Rating: 4.8/5
Best for: Surfshark VPN users, privacy-conscious streamers, and those tired of intrusive ads
Tested on: Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, Android 14, iOS 17, Chrome & Firefox
Standout feature: Built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocking through Surfshark’s CleanWeb
Surfshark Adblocker isn’t a standalone extension — it’s integrated into the Surfshark VPN app under the name CleanWeb. It goes beyond blocking banners by removing YouTube ads, trackers, cookie pop-ups, phishing links, and even malware-laced scripts — all with no extra configuration. If you’re already using Surfshark VPN (or considering it), CleanWeb is a major bonus that quietly protects and declutters your entire browsing experience.
What Is Surfshark Adblocker & Why Should You Care?
Surfshark Adblocker — also known within the app as CleanWeb — is a built-in feature of Surfshark VPN that blocks ads, trackers, malicious domains, and phishing attempts in real time. Unlike standalone browser extensions, it works at the network level, meaning it protects all traffic coming through the VPN, regardless of the browser or app.
It blocks YouTube ads, banners, social media trackers, and data-hungry scripts — helping you browse faster, stay safer, and avoid distractions across websites and devices. Since it’s built into the Surfshark VPN experience, no extra installation or setup is required.
If you’re already using Surfshark or want a VPN that doubles as a privacy-focused ad blocker, CleanWeb delivers silent, always-on protection with a single toggle, making it one of the most useful bundled features in any VPN today.
What You Get with Surfshark Adblocker (CleanWeb)
Ad Blocking (Web + YouTube)
Blocks banners, pop-ups, overlay ads, and YouTube video ads — even on mobile apps and smart TVs routed through the VPN.
Tracker Blocking
Prevents third-party advertisers and data collectors from profiling your browsing habits across websites and devices.
Malware & Phishing Protection
Automatically blocks access to malicious domains used for malware, ransomware, and phishing scams.
Cookie Pop-Up Suppression
Removes many cookie consent banners and privacy pop-ups that appear across EU and CCPA-regulated websites.
Works Across All Apps and Traffic
Because it operates at the DNS level, CleanWeb filters ads not only in browsers but also within mobile apps, smart TVs, and other devices.
Zero Ads Inside the App
Surfshark never shows in-app ads or upsells. The CleanWeb experience is ad-free, inside and out.
Enabled by Default
CleanWeb is enabled by default during Surfshark setup — no manual configuration is required unless you choose to disable it.
Cross-Platform Support
Works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Also available via Surfshark’s Chrome and Firefox extensions, even without using the VPN tunnel.
Lightweight & Fast
Filters traffic at the DNS level for faster page loading and lower bandwidth usage — no noticeable slowdown.
Surfshark Installation & Ease of Use
CleanWeb is built directly into the Surfshark VPN app, making installation seamless. Whether you’re using a desktop, smartphone, or browser extension, it takes just a few steps to activate ad and tracker blocking across your entire device.
Step 1: Download and install the Surfshark VPN app from the official website or your app store.
Step 2: Log in with your Surfshark account and follow the brief setup guide.
Step 3: Go to the Settings tab and toggle on CleanWeb — it’s often enabled by default.
Step 4: Connect to any VPN server to start blocking ads, trackers, and malicious domains.
You can also use Surfshark’s browser extensions for Chrome or Firefox if you prefer to block ads without routing all your traffic through the VPN. These extensions offer CleanWeb functionality independently, making them ideal for low-bandwidth or selective use cases.
The interface is clean and beginner-friendly, with one-click controls and no need to manage custom filters or technical settings. Whether you use a desktop or a mobile, CleanWeb runs quietly in the background, blocking threats and distractions in real time.
How to Use Surfshark Adblocker Day-to-Day
Once CleanWeb is enabled in the Surfshark app or browser extension, it works automatically, silently blocking ads, trackers, and malicious domains across your device. Here’s how users typically engage with it daily:
- Connect and Forget: Just open Surfshark and connect to any server. CleanWeb will immediately start blocking ads, trackers, and phishing domains across your apps and browsers.
- Stream Without Interruptions: YouTube ads, auto-play video ads, and banners are blocked in real time — ideal for smoother streaming on both mobile and desktop.
- Browse Faster: With ads and heavy tracking scripts removed, websites load faster and consume less data, which is helpful on limited mobile connections.
- Stay Protected on Public Wi-Fi: While connected to the VPN, CleanWeb automatically filters out malware domains and dangerous scripts.
- Whitelist When Needed: Using the browser extension, you can whitelist specific websites in just one click — great for supporting creators or troubleshooting display issues.
- Use the Extension Without the VPN (Optional): Don’t want to run the full VPN? You can still use CleanWeb via the Chrome or Firefox extension without encrypting your entire connection.
