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Best Overall
Best for Numerous Devices
Best for Torrenting Speeds
Ad blockers have become increasingly popular over the last few years, as we look to protect our online privacy and for more control over our online experience. If you use Microsoft Edge you’ve got plenty of ad-blocking software to choose from. But which is the best?
NordVPN Threat Protection and Surfshark CleanWeb are two strong contenders when it comes to ad blockers for Microsoft Edge. Both services offer excellent protection against intrusive ads, ransomware, phishing campaigns, tracking cookies, web bugs, and malicious scripts. Additionally, both provide an easy-to-use user interface that makes setting up blockers a breeze.
Whichever option you choose, you'll be sure to have a safer browsing experience on Microsoft Edge that's free of intrusive ads. Let's take a look at each of these ad blockers to figure out which one is best suited for your needs.
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best overall
Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for numerous devices
Proton VPN NetShield: Best for torrenting speeds
Ad blockers that didn’t make the cut
Best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge FAQs
Bottom line: The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge
How we tested the best ad blockers for Edge browsers
How to choose the best ad blocker for Edge
The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge in 2024
Microsoft Edge is one of the most popular web browsers in use today, and it’s no surprise that its users want the best ad blockers to safeguard their surfing experience. Here's a look at some of the best ad blockers we found for Edge:
- NordVPN Threat Protection: Best overall ad blocker for Microsoft Edge
- Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for numerous devices
- Proton VPN NetShield: Best for torrenting speeds
Top 3 ad blockers for Microsoft Edge compared
Ad blocker |
NordVPN Threat Protection
Best Overall
|
Surfshark CleanWeb | Proton VPN NetShield |
Price | $2.99/mo | Starts at $1.99/mo | Starts at Free |
Features |
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Learn more | Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Get Proton VPN NetShield |
NordVPN Threat Protection: Best overall
NordVPN Threat Protection is the best choice if you need to block annoying ads along with malware while browsing the web with Edge. It's a comprehensive package that not only blocks ads, removes pop-ups, banners, and trackers, but also scans files you download to protect against malicious downloads.
NordVPN Threat Protection also offers URL trimming, a feature that removes tracking parameters from website URLs you visit. This means your browsing history and data can't be used to track you, giving you an extra layer of privacy. URL trimming works automatically, so there's no need to fight with your cursor to manually highlight parts of a web address.
In addition to the standard features of ad-blocking, NordVPN Threat Protection also offers next-generation encryption protocols and advanced threat protection capabilities like an automatic virtual private network (VPN) kill switch to ensure your data is always safe and secure.
Overall, NordVPN Threat Protection’s comprehensive suite of features makes it a great choice for privacy-conscious people who want more than just basic ad-blocking functionality.
What we liked
NordVPN Threat Protection is an all-in-one solution that offers comprehensive protection from online threats. With URL trimming, it helps to eliminate tracking parameters from website URLs you visit, making sure your data remains secure and private. Threat Protection also comes with malware scanning capabilities and scans files you download to help protect against malicious software.
The service features a Meshnet technology that ensures you’re protected even if you're connecting to other devices. The VPN provides powerful encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec to make sure your browsing activity remains anonymous and untraceable. There’s also a dark web monitor that tracks the safety of your download links and helps you stay safe from potentially dangerous websites.
What we didn’t like
One of the features lacking in Threat Protection is whitelisting. This means you’re unable to selectively allow ads from specific web pages while blocking other intrusive, potentially malicious ads.
That means you have to choose between allowing all ads or blocking all ads, there is no third option. This can lead to too much or too little ad-blocking depending on your needs and preferences, leading to an inconsistent experience with NordVPN's ad blocker.
In addition, it is very difficult to cancel NordVPN. The process includes several clicks, including a request for email confirmation that expires in fifteen minutes. This makes it difficult and time-consuming to cancel the service if you decide you no longer want it.
NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons
- Outstanding ad-blocking abilities
- Blocks unsafe and malicious sites
- VPN included
- Hard to cancel service
- No whitelisting function for ad blocker
Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Review | Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review
Surfshark CleanWeb: Best for numerous devices
Surfshark CleanWeb is a reliable and affordable ad blocker designed to provide you with maximum protection against annoying or intrusive ads, tracking technologies, cookie consent requests, malicious content, and more. The software uses advanced algorithms to detect and block potentially dangerous elements while also freeing up system resources that would otherwise be occupied by unwanted ads.
Surfshark CleanWeb works both on web browsers as well as other applications such as streaming services or gaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch. This ad blocker is also designed to be lightweight, requiring minimal system resources and memory consumption.
In addition, Surfshark CleanWeb 2.0, which is available as an ad blocker extension for your browser, can be configured to allow certain types of ads or trackers if desired, providing a level of control over your experience.
What we liked
Surfshark CleanWeb is an excellent choice for anyone searching for a secure and convenient online experience. Its low price makes it accessible to almost everyone, no matter your budget.
The cookie consent pop-up blocker is one of the most notable features, as it allows you to browse and shop without having to deal with unwanted pop-up requests or ads.
The compatibility with various platforms and devices also makes this product more appealing if you need access on multiple devices simultaneously. (Surfshark works with Google Chrome, Firefox, Linux, iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows along with Edge.)
Additionally, the Surfshark One bundle, which starts at $3.98 a month for 24 months, includes add-ons like data breach alerts, an antivirus, VPN, and a private search engine, which all add up to a complete package that can help protect your privacy even further.
What we didn’t like
We wish CleanWeb was available without having to connect to the Surfshark VPN. On the other hand, CleanWeb 2.0 works even with the VPN disconnected. While we certainly recommend connecting to a VPN for greater privacy and security whenever accessing the internet, in certain situations this simply may not be possible. So extending this functionality to the original CleanWeb feature would be helpful.
Additionally, CleanWeb may also interfere with the functionality of some websites. For these reasons, you should consider carefully whether or not you need to have Surfshark CleanWeb enabled at all times.
Surfshark CleanWeb pros and cons
- Blocks ads and malware
- Cookie consent blocker
- Faster website loading time
- May require VPN connection
- Can interfere with websites
Get Surfshark CleanWeb | Read Our Surfshark Review | Read Surfshark CleanWeb Review
Proton VPN NetShield: Best for torrenting speeds
NetShield comes built into Proton VPN and blocks pop-up ads, malware, phishing attempts, and trackers from websites to keep your browsing activity safe. It also helps protect your device by stopping malicious software from downloading in the background or running on your computer without your knowledge.
NetShield uses multiple levels of protection to keep you safe online. Its advanced security technologies, such as 256-bit AES encryption, advanced server architecture, and a strict no-logs policy, help ensure your data remains protected at all times. (Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which is outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance.) It also features a kill switch that instantly disconnects you from the internet if it detects any suspicious activity on the network.
What we liked
Proton VPN NetShield is great for torrenting, equipped with exclusive servers, and compatible with most popular clients such as uTorrent, BitTorrent, or qBittorrent.
Additionally, it provides split tunneling on Windows and Android devices, enabling you to direct some of your web traffic through the secure Proton VPN connection while other traffic flows through your normal, unencrypted network.
Proton VPN NetShield is open-source software, which means it provides transparency when managing data. It allows you to customize your security protocols and rest assured that all of your information remains encrypted and private at all times.
Furthermore, when you change your NetShield settings, Proton VPN will automatically turn on the kill switch. This ensures that if there is any sort of disruption in your connection, all unencrypted data will be blocked to protect your privacy.
ProtonVPN is also one of the fastest VPNs we've tested so far, so you can trust that it won't slow down your connection while keeping it secure. However, it is important to note that, depending on your location and how far away from the VPN server you are, it is normal for your connection speeds to be slower. This is because data must travel further through multiple networks until it reaches its destination.
What we didn’t like
One of the major issues with Proton VPN NetShield is its higher cost than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. You can save money by upgrading to a longer term, but you still won’t get the discounts that come with the other services.
