefits:

• Block malicious adverts – the best ad-blocking VPNs stop pop-up, banner, and autoplay video ads, preventing malicious ads from loading malware onto your device or stealing your credentials and making your internet experience more pleasant.
• Change your IP address – by changing your IP address, you can unblock sites like Netflix and Hulu in the US and retain access to your usual streaming services if you’re traveling abroad.
• Boost your privacy and security – cloaking your IP address with a no-logs VPN means that your online activity is hidden, while your data is fully encrypted by your VPN connection.
• Use public Wi-Fi securely – public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously unsafe and can be spied on by hackers who siphon off sensitive data. A VPN plugs the security gap, using encryption to make your data unreadable.
• Benefit from fast and reliable speeds – using a VPN stabilizes your connection speeds, offering benefits for gamers and streamers alike. It also stops your ISP from throttling your speeds for overuse.

I tested 20 VPNs to find the best VPN for ad blocking in 2025. For the best security and access to international content, and robust ad-blocking power that offers protection against malware too, I recommend NordVPN.

Best VPNs with ad blocker in 2025: detailed list

1. NordVPN – best VPN for ad blocking overall
2. Surfshark VPN – affordable VPN for ad blocking on any device
3. Proton VPN – ad-blocking VPN with a free tier
4. TotalVPN – cheapest ad-blocking VPN with strong speeds
5. IPVanish – VPN for ad blocking on unlimited simultaneous devices

After concluding my test circuit with 20 VPNs for ad blocking, I’ve collated the top 5 performers and presented the results below for you. These are the best VPN services to choose if you’re sick of being bombarded by annoying adverts.

Top 1. NordVPN – best VPN for ad blocking overall

The best VPN for ad blocking is NordVPN, thanks to its robust Threat Protection toolkit, which blocks ads and trackers while also stopping malware threats like phishing attacks and malicious websites. It also boasts the fastest VPN speeds available from any premium VPN provider.

NordVPN server network

NordVPN has a server fleet comprising 7400+ VPN servers in 118+ countries, giving you countless options for unblocking streaming services and other geo-restricted content abroad. The proprietary NordLynx VPN protocol offers lightning-fast speeds that outstripped every other VPN in my tests, averaging 468 Mbps across 10 international servers.

Streaming and torrenting with NordVPN

Streaming and torrenting with NordVPN is extremely efficient; you can access dedicated torrenting servers for fast file-sharing speeds, and you can get dedicated IP addresses that provide the best streaming results. During our review of NordVPN, the VPN easily unblocked US sites like HBO, Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, and Sling TV from abroad. Other sites, such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX were easily accessed with NordVPN’s cloaked IP addresses.

Security and privacy features

NordVPN’s security and privacy features are second to none. Basic security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and IP and DNS leak protection. However, the Threat Protection functionality offers robust ad blocking for banner ads, pop-ups, and autoplay videos. During my in-house tests, it could even stop YouTube ads from displaying. Other security features include double VPN, multi-hop connections, and a strict no-logs policy.

Compatibility and price

NordVPN is compatible with all major devices running on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, plus Fire Stick and Android TVs. You can also install NordVPN on a router to bypass the 10 simultaneous device connection limit. NordVPN pricing begins from $12.99/month with a NordVPN coupon, but you can use it free for up to 37 days by combining the 7-day NordVPN free trial for Android with the 30-day money-back guarantee for all platforms.

Top 2. Surfshark – ad-blocking VPN with inexpensive subscriptions

Surfshark is the best VPN for ad blocking due to CleanWeb 2.0, a highly effective ad blocker that stops pop-ups, banners, and autoplay videos, as well as blocking YouTube ads. It’s adept at keeping you away from malicious websites that try to steal your data, too.

Surfshark server network

Surfshark’s server fleet includes 3200+ VPN servers in 100+ countries, with dedicated IP addresses available at an extra charge. During our Surfshark review and my in-house streaming tests,, Surfshark averaged 466 Mbps on a 500 MB baseline connection, producing lag-free HD and 4K streaming sessions. It also offers dedicated servers for torrenting.

Streaming and torrenting with Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is adept at unblocking sites across its full network of worldwide servers. My tests focused on 10 locations that included the UK, the US, and Australia. During tests, Surfshark unblocked sites like Sling TV and Paramount in the US, BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the UK, and Optus and Stan Sport in Australia. I also tested a large file download with uTorrent, and my connection speeds remained stable throughout on Surfshark’s dedicated P2P servers.

Security and privacy features

Surfshark includes 256-bit AES encryption for all web traffic, a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and an independently audited no-logs policy. CleanWeb 2.0 proved effective at blocking all types of ads during tests, including pop-ups, banners, and autoplay videos, and it smoothed my YouTube experience by blocking in-video ads too. As an added security bonus, it can block malicious websites that inject malware onto your device.

