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Best for iOS
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Can disrupt the appearance/functionality of sites, emails, and apps
Best free option
Best for multiple devices
Best for Privacy
Best for Premium Users
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Social media and spyware blockers only available on paid tier
We’ve determined the best ad blockers for iPhone are 1Blocker as best overall, Total Adblock for YouTube ads, Surfshark CleanWeb for multiple devices, NordVPN Threat Protection for privacy, and AdLock for premium users.
Read on to learn more about why we picked these ad-blocking extensions and apps to keep your iPhone free of annoying ads.
1Blocker: Best for for iOS
Total Adblock: Best for YouTube ads
Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for multiple devices
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for privacy
AdLock: Best for premium users
Honorable mentions
How we tested the best ad blockers for iPhone
Best ad blockers for iPhone FAQs
Bottom line: The best ad blockers for iPhone
The best ad blockers for iPhone
Ad blockers improve your browsing experience by reducing malware and phishing attempts, increasing webpage load speeds, saving your battery life, reducing spam, and removing trackers for privacy. The best ad blockers for iPhone can do all of that and provide a user-friendly iPhone experience:
- 1Blocker: Best for iOS
- Total Adblock: Best for YouTube ads
- Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for multiple devices
- NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for privacy
- AdLock: Best for premium users
Top 5 ad blockers for iPhone compared
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iOS app | |||||
Compatibility | iOS, macOS, Safari | Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Android, iOS | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, FireTV | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux. Chrome, Firefox, Edge | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chrome, Safari, Firefox |
Mehr erfahren | Get 1Blocker | Get Total Adblock | Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Get AdLock |
1Blocker: Best for iOS
While 1Blocker touts itself as the ad blocker built for Safari, it also blocks ads on your iOS device. With 1Blocker’s free version, you can select whether to block ads, web trackers, annoyances, widgets, comments, or adult sites. It's easy to switch between the categories in the app.
![1Blocker's list of general filters to use for ad blocking on Safari.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/03/29/1blocker-review_01.jpg)
1Blocker is one of the only apps that works on your iPhone software as well as Safari. You can get a two-week free trial of 1Blocker to try out the premium features or use the limited free version. 1Blocker offers a lifetime premium membership for $38.99, a yearly subscription for $14.99/yr (billed annually), or a monthly rate of $2.99/mo.
What we liked
If you’re a heavy Apple user, 1Blocker is a great solution. It’s built for Safari and works well for blocking ads on Macs, iPads, and iPhones. 1Blocker is also easy to use. You can toggle blockers on and off inside the app.
With a premium membership, you can use 1Blocker on unlimited Apple devices that are part of the same Apple account. You can purchase a yearly, monthly, or lifetime premium membership. The premium membership allows you to turn on multiple filters at once, block trackers in apps, and also allows for advanced customization to create your own filters.
While 1Blocker says it was created for other unwanted content in apps on your iPhone Safari, it also blocks ads.
1Blocker also offers a firewall feature that allows you to block more trackers running in the background of your apps. Firewalls can increase your phone's privacy.
What we didn’t like
It’s difficult to get details about the ad blocker on 1Blocker’s website. You can’t find information about premium pricing or other features without downloading the app or finding answers through the help center.
While it’s great that 1Blocker has a free plan, it does have limited functionality. You can enable only one filter at a time when blocking web trackers, and you’ll need a premium account to block more than one type of content at a time.
1Blocker pros and cons
- Blocks different types of trackers
- Premium upgrade for additional features
- Firewall available
- Only available with Apple products
- Difficult to find information or help from 1Blocker’s website
Total Adblock: Best for YouTube ads
From the makers of TotalAV antivirus, Total Adblock offers an effective ad blocker for iOS. It received top-notch ad-blocking scores during our testing, and it can block YouTube ads if you view them within the Total Adblock app.
What we liked
Total Adblock is easy to install on your iPhone, and the app makes it simple to turn ad blockers on and off. With the free plan, you can customize filters for ad blocking, privacy, social widgets, annoyances, security, and other miscellaneous factors. You can also create an Acceptable Ads list in case there are any content creators whose ads you want to support.
It may seem difficult to block in-app ads on YouTube, but Total Adblock has a workaround for that. All you need to do is open the video you wish to watch, select Share, and then find Total Adblock on the list of sharing options. Your YouTube video will then open in the Total Adblock app, away from video ad interruptions.
If you opt for Total Adblock Premium, there'll be no limits to the types of ads you can block and filters you can customize. You'll also unlock bonus features like TotalAV antivirus protection and PC Tune-Up.
What we didn’t like
You may need to upgrade to Total Adblock Premium to get the best iOS product. The free version doesn't block ads on Safari, and it excludes the top 15,000 websites listed on Alexa.com.
