Features
CleanWeb

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Get a VPN ad blocker for a clean online experience

Forget about intrusive ads and trackers

Get threat protection wherever you surf

Avoid cookie pop-ups on web pages you visit

Get an ad blocker & VPN

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Enjoy the CleanWeb ad blocker on all your devices

iOS macOS Android Windows Linux FireTV Apple TV

Or install the extension on your favorite browser

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What is Surfshark’s CleanWeb?

CleanWeb is a feature in the Surfshark VPN app that blocks ads, trackers, and cookie pop-ups while you browse the web. It enhances your online experience by keeping your device free from annoying ads and protecting you from harmful malware.

By recognizing malicious sites, CleanWeb gives you greater protection against phishing attacks. Since blocked ads can’t even load, the feature also saves you extra bandwidth, meaning users accessing the internet on limited data plans can even save money.

Also available as a browser extension, Surfshark CleanWeb is a powerful ad blocker that helps maintain your privacy while making surfing faster and safer — even on streaming platforms.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

How to activate the CleanWeb ad blocking feature

Booting up CleanWeb’s ad blocking is simple — both as a feature in the Surfshark VPN app and as a browser extension.

App feature

1. Subscribe to Surfshark and download the Surfshark app.
2. Open Surfshark, log in, and go to Settings.
3. Find the CleanWeb option, toggle the switch on, and that’s it! Your ad blocking capabilities are up and running.

Browser extension

1. With a Surfshark subscription, install the Surfshark VPN extension from your browser’s web store.
2. Activate the Surfshark extension.
3. You’re all set! The CleanWeb ad blocker is enabled by default when the extension is turned on.

Why use an ad blocker with a VPN?

Pairing an ad blocker with a VPN is an easy way to enhance your internet safety. Bundled together with Surfshark VPN, CleanWeb empowers you to:

Block ads wherever you surf

CleanWeb works on video ads, banners, trackers, and more. It’s flexible enough to block pesky ads on all devices — from smartphones to smart TVs — meaning users can simultaneously enjoy the security features of a VPN and an ad-free streaming experience.

Stay private online

Surfshark gives you CleanWeb’s powerful ad blocking with all the benefits of VPN protection. A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP (Internet Protocol) address, keeping your online activities safe from the prying eyes of hackers and intrusive ISPs (Internet Service Providers).

Minimize malware risks

Malware comes in all shapes and sizes, whether it’s infected websites or malicious ads. Never fear — Surfshark can help lower your risk of falling victim to malware. Also, CleanWeb’s malware alert feature shows you a website’s leak history, letting you stay on top of any possible risks.

Save on mobile data

If you’re on a mobile plan with limited data, you know every megabyte counts. Ads, pop-ups, and banners consume lots of data and eat up precious bandwidth. CleanWeb allows you to lower your data usage and enhance your online experience by blocking ads before they ever load.

Boost browsing speeds

Ads and pop-ups aren’t just annoying — they also drain your resources as they load, slowing down your internet connection in the process. CleanWeb removes resource-hungry ads to ensure the pages you’re visiting load quickly and don’t contain any bloatware that’ll bog you down.

Combat phishing

Phishing attacks often rely on ads to target internet users. Surfshark VPN and CleanWeb act as your one-two punch, hiding your IP address from bad actors and blocking ads online. As a result, you get advanced threat protection that makes you far less likely to be harmed by a phishing scam.

Independent audits

Reputable ad blockers are regularly put to the test by independent auditors to prove the effectiveness of their services.

Cure53 evaluated Surfshark’s browser extensions — including CleanWeb — and found their performance robust and secure.

Surfshark has also been audited as a VPN provider. Cure53 found no major issues in its VPN server infrastructure, and Deloitte verified Surfshark VPN’s compliance with its no-logs policy.

These audits underscore Surfshark’s credibility and trustworthiness as both an ad blocker provider and a VPN service.

What are people saying about Surfshark’s CleanWeb?

At Surfshark, we’re all about bringing users a safer, smoother online experience. See for yourself why everyone’s talking about us.

