The integral question” Do VPNs block ads” often pops up in the mind of internet users. Web browsing with all the ads in between is for sure annoying. Virtual Private Network encrypts your web traffic and completely hides your IP address but does it essentially block ads?

 In this guide, let’s explore VPN ad blockers. Find out if VPNS can really block advertisements, and how effective they are in reliably blocking ads with VPN. Keep reading to know about the best VPN ad blockers.

Can VPNs block ads?

Not all the VPNs can block ads. While VPNs are primarily designed to change your IP address and encrypt web traffic, some VPN services now offer ad blocking as part of their security features.

 VPNs that block ads offer top-level security for users. VPNs that usually declared themselves free of charge often use advertisements as their way to generate revenue. The blockade of ads differs for each VPN. Some block over 50% of ads and trackers while for others the percentage is greater than 80.  The top performers were PIA MACE, Atlas VPN Safebrowse Plus, and IVPN AntiTracker, which blocked over 90% of ads and trackers. To know about the compatibility of VPN ad blocker with various browsers,have a look at this table.

PIA MACE was the most effective VPN ad blocker, blocking over 80% of ads, 66% of social trackers, and 100% of analytic trackers. IVPN Anti Tracker blocked the most ads, including 100% of intrusive ads in ‘Hardcore Mode’, but it may block some legitimate sites.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection (formerly CyberSec) blocked 60% of ads and had lower performance compared to the top performers. VPNArea, Perfect Privacy, and Hotspot Shield had the worst performance with Perfect Privacy failing to block any ads.

Overall, if you’re looking for a VPN with ad-blocking capabilities, PIA MACE, Atlas VPN Safebrowse Plus, and IVPN AntiTracker are the most effective options to block most advertisements.

VPN vs Ad Blocker: Do I Need an Ad Blocker If I Have a VPN?

While a VPN and an ad blocker serve different purposes, they can complement each other to enhance your online experience.  Even if your VPN service provider claim to block ads you still need ad blocker to  tay 100% safe. Let’s break down their roles and determine whether you need an ad blocker if you already have a VPN.

Ad Blocker: Enhancing Browsing Experience and Privacy

While you browse on internet, A dedicated ad blocker’s primary function is to eliminate unwanted advertisements. It effectively blocks intrusive ads, pop-ups, banners, and tracking scripts, reducing distractions and protecting your privacy. Additionally, Ad blockers utilize extensive databases and advanced algorithms to maximize their efficiency in blocking various ads and tracking mechanisms.

VPN: Security, Privacy, and Access

Virtual Private Network entirely focuses on providing security and privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. It establishes a secure connection between your device and the internet, protecting your data from potential threats and data breaches. VPNs also allow you to bypass geo-restrictions, granting access to content that may be blocked in your region.

Out of all the VPNs mentioned above, the only IVPN, in its ‘Hardcore Mode’, is capable of blocking ads. However, we don’t recommend it because it also restricts access to legitimate websites like Google. Moreover, the second most effective VPN in terms of ad blocking is Atlas VPN, which blocks an average of 87% of ads.

Many VPN services that claim to have ad blockers are actually offering DNS site filters and anti-trackers. DNS filtering or malicious site blocking relies on blacklists to prevent you from visiting websites known to host malware, adware, or spam. These features primarily work to block malicious sites and prevent third-party tracking, but they may not function as comprehensive ad blockers.

VPNs and Ad Blockers: A Good Duo

It is important to note that not all VPNs include ad-blocking features, so it is necessary to check if your chosen VPN provides this functionality. If your VPN does not have built-in ad-blocking capabilities or if you seek more comprehensive ad-blocking features, using a dedicated ad blocker with your VPN can be beneficial. Using the two can befit you in the following ways

• Comprehensive Ad Blocking: Dedicated ad blockers have specialized features to identify and block various types of ads and tracking mechanisms.
• Enhanced Privacy: Ad blockers not only eliminate ads but also prevent tracking scripts from collecting your data for targeted advertising.
• Additional Security: Many ad blockers go beyond ad blocking and also prevent the loading of malicious content such as malware and phishing attempts.

Summary: VPNS are not solely designed to block advertisements, their main purpose is to mask IP address. So, it is important to note that trust worthy ad extension is a good way to stay safe from advertisements on the top of VPN .

How to Block Ads with a VPN?

1.  Firstly, if you want to block ads, then go for VPN that actually has ad blocker like Private Internet Access.
2.  Once you have downloaded VPN, activate the ad block feature. The feature may have different names but they are generally found under Preferences and Settings. IF using PIA. first head to Settings.
3.  From the Menu select Privacy and toggle on PIA Mance
4.  With ad blocker now switched on,  you can freely connect to VPN server and enjoy ad-free streaming

Top VPNs with Adblocking capabilities

NordVPN – Best overall VPN Ad blocker

NordVPN is the top-tier option not in terms of privacy but it also offers safe web experience. No matter on which device you are using the VPN with its strong ad blocking capabilities you can browse freely . The built in ad blocker named as Cybersec removes all the pesky advertisements that are hindering your web experience. The threat protection even does excellent job by blocking the malicious content from apearing on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions