I have been using YouTube since 2015; this platform holds countless memories from my student days through my professional career. It’s where I learned video editing and how to create latte art, followed science vloggers on their deep-sea explorations, and used ASMR videos to get through sleepless nights.
In recent years, however, ads have been appearing with increasing frequency, constantly interrupting the flow of my videos and seriously affecting my YouTube experience. So I began searching for ways to stop YouTube ads and have compiled them into this article.
This article will introduce five of the best ways to block YouTube ads, including using browser extensions on PC, installing ad-blocking apps on mobile devices, subscribing to YouTube Premium, and even using a VPN to block ads.
If you’re also troubled by YouTube ads and want to watch YouTube ad-free, I hope this article can help you.
Blocking YouTube Ads with YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is YouTube’s official ad-free subscription service, offering ad-free viewing, video downloads, background playback, access to YouTube Music Premium, and exclusive access to original content.
YouTube Premium Can Block All Types of Ads
On both the desktop website and the mobile app, you can subscribe to YouTube Premium directly through YouTube’s official site.
Once you become a Premium member, you can essentially block all ads on YouTube, including the common pre-roll ads before videos and mid-roll ads during videos. In addition, third-party banner ads on pages and text or image ads in YouTube’s search results will also be removed.
It should be noted that YouTube Premium can only block ads that are automatically served by the platform. Brand promotions or sponsorship messages that creators add themselves in their video content, as well as promotional links or product shelves placed in the video’s description, will still appear as normal.
YouTube Premium Pricing
YouTube Premium subscription prices vary by region and plan type. In the United States, the individual plan costs $18.90 per month for one account; the family plan costs $29.90 per month for up to six people (with address verification required); students with valid ID can enjoy a half-price discount at $9.99 per month. In South Korea, pricing is about 70% of the U.S. standard: the individual plan costs KRW 13,900 per month; the family plan costs KRW 20,900 per month for up to six people (proof of shared address required); the student plan costs KRW 6,900 per month, requiring annual proof of enrollment.
YouTube Premium: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Removes all pre-roll, mid-roll, and banner ads, providing an immediate and uninterrupted viewing experience. This is especially suitable for activities that require focus, such as studying or binge-watching.
- Supports background playback and offline downloads, allowing videos and music to keep playing when your phone is locked or you switch to another app. This makes it ideal for listening to tutorials or podcasts during commutes. It also lets you cache videos locally, saving data and handling unstable network conditions on flights, subways, and similar environments.
- Includes a music service (worth $11.99 per month) with a library of over 100 million songs, supporting background playback and downloads. This is more cost-effective than subscribing to a separate music platform.
- A portion of Premium subscription fees is allocated to creators based on watch time, which benefits the content ecosystem more than using ad blockers.
- Supports multiple devices and platforms (web, mobile, smart TVs, etc.) with synchronization. The Family Plan can be shared by up to 6 people.
Cons
- Subscription cost is relatively high, and fees have increased in recent years. For example, in South Korea on December 8, 2023, the monthly fee was raised from ₩10,450 to ₩14,900 (about a 43% increase). In 2025, YouTube also removed its early-user discount, raising the monthly fee from $7.99 to $12.99, which makes it less cost-effective for many casual users.
Cheaper Ways to Subscribe to YouTube Premium
When I was struggling with the high cost of YouTube Premium, I accidentally discovered a more affordable way to get the subscription – sharing a YouTube Premium account. This allows you to split the cost with others, making it a more budget-friendly option.
I have found a few platforms that offer shared YouTube Premium accounts at significantly lower prices. For example, GamsGo offers shared accounts for as low as $4.17, which is nearly 50% cheaper than subscribing directly to YouTube Premium.
Blocking YouTube Ads with AdBlock
AdBlock is a free browser extension that blocks YouTube video ads, pop-ups, and tracking ads by intercepting ad requests and hiding unwanted page elements, making your viewing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
AdBlock Installation Guide
To block YouTube ads using AdBlock, you'll first need to install the extension in your browser. AdBlock is compatible with major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Here's how to install it based on your browser:
For Chrome users, open the Chrome Web Store, search for the "AdBlock" extension, and click "Add to Chrome." Once you confirm the permission request, the extension will automatically install.
Firefox Browser: Open the Firefox Add-ons Store, search for the "AdBlock" extension, and click "Add to Firefox." In the pop-up dialog, select "Add" and confirm the required permissions. After a brief moment, the installation will be complete, and the AdBlock icon will appear in your browser toolbar.
