How to Watch YouTube Without Ads — 6 Easy Ways in 2024

You’ll find countless solutions on the web claiming to rid you of YouTube ads, but many fall short. That’s why I did my own tests to find the best ways to watch YouTube without ads. Regardless of your device, these solutions can help you get back to uninterrupted streaming.

I tested dozens of apps and plugins to find the best free or near-free YouTube ad-blocking methods. A few have free trials or charge a small fee. The most effective way to block YouTube ads is by upgrading to YouTube Premium. It’s also the one method that we recommend, as the others might be breaking the platform’s T&Cs.

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6 Ways to Watch YouTube Without Ads

1. Get YouTube Premium

Subscribing to YouTube Premium is the most hassle-free way of enjoying ad-free YouTube. 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. Paying allows YouTube and its content creators to profit from their work. Plus, a family plan allows you to share 1 account with multiple users. The downside is that it isn’t free.

YouTube Premium gives you added benefits like a video download feature

The price of YouTube Premium differs from region to region. For instance, a 12-month subscription costs about 1290 INR ($15.50 USD) in India, compared to around $140 in the US.

2. Install an Ad-Blocking Extension on Your Browser

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 YouTube Without Ads Using an Ad-Blocking Web Browser Extension

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. Other browsers will have similar buttons.

   Installing an ad blocker on your browser only takes a few clicks

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.

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:

I found that AdblockPlus also has add-ons for Firefox, Safari, and Edge

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 in countries where YouTube hasn’t introduced its advertising program, there are far fewer ads. 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, a VPN server in Albania can offer an Albanian 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 to watching YouTube without ads with a VPN:

1. Get a reliable VPN. Choose a fast VPN with a global server network.
2. Install it on any device. Download the app and follow the installation instructions.
3. Connect to a server. The closer the server, the better the speeds. Most reputable VPNs offer connections in ad-free locations, like Albania, Myanmar, or any other country without an ad-enabled version of YouTube.
4. Watch YouTube ad-free. YouTube won’t display any ads if it’s accessed securely from one of the abovementioned locations.

This method works on any device that supports VPNs, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. 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.

4. Watch With 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 Ads on Your Computer

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

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.

I used AdBlocker Ultimate on YouTube’s Windows app

Watch YouTube Without Ads on Your Smartphone and Tablet

There are multiple ad-blocking apps for mobile platforms and tablets running Android and iOS. AdblockPlus, AdGuard, and AdBlocker Ultimate all have apps that can be directly installed on Android, iPhones, and iPads. Other options are AdBlock, AdLock, and 1Blocker.

YouTube Vanced was a modified YouTube app that let you watch an ad-free version on Android, but Google shut it down. However, SkyTube is a similar app that still works. In addition to blocking YouTube ads, SkyTube lets you personalize YouTube. I found options to blocklist channels and filter videos according to preferences like language and kid-friendly content.

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.

Watch 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 a third-party app that can pull YouTube videos while filtering commercials. Such examples are NewPipe and SmartTube Next. These work more or less the same as the discontinued YouTube Vanced, allowing access to YouTube on the big screen, ad-free.

NewPipe is a good option for Android devices that can’t use Google-based services, like Huawei TVs. Blakoda is another option.

Any option requires sideloading these apps to smart TVs. 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

If you get YouTube Premium, your service will be ad-free. What’s more, you get the option to download videos, meaning you can watch them offline and without ads too.

There are also apps and sites like 4K Video Downloader and Tube Ripper that make it possible to extract YouTube videos for watching offline without ads. The video file is then kept in local storage, allowing access to it at any time.

6. Block YouTube Ads on Mobile Devices via DNS Server

Raspberry Pi offers Pie-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 server method of blocking ads 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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How to Stay Safe on YouTube

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 safer and more 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 them to enhance your privacy. Set limitations on who can view your liked videos, subscriptions, and playlists. You might also want to consider pausing or deleting 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.

Military-Grade Security Features

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Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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

Why does YouTube have so many ads?

YouTube uses ads to make money from non-paying users. The more ads they can slot in, the more money they make. It’s annoying, but there are ways you can watch YouTube without ads. Most ad-blocking apps and plugins are imperfect, but they can at least reduce the frequency of banners and commercials on YouTube videos. The most legit and effective way to get rid of YouTube ads is upgrading to YouTube Premium.

Because of the competition (like Twitch and TikTok), YouTube displays even more commercials than ever to boost revenue. Monetizing YouTube channels is also a good incentive for content creators since the ads make them money for their videos. This motivates them to keep uploading new videos.

Does a VPN block YouTube ads?

Yes, a VPN might help in blocking 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.

Do content creators still get paid if I block ads?

YouTubers are paid when the ads are viewed, but that’s not their only source of income. Other sources of revenue include branded merchandise and affiliate programs. Other monetization options include Super Chat, Super Stickers, YouTube Premium royalties, and channel memberships.

To support content creators, I recommend using YouTube Premium to watch their videos without ads.

Is it possible to block YouTube ads for free?

Yes, YouTube ads can be blocked with free browser extensions and apps. Most free software collects data like your browsing activity, so I found free ad blockers that respect user privacy as much as possible.

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. There are still plenty of ways to watch YouTube videos without interruptions, including a few free options.

For instance, ad-blocking browser extensions are available. Alternatively, it’s possible to connect to a VPN server located in a country where YouTube isn't monetized by ads. But the best solution that we recommend is to go for YouTube Premium if you want ad-free videos and don’t mind paying a subscription.