Is YouTube Vanced Available for PC?
No. YouTube Vanced was designed exclusively for Android devices and was never released for desktop platforms. The app relied on Android's APK format and sideloading capabilities, which do not exist on Windows, macOS, or Linux in the same way. YouTube Vanced was also discontinued in March 2022, meaning no future ports will ever be developed.
If you've seen websites claiming to offer "YouTube Vanced for PC download" or "YouTube Vanced desktop version," these are scams. There is no legitimate YouTube Vanced PC application. Never download executable files from sites making this claim.
Can You Run YouTube Vanced on PC via Emulator?
While Android emulators like BlueStacks, NoxPlayer, and LDPlayer can technically run APK files on a desktop computer, running YouTube Vanced on PC through an emulator is not recommended for several reasons:
- Security risks: YouTube Vanced APKs are no longer maintained and may contain vulnerabilities
- Compatibility: The outdated app frequently fails to connect to YouTube's updated backend
- MicroG issues: Google authentication through emulators adds another layer of potential failure
- Better alternatives exist: Native desktop solutions provide a superior, safer experience
Best YouTube Vanced Alternatives for PC
These are the most effective ways to get ad-free YouTube on desktop — all are free, actively maintained, and work on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
| Option | Platform | Ad Blocking | SponsorBlock | Google Login | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| uBlock Origin | Windows/Mac/Linux | ✓ | Via extension | ✓ | Browser extension |
| Brave Browser | Windows/Mac/Linux | ✓ | Via extension | ✓ | Web browser |
| FreeTube | Windows/Mac/Linux | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Desktop app |
| YouTube Premium | Any browser | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | Paid service |
Detailed Desktop Solutions
uBlock Origin - Best Browser Extension
uBlock Origin is the most popular and effective ad blocker for YouTube on desktop. Install it on Firefox, Chrome, or Edge and it blocks all YouTube video ads, banner ads, and overlay ads automatically. Pair it with the SponsorBlock extension to also skip in-video sponsor segments — together they replicate the core YouTube Vanced PC experience.
FreeTube - Best Standalone Desktop App
FreeTube is a free, open-source desktop YouTube player available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It provides ad-free viewing, built-in SponsorBlock, subscription management (without a Google account), and a clean interface. FreeTube is the closest thing to a YouTube Vanced for PC experience as a native application.
Brave Browser - Easiest Setup
Brave Browser has ad and tracker blocking built in. Simply install Brave, navigate to YouTube, and enjoy significantly reduced ads without installing any extensions. It supports Google account login for accessing subscriptions and history.
Is ReVanced Available for PC?
No. ReVanced is also Android-only. It works by patching the official YouTube APK on your Android device, which is not applicable to desktop operating systems. For PC users, the browser-based solutions listed above provide equivalent ad-blocking functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. YouTube Vanced was exclusively an Android app. It was never available for Windows, Mac, or Linux and was discontinued in 2022.
Technically yes via Android emulators, but it is not recommended. The app is outdated, may not work properly, and native desktop alternatives are much better.
uBlock Origin (browser extension), FreeTube (desktop app), and Brave Browser are the best free alternatives for ad-free YouTube on PC.
No. ReVanced is Android-only. For PC ad blocking, use uBlock Origin or FreeTube instead.