Ads ruin the online experience by autoplaying videos, delaying the rendering of website content, or opening unsecured websites. If you're fond of watching videos on YouTube, you may have been forced to finish an advertisement before you can start watching, especially if you're not subscribed to YouTube Premium. Through YouTube Advertising, businesses have a chance to reach customers in more places online while they search, browse, or watch video content.
While using YouTube Advertising is a smart tactic for businesses, even content creators, these ads interrupt your viewing experience. The video-sharing platform uses Google data so the ads feel targeted and a bit invasive. Fortunately, ad blockers exist to make YouTube ad free.
What are ad blockers?
Ad blockers remove ads displayed across the internet. Some work as plugins or browser extensions, while others function independently as programs for browsers or operating systems. Many use these tools to prevent the display of many advertising formats, from annoying banners to distracting pop-ups and in-feed video ads that appear on YouTube.
Some ads infect your device with malware, while others only force you to interact with them. Even if legitimate ads are harmless, they can slow down web pages and consume your data. Using an ad blocker can reduce the number of ads you encounter online while roaming the internet.
Are all ad-blocking tools the same? No. An ad blocker like Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0 can also protect you from phishing attempts and keep your data hidden from hackers or advertisers. It can keep your browsing ad-free, anonymous, and safe from digital threats.
Unlike other ad blockers, Surfshark does not collect nor sell your browsing patterns to make money. It is a paid premium VPN service with ad-blocking abilities. It can efficiently remove time-consuming video ads you encounter on YouTube. It can also block malware-filled fake websites and cookie pop-ups that can collect personal data. The ad blocker also works on Smart TVs, so you can browse and watch videos without worrying about ads.
Setting Up the Ad Blocker
Setting up the ad blocker of Surfshark takes little to no effort. You can easily install CleanWeb 2.0 on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge or download the VPN app on your device and activate the feature from the settings.
You need to subscribe to a premium plan before you can use the VPN app. It works for all devices, including Smart TVs. If you're downloading the browser extension, the ad blocker is automatically turned on.
The VPN service offers a 7-day free trial if you download its app directly from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once downloaded, it only takes two steps to activate the ad blocker: go to settings, then switch the CleanWeb option on. The interface feels intuitive, so you can navigate the app without hassle. It recommends the server closest to your location so you can enjoy fast speed and benefit from data encryption.
Navigating the internet or browsing YouTube feels incredibly faster as it takes less time to load pages. You can also access geo-blocked videos by switching to another country. Surfshark works in 100 countries with 3200+ servers. You can connect to any server and switch between them, depending on what content you're trying to access outside your location. There are no bandwidth restrictions, so you can have a smooth user experience with no ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.
Exploring the Features of Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN unblocks sites so you can safely access content and apps blocked from your location. The VPN service gives you the freedom to explore without restriction. For example, some schools block social media platforms, including YouTube, for bandwidth management and safety purposes, as some content may be inappropriate. You can bypass the restrictions when you have a browser extension installed. It doesn't log any user activity, ensuring you can browse freely without sacrificing your privacy.
Surfshark also lets you create a brand-new profile online through an Alternative ID feature. It keeps your true identity under wraps by making your email address and name private so your info stays out of reach from data brokers.
You may also have noticed how the internet tracks your browsing habits and the web pages you frequently visit. Surfshark VPN keeps your connection secure with robust encryption. Surfshark Alert can also alert you whenever a website you've entered has been breached, so you can exercise caution when sharing personal information.
Besides keeping your connections secure, Surfshark VPN also provides a cleaner browsing experience through CleanWeb 2.0. It removes ads and trackers from the websites you visit and works on multiple browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge). It is an updated version of Surfshark's ad blocker.
Unlike other ad blockers, it can also remove ads on the most popular streaming platforms like Twitch, NBA, and BBC iPlayer. Besides ads, Clean Web 2.0 also works against cookie consent pop-ups and malware. It works in the background to alert you before your device gets infected and your data gets stolen.
If you ever want to connect to a website without a VPN, you can use Surfshark's Bypasser feature to block applications and websites from using the VPN connection. You can also route via VPN. Only the apps and websites you have selected use the VPN connection.
Surfshark lets you customize the features of its browser extension. You can easily turn the features on or off based on your needs. You can find the individual toggles for each feature in the settings. (Note: These customizations don't apply to the VPN app since it only has a toggle for activating CleanWeb.)
Pros & Cons
Pros
Customizable
Ease of use
Multi-device compatibility
All-around protection against ads, trackers, malware, and cookie pop-ups
Cons
The updated ad blocker is only available as a browser extension.
Conclusion
Browse the internet without any ads in sight by using Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0. It effectively blocks all ads, from banners to product listings and video ads. It also keeps you safe from phishing attempts and minimizes malware risks. Moreover, with 3200+ servers in 100+ locations, you're bound to experience lightning-fast speeds while surfing a clean internet.
With the Surfshark ad blocker, you can watch video content directly without interruptions by ads before and during a video, including video overlay ads. CleanWeb 2.0 works against any type of ad that can ruin your browsing experience. Even without YouTube Premium, the video-sharing platform becomes ad free.
Get 86% off + 3 months extra when you subscribe to Surfshark for two years. Enjoy unrestricted browsing at the starting price of $2.19/month.
