How To Watch YouTube Without Ads in 2024: 7 Easy Ways

There are countless solutions on the web claiming to get rid of YouTube ads, but many fall short. My team and I tested dozens of ways to watch YouTube without ads and found the best apps and plugins that work on all major devices so you can get back to uninterrupted streaming.

The most effective way to watch YouTube ad-free is to upgrade to YouTube Premium. However, this is costly. So, we're also providing other methods for blocking YouTube ads that are free, offer free trials, or charge only a minimal fee.

Be advised. Using ad blockers on YouTube violates its terms of service since it implements advertising to make revenue. This article is for informational purposes only. We at vpnMentor don’t condone using apps to break the terms of service on websites or online services.

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7 Best Ways To Watch YouTube Without Ads in 2024

1. Get YouTube Premium

Subscribing to YouTube Premium is the most straightforward way to get YouTube without ads. It’s also the one we recommend as it’s legal and doesn’t break the platform’s T&Cs. The paid membership lets you access tons of YouTube exclusives along with YouTube Music. You also get handy extra features, like queueing videos, background play on mobile, and more.

You can download videos without ads and watch offline

The price of YouTube Premium differs from region to region. For instance, a monthly subscription costs about RM20.99 ($5 USD) in Malaysia, compared to $13.99 in the US. However, the first month is usually free. Plus, there’s a family plan that allows you to share one account with multiple users.

2. Install an Ad-Blocking Extension

These browser plugins can identify and prevent ads across various websites, YouTube included. Note that some websites might be programmed to identify users with active ad-blockers and may restrict content access for them. Most ad-blocker settings are flexible, letting you tailor permissions for individual sites.

How To Watch Ad-Free YouTube With an Ad-Blocking Web Browser Extension

We recommend AdBlock as one of the most popular and trusted extensions for blocking YouTube ads. However, there are many good ad blockers available. I found that AdblockPlus also has add-ons for Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

1. Go to the Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge extension store. Search for ad blocker or ad remover. Some ad blockers are also compatible with mobile phone browsers like Opera Mini.
2. Choose a blocker. If you don’t have any service in mind and just want to test what's available, choose a blocker with a good reputation based on the reviews and popularity.
   The Firefox add-on store works similarly to Chrome’s for finding an ad blocker
3. Install the extension on your browser. Simply click Add to Chrome to integrate the extension. It will work similarly on other browsers, like Firefox or Edge.
   On Firefox or Edge the button says "Add to Firefox" or "Get," respectively
4. Access YouTube via your browser with the new extension. Most of them (like AdBlock) configure the settings automatically, so you don’t have to tweak them yourself.
5. Enjoy watching ad-free YouTube videos.
   With AdBlock, you can still allow ads on certain channels you want to support

Top Ad-Blocking Extensions for Browsers

Sites like YouTube use specialist software to counter ad blockers, so many options won’t work. That’s why it's best to go for a reliable blocker. My team and I tested 40+ ad blockers, and aside from AdBlock, we found these to be the most reliable options.

Most of these ad-blockers are free or have a free version. On top of desktop browser extensions, some even have ad-blocking mobile apps, allowing you to get both with a single license. Most of these ad-blockers are also flexible, letting you tailor permissions for individual sites.

3. Connect to a VPN Server in Countries Without YouTube Advertising Program

Advertisers can only show ads in countries with a monetized YouTube site. This means that there are far fewer ads in countries where YouTube hasn’t introduced its advertising program. Albania, Myanmar, and the Bahamas are such examples. Using the site from these locations provides an ad-free experience.

A VPN can change virtual locations, making it possible to watch YouTube ad-free. For instance, by using a VPN server in Moldova, provides you with a Moldovan IP address. However, using YouTube with a server in one of these countries might change what content appears.

Here's a step-by-step method for using a VPN to watch YouTube without ads from anywhere:

1. Get a reliable VPN. Choose a fast VPN with a global server network that’s easy to use on all major operating systems. Download the app and follow the installation instructions for your smartphones, tablet, or computer.
2. Connect to a server. The closer the server, the better the speeds. Most reputable VPNs offer connections in ad-free locations, like Albania, Myanmar, and other countries without an ad-enabled version of YouTube.
3. Watch YouTube ad-free. YouTube won’t display any ads when securely accessed from one of the abovementioned locations.
   Use the search bar to quickly find a server

For devices without direct VPN support, like smart TVs or gaming consoles, it’s possible to install a VPN on a router. This allows every connected device to benefit from the VPN's location settings, allowing ad-free YouTube streaming on all of them.

