Whether you use Windows, macOS, Linux, or even a Chromebook, your PC is constantly exposed to ads, trackers, and popups that slow you down and compromise your privacy. In 2025, modern ad blockers do more than clean up web pages — they also stop malware-injected banners, prevent tracking, and boost overall browsing speed.
We tested dozens of ad blockers across operating systems and browser environments to find the most effective, battery-friendly, and privacy-respecting tools. Our top three picks work cross-platform and bundle in bonus tools, such as VPNs and tracker prevention.
Our top recommendation is Total Adblock, which removes ads on major browsers, blocks YouTube interruptions, and includes a VPN. Surfshark Adblocker is great for unlimited device coverage and privacy tools, while Nord Adblocker stands out for its threat detection and speed.
Best Ad Blockers for Windows, macOS, Linux & Chromebook Compared (2025)
| Ad Blocker | Best For | YouTube Ads | VPN Included | Devices | Yearly Price | Rating | CTA |
| Total Adblock | All-in-one solution | ✅ | ✅ | 3 | From $19 | 9.6 | [Try Now] |
| Surfshark Adblocker | Unlimited privacy | ✅ | ✅ | ∞ | From $29.88 | 9.4 | [Try Now] |
| Nord Adblocker | Speed & threat filtering | ✅ | ✅ | 6 | From $35.88 | 9.3 | [Try Now] |
Total Adblock – Best All-in-One Ad Blocker for Every PC
Total Adblock earns our top recommendation in 2025 for its unbeatable blend of ad blocking, privacy protection, and speed, all without overwhelming the user. Whether you’re using Chrome on a Windows laptop or Firefox on a Mac, Total Adblock works seamlessly to block interruptions and protect your data.
Why We Recommend Total Adblock:
- Blocks banner ads, popups, video ads (including YouTube), and sponsored content
- Includes a built-in VPN to encrypt traffic and hide your IP on public Wi-Fi
- Cleans up webpages, speeds up load times, and reduces bandwidth usage
- Works across Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari on Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS
Pros:
- Super intuitive interface — install and go
- Includes VPN + anti-tracking in one subscription
- Very light on system resources
Cons:
- Limited to 3 devices unless upgraded
- No granular filter customization
Best For:
- PC users who want complete ad and privacy protection without digging into settings
Final Word: Total Adblock is everything you need to enjoy the modern web without clutter, tracking, or slowdowns. It’s fast, cross-platform, and bundled with a VPN for real privacy.
Try Total Adblock – Complete Ad Blocking with Built-In VPN for 2025
Surfshark Adblocker – Best for Unlimited Privacy & Device Coverage
Surfshark Adblocker is the top pick for users who want powerful ad and tracker blocking on every device they own without having to pay extra per install. It’s perfect for privacy-focused households, digital nomads, or anyone juggling multiple platforms.
Why We Recommend Surfshark Adblocker:
- Blocks popups, banners, trackers, and video ads across all major browsers
- CleanWeb feature filters malicious links, phishing pages, and malware ads
- Unlimited device connections on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Bundled with Surfshark VPN and breach monitoring tools
Pros:
- Truly unlimited device support
- Great value for families or users with phones, tablets, and laptops
- Privacy-first features without complexity
Cons:
- Advanced features may go unused by casual users
- Some tools require toggling in the settings
Best For:
- Users who want full coverage across all their devices without limits
Final Word: If you want real privacy and ad control, regardless of the number of devices you use, Surfshark Adblocker is a no-brainer. One plan covers everything.
Try Surfshark Adblocker – Unlimited Ad & Tracker Blocking for Every Device
Nord Adblocker – Best for Speed & Threat Filtering
Nord Adblocker is perfect for users who want silent, high-speed protection from both ads and online threats. Built into NordVPN’s Threat Protection, it blocks malware-hosting ads and tracking scripts at the DNS level — before they ever reach your browser.