Once set up, CleanWeb requires no maintenance. It runs in the background, keeping your online experience faster, cleaner, and safer — with no pop-ups, no interruptions, and no configuration headaches.
Surfshark Adblocker Pricing – What Do You Actually Pay?
| Plan | Access Method | First-Year Price | Key Features |
| Included | With Surfshark VPN | $2.49/month* | CleanWeb ad blocker + VPN + streaming + privacy tools |
| Extension | Chrome/Firefox only | Free (limited) | Ad and tracker blocking without VPN (browser only) |
All Surfshark VPN plans (including CleanWeb) include:
- Ad and tracker blocking on all devices
- YouTube ad removal
- Cookie pop-up blocking
- Phishing & malware domain protection
- Split tunneling, MultiHop VPN, and more
- Unlimited device connections
What Users Are Saying About Surfshark Adblocker
On Trustpilot, Surfshark holds an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating, based on over 25,000 reviews. Many users specifically praise the CleanWeb feature for blocking YouTube ads, pop-ups, and trackers without impacting browsing speed or requiring setup.
Users highlight the fact that CleanWeb works across all platforms — desktop, mobile, and even smart TVs — making it especially useful for households and frequent streamers. The simplicity of having ad blocking built right into the VPN, without needing a separate extension or app, is a standout benefit.
Some reviews mention that CleanWeb occasionally misses newer ad formats or sponsored content, and a few advanced users would like more granular filtering options. Still, most agree that Surfshark Adblocker provides reliable everyday protection and an ad-free experience, especially since it’s bundled with the VPN at no additional cost.
Surfshark Adblocker: Strengths & Limitations
Pros:
- Included with Surfshark VPN: No extra software needed — CleanWeb is built in and ready to use.
- Blocks YouTube ads and banners: Stops pre-roll, mid-roll, and overlay ads on major platforms.
- Tracker and malware protection: Blocks domains tied to ad networks, phishing, and spyware.
- Cookie pop-up suppression: Removes GDPR/CCPA banners for a cleaner browsing experience.
- Runs at DNS level: Faster page loading and lower bandwidth use compared to most browser-based blockers.
- Privacy boost: Stops behavior tracking, fingerprinting, and third-party profiling.
- Zero setup required: Pre-enabled during VPN installation — just connect and browse.
- Browser extension available: CleanWeb works in Chrome and Firefox, even without enabling the full VPN.
Cons:
- Requires Surfshark VPN for full protection: No standalone app for system-wide blocking.
- Inconsistent blocking on new formats: Some native and sponsored ads may occasionally slip through.
- No Safari/iOS standalone toggle: Mobile users rely on the VPN app — no native Safari integration.
- May conflict with Brave browser: Some users report redundancy or compatibility issues with Brave’s built-in shields.
Final Verdict: Is Surfshark Adblocker Worth It?
Yes, especially if you’re already using Surfshark VPN or want an all-in-one privacy tool. Surfshark’s CleanWeb ad blocker quietly removes distractions like YouTube ads, trackers, cookie banners, and even malicious domains — all without needing a separate app or extension.
While it doesn’t offer deep customization or real-time stats like dedicated blockers, its system-wide protection, zero setup, and lightweight performance make it incredibly convenient. For most users, CleanWeb does exactly what is needed: it speeds up browsing, enhances privacy, and automatically declutters the web.
If you value simplicity, performance, and built-in privacy, Surfshark Adblocker (CleanWeb) is a smart addition to your 2025 security stack.
Try CleanWeb Today – Ad-free. Tracker-free. Frustration-free browsing for 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does CleanWeb block YouTube ads?
Yes. CleanWeb blocks YouTube ads, banners, and pre-roll/mid-roll video interruptions on both desktop and mobile (when connected to the VPN).
2. Can I use CleanWeb without the VPN?
Yes — via the Chrome and Firefox extensions. However, full device-wide protection requires an active VPN connection.
3. Does CleanWeb block trackers and malware?
Yes. It blocks tracking scripts, malicious domains, and phishing links in real time.
4. Does CleanWeb work on mobile?
Yes. CleanWeb is compatible with both Android and iOS devices through the Surfshark VPN app. There is no Safari-specific integration, but system-level ad blocking is applied.
5. How do I turn on CleanWeb?
CleanWeb is enabled by default in the Surfshark app. You can toggle it under the Settings menu or directly within the browser extension.
6. Can I whitelist websites?
Yes, but only via the browser extension. There is no custom filter or whitelist control within the VPN app itself.
7. Does CleanWeb show how many ads were blocked?
No. Unlike some standalone blockers, CleanWeb does not display real-time statistics or counters.