Edge Browser: Go to the official Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store, search for "AdBlock," and click "Get" to install. Alternatively, you can visit the official AdBlock website to quickly get the Edge-compatible version. Simply agree to the required permissions when prompted, and the installation will be completed.
Adblock Can Block All Kinds of Ads
AdBlock is highly effective at blocking most types of digital ads. It can eliminate pre-roll ads, mid-roll ads, and overlay ads in videos, ensuring uninterrupted playback. For web browsing, it filters out banner ads, pop-up ads, and native ad content disguised as recommended articles, while also blocking tracking ads that collect user behavior data, reducing the risk of data being harvested.
However, it’s important to note that AdBlock cannot block in-app ads on mobile platforms, such as those in the official YouTube app, or sponsored messages embedded by creators in their videos. Additionally, some platforms may actively counter ad-blocking tools, potentially causing certain ads to bypass filters. To maintain effective ad-blocking, users may need to regularly update their filter lists or use additional plugins.
AdBlock Pricing
AdBlock’s core features are completely free to use. You can install it directly from your browser’s extension store without any subscription fees. The developers primarily rely on voluntary donations and optional whitelisting partnerships to support their work. However, users can always disable ad whitelisting in the settings without paying a cent. Some third-party app stores might offer "AdBlock Pro" or similar paid versions, but the official AdBlock team clearly states that its core ad-blocking services will always be free.
AdBlock Pros and Cons
Pros: AdBlock offers efficient, zero-cost ad blocking, automatically eliminating pre-roll ads, banner overlays, and pop-ups once the extension is installed. It supports cross-browser and cross-device use, making it a convenient choice for light users looking to quickly improve their viewing experience.
Cons: YouTube’s Anti-Ad-Block Measures – YouTube heavily relies on ad revenue and frequently updates its ad delivery methods to counteract ad-blocking tools. As a result, some cleverly disguised ads may occasionally slip through AdBlock’s filters.
AdBlock Detection and Usage Restrictions – Recently, YouTube has intensified its efforts to detect ad blockers. If its servers detect that you're using an ad blocker, you may experience restricted video playback. Google has also explicitly stated that using ad blockers violates YouTube’s terms of service, meaning you might occasionally encounter messages prompting you to disable AdBlock before you can continue watching.
Why Isn’t My AdBlock Blocking Ads?
Even after installing AdBlock, you might still see ads on YouTube for several reasons:
AdBlock is Not Enabled: If YouTube ads are still appearing, first check if AdBlock is active. Click the red stop sign icon in your browser’s toolbar to make sure AdBlock isn’t paused or that YouTube hasn’t been added to the whitelist. If you accidentally paused AdBlock on the YouTube page, you can click “Resume blocking ads on this site” in the menu to restore full ad-blocking functionality.
Using Incognito/Private Browsing Mode: Extensions like AdBlock are typically disabled in private or incognito modes, such as Chrome’s Incognito Mode, Edge’s InPrivate Mode, or Firefox’s Private Browsing Mode.
Filter Lists Not Updated: AdBlock relies on regularly updated filter lists to block ads. If you still see occasional ads, try refreshing the page or waiting a moment for the latest filter updates to take effect. Also, make sure you’re using the latest version of the AdBlock extension, as YouTube frequently changes its ad delivery methods, and older versions might struggle to block newer ad formats.
Blocking YouTube Ads with YouTube Vanced
YouTube Vanced is a modified, third-party YouTube app for Android devices that offers premium features like ad-free playback, background play, and forced picture-in-picture mode without the need for a paid subscription. It also supports high-resolution playback and automatic skipping of sponsored segments, providing a cleaner, more personalized viewing experience.
YouTube Vanced Installation Guide
To install YouTube Vanced, start by visiting the official YouTube Vanced website on your mobile browser and download the Vanced Manager APK. Once the download is complete, open the file to install Vanced Manager.
After installation, open the Vanced Manager app, select the “Nonroot” installation option, and proceed to the next step.
In the main Vanced Manager interface, you’ll need to install “Vanced MicroG” first, which is required for signing in with your Google account. Once MicroG is installed, return to the Vanced Manager, select “YouTube Vanced” from the top of the list, and click “Install.” The manager will automatically download and install the appropriate version of YouTube Vanced.
Once the installation is complete, you should see the YouTube Vanced icon on your home screen. Tap it to start enjoying an ad-free YouTube experience.
YouTube Vanced Can Block All Types of Ads
YouTube Vanced effectively blocks almost all types of ads, offering a completely ad-free viewing experience from the moment you open the app to the end of each video. It delivers a near YouTube Premium-like experience without any interruptions, including pre-roll, mid-roll, and banner ads.