Compatibility and price

Surfshark can be used with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, and routers, besides offering browser extensions for the most popular browsers too. Surfshark plans start from $2.19/month with a Surfshark coupon, but you can get started with a 7-day free trial for mobile devices. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee on any device, giving you the chance to test the service out for yourself.

Top 3. Proton VPN - freemium ad-blocking VPN

Proton VPN is the best VPN for ad blocking due to NetShield, a powerful security suite that blocks ads, trackers, malicious websites, and phishing attacks. It also offers a free tier for users on a budget, which includes NetShield.

Proton VPN server network

Proton VPN’s server fleet boasts an impressive 13000+ servers in 122+ countries, including popular unblocking locations in the US, UK, and across Europe. While the free tier only allows random server assignment among a handful of locations, the premium fleet is among the largest available from a VPN provider. Speeds averaged 429 Mbps during my in-house tests.

Streaming and torrenting with Proton VPN

Proton VPN proved that it could bypass geo-blocks in my tests, giving me access to sites like US Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It also has a selection of P2P-optimized servers for file sharing at high speeds, which my team vetted thoroughly in our Proton VPN review. Its robust security suite ensures that you’re not exposed to any additional risk when joining a torrent swarm to download or upload files with strangers.

Security and privacy features

Proton VPN’s security and privacy features include core essentials like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IP leak protection. The VPN is also headquartered in Switzerland, outside of any international data sharing alliances like the 5 Eyes. Coupled with a strict no-logs policy, this means your data is very safe. Of course, it also includes NetShield – an ad-blocking and online security suite that stops ads, trackers, and malware to reduce frustration and protect your data.

Compatibility and price

Proton VPN is compatible with 10 simultaneous devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, or you can install it directly onto a router. The free version is an excellent way to get started and try Proton VPN for yourself, after which pricing begins from as little as $3.59/month when you use a Proton VPN coupon. This includes a 30-day money-back guarantee that’ll let you get a full refund if you choose to cancel.

Top 4. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN for ad blocking

TotalVPN is the best VPN for ad blocking on a budget, combining fast speeds and ad-blocking functionality with the lowest ad-blocking VPN prices available. While the server selection is limited, speeds across all servers are impressively powerful.

TotalVPN server network

TotalVPN offers a modest 50+ servers in around 35+ countries – a limited selection, but one that covers core locations for unblocking like the US, UK, and Australia. A small server network doesn’t mean slow speeds – I saw average download speeds of 417 Mbps during tests. While this could dip during periods of high usage and server congestion, that wasn’t my experience during in-house tests or while writing our TotalVPN review.

Streaming and torrenting with Total VPN

TotalVPN is fairly reliable at unblocking international streaming services. During my in-house tests, it defeated geo-blocks on platforms like Hulu, Peacock, and Sling TV. I was also able to access US Netflix, though bear in mind that some user reports suggest problems from time to time. With a small server network, servers can get blacklisted by sites that use anti-VPN measures, such as Netflix.

Security and privacy features

Total VPN employs powerful 256-bit encryption to protect your data, while a kill switch and IP and DNS leak protection keep your true location hidden. There’s also a strict no-log policy that was recently independently audited. Bear in mind that I only saw the kill switch on the Windows application – it was lacking on other platforms, which lost TotalVPN some points in my overall ranking of ad-blocking VPNs.

Compatibility and price

TotalVPN’s compatibility includes Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with support for up to 5 simultaneous devices or 8 if you’re a TotalAV subscriber. VPN pricing is the cheapest I’ve seen from a VPN with ad-blocking capabilities, starting from $5.99/month. While there’s no free trial, you can use a 30-day money-back guarantee to try TotalAV free for a month.

Top 5. IPVanish – unlimited connections from an ad-blocking VPN

IPVanish is the best ad-blocking VPN thanks to built-in Threat Protection tools that block all kinds of ads, as well as trackers and malware. Install it on unlimited simultaneous devices under one account for robust protection.

IPVanish server network performance

IPVanish has a smaller server network than other premium VPNs, with 2400+ servers in over 109 countries. This includes popular locations for unblocking like the UK, US, Australia, and Southeast Asia. When my team benchmarked speeds during our IPVanish review, I saw average download speeds of 459 Mbps across 10 global server locations – more than fast enough for streaming and torrenting.

Streaming and torrenting with IPVanish

In my in-house tests, IPVanish was able to unblock Netflix US, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, among others. It also allows torrenting on all servers, as well as providing a SOCKS5 proxy server for rapid torrenting speeds at the cost of some VPN security. While it lacks dedicated streaming servers, I saw no lag or buffering issues during my streaming tests on its regular fleet.

Security and privacy features

IPVanish includes robust 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and a strict no-logging policy. Its Threat Protection suite is at the core of its ad-blocking power, stopping pop-ups, banner ads, trackers, and malicious websites. While it lacks dedicated IP addresses, obfuscation and multi-hop servers boost privacy.

