Key Takeaway
If you're looking for the best adblocker for Chrome that also protects your privacy, Surfshark CleanWeb is a strong choice. Its Chrome extension blocked all video ads on YouTube and Facebook in Cybernews' testing, scored 100/100 on AdBlock Tester, and also blocks cookie pop-ups, trackers and dangerous websites. It works on Chrome, Firefox and Edge, and comes free with every Surfshark plan, which means you also get a VPN. The catch: there's no free version or standalone purchase, and the Chrome extension didn't block trackers in one test, though the desktop app did.
Our Pick
- Our Pick: Surfshark CleanWeb, an ad blocker plus malware and cookie pop-up protection for Chrome
- Plan you need: Surfshark Starter (includes CleanWeb and the VPN)
- Upgrade: Surfshark One, which adds antivirus and scam text protection
Our Thoughts
Pop-ups, autoplay video ads, cookie banners on every single site, and YouTube making you sit through two ads before a two-minute video. The modern internet can feel like an obstacle course. A good ad blocker makes browsing faster, cleaner and safer.
But not all ad blockers are created equal, and some free ones even sell your data. We dug into Surfshark's CleanWeb to see how it performs on Chrome, the world's most popular browser.
Background: Who Is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a privacy company best known for its affordable, unlimited-device VPN. CleanWeb is its built-in blocker, available in the VPN apps and as a standalone browser extension called CleanWeb 2.0.
What Surfshark CleanWeb Blocks
- Ads: banner ads, pop-ups, contextual ads and video ads, including YouTube
- Cookie consent pop-ups
- Trackers that follow you around the web
- Malicious and phishing sites, with a database of over 1 million infected websites
How It Performed
- AdBlock Tester: 100/100
- YouTube and Facebook video ads: all blocked by the Chrome extension in Cybernews' testing
- Can You Block It: all ads and pop-ups blocked on Chrome and Windows
- D3ward test: 85% of ads blocked on the Windows app
- Cover Your Tracks: strong tracker protection on the Windows app, but the Chrome extension didn't block trackers in this test
What We Like
- It handles YouTube ads. That's the number one reason most people want an ad blocker.
- Cookie pop-up blocker. No more clicking "Accept" on every site.
- Security built in. It warns you before you land on dangerous sites.
- Lightweight. Reviewers found minimal impact on browsing speed.
- Easy toggles. Turn the ad blocker, cookie blocker and safety alerts on or off from the green shield icon.
- Comes with a full VPN, so you're getting two tools for the price of one.
What Could Be Better
- No free version. Free ad blockers exist, so you're paying for the extra security and the VPN.
- Tracker blocking on Chrome was inconsistent in one test. Use the desktop app too for full tracker protection.
- Limited fine-tuning. Reviewers wanted more control over which types of ads to block.
- Browser support is limited to Chrome, Firefox and Edge, so no Safari extension.
Surfshark Plans at a Glance
- Surfshark Starter (around $2.19–$2.49/mo on a 2-year plan): VPN, CleanWeb ad blocker and Alternative ID
- Surfshark One (around $2.69–$2.79/mo on a 2-year plan): everything in Starter, plus Surfshark Antivirus, data breach alerts and scam text protection
- Surfshark One+ (around $4.29–$4.49/mo on a 2-year plan): everything in One, plus Incogni data removal
Every plan covers unlimited devices and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Those low monthly prices require paying for 1–2 years upfront. Monthly plans cost around $15–$20, and renewals are higher than the intro price.
How to Set Up CleanWeb on Chrome
- Sign up for any Surfshark plan
- Install the Surfshark extension from the Chrome Web Store
- Log in and turn on CleanWeb from the green shield icon
- Toggle on the ad blocker, cookie pop-up blocker and site safety alerts
Who It's For
Get it if you're tired of YouTube ads, pop-ups and cookie banners, want protection from shady websites, and would also benefit from a VPN.
Skip it if you only want a free, basic ad blocker and don't need a VPN, or you browse mainly in Safari.
Closing Thoughts
Going into this, we figured a VPN company's ad blocker would be an afterthought. Little did we know it would wipe out YouTube ads and score a perfect 100 on AdBlock Tester. If you want the best adblocker for Chrome that also keeps you safer and throws in a VPN, Surfshark CleanWeb is hard to beat.
You can get Surfshark CleanWeb here.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, The Lemon Sorter may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices change often, and long-term plans renew at a higher rate, so check current pricing before you subscribe.
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