The 5 Best YouTube Ad Blockers in 2024
Ad blockers are small software programs (usually available as plugins) that block ads from YouTube videos. The 2 best ones are uBlock Origin and Adblock for YouTube. But there are also many others of varying effectiveness.
Tired of annoying ads interrupting your favorite YouTube videos? Debugbar has selected the 5 best YouTube ad blockers for you! Let’s discover them now.
| Blocker | Price | Platforms | Main Features | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| uBlock Origin | Free | PC (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari) | – Blocks YouTube ads and trackers- Regularly updated predefined filters- Many advanced customization options | – Effective and easy to use- Lightweight and open source- Compatible with all browsers | – Can sometimes block legitimate elements- Requires advanced configuration for some options |
| AdBlock for YouTube | Free | PC (Chrome and Chromium-based browsers) | – Can block YouTube ads only- Automatic filter updates- Ability to report missed ads | – Simple and intuitive- 100% dedicated to YouTube ads- No configuration required | – Works only on Chrome and derivatives- No advanced settings options |
| AdGuard | Free (limited version) or paid | PC (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari) and Mac | – Can block YouTube ads, trackers and malware- Optimized filters for YouTube- Ad reporting tool- Frequent updates | – Effective and customizable- Also works on mobile- Free version available | – Some advanced options are paid- Can slightly slow down browsing |
| AdLock | Paid | PC (Windows, Mac), Android, iOS | – Blocks YouTube ads on computer and mobile- Works for all apps- Also blocks trackers and malware- Include a VPN- Simple interface but advanced options | – Protection on all devices- Works at the system level- Automatic updates | – No free version- The VPN can slightly slow down mobile browsing |
| Ghostery | Free or paid (Ghostery Plus) | PC (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera) | – Blocks advertising trackers- Hide IP address for anonymous browsing- Controls scripts and cookies- Optional ad blocking feature | – Enhances online privacy- Open source and transparent about blocking- Compatible with major browsers | – Focuses more on trackers than ads- Some advanced features are paid |
Why use an ad blocker on YouTube?
Over the years, YouTube has become an essential video platform on the Internet. But the explosion of ads before, during and after content can quickly become irritating.
Between the so-called “skippable” ads after 5 seconds, the non-“skippable” 15 to 20 second ones, and the short 6-second formats, they are hard to avoid.
Of course, YouTube offers its paid premium service to watch videos ad-free. But for those who don’t want to pay, installing an adblocker remains the best option.
Besides improving the viewing experience, it has several other benefits:
- Saves time and attention by eliminating ad breaks.
- Smoother, faster browsing by reducing page load.
- Protects privacy by limiting ad tracking.
- Reduces mobile data usage by avoiding downloading ads.
Whether you’re on a computer or smartphone, a wide variety of solutions exist to enjoy ad-free YouTube. Here’s an overview of the best blockers to adopt in 2024.
1. uBlock Origin: the best YouTube ad blocker on desktop
| Pros | Cons |
| – Free and open-source | – Can sometimes block legitimate page elements |
| – Effectively blocks most YouTube ads | – Requires advanced configuration to fully leverage features |
| – Lightweight with no performance impact | |
| – Many customization options | |
| – Also filters tracking and malware | |
| – Compatible with all major browsers |
Available for free on Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera, the uBlock Origin app has become a go-to for blocking ads on YouTube and other websites.
Developed as open-source software, it stands out for its formidable effectiveness, lightweight footprint and advanced customization options.
Once installed in a few clicks, uBlock automatically blocks all YouTube ads, including those integrated at the beginning or middle of videos. The extension includes regularly updated predefined filters that remove the vast majority of ads without having to configure anything.
For more advanced users, uBlock Origin also offers many settings such as:
- the ability to create your own filters,
- to disable blocking on certain websites,
- or to switch to stealth mode to avoid detection.
The app also includes a tracker and malware blocker to enhance privacy protection and security.
In summary, uBlock ticks all the boxes of the ideal YouTube ad blocker on PC and Mac. Note that there is an equivalent extension for Microsoft Edge called uBlock Origin Plus.
2. AdBlock for YouTube: the tailor-made extension for Chrome
| Pros | Cons |
| – Easy to install and use | – Works only on Chrome (and Chromium-based browsers) |
| – Exclusively dedicated to blocking YouTube ads | – No advanced customization options |
| – Automatic updates to block new formats | |
| – Easily report missed ads | |
| – 100% free and ad-free |
If you’re looking for a solution specifically dedicated to blocking YouTube ads on Chrome, the AdBlock for YouTube add-on is made for you. As the name suggests, it exclusively focuses on removing ads on Google’s video platform.
The main advantage of AdBlock for YouTube lies in its great simplicity of use. Once added to your Chrome browser with one click from the Chrome Web Store, the plugin automatically activates when you browse YouTube. It instantly blocks all ads, without any other settings to configure.
AdBlock for YouTube automatically updates in the background to always filter the latest ad formats used by YouTube. When an ad still manages to slip through the cracks, a simple right-click allows you to report it to improve future blocking.
Totally free and ad-free, the AdBlock plugin occasionally displays messages inviting satisfied users to make a donation, but without any obligation. The developers promise to keep it freely accessible to the widest audience.
In short, AdBlock for YouTube is the ideal solution for those who want to easily get rid of YouTube ads only, without having to worry about complex settings. The only downside is that the extension only works on Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Opera, Edge…).
3. AdGuard: a complete suite for blocking ads
| Pros | Cons |
| – Blocks YouTube ads and video suggestions | – Limited free version, paid Pro version to unlock all features |
| – Also filters trackers and malware | – Can very slightly slow down browsing |
| – Works on all browsers and at the system level | |
| – Many advanced settings options | |
| – Frequent filter updates |
AdGuard is a well-known name in the world of ad blockers. This software suite offers various tools to block ads on all your devices:
- computers,
- smartphones,
- tablets,
- and even your home network.