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4. Try Device-Wide Ad-Blocking Software or Modded YouTube Apps

Third-party software for smartphones, computers, or smart TVs can allow access to YouTube without ads. Unlike a browser extension, these apps block ads across entire devices.

Watch YouTube Without Commercials on Your Computer

AdGuard is a secure option that supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Other popular apps include AdBlocker Ultimate, FreeTube, and AdLock, and they all worked well during our tests. Simply download your preferred app from the official website.

These apps also come with other features to protect your privacy

AdBlocker Ultimate removed YouTube’s pop-ups and video ads. Just remember that blocking YouTube ads goes against its terms of use, but AdBlocker Ultimate also stops trackers from tracking your online activities, thus blocking harmful domains from opening. Many device-wide ad blockers cost money, but Adblocker Ultimate has a free trial.

Watch YouTube Without Ads on Your Smartphone and Tablet

AdblockPlus, AdGuard, and AdBlocker Ultimate offer dedicated apps for Android, iPhones, and iPads, effectively blocking YouTube ads across different devices. Other reliable options include Total AdBlock, AdBlock, AdLock, and 1Blocker, all compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.

For Android users, modified YouTube apps like FreeTube and NewPipe provide ad-free viewing experiences with additional features. SkyTube allows for YouTube personalization and ad removal, while ReVanced (the successor to the popular Vanced app) offers most of the same ad-blocking capabilities. Some of these apps even allow you to create custom blocklists or implement kid-friendly settings.

Some Android ad blockers aren’t in the Play Store, but you can download an APK of the app directly. If you download an ad blocker APK file for your Android, just make sure it comes from a trusted source. Also, remember that sideloading apps can be risky — there are many sketchy or fake APKs that can expose your phone to malware.

Play YouTube Without Ads on Your Smart TV

It's also possible to watch YouTube without ads on smart TVs and media streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick and Android TV. This can be done via third-party apps, like NewPipe and SmartTube Next, that pull YouTube videos while filtering commercials. These work similar to the discontinued YouTube Vanced, allowing access to YouTube on the big screen, ad-free.

NewPipe and Blakoda are good options for Android devices that can’t use Google-based services, like Huawei TVs. All of these require sideloading apps to the smart TV. If that’s not possible, the easiest method is to get the app onto a computer and install it onto a flash drive. It can then be installed from the flash drive to a smart TV.

5. Download YouTube Videos

Apps and sites like 4K Video Downloader and Tube Ripper allow you to download YouTube videos for watching offline without ads. The video file is then kept in local storage, allowing you to watch it at any time. However, there are multiple risks to this approach, such as:

• Violating YouTube’s Terms of Service
• Downloading malware
• Breaking copyright laws

6. Block YouTube Ads on Mobile Devices via DNS Server

Raspberry Pi offers Pi-Hole to block all ads across entire networks. It uses custom DNS to prevent devices from communicating with ad servers. If Raspberry Pi is too time-consuming, software like AdGuard has DNS-wide content blocking to prevent ads, trackers, and malicious websites on every connected network device.

However, AdGuard DNS is a limited freemium service — but a full-functioning paid plan is available. Also, the DNS method can be less reliable against some YouTube ads. Since YouTube now shows videos using the original URL, it’s harder to filter between the content and a third-party ad. A VPN with an ad blocker and DNS filtering offers better results.

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7. Use a Browser With a Built-In Ad Blocker

Private browsers like Brave and Opera have built-in ad blockers, offering a free way to watch YouTube without interruptions. During testing, Brave felt faster than regular browsers like Chrome, likely because it doesn’t load any ad content. While Brave’s is enabled automatically, you must manually enable Opera’s.

Brave will even tell you how many ads it has blocked on every site

More Tips and Tricks to Watch YouTube Videos Ad-free

• Modify the URL. Add a period (.) after ".com" or a “-” between “yout” and “ube” in the YouTube video URL.
• VideoLink. You can copy and paste a YouTube video URL into VideoLink to generate a “clean,” shareable without any ads. However, it doesn’t support all videos.
• SponsorBlock. This browser extension automatically skips sponsored segments on YouTube videos based on community suggestions, but doesn’t skip ads.

How To Stay Safe While Watching YouTube Without Ads

YouTube has a lot of fun and educational videos, but your data is constantly collected to interpret your behavior and show you targeted ads. Not only is this invasive, but could expose your personal information in a security breach.