YouTube Vanced Pricing
YouTube Vanced is completely free to use. The development team has consistently emphasized that the app is not monetized, with all features available without any subscription fees.
YouTube Vanced Pros and Cons
Pros:
Completely free, blocks all official YouTube ads (pre-roll, mid-roll, banners) without subscription fees, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users.
Unlocks premium features like background playback, allowing you to keep videos or music playing while the screen is off or when switching apps.
Bypasses network speed limits, letting you manually select 1080p or higher resolutions even on slow connections.
Automatically skips sponsored segments in videos, providing a more seamless viewing experience.
It offers a true black AMOLED theme that saves more battery power than the standard dark mode.
Cons:
Security and Source Risks: YouTube Vanced is not officially supported by Google, requiring installation from third-party sources, which carries potential security risks.
Violation of YouTube’s Terms of Service: Vanced’s ad-blocking and premium features are not authorized by YouTube, which technically violates the platform’s terms of service.
Tip: YouTube Vanced Has Stopped Updating
YouTube Vanced officially stopped receiving updates in March 2022. This means it is no longer compatible with future YouTube interface changes, which could eventually lead to broken features or incompatibility with YouTube’s services as their APIs evolve.
However, you can switch to YouTube ReVanced as an alternative. ReVanced is a community-driven successor to Vanced, created by independent developers to continue maintaining and improving the features that made Vanced popular.
Blocking YouTube Ads with AdGuard
AdGuard is a versatile ad-blocking tool available across multiple platforms, including browser extensions, desktop apps, and mobile devices (iOS and Android). It effectively blocks web ads, video pre-roll ads, and tracking scripts. While installation methods vary depending on the platform, this section will focus specifically on using AdGuard for ad-free YouTube playback on iOS, as we've already covered PC and Android methods in previous sections.
AdGuard Installation Guide for iOS
To install AdGuard on iOS, first download it directly from the App Store. After installation, open your device’s settings, go to Safari → Extensions, find AdGuard in the "Allow These Extensions" list, tap it, and make sure the extension is enabled. Make sure the permission for "All Websites" is set to "Allow" or "Ask" as needed. Next, open Safari, tap the puzzle icon next to the address bar to access the extension menu, select "Manage Extensions", find AdGuard, and switch it on. Once these steps are completed, it’s recommended to return to the AdGuard app, go to the "Protection" tab, and enable "DNS Protection" for enhanced ad-blocking.
Adguard Can Block All Kinds of Ads
AdGuard effectively blocks a wide range of digital ads, including banner ads, pop-up ads, pre-roll and mid-roll video ads, as well as tracking ads that collect user behavior data across sites. It also uses DNS filtering to block certain in-app ads, like game promotion pop-ups and smart TV ads.
However, it’s important to note that deeply embedded native ads and creator-sponsored segments, like spoken sponsorships within videos, can be harder to filter completely. In these cases, manual rule updates may be needed to maintain ad-blocking effectiveness.
AdGuard Pricing
There are two versions of AdGuard available on the App Store: AdGuard and AdGuard Pro. Both offer similar core ad-blocking features, but with some differences in pricing and advanced options.
The standard AdGuard app is free to download, providing basic ad-blocking out of the box. However, to unlock premium features like DNS protection, advanced filtering, and more customization options, you’ll need a paid subscription. The pricing for AdGuard Premium is $0.99/month, $4.99/year, or a one-time lifetime purchase for $12.99.
On the other hand, AdGuard Pro is a one-time purchase app, typically priced around $9.99, and includes all premium features without requiring a subscription. Once you buy either version, you gain full access to all premium features without the need for additional payments.
AdGuard Pros and Cons
Pros: AdGuard on iOS offers system-level ad blocking by combining content filtering and DNS filtering, providing robust ad-blocking capabilities. It has an extensive library of filtering rules, effectively blocking both web ads and in-app ads while also preventing online trackers. With advanced protection enabled, AdGuard’s blocking power is significantly enhanced, offering a more comprehensive shield against intrusive ads and tracking scripts.
Cons: Due to iOS platform restrictions, AdGuard’s ad blocking primarily targets ads within Safari. For third-party apps, it relies on DNS-based domain blocking, which can’t precisely remove embedded ad content. This means it can’t directly block pre-roll ads in apps like YouTube, requiring users to share videos to the AdGuard player for ad-free playback. Additionally, features like advanced protection, DNS filtering, and custom rule support require a paid subscription, as the free version offers only basic blocking. Enabling network extensions and continuous filtering may also slightly increase power consumption and latency.