Total Adblock pros and cons
- Easy to use
- Blocks ads on YouTube
- Premium plan comes with TotalAV
- Doesn't block ads in Safari
- Free version excludes top 15,000 websites
Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review
Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for multiple devices
Surfshark is one of the newer VPNs on the market, but it's proven to be a standout for many reasons, including its extensive features. One of those features is Surfshark CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
Surfshark provides great value for money, combining a VPN and ad blocker (among other features) along with an allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections.
What we liked
We like that Surfshark CleanWeb doesn't appear to be a feature that's an afterthought. It received a perfect ad-blocking score as we were testing and it proved effective at blocking trackers. You can even use CleanWeb without having your VPN connected.
We were also impressed by CleanWeb's ability to block video ads. This includes not just YouTube but ads on streaming services as well.
Surfshark offers some of the most bang for your buck with its subscriptions. The starting price of $2.19/mo (billed every two years) for a two-year plan comes with a secure VPN, ad blocker, cookie pop-up blocker, personal detail generator, and a masked email generator. Plus, all Surfshark plans cover unlimited devices simultaneously,
What we didn't like
Unfortunately, CleanWeb 2.0 is only part of Surfshark's browser extension. CleanWeb also doesn't have any compatibility with Safari, so you'll have to rely on the Surfshark iOS app for blocking ads.
Also, although you can use CleanWeb without a VPN connection, it's not available as a standalone ad blocker. So, if you already have a VPN subscription or are just looking for a free ad blocker, it may not be the best option.
Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons
- Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Can be used without a VPN connection
- Allows for unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb 2.0 isn't available for iOS or Safari
- No standalone product available
Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Read Our Surfshark CleanWeb Review
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best for privacy
NordVPN is widely regarded as one of the best VPNs. On top of encrypting your internet traffic, Nord also comes with NordVPN Threat Protection, which is a built-in ad blocker. With the ability to block trackers and change your IP address, NordVPN is a great choice if you're looking for the utmost privacy on your iPhone.
What we liked
NordVPN Threat Protection is more than just an ad blocker. Based on our testing, it can also detect and block malware and phishing attempts from threatening your iPhone, thanks to its real-time protection.
Threat Protection also blocks web trackers and tracking URLs so you can stay anonymous online. The dashboard lists the number of attempts blocked so you can rest assured that Threat Protection is working. It even blocked YouTube ads on our desktop as we were testing.
By opting for a VPN to block your iPhone ads, you can enhance your online privacy. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy that's been independently audited, and it's based in Panama, which is outside of the Eyes alliances. It passed our DNS and WebRTC leak protection tests, ensuring your data remains safe. It comes with plenty of specialty server options, including multi-hop, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated servers.
What we didn’t like
NordVPN Threat Protection can't be purchased alone, you'll need to sign up for NordVPN to access this feature. If you're looking to purchase NordVPN, it can cost anywhere from $3.09–$15.99/mo depending on how long you plan to commit to a subscription and which tier you wish to purchase. This might be pricey for some, especially if you're just looking for a free way to block those pesky ads.
NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons
- Blocks ads and trackers
- Scans for and blocks malware
- VPN creates enhanced online privacy
- No standalone product available
- NordVPN plans can be pricey
Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review
AdLock: Best for premium users
If you’re serious about getting rid of ads and unwanted content, AdLock provides a great premium subscription. With the premium subscription, you’ll be able to block ads in the browser and on iPhone apps. AdLock is also available on several different platforms, so you can use it on any device you have — however, AdLock allows you to use the product on only five devices.
What we liked
The AdLock app is intuitive and simple to navigate, which we found useful. With the free service, you can toggle Safari ad blocking on and off. It’s also easy to add websites to the allowed list inside AdLock. This way, you can make sure that your favorite content creators are still receiving support and ad revenue.
With AdLock, you can also eliminate video ads on the YouTube app. To do so, start a video inside the YouTube app. Then select the share button and share the video with AdLock. This will open the video inside the AdLock app, which blocks YouTube ads.
![The AdLock extension being used on an Enes Yilmazer YouTube video page.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/03/06/adlock-review_07.png)
What we didn’t like
Unfortunately, AdLock's free plan allows you to block ads only inside Safari. You’ll need a premium subscription to block ads on YouTube, social media apps, or other web browsers.
AdLock is also the most expensive ad-blocking option that we evaluated. For the best deal, you’ll need to pay for five years upfront and sign up on the website. We noticed some discrepancies between pricing when looking at the website and when wanting to upgrade to the app. If you upgrade through the app, your best pricing will be $29.99/yr, which you can subscribe to through Apple’s App Store.