Here's how you can stay safe and private on YouTube:

• Use a VPN. Ads on YouTube are shown based on your location, which it knows from looking at your IP address. A VPN hides your true IP, reducing targeted ads. This makes YouTube tracking less invasive and prevents third parties from snooping on you.
• Review privacy settings. Go to your YouTube account settings and adjust your privacy preferences. Set limitations on who can view your liked videos, subscriptions, and playlists. You can also pause or delete your YouTube watch and search history.
• Limit personal information. Avoid sharing personal details in comments or video descriptions. This includes information like your address, phone number, or full name, which can be misused if it falls into the wrong hands.
• Update passwords regularly. Change your YouTube (Google) password from time to time. Ensure that it's unique and not used for your other online accounts. If one password is compromised, it shouldn’t put your other accounts at risk.
• Avoid suspicious links. Be wary of links in YouTube comments or video descriptions. Not every link is safe, and some might lead you to phishing sites.
• Use a secure connection. Always ensure that your connection to YouTube is via HTTPS, which is a more secure connection. This helps protect your data from eavesdroppers, especially on public networks. You can check this by looking for https at the beginning of the YouTube URL or a padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar.
• Anonymous browsing. If you're concerned about your data privacy, consider creating an anonymous YouTube account not linked to your primary email. Alternatively, use YouTube in Incognito mode. Just keep in mind it isn’t totally private, and it won’t save preferences or history between sessions.
• Stay informed. Regularly check for updates in YouTube's privacy policy and terms of service. This keeps you aware of any changes in how your data might be used.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on Watching YouTube Without Ads

Does a VPN block YouTube ads?

Yes, a VPN can help to block YouTube ads. While built-in VPN ad blockers likely won’t block all pop-up ads on their own and won’t block in-video ads, there is another method. By connecting to a VPN server in Myanmar, Moldova, or Albania, YouTube won’t show ads because it doesn't serve them in those locations.

Is it possible to block YouTube ads for free?

Yes, YouTube ads can be blocked with free browser extensions and apps. However, most free software collects data like your browsing activity, so we listed the best free ad blockers that respect user privacy.

Can I block specific ads on YouTube?

Yes, you can tell YouTube to not show your account certain ads. While the ad is playing, click the little i icon in the bottom left corner of the video window to open My Ad Center. Then, click Block Ad and confirm it by clicking CONTINUE in the popup. However, this doesn’t allow you to proactively block all YouTube ads like our other methods.

Is there a way to watch YouTube TV without commercials?

You can’t remove all commercials, but you can skip some using YouTube’s DVR feature, along with many other effective options for getting rid of YouTube ads. To do this, just download a show and then fast-forward through the commercials during playback. While it costs extra, the “4K Plus” add-on also comes with slightly more ad-free on-demand content than the standard YouTube TV package.

That’s because programming on YouTube TV uses in-video commercials, which are part of the actual video stream. The normal YouTube platform, on the other hand, uses ads that are served dynamically from external domains based on your ad profile. That’s why you can connect to a VPN to avoid YouTube Ads but not YouTube TV commercials.

How do I get YouTube ad-free as a teacher or student for school?

Educational platforms, like EdPuzzle, Nearpod, or Kaltura, allow watching some YouTube videos ad-free. Google Classroom used to let you integrate some videos into assignments ad-free, but that’s no longer the case. You’ll need to try one of the methods to watch all YouTube videos without ads with Google Classroom. However, it might cause some technical issues.

With EdPuzzle, you can upload YouTube videos, remove ads, and add interactive questions. Nearpod lets you embed YouTube videos into interactive lessons, while Kaltura lets you upload or stream YouTube videos without ads, commonly used in universities and educational environments.

What’s more, YouTube Premium has a student plan that’s much cheaper while still being ad-free. The only thing you need to do is verify your student status via SheerID when signing up.

Conclusion

YouTube’s constant ads just keep getting more intrusive. To make matters worse, the platform has become smarter at bypassing common ad-blocking tools. Still, there are plenty of ways to watch YouTube videos without interruptions, including a few free options.

For example, subscribe to YouTube Premium or use free ad-blocking extensions. Alternatively, you can connect to a VPN server located in a country where YouTube isn't monetized by ads. However, the best solution is to go for YouTube Premium if you want ad-free videos and don't mind paying a subscription.