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Clean Web

A man in a jumpsuit and white cape posing like a hero, holding a mop. The crossed out word ad in a browser window behind him.

VPN ad blocker for a clean online experience

From 0 0 /mo.

+ mo. EXTRA

Forget about intrusive ads and trackers

Get threat protection wherever you surf

Avoid pop-ups on web pages you visit

Clean Web is available on both our VPN apps and browser extensions, each providing unique protection for safer, ad-free browsing.

Get Surfshark

30-day money-back guarantee

Enjoy the in-app Clean Web ad blocker on all your devices

Clean Web works on the following platforms when connected to the Surfshark VPN app.

iOS macOS Android Windows Linux FireTV Apple TV

Or install the extension on your favorite browser

Clean Web also works with our browser extension — no VPN connection is needed.

Chrome Firefox Edge

What is a VPN ad blocker?

A VPN ad blocker is a privacy tool that pairs a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with built-in ad and tracker filtering. The VPN encrypts your internet traffic, while the ad blocker stops ads, trackers, and malicious domains before they load. These are all blocked at the network level, so the filtering works across all apps and browsers when connected to a VPN.

A VPN ad blocker (or a VPN with ad blocking) brings you cleaner pages, faster load times, and lower data usage. There’s also a smaller risk of profiling and phishing, so you can enjoy stronger privacy as well.

When choosing a VPN ad blocker, look for a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and support for multiple platforms and routers.

Ad blocker vs. VPN with ad blocking

Traditional ad blockers are browser add‑ons that hide ads and block trackers only inside that specific browser. They use page‑level rules to remove elements as a site loads. As a result, they don’t protect other apps or devices, and their effectiveness can vary across sites and browsers.

In contrast, a VPN with ad blocking filters at the network level. It encrypts your connection and uses DNS filtering to block known ads, trackers, and malicious domains before they reach any app. This means VPN ad blockers can cover all browsers, mobile apps, and even devices that can’t run extensions (certain smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.).

Compared to standard ad blockers, VPN ad blockers provide broader protection, fewer distractions, and stronger privacy on your entire connection.

Feature	Ad blocker	VPN with ad blocking
Blocks ads
Blocks trackers
Works across apps
Encrypts internet traffic

What is Surfshark’s Clean Web?

Clean Web is a feature in the Surfshark VPN app and browser extensions, designed to enhance your online experience.

Clean Web on VPN apps blocks ads, trackers, and malware when you’re connected to the VPN. It lets you surf the web ad- and tracker-free and keeps you safer online.

Clean Web on browser extensions works with or without an active VPN connection. It blocks web ads, including video ads, trackers, cookie consent pop-ups, and malware while you browse the internet.

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.

	On the VPN app	On browser extensions
Ad blocking		(Including video ads)
Tracker blocking
Malware blocking
Cookie pop-up blocking
Language-specific ad blocking
WebRTC protection

How to activate the Clean Web ad blocking feature

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

App feature

1. Subscribe to Surfshark and download the VPN app.
2. Open Surfshark, log in, and connect to a VPN server.
3. Go to Settings, find the Clean Web option, and toggle the switch on.

That’s it! Your ad, tracker, and malware blocker is 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.

You’re all set! Clean Web is enabled by default when the extension is turned on. That includes blocking ads, trackers, cookie consent pop-ups, and malware, as well as alerts of malicious websites or past data breaches.

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, Clean Web empowers you to:

Block ads everywhere

Clean Web blocks ads across most major platforms, from smartphones to smart TVs. On browser extensions, it also lets you block video ads and even tailor ad blocking by language. That way, you can enjoy an uninterrupted, ad-free online experience alongside the privacy and security of a VPN.

Stay private online

Surfshark gives you Clean Web’s powerful ad blocking along 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, from infected websites to malicious ads. Never fear — Surfshark can help lower your risk of falling victim to malware. Also, Clean Web’s malware alert feature on extensions shows you a website’s leak history, letting you stay on top of any possible risks.

Save on data

Whether you’re on a mobile plan with limited data or a home connection with capped bandwidth, every megabyte counts. Ads waste data and eat up precious bandwidth. Clean Web 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. Clean Web 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 Clean Web 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.

Independently verified Surfshark security:
third-party audits

These independent VPN security audits show that Surfshark’s security claims are backed by evidence. Deloitte provided two assurance reports (in 2023 and again in 2025) verifying that we don’t log user activity, while Cure53 confirmed the security of our server infrastructure. Rather than relying on promises alone, we’ve put our VPN security to the test with the industry’s most respected auditors.

Security infrastructure audit (2021)

✓ Server security assessment

✓ Browser extension security review

✓ Zero critical vulnerabilities found

✓ Encryption implementation verified

Read the full Cure53 report

No-logs policy assurance report (2025)

✓ No-activity-logs policy verified

✓ No IP address storage confirmed

✓ Privacy policy compliance validated

✓ Server infrastructure review

Read the full Deloitte report

(Available only for Surfshark users)

Infrastructure security penetration test (2025)

✓ No critical vulnerabilities found

✓ No high-risk issues impacting user security identified

✓ Zero tested vulnerabilities leading to serious security threats

✓ Strong infrastructure protection against real-world attack scenarios

Read the full SecuRing report

See why millions trust Surfshark

Check out what users and tech experts around the world have to say about Surfshark.

Teshir Jennifer

@memesfordigital

All the VPNs you mentioned are good. But Surfshark is the one I recommend in person for the best overall.

1:08 PM · Jul 28, 2024

Morgan Leggett

@YouBettaLeggett

I’ve had SurfShark for years. It’s amazing.

12:28 AM · Aug 14, 2024

Eakan

@eakangk

Trialling out @surfshark’s IP rotation. It is doing it pretty well. Seamless in the background.

3:20 PM · Oct 26, 2024

The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

The reviews quoted on this page have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

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

MRWHOSETHEBOSS 20.2M subscribers

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

SAM CHUI 3.61M subscribers

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

MAX & OCCY 265K subscribers

“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

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Surfshark supports the open internet

We partner with digital rights organizations to promote online freedom and keep the internet safe and accessible to all.

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 Clean Web — which offers the best value for the price — provide more advanced threat protection that effectively boosts your online privacy. Clean Web 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 Clean Web, and it’s included in all Surfshark subscriptions. Clean Web is available as a feature on 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 the Clean Web ad blocker functionality in one go. You can also add the Clean Web 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 the 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.

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 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.

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

Are ad blockers illegal?

No, ad blockers aren’t illegal. These 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, as not all VPNs have built-in ad blockers. However, those VPN providers that have a prepackaged ad blocker, such as Surfshark, 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 websites or mobile apps you visit, and the browser extension offers even more 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 Clean Web feature. Clean Web will block ads on your Android TV (including Fire TV) or Apple 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.

VPN ad blocker for a clean online experience

Enjoy the in-app Clean Web ad blocker on all your devices

Or install the extension on your favorite browser

What is a VPN ad blocker?

Ad blocker vs. VPN with ad blocking

What is Surfshark’s Clean Web?