Quick Comparison - All Platforms
| Solution | Platform | Ad Blocking | Background Play | Google Login | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ReVanced | Android | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Free |
| NewPipe | Android | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Free |
| LibreTube | Android | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Free |
| uBlock Origin | Desktop | ✓ | N/A | ✓ | Free |
| Brave Browser | All | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | Free |
| SmartTube | Android TV | ✓ | N/A | ✓ | Free |
| FreeTube | Desktop | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Free |
| YouTube Premium | All | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $13.99/mo |
Best YouTube Ad Blocker for Android
Android has the most options for blocking YouTube ads because sideloading apps is straightforward.
1. ReVanced - Best Overall
ReVanced patches the official YouTube app to remove all ads while keeping your Google account, subscriptions, and watch history. It also includes SponsorBlock, background playback, and theme customization.
2. NewPipe - Easiest Setup
NewPipe is a standalone app that doesn't require patching. It's lightweight, privacy-focused, and includes built-in download capabilities. The tradeoff is no Google account login.
3. LibreTube - Most Private
LibreTube routes all requests through the Piped alternative frontend, minimizing direct contact with YouTube's servers. Best for users who prioritize privacy above all else.
Best YouTube Ad Blocker for Desktop
On desktop, browser extensions remain the most effective approach.
uBlock Origin - Gold Standard
uBlock Origin is the most widely recommended content blocker for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It effectively blocks all YouTube ads including pre-roll, mid-roll, and overlay ads. Pair it with the SponsorBlock extension to also skip in-video sponsor segments.
Brave Browser - Built-in Blocking
Brave Browser has ad and tracker blocking built into the browser itself. No extensions needed - just install and browse YouTube with reduced ads.
Best YouTube Ad Blocker for Android TV
SmartTube is purpose-built for Android TV, Fire Stick, Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, and Nvidia Shield. It blocks all YouTube ads with a TV-optimized remote-control interface.
YouTube Ad Blocking on iOS
iOS is the most restricted platform for ad blocking due to Apple's sideloading limitations. Your best options are:
- YouTube Premium - Official, no workarounds needed
- Brave Browser - Watch YouTube in-browser with built-in ad blocking
- Safari with content blockers - Partial ad blocking through extensions
What Happened to YouTube Vanced?
YouTube Vanced was the most popular YouTube ad blocker for Android before it was discontinued in March 2022 following Google's cease-and-desist. ReVanced is the community-maintained successor that provides all the same ad-blocking features.
Frequently Asked Questions
ReVanced is the most popular and feature-complete YouTube ad blocker for Android. It blocks all ads while keeping Google account support.
Yes. ReVanced, NewPipe, LibreTube, uBlock Origin, and SmartTube are all completely free and open-source.
Yes. On Android use ReVanced or NewPipe. On desktop use uBlock Origin. On Android TV use SmartTube. On iOS, Brave Browser offers partial blocking.
No. YouTube Vanced was discontinued in 2022. ReVanced is the actively maintained successor with the same features and regular updates.