To remove YouTube ads on your computer, you can use AdGuard Browser Extension. This free extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and Safari effectively blocks ads, but also trackers and malware. Its regularly updated filter base allows for precise targeting of the various formats used by YouTube.
The AdGuard plugin also includes a tool to easily report forgotten ads in order to constantly improve its performance. It’s also possible to activate a special filter designed to get rid of video suggestion blocks on YouTube.
In addition, for more comprehensive protection on your machine, the AdGuard for Windows or Mac app:
- filters ads at the system level, in all your applications,
- blocks malware,
- suspicious redirects,
- and allows fine-grained control over what to filter.
Simply put, AdGuard offers a complete range of tools to get rid of YouTube ads and browse more peacefully. The free extension is enough for most users, but the most demanding will appreciate the advanced possibilities of the Pro versions.
4. AdLock: a cross-platform ad blocker
| Pros | Cons |
| – Blocks YouTube ads on computer and mobile | – Requires a paid subscription, no free version |
| – Works at the system level, independently of the browser | – The local VPN can slightly slow down the mobile connection |
| – Simple interface but advanced settings available | |
| – Filters trackers, malware and miners | |
| – Automatic updates | |
| – Comes with a VPN |
Another well-known player in the ad-blocking solutions market, AdLock stands out for its extensive compatibility. Available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, this ad blocker is a good choice if you’re looking to get rid of YouTube ads on all your devices.
On computers, AdLock for Windows and Mac installs like a classic app. Once activated, the software filters all ads at your connection level, for an ad-free browsing experience on YouTube and other websites, regardless of your browser. It also allows blocking trackers, cryptocurrency mining, and various types of malware.
AdLock also features advanced settings accessible to the most technical users, such as the ability to create custom filters or whitelists.
Its streamlined interface nevertheless allows for very simple and intuitive use, by just choosing the desired level of protection.
On the mobile side, AdLock for Android and iOS offers an all-in-one solution to enjoy YouTube and other apps without ads. Based on a local VPN, the app filters incoming traffic to remove all ads, even within applications.
In short, by opting for AdLock, you have complete protection against YouTube ads across your various devices. The tool proves to be effective and versatile, with apps that are easy to use. The only downside is the absence of a free version, even a limited one.
5. Ghostery: security and privacy first
| Pros | Cons |
| – Blocks advertising trackers and secures browsing | – Focuses more on trackers than pure ad blocking |
| – Protects privacy and enhances online anonymity | – Some advanced features are paid |
| – Open source and transparent about blocked elements | |
| – Compatible with major browsers | |
| – Option to block ads in addition to trackers |
You want to block YouTube ads while enhancing your security and privacy protection? The open source Ghostery extension is made for you. Available for free for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera, it focuses on blocking trackers and advertising trackers.
Once Ghostery is installed, the plugin automatically detects all trackers present on the web pages you visit, and allows you to block them with a single click. YouTube ads are thus removed along with the trackers they contain. You can view and manage blocked items from the Ghostery panel.
Beyond ad blocking, Ghostery offers many features to enhance your online privacy:
- masking your IP address,
- protection against profiling,
- third-party cookie blocking,
- anonymous browsing,
- smart script control…
The tool also includes a dedicated “Ad Blocker”, which allows you to specifically filter ads if tracker blocking is not enough. A paid “Ghostery Plus” option unlocks premium features such as priority updating of ad and tracking filter lists.
In summary, by combining YouTube ad blocking, anti-tracking, and secure browsing, Ghostery offers a comprehensive approach to protecting your online privacy. Enough to surf with peace of mind, even if ad blocking is not its only priority.
uBlock Origin, AdBlock, AdGuard… What to choose?
It’s hard to decide among all these YouTube ad blockers, right? To make the right choice, it all depends on your expectations and type of usage.
Here are some recommendations based on your profile:
- You’re looking for efficiency and simplicity above all: opt for a free and well-known adblocker like uBlock Origin or AdBlock for YouTube. These free extensions block the vast majority of ads without any hassle.
- You want protection on all your devices: AdLock with its PC, Mac, Android and iOS apps is just the thing. Its paid subscription gives access to a complete solution.
- You place great importance on security and privacy: Ghostery and its tracker blocking and anonymity protection options will meet your needs.
- You are an advanced user who wants total control: uBlock Origin and AdGuard have advanced settings for a custom configuration.
Beyond these differences, all these YouTube ad blockers offer a greatly improved video viewing experience by removing these increasingly invasive ad interruptions.
A few additional tips to enjoy YouTube without ads
Installing an adblocker is the simplest and most effective solution to say goodbye to YouTube ads. But other tricks exist to optimize your experience on the platform. Here are a few:
- Use a specialized browser: some browsers like Brave or Opera natively integrate an ad blocker, which automatically filters YouTube ads without having to install an extension.
- Go through an external player: websites like HookTube or Invidious allow you to view YouTube videos without ads via their own player. Just copy the video URL to enjoy it.
- Opt for alternative YouTube apps: on Android, apps like YouTube Vanced or NewPipe offer an ad-free YouTube experience, with additional features like video downloading or background playback.
- Use an ad-blocking DNS: by modifying your DNS settings, you can block a large portion of ads directly at your connection level. Free DNS like AdGuard DNS or Alternate DNS make it easy to do so.
By combining a YouTube adblocker and a few of these tricks, you should be able to enjoy your favorite content in peace. No more untimely interruptions and often irrelevant ads!
