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The best ad-blocker VPN services

VPNs are primarily used for anonymous and secure web browsing, but several also have a handy ad-blocker function up their respective sleeves.

Best ad-blocker VPN overall
Nord VPN
NordVPN
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.75
FromUS$12.99/mth
Server locations
83
Simultaneous connections
10
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Best cheap ad-blocker VPN
atlasvpn
Atlas VPN
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
FromAU$17.94/mth
Server locations
46
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Best protection ad-blocker VPN
Surfshark
Surfshark VPN
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
FromUS$15.45/mth
Server locations
142
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking, antivirus
Best streaming ad-blocker VPN
Windscribe
Windscribe VPN
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
FromUS$9/mth
Server locations
112
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Best versatile ad-blocker VPN
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN
4 out of 5 stars
4
FromUS$9.99/mth
Server locations
90
Simultaneous connections
10
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking, antivirus
Nathan Lawrence
Mar 10, 2023
Icon Time To Read5 min read

The common knowledge for blocking ads is to download an ad-blocker browser extension. While some of the better ad-blocker extensions work a treat, there are also virtual private network (VPN) services that offer ad-blocker features. This is a great way to up your overall privacy and security by connecting to a VPN server and enabling an ad-blocker to clean up web browsing.

At the time of writing, we’ve reviewed 17 VPNs. Of those VPNs, there are nine that offer ad-blocker functionality. Read on for our category breakdowns for the best ad-blocker VPNs in Australia.

The best ad-blocker VPNs compared

Data effective 29/5/2020. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

Best for
VPN
Starting price
View plans
Server locations
Simultaneous connections
Anti-ad features
Best ad-blocker VPN overall
US$12.99/mo
8310Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Best cheap ad-blocker VPN
AU$17.94/mo
46UnlimitedAd-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Best ad-blocker VPN for protection
US$15.45/mo
142UnlimitedAd-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking, antivirus
Best ad-blocker VPN overall
US$9/mo
112UnlimitedAd-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Best ad-blocker VPN for versatility
US$9.99/mo
9010Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking

NordVPN

Best ad-blocker VPN overall

Nord VPN
Server locations
83
Simultaneous connections
10
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Starts atUS$12.99/mo
pro
Pros
pro Easy-to-use privacy
pro Speedy and secure
pro Evolves with every update
con
Cons
con Only 6 simultaneous connections
con Not competitively priced
con Charges in US dollars

NordVPN may be stingy with its simultaneous connections—particularly in comparison to the other VPNs featured on this page—but it’s a VPN that stuffs a lot of value into its admittedly premium pricing. Every update makes the app more user-friendly, and what you get is a speedy VPN that’s built for robust privacy, including RAM-only servers that don’t log connection details. On the ad-blocker front, NordVPN has integrated Threat Protection. Toggle on Threat Protection to enjoy extra security while connected to a NordVPN server. Threat Protection scans for malware, stops web tracking and blocks ads. It’s not available on all platforms, but Threat Protection Lite is more readily available on more NordVPN platforms, and it happily blocks ads.

For other highly rated VPNs with ad-blockers, consider PureVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost VPN and Proton VPN.

Atlas VPN

Best cheap ad-blocker VPN

atlasvpn
Server locations
46
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Starts atAU$17.94/mo
pro
Pros
pro Competitive across-the-board pricing
pro Great free version
pro Unlimited simultaneous connections
con
Cons
con Light on servers
con Not many features
con Some Windows software issues

Atlas VPN is a new addition to our reviewed-VPN roster but it’s already winning categories in terms of best cheap VPN and best free VPN services. While there are cheaper monthly subscriptions, the best value for Atlas VPN (and any other VPNs) is found in longer-term subscriptions, which is where Atlas VPN shines with its annual and three-year durations. There’s even a robust free version if you want to try before you buy. Paying for Atlas VPN grants access to unlimited simultaneous connections. Desktop and mobile users should activate SafeBrowse to block ads, dangerous websites and third-party cookies.

For a cheap ad-blocker VPN alternative, consider PureVPN, VPN Unlimited or Private Internet Access VPN.

Surfshark VPN

Best ad-blocker VPN for protection

Surfshark
Server locations
142
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking, antivirus
Starts atUS$15.45/mo
pro
Pros
pro Loads of anti-ad features
pro Unlimited simultaneous connections
pro Stacks of global locations
con
Cons
con Slow international uploads
con Charges in US dollars
con No manual server switching

There’s a lot to like about Surfshark. For starters, it comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, which means one subscription can cover every supported device (and person) in the home. Surfshark also has a huge number of global server locations (142). Server speeds around the world are decent, too, and it has admirable performance with most streaming services. What makes Surfshark a great VPN to consider for this page, though, is how it does more than just block ads. Whether you’re using the Surfshark browser extension or full-fledged VPN app, there’s CleanWeb integration to block ads, trackers and malware. There are also real-time alerts for phishing attempts and incognito mode. Upgrade to a Surfshark One subscription to combine VPN with antivirus.

