Best YouTube Ad Blockers in 2026 (What Still Works)

The best YouTube ad blockers in 2026 are uBlock Origin for desktop browsers and YouTube Premium for all devices including mobile. YouTube has increasingly cracked down on ad blockers, making many extensions unreliable. This guide covers what still works, ethical alternatives, and why supporting creators matters.

Key Takeaways

• uBlock Origin remains the most effective free ad blocker for YouTube on desktop
• YouTube actively blocks ad blocker users with warnings and playback restrictions
• Mobile ad blocking is difficult—YouTube Premium is the reliable option
• Ad blockers don't work on Smart TVs or gaming consoles
• Using ad blockers means creators don't get paid for your views
• YouTube Premium ($13.99/mo) is the only legitimate ad-free option across all devices

YouTube's Ad Blocker Crackdown

Current Situation (2026)

YouTube has implemented aggressive detection of ad blockers:

What happens:

• Warning messages appear
• Video playback may be blocked after warnings
• Some users report account restrictions
• Cat-and-mouse game with blockers

YouTube's official stance:

• Ad blocking violates Terms of Service
• Detection methods constantly updated
• Pushing users toward YouTube Premium

Why Ad Blockers Are Less Reliable

Best Desktop Ad Blockers (What Works)

1. uBlock Origin (Most Recommended)

Installation:

• Chrome: Chrome Web Store → uBlock Origin
• Firefox: Firefox Add-ons → uBlock Origin
• Edge: Edge Add-ons → uBlock Origin

Why it's best:

• Open source, trustworthy
• Lightweight, fast
• Regularly updated
• Multiple filter lists
• Most likely to keep working

1. 1.Click uBlock Origin icon
2. 2.Click "Update Now" (↻ icon)
3. 3.Check for updates weekly

2. AdBlock Plus

Notes:

• Has "Acceptable Ads" program (shows some ads by default)
• Disable Acceptable Ads in settings for full blocking
• Heavier on resources than uBlock Origin

3. Brave Browser

How to use:

1. 1.Download Brave browser
2. 2.Use Brave instead of Chrome
3. 3.Ad blocking enabled by default

Pros:

• No extension needed
• Privacy features built-in
• Chromium-based (familiar)

Cons:

• Requires switching browsers
• YouTube may still detect

Ad Blocker Comparison

Mobile Ad Blocking

The Hard Truth

Blocking YouTube ads on mobile is much harder:

• YouTube app doesn't support extensions
• iOS blocks system-wide ad blockers
• Android options exist but are complex
• Most methods require technical knowledge

Android Options

1. YouTube Vanced (Discontinued)

• Was the best option
• No longer updated
• Security risks using old versions

2. YouTube ReVanced (Community Fork)

• Continues Vanced concept
• Requires technical setup
• See our ReVanced guide

3. NewPipe (Alternative App)

• Open source YouTube client
• No Google account features
• Downloads available
• Different interface

4. Firefox + uBlock Origin (Browser)

• Use Firefox mobile browser
• Install uBlock Origin extension
• Access YouTube via browser (not app)
• Limited compared to app experience

iOS Options

Very Limited:

• No modified YouTube apps on App Store
• System-wide blockers don't work on YouTube app
• Only option: Use Safari + ad blocker for YouTube.com
• Safari browsers with blockers: Brave, Firefox Focus

Mobile Option Comparison

Smart TV and Console Options

No Real Ad Blockers

For YouTube on:

• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, etc.)
• Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV
• PlayStation, Xbox

Options:

1. 1.YouTube Premium - Only reliable option
2. 2.Pihole - Network-level blocking (technical setup)
3. 3.Cast from phone - Block on phone, cast to TV (limited)

Pi-hole for Network-Level Blocking

What it is:

Network-wide DNS sinkhole that blocks ads at router level.

Requirements:

• Raspberry Pi or similar device
• Technical knowledge
• Router configuration

Effectiveness for YouTube:

• Partially works
• YouTube serves ads from same domains as content
• Blocking breaks functionality
• Not recommended specifically for YouTube

Ethical Considerations

How YouTube Monetization Works

When you block ads:

• Creator gets $0 from your view
• YouTube gets $0
• You get free content without supporting creators

The Ethics Debate

Arguments for blocking:

• Too many ads
• Intrusive ad formats
• Privacy concerns
• Poor ad targeting

Arguments against:

• Creators need income
• Free content has trade-offs
• Premium is an alternative
• Direct support options exist

Supporting Creators Without Watching Ads

YouTube Premium: The Legal Alternative

What You Get

Pricing

Premium vs Ad Blockers

Workarounds and Tips

Reduce (Not Eliminate) Ads

If not using ad blocker:

1. Skip quickly:

• Most ads are skippable after 5 seconds
• Skip button appears automatically

2. Watch longer videos:

• More watch time per ad impression
• Fewer ads relative to content

3. Use YouTube's Ad Settings:

• Settings → Ads → Personalization
• Adjust ad preferences
• Report irrelevant ads

Ethical Compromise

If you use ad blockers, consider:

1. 1.Whitelist channels you want to support
2. 2.Subscribe to YouTube Premium
3. 3.Support creators through other means
4. 4.Use memberships/Super Chat
5. 5.Purchase through affiliate links

Recommendations:

The Reality:

• Free ad blocking is getting harder
• YouTube Premium is becoming the practical choice
• Supporting creators matters for the ecosystem

If you use ad blockers, consider supporting your favorite creators through alternative means. The content you enjoy is made possible by their work.

Related Resources:

• YouTube Premium Review
• YouTube Vanced Alternatives
• How to Support YouTube Creators