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

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 Clean Web 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.   

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 Clean Web off;
• Using the Surfshark browser add-on, press Disconnect to turn off your VPN connection. Go to Settings → Clean Web Settings and toggle Ad blocker off.

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.  

Whether or not your ad blocker stops pop-up ads depends on your VPN service provider. Surfshark’s Clean Web 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.

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 Clean Web — offer a more secure and effective ad blocking service.

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.  

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 Clean Web 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. 

You can block ads on a smart TV by installing the Surfshark app and switching on the Clean Web feature. Clean Web 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.