Additionally, Proton VPN's small-ish network of 1,600 servers means that there aren't as many servers available compared to, say, NordVPN (5,000+) or Surfshark (3,200+), so you may not be able to swap to a server with a faster connection.
The live chat support feature is only available for paid subscribers, meaning that free users have to rely on slower methods of communication such as email for customer service help. Paid customers also cannot get 24/7 support via the live chat feature — so response times can be slower than expected.
Proton VPN NetShield pros and cons
- No-logs policy and not in a 14 Eyes country
- Torrenting support
- Ad, tracker, and malware blocker
- VPN connection required
- Fewer servers than other VPNs
Get Proton VPN NetShield | Read Our Proton VPN Review | Read Our Proton VPN NetShield Review
Ad blockers that didn’t make the cut
Even though these three ad blockers didn't quite make the cut, they still deserve recognition. Each of them has its own standout features and is worth exploring if the top three don't fit your needs.
Total Adblock
Total Adblock is a great alternative if you want further customization options. It's easy to set up and allows you to choose specific ads that you'd like to block.
It also offers the ability to set up custom blocking lists that allow enhanced control over your browsing experience. However, it can be tricky at times to configure all the settings properly, making Total Adblock slightly less user-friendly than other ad blockers on this list.
Atlas VPN SafeBrowse
Atlas VPN SafeBrowse is a great option for those who want an ad blocker that also doubles as a VPN. Similar to our top three picks above, Atlas VPN not only blocks ads, but also helps protect your privacy and security while you're browsing the web.
However, even though it's effective at blocking ads, Atlas VPN’s overall performance isn't quite up to par with the other ad blockers on this list.
Adblock Plus
Finally, Adblock Plus provides basic ad-blocking capabilities and offers an easy setup process. The app also has some customization options that allow you to tweak settings to fit your preferences.
Unfortunately, Adblock Plus doesn't provide any extra features beyond what you get from other similar apps out there, which is why it didn't make our top three.
Best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge FAQs
What’s the best ad blocker for Microsoft Edge?
When it comes to the best ad blocker for Microsoft Edge, NordVPN Threat Protection is a great choice. It’s an easy-to-use solution that provides robust protection against malicious ads and malware.
With advanced firewalls and proprietary algorithms, NordVPN Threat Protection also defends you against unwanted ads while also blocking third-party trackers. The service automatically detects any malicious threats in real time and blocks them immediately, providing complete privacy and security online.
Plus, NordVPN ensures ads are blocked before they even reach your device, giving you a smoother browsing experience with no annoying pop-ups or video advertisements taking over your screen.
Is there anything better than AdBlock?
When it comes to blocking ads, the answer is definitely yes — there are several excellent alternatives to AdBlock that offer superior protection. NordVPN Threat Protection stands out as the best ad blocker for Microsoft Edge overall and also blocks ads on other browsers and devices. It offers comprehensive protection against malicious and intrusive ads while allowing users to customize their settings.
Surfshark CleanWeb is another great option for an Edge ad blocker that works across many devices. This ad blocker lets users block trackers and malicious websites with ease, as well as providing safeguards against phishing attacks and other online threats.
Finally, Proton VPN NetShield provides a customizable Edge ad blocker and an extra layer of protection from malware and phishing attempts with its VPN service. It includes features such as WebRTC blocking to stop third parties from tracking your IP address, as well as unlimited bandwidth and data usage.
What’s the safest ad blocker?
The safest ad blocker is NordVPN Threat Protection. It provides a comprehensive range of protection against malicious online threats, including ads and pop-ups. It blocks ads from loading on websites and in your browser and also prevents tracking attempts, ensuring your data remains secure.
In addition to this, NordVPN Threat Protection also offers malware protection, which helps protect you from threats that may have otherwise gone undetected. All of these features make NordVPN one of the most reliable ad blockers on the market today.
What’s the best free ad blocker?
Most popular ad blockers come with a free plan that provides adequate protection against annoyances like pop-ups and banner ads. But our favorites include Ghostery, which blocks ads on YouTube videos, and AdGuard, which includes an allowlist that lets you disable the ad blocker on your favorite website or allow acceptable ads, such as those on your favorite YouTuber’s channel.