Blocking YouTube Ads with VPNs
While VPNs can filter or redirect network traffic to reduce ad loading, they are generally less effective for blocking YouTube ads. This is because YouTube’s ad delivery is deeply integrated into its video streams, making it challenging to completely block ads through traffic control alone. As a result, users may still experience some residual ads or encounter stability issues.
VPN Setup Guide
For Android devices, open the Google Play Store, search for your preferred VPN app, such as NordVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, or Windscribe, and install it. Once installed, open the app, log into your account, and select a server to connect to. For example, with Surfshark, after logging in, go to Settings, find the CleanWeb option, and enable it to activate ad-blocking.
For iPhone/iPad (iOS), download your chosen VPN app from the App Store. During the initial setup, you may be prompted to allow the app to add VPN configurations in your device’s settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the authorization. Once connected, choose a server. Since iOS does not support system-level browser extensions, it’s recommended to use the built-in ad-blocking features directly within the VPN app.
For Windows PCs, download the VPN client from the official website or the Microsoft Store. Install the program, launch the client, log in, and connect to any server. Some VPNs also allow manual configuration through Settings → Network & Internet → VPN, but using the official client is typically easier. Once connected, all your network traffic will be routed through the VPN.
For macOS (Apple Computers), download the installation package (.dmg or .pkg file) from the VPN’s official website or the Mac App Store. After installation, open the app, log in, and select a server to connect. macOS also supports manual VPN configuration through System Preferences → Network (e.g., IKEv2, L2TP), but using the official client is usually more convenient.
VPN Can Block Display Ads
Using a VPN to block YouTube ads is generally less effective because YouTube’s ad delivery is deeply integrated with its video streams. While a VPN can effectively block static banner ads, sidebar ads, tracking ads, and region-specific ads, it typically cannot block pre-roll ads, mid-roll ads, sponsored content from creators, or promoted videos in the feed, as these are embedded directly into the video stream.
VPN Pricing
The VPN market is highly competitive, with a wide range of providers offering different pricing models. Most mainstream VPN services follow a subscription-based pricing structure, with monthly, yearly, or multi-year plans. Prices typically range from $1.50 to $15 per month, depending on the provider and plan. Some services also offer "lifetime" subscriptions for a one-time payment of around $80 to $300, targeting long-term users looking for a one-time investment.
VPN Pros and Cons
While using a VPN to block YouTube ads can filter out some non-video ads and enhance privacy, it is largely ineffective against pre-roll and mid-roll ads, and may also slow down your connection. This makes it a less cost-effective choice compared to dedicated ad-blocking tools, and it can even carry potential data privacy risks.
What’s the Best Way to Block YouTube Ads in 2025?
We explored various methods for blocking YouTube ads, each with its own pros and cons. To help you choose the most effective option, we created the following table.
| Method | Monthly Cost | Recommendation Index |
| Subscribe to YouTube Premium | About $18.90 | ★★★★★ |
| Use AdBlock | Free | ★★★★ |
| Use YouTube Vanced | Free | ★★★★ |
| Use AdGuard | Free | ★★★ |
| Use VPN | No fixed price | ★★★ |
Overall, the author believes that using a YouTube shared account is the best option. It offers the most stable functionality without the hassle of workarounds and provides a premium, ad-free experience at a much lower cost than individual subscriptions.
Conclusion
There are various ways to watch YouTube without ads, and the best choice depends on your needs. If you’re looking for the best overall experience, YouTube Premium is a solid option. However, if you’re more cost-conscious, ad-blocking extensions or apps can offer a budget-friendly alternative. Just keep in mind that these methods may come with potential privacy concerns and compatibility issues, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
FAQ about How to Stop YouTube Ads
How do I disable personalized ads on YouTube?
You can turn off personalized ads through your Google Account settings. Simply visit the Google Ads Personalization page and toggle off the "Ad Personalization" option. However, this will not completely block all ads. For a fully ad-free experience, consider subscribing to YouTube Premium or using browser extensions and ad-blocking apps.
How do I remove YouTube ads on a Mac?
On macOS, you can block YouTube ads by enabling AdBlock Pro or a similar video ad-blocking extension in the Safari settings. If you’re using iOS/iPadOS 15 or later, you can also access YouTube via Safari with ad-blocking enabled. For iOS/iPadOS 14 and earlier versions, a standalone ad-blocking app may be necessary.
How can I remove YouTube ads completely?
The most straightforward way to watch YouTube without ads is to subscribe to YouTube Premium, which provides an ad-free experience across YouTube and YouTube Kids. Alternatively, you can use free methods like ad blockers, VPNs, or modified apps like YouTube ReVanced and NewPipe, though these approaches may come with certain limitations and risks.
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