Why We Recommend Nord Adblocker:
- Stops ads and popups, including YouTube pre-rolls and autoplay interruptions
- Filters malicious domains and phishing links in real-time
- Operates in the background without affecting page load times
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS
Pros:
- Excellent speed retention — no slowdowns even on older PCs
- Lightweight and passive — no need for manual setup or maintenance
- Advanced protection from malware-disguised ads
Cons:
- Limited manual filter controls
- Requires a NordVPN subscription to access all features
Best For:
- Users who want advanced threat protection without micromanaging settings
Final Word: Nord Adblocker is a great set-it-and-forget-it tool for blocking ads and keeping malicious trackers out. With DNS-level speed and protection, it’s ideal for fast, worry-free browsing.
Try Nord Adblocker – High-Speed Ad Blocking with Built-In Threat Detection
How to Choose the Right Ad Blocker for Your PC
With dozens of extensions and apps available in 2025, choosing the right ad blocker means balancing speed, privacy, and cross-platform convenience. Here’s what to look for:
Key Features to Consider:
- Ad support: Ensure it blocks banners, video ads (including those on YouTube), and trackers across multiple browsers and devices.
- Cross-platform usability: Your ad blocker should work smoothly on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Chrome OS.
- VPN integration: Useful if you want both privacy and ad blocking in one bundle.
- Resource efficiency: The best tools won’t drain system performance or battery.
- Device coverage: If you use multiple devices, opt for a service that supports your whole ecosystem.
Match Your Profile:
- Want simple, complete protection with a VPN? Go with Total Adblock
- Need full coverage for every device in your home? Choose Surfshark Adblocker
- Prefer a lightweight, fast solution that stops threats silently? Pick Nord Adblocker
How We Tested These Ad Blockers
To find the best ad blockers for PC users in 2025, we tested each product across several devices, operating systems, and browsers under real-world conditions.
Devices & Platforms Tested:
- Windows 11 (Edge, Chrome, Firefox)
- macOS Sonoma (Safari, Chrome)
- Ubuntu Linux (Chrome, Firefox)
- Chrome OS (Chromebook extensions)
What We Measured:
- Ad blocking accuracy: We verified how well each tool handled banners, video ads, popups, and YouTube pre-rolls.
- Speed and efficiency: Tracked page load times and system impact while browsing ad-heavy websites.
- Privacy tools: Tested additional features like VPN integration, anti-tracking, and malicious domain blocking.
- Ease of use: Rated the install process, dashboard usability, and browser compatibility.
Only the tools that consistently performed across all platforms — without draining resources — made this list.
Final Verdict: Which Ad Blocker Should You Choose?
- Pick Total Adblock if you want a clean, all-in-one ad blocking and VPN experience for a few core devices.
- Choose Surfshark Adblocker if you want unlimited privacy protection across every device you own.
- Opt for Nord Adblocker if you prioritize speed, background protection, and silent threat detection.
All three are excellent — your final choice depends on how many devices you use and how hands-on you want to be with your privacy setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ad blocker in 2025?
Yes. Ads have become more invasive, heavy, and data-hungry. An ad blocker improves privacy, browsing speed, and battery life.
Which ad blocker works best on multiple operating systems?
Surfshark Adblocker supports an unlimited number of devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Total Adblock and Nord are also cross-platform.
Can ad blockers stop YouTube ads on PC?
Yes — all three of our top picks effectively block YouTube ads when watched through Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
Will an ad blocker slow down my PC?
Not the ones we recommend. Total Adblock, Surfshark, and Nord Adblocker are lightweight and optimized for speed.
Do I need to install anything special for Chrome OS or Linux?
No. All three options are compatible with browser extensions, and Surfshark and Nord offer Linux compatibility via command-line interface (CLI) or Chrome add-ons.
Which is the best all-in-one ad blocker with privacy tools?
Total Adblock is best for a clean setup. Surfshark is best for device flexibility. Nord is best for quiet, efficient threat protection.