The best ad-blocker VPN services

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.