MRWHOSETHEBOSS

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

SAM CHUI

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

MAX & OCCY

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit

WebsiteRadar.net logo

“Surfshark CleanWeb stands out as a comprehensive solution for users seeking to enhance their online security, privacy, and usability across a multitude of devices and platforms.”

– Website Radar

Should I download and install a free ad blocker?

You shouldn’t install free ad blockers on any of your devices. Many free ad blockers have limited functionality and put your privacy at risk by collecting and selling your online activity data to third parties.

Paid services like Surfshark’s CleanWeb — which offers the best value for the price — provide more advanced threat protection that effectively boosts your online privacy. CleanWeb also comes prepackaged with Surfshark VPN. Even the best free VPN won’t offer high-quality ad blocking features.

Should I download and install a free ad blocker?

FAQ

Does Surfshark have an ad blocker?

Yes. Surfshark’s ad blocker is called CleanWeb, and it’s included in all Surfshark subscriptions. CleanWeb is available as a feature in the Surfshark app or as a part of the Surfshark browser extension.

How do I set up a personal VPN ad blocker?

While some VPN services — like Surfshark — come bundled with an ad blocker, it’s important to remember that VPNs and ad blockers are two separate tools.

With Surfshark, you can install an easy-to-use VPN application with CleanWeb ad blocker functionality in one go. You can also add the CleanWeb extension to enjoy a safe, private, and ad-free experience in your internet browser.

How do I disable my VPN and ad blocker?

The procedure to disable your VPN or ad blocker depends on your provider. Surfshark is one of a few ad blocker VPNs available, and it lets you do both within a single app:

Using the Surfshark app, press Disconnect to turn off your VPN connection. To deactivate your ad blocker, go to Settings → VPN Settings. Here, you can toggle CleanWeb off;
Using the Surfshark browser add-on, press Disconnect to turn off your VPN connection. Go to Settings → CleanWeb Settings and toggle Ad blocker off.

Does a VPN track my online activity?

Online activity tracking comes down to your VPN service. Free VPNs are known to collect and sell user data, but this isn’t very common with paid VPN services.

For instance, Surfshark doesn’t track what you’re doing online. By connecting to a Surfshark VPN server, you enjoy a secure internet connection that keeps information like your browsing history private.

Will a VPN ad blocker stop pop-up ads?

Whether or not your ad blocker stops pop-up ads depends on your VPN service provider. Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is effective against most ads — pop-ups included. With the Surfshark browser extension, you’ll also get a cookie pop-up blocker and alerts about potential malware threats on a given web page.

Is it safe to use an ad blocker?

An ad blocker is entirely safe if you choose a reputable paid service provider. Free ad blockers may collect user data and sell it to third parties while failing to block many ads. Paid alternatives — like Surfshark’s CleanWeb — offer a more secure and effective ad blocking service.

Are ad blockers illegal?

No, ad blockers aren’t illegal. These legal tools allow users to see fewer ads while browsing. Some websites rely on ad revenue to support their content, so they may request that you turn off your ad blocker, but that doesn’t mean using one is against the law.

Can a VPN block ads?

No, a VPN won’t automatically block ads, and it’s rare for VPNs to have built-in ad blockers. However, some VPN providers — like Surfshark — have a prepackaged ad blocker to deal with ads, pop-ups, and more. Pairing an ad blocker with a VPN gives users access to advanced security features like DNS leak protection, multiple protocols, and a kill switch.

Surfshark’s CleanWeb in-app feature blocks ads on all websites or mobile apps you visit, and the browser add-on offers the same capabilities over Chrome, Firefox, or Edge — even when your VPN is turned off.

How can you block ads on smart TVs?

You can block ads on a smart TV by installing the Surfshark app and switching on the CleanWeb feature. CleanWeb will block all ads on your smart TV without you having to do anything manually. You can use a single Surfshark subscription on unlimited devices, letting you block ads on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and more.

Get a VPN ad blocker for a clean online experience

Enjoy the CleanWeb ad blocker on all your devices

Or install the extension on your favorite browser

What is Surfshark’s CleanWeb?