For VPN alternatives with antivirus, consider Hotspot Shield VPN or Norton Secure VPN.

Windscribe VPN

Best ad-blocker VPN for streaming

Windscribe
Server locations
112
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Starts atUS$9/mo
pro
Pros
pro Unlimited simultaneous connections
pro Great for global streaming
pro Solid free version
con
Cons
con Low server count
con Inconsistent international speeds
con Some PC software issues

If you’re using the Windscribe desktop software, mobile app or browser extension, the ad-blocker is activated by default. Offering more than just ad-blocking, Windscribe automatically blocks web trackers and has baked-in malware protection. Windscribe uses its R.O.B.E.R.T. DNS filter to block millions of dodgy domains. It’s great to have these features enabled by default, but you can always disable them if you’re not a fan. This means even the free version of Windscribe has access to inbuilt ad-blocking, which pairs well with the thing we love most about this VPN: global streaming. Windscribe has a knack for bypassing the geoblocking measures of international streaming services. The fact that it automatically blocks ads, makes it an even better fit for ad-supported services like Peacock TV.

For other VPNs that block ads and work well with streaming, consider PureVPN and Proton VPN.

Proton VPN

Best versatile ad-blocker VPN

ProtonVPN
Server locations
90
Simultaneous connections
10
Anti-ad features
Ad-blocker, anti-malware, anti-tracking
Starts atUS$9.99/mo
pro
Pros
pro Fantastic global latency
pro 10 simultaneous connections
pro Solid streaming performance
con
Cons
con Potentially overwhelming UI
con Comparatively low server count
con No manual server switching

A versatile VPN is one that may not win on every metric, but it ranks high enough in the important ones to offer a lot of across-the-board pluses. For Proton VPN, that starts with competitive monthly pricing and 10 simultaneous connections. There’s a respectable number of global locations (90) to choose from and a data-limitless free version for those who want to try before they buy. Admittedly, the free version of Proton VPN doesn’t have the NetShield ad-blocker. But paying users get NetShield, which lets them choose between blocking just malware or blocking malware, ads and web tracking. In terms of speed, Proton VPN ranks highly for global download and upload speeds, plus it has bragging rights to the lowest latencies in our tests for 17 VPNs. Proton VPN also ain’t no slouch when it comes to streaming.

For other versatile ad-blocker VPNs, consider Surfshark VPN, PureVPN or Private Internet Access VPN.

What to look for in an ad-blocking VPN

Not every VPN service includes an ad-blocker, which is why it’s important to narrow down the list to those that do. Of the VPNs we’ve reviewed, you’ll find ad-blocking functionality from NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost, Proton VPN, VPN Unlimited, Windscribe and Private Internet Access. Note that ad-blocking isn’t typically activated by default, plus it isn’t necessarily available on every platform.

We strongly advise reading up on how the VPN ad-blocker works and which platforms are supported to pick the ones that best match your needs. Where available, take advantage of a free version or use a money-back guarantee to trial the ad-blocker functionality of whichever VPN you like the look of.

It’s not all about ad-blocking, though. A fully featured VPN should also block web tracking and malware. Certain options like Surfshark may also let you add antivirus functionality. Generally speaking, you want a VPN that offers fast connection speeds with plenty of global locations.

How we choose the best ad-blocker VPN

At the time of writing, we’d reviewed 17 different VPN services, and not all of them have ad-blocking functionality. The first step was to whittle down that list to the nine that include an ad-blocker, then dig deeper into related extras, including anti-malware and anti-tracking features.

The best ad-blocker VPN overall is our highest-rated VPN, because it offers an ad-blocker alongside a very user-friendly service with great speeds and plenty of features. Determining the cheapest VPN was as simple as finding the ad-blocker VPN that had the best averaged pricing across monthly, annual and multi-year subscriptions. The other categories highlight other supporting features, like security, streaming and versatility.

All of these ad-blocker VPNs have been put through the paces, but we also revisited the ones we had on hand to dig deeper into how their ad-blocker features worked.

Ad-blocker VPN FAQs

Not all VPNs block ads, but there are several that offer ad-blocker functionality as an extra feature. Start ad-blocker VPN comparisons with NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, Windscribe VPN and Proton VPN.

You can either use a dedicated ad-blocker browser extension or app to block ads or activate an ad-blocker feature on VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, Windscribe VPN and Proton VPN.

NordVPN is our pick of the best ad-blocker VPN. Get fully featured protection with Surfshark VPN. Splice ad-blocking with streaming with Windscribe VPN, or look to Proton VPN for a versatile ad-blocker VPN.

Nathan Lawrence
Written by
Nathan Lawrence has been banging out passionate tech and gaming words for more than 11 years. These days, you can find his work on outlets like IGN, STACK, Fandom, Red Bull and AusGamers. Nathan adores PC gaming and the proof of his first-person-shooter prowess is at the top of a Battlefield V scoreboard.