Bottom line: The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge
The best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge are NordVPN Threat Protection, Surfshark CleanWeb, and Proton VPN NetShield. All three of these offer excellent features for blocking ads in the browser.
- NordVPN Threat Protection is our top pick for an ad blocker for Microsoft Edge. It has a wide range of advanced security features that make it great at blocking ads, as well as protecting your privacy and data while you're online.
- Surfshark CleanWeb is another great choice if you need an ad blocker for multiple devices. It supports up to 10 simultaneous VPN connections and comes with powerful content-filtering features to block ads across platforms.
- Proton VPN NetShield is the perfect ad blocker for those who need advanced customization features.
While there are other ad blockers out there (such as Total Adblock and Adblock Plus), they didn't quite make the cut in terms of features and effectiveness when compared with these three top choices. All three of our recommended options provide excellent protection against ads while also offering a range of additional security and privacy benefits.
3 best ad blockers for Microsoft Edge in 2024
Price | Best for | Learn more | |
NordVPN Threat Protection | $2.99/mo | Best overall | Get NordVPN Threat Protection Read Our NordVPN Review |
Surfshark CleanWeb | Starts at $1.99/mo | Best for numerous devices | Get Surfshark Cleanweb Read Our Surfshark Review |
Proton VPN NetShield | Starts at Free | Best for torrenting speeds | Get Proton VPN Netshield Read Our Proton VPN Review |
How we tested the best ad blockers for Edge browsers
When researching the best ad blockers for Edge browsers, we took into consideration a range of features. We evaluated each program’s ability to block ads, protect against pop-ups, and enhance overall internet browsing speed. Additionally, we assessed the user interfaces for ease of use and performance capabilities.
The following three programs have been identified as the top contenders in terms of their ad-blocking capabilities: NordVPN Threat Protection, Surfshark CleanWeb, and Proton VPN NetShield.
NordVPN Threat Protection is one of the most comprehensive solutions on the market today. It offers comprehensive protection against malicious websites and other threats while also blocking intrusive ads that can be disruptive to your web experience. Some key features include an advanced firewall system, anti-malware protection, and a selection of pre-configured settings for easy setup.
Surfshark CleanWeb is another popular option that provides users with ad-blocking capabilities and more. This program uses filtering to block ads from appearing in your browser window, ensuring that you’re not exposed to unwanted marketing messages or other disruptive images. Additionally, Surfshark offers malware protection and automatic connection switching between VPNs.
Finally, Proton VPN NetShield is designed to provide an enhanced internet browsing experience. It offers advanced protection against malicious websites and phishing attempts while blocking all types of ads on your browser. The program also includes options for customizing the ad-blocking settings, as well as features for managing the network traffic.
How to choose the best ad blocker for Edge
Choosing the best ad blocker for Edge is an important decision. After all, it’s responsible for protecting you from intrusive and malicious ads that can compromise your security, privacy, and data. To make sure you find an ad blocker that fits your needs and performs optimally, there are a few key factors to consider:
First, it's essential to research the software and verify its legitimacy before installing any ad blocker on your device. Fake or malicious versions of the software may not provide adequate protection against ads or even worse — they could be designed to steal your data or infect your device with malware.
Second, ensure the ad blocker has enough customization options to effectively block various types of ads while still allowing access to specific types of ads or content you want to view.
This includes video ads, banners, and pop-ups, as well as other forms of intrusive advertisements. Some ad blockers are too strong and may block relevant content that is necessary for certain websites or applications to run properly.
Third, investigate the customer support provided by the software developer — this could be a key factor in selecting your ad blocker. A reliable customer service team will address any issues quickly and provide guidance if needed when configuring or troubleshooting the software.
Finally, double-check which type of ads are blocked by each ad blocker before making your selection; some programs may only block banner-type ads but not videos or vice versa. Be aware that many free versions of ad blockers may limit the range of ads that can be blocked and could offer limited customization options.
- High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
- Loads of servers for multiple connection options
- Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
- Too many confusing plans