Compatibility and price

You can get IPVanish for major operating systems including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and routers. When you use an IPVanish coupon, pricing begins from $3.33/month, but I recommend using the 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service for yourself.

Best ad blocking VPNs compared

For a quicker look at key features within the best ad blocking VPNs, I’ve included a comparative table below. Quickly compare speeds, prices, and server fleets with this handy guide:

How I tested and selected best VPNs for ad blocking in June 2025

Picking the best VPNs for ad blocking meant testing 20 different providers and comparing each one against key criteria. Below, I’ve summarized my approach:

• Ad-blocking capabilities (30% weighting): It’s important that an ad blocker can stop all types of ads, including pop-ups, banners, and videos. It should also work at a systemwide level across all apps. I awarded bonus points to VPNs that could block YouTube ads.
• Server fleet (20% weighting): Your VPN should have an extensive server fleet to maximize unblocking opportunities and avoid speed dips due to server congestion. Ideally, dedicated streaming and torrenting servers should be available.
• Connection speeds (15% weighting): Strong connection speeds are essential for lag-free streaming, gaming, and torrenting. I benchmarked each VPN using Ookla’s speed test tool.
• Security (20% weighting): Basic security includes robust encryption, a kill switch, secure protocols, and leak protection. Extra points were given for features like obfuscation, dedicated IP addresses, and multi-hop connections.
• Unblocking Capabilities (15%): Your VPN should be able to bypass geo-blocks and allow you to access streaming platforms and other services in regions where they’re not usually available. I tested this with various UK, US, and Australian websites.

Based on my test circuit against these criteria, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are the best VPNs with ad-blocking functionality that can smooth your internet experience while guarding against malicious ads and ad-stuffed websites.

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Is an ad-blocking VPN legal to use?

Yes, an ad blocking VPN is legal to use so long as you are not resident in one of a handful of countries that ban non-state-approved VPNs, such as Russia, China, and Iran. What’s more, the ad-blocking component of your VPN doesn’t make it illegal either. Some sites might ask you to turn it off if they detect that you’re using an ad blocker, but you’re not obligated to do so. Just remember that a VPN doesn’t make illegal activities legal – exercise caution in using your VPN and avoid engaging in any illegal activity.

Ad blocking VPN not working: step-by-step fix

If it seems like your ad-blocking VPN isn’t working correctly, I recommend following the steps below to troubleshoot your connection and get back online.

Can I use a free VPN for ad blocking?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for ad blocking – Proton VPN’s free tier includes its NetShield feature, which blocks banner, pop-up, and video adverts. That said, some of the NetShield functionality is disabled for free users, including anti-malware and anti-tracker tools. What’s more, this doesn’t speak for the VPN element that is much more stripped back for free users than it is for premium users. You won’t be able to choose your server location, and you’ll face worse speeds, particularly during busy periods when lots of users are online.

Instead, I recommend opting for a premium ad blocker VPN free trial from the likes of NordVPN or Surfshark. By combining the 7-day free trial available from these providers with the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can use a leading VPN and ad blocker free for up to 37 days.

Conclusion

The best VPN for ad blocking shouldn’t skimp in either area, offering robust and systemwide ad-blocking functionality and secure, high-speed VPN connections across a vast server fleet. Don’t simply opt for an in-browser ad blocker – they won’t block ads across any other systemwide applications, nor do they commonly offer any malware protections.

Instead, get a 7-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee from the best overall VPN and ad blocker, NordVPN. It’s capable of protecting your entire device, including all applications, from banner ads, pop-ups, autoplay videos, trackers, spyware, malware, and other cyber threats, and it’s just $12.99/month beyond your free-use period should you continue.

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FAQ

How can I get a VPN for ad blocking?

Choose a VPN that offers robust ad-blocking tools for pop-up, banner, and video adverts, such as NordVPN, and download the VPN from the official website. NordVPN’s Threat Protection suite can stop all kinds of adverts, including YouTube video ads, and it will also protect you against trackers, spyware, adware, and malicious websites that try to steal your data.

What is the best VPN for ad blocking?

NordVPN is the best VPN for ad blocking, defeating banner ads, pop-up ads, and autoplay and YouTube video ads during my test circuit. Simultaneously, it provided the fastest connection speeds I saw from the 20 VPNs I tested, allowing me to torrent and stream at speeds averaging 468 Mbps with no lag or buffering issues and total protection for my data.

Is there a free VPN for ad blocking?

Yes, Proton VPN offers NetShield – a robust ad blocker that isn’t just limited to Plus subscribers. However, some functionality is missing on the free tier so you’ll still be susceptible to trackers and malware. Instead, I recommend trying a premium VPN and ad blocker free trial from a provider like SurfShark. Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature can block all ads, including YouTube video ads, while offering safeguards against malware, trackers, and phishing attacks.