AdLock pros and cons
- Easy-to-use app
- Allows for whitelisting
- Blocks YouTube mobile ads with premium plan
- Can block only Safari ads with the free plan
- Premium plan allows for only five devices
Get AdLock | Read Our AdLock Review
Honorable mentions
There are a variety of ad blockers available on the market, and one of these other options may better fit your needs. Here are a few other ad blockers that we evaluated:
- AdGuard: If you're looking for a content blocker to use across your devices, AdGuard is a solid option. It offers desktop apps for Windows and Safari, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and countless browser extensions, even for Opera and Yandex.
- AdBlock Plus: AdBlock Plus is a great solution if you’re looking for a simplified ad blocker for your iPhone. With AdBlock Plus, you can quickly turn ad blocking on and off and easily add websites to an allow list. However, that’s about all the functionality it gives you, and it works only on Safari.
- Wipr: Wipr is another ad blocker that you may want to consider. However, the Wipr app has a $1.99 one-time fee to download. It was difficult to find information on Wipr’s overall functionality, but the Wipr app has a 4.5-star rating on Apple’s App Store and is highly regarded as a top app for productivity.
How we tested the best ad blockers for iPhone
To test each of these ad blockers, we first researched if they were compatible with Safari and iPhones. Once we determined the compatibility, we downloaded each ad blocker and went through the setup process. Once we installed and set up the ad blocker, we’d test its effectiveness in Safari, on YouTube, and in other apps on our iPhone, such as social media or games.
Best ad blockers for iPhone FAQs
Does Apple allow ad blockers?
Yes, Apple does allow ad blockers. There are several options available in Apple’s App Store, including our top four: 1Blocker, Total Adblock, NordVPN Threat Protection, and AdLock.
Apple also provides some built-in capabilities for blocking pop-up ads in Safari. From the Settings app, you would just need to tap Safari and then toggle the switch on for Block Pop-ups.
Do ad blockers work on iPhones?
Yes, ad blockers do work on iPhones. There are several apps available that you can download to block ads in Safari and on other apps on your iPhone.
What is a good free ad blocker for iPhone?
1Blocker is a great free ad blocker for iPhone. 1Blocker is designed specifically for Safari, so if you’re using a different browser, you’ll want an ad blocker with more browser compatibility.
How do I install an ad blocker on iPhone?
To install an ad blocker on an iPhone, you’ll first want to download the ad blocker app that you’d like to use. After downloading the app, you’ll have to give the ad blocker access to Safari through your phone’s settings. The ad blocker you select will walk you through this.
First, head to settings on your iPhone, navigate to Safari, and then select extensions inside of the Safari tab. Toggle the ad blocker on, and it’ll start blocking ads on your iPhone.
Bottom line: The best ad blockers for iPhone
There are several different ad blockers available for iPhone users, and while they all effectively block ads in Safari, a few stand out for their additional features. From our testing, if you’re looking for an ad blocker that works with Apple devices, 1Blocker was the standout. Not only does it work with Safari, but it also blocks ads and other content on other apps throughout your phone.
1Blocker, Total AdBlock, and AdLock all offer free ad-blocking plans that work adequately for basic ad blocking. However, each of these gets even better with a premium subscription. If you’re serious about removing ads, trackers, and other unwanted content, the premium subscriptions make the ad blockers more effective. NordVPN Threat Protection and Surfshark CleanWeb both come with a VPN subscription if you're seeking a comprehensive solution.
5 best ad blockers for iPhone 2024
Best for | Mehr erfahren | |
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Best for iOS | Get 1Blocker |
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Best for YouTube ads | Get Total Adblock |
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Best for multiple devices | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
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Best for privacy | Get NordVPN Threat Protection |
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Best for premium users | Get AdLock |
![A close-up of the YouTube home screen on a user's browser.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/02/adobestock_317300863_editorial_use_only.jpeg)
![A blue background with images of locks and shields with the text "Ad Blocker Review Best Ad Blockers for Android" and the All About Cookies logo.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/04/19/best_ad_blockers_for_android.jpg)
![Back view of a family sitting on the couch and facing their TV.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/07/29/block_paramount_plus_ads_featured_image.jpg)
![An older woman sits on the sofa and flips through the TV channels with a remote.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/07/29/how_to_block_ads_on_peacock_featured_image.png)
![A woman uses her computer at night.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/07/12/why_you_should_avoid_adblock_360_featured_image.png)
![A blue background with images of locks and shields with the text "Ad Blocker Review Wipr vs. Adblock Plus" and the All About Cookies logo.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/07/03/wipr_vs._adblock_plus_featured_image.jpg)
![A blue background with images of locks and shields with the text "Ad Blocker Review Wipr vs. uBlock Origin" and the All About Cookies logo.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/06/28/wipr_vs._ublock_origin_featured_image.jpg)
![A blue background with images of locks and shields with the text "Ad Blocker Review Wipr vs. AdGuard" and the All About Cookies logo.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/06/28/wipr_vs._adguard_featured_image.jpg)