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Watch YouTube Without Ads (Free & Paid): 12 Working Methods

YouTube ads have become longer, more frequent, and unskippable — especially on Smart TVs. Whether you want a completely ad-free YouTube, a free workaround, or a budget-friendly alternative, this guide covers every possible safe method for ad-free YoutTube, with pros, cons, and setup steps. 
Nov 28, 2025
Reading time 5 minutes

Table of Contents

Why YouTube Shows So Many Ads

YouTube has increased its ad load in recent years, especially in high-revenue countries like the United States and United Kingdom. This is mainly because:

1. YouTube Is Pushing Premium

More frequent and unskippable ads encourage users to upgrade to YouTube Premium for an uninterrupted experience.

2. More Creators = More Monetization

With millions of channels monetized, YouTube inserts more mid-roll ads to support creator earnings.

3. Smart TVs Show Extra Ads

TV apps often display longer, unskippable ads since they’re treated like traditional TV placements.

4. Regional Differences

Some regions show heavy ads (US/UK), while others show very few (Eastern Europe, parts of Asia), which is why VPN region switching works.

How to Watch YouTube without Ads for Free

1. Switch to an Ad-free YouTube Server

While a free proxy VPN like UFO VPN cannot fully remove ads, it can significantly reduce the number of ads you see on YouTube by switching you to a region where YouTube shows fewer or no pre-roll ads. And You can save all money for YouTube Premium!

For example, countries such as Switzerland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Serbia, and some parts of Asia-Pacific historically show far fewer mid-roll ads compared to the US, UK, Canada, or Australia.

Pros

  • Noticeably 0 ads with a built-in ad blocker.

  • Works on mobile and desktop.

  • Easy setup

  • Also unlocks geo-restricted videos

Cons

  • Free version may buffer or show their own ads

  • Premium plan required for stable HD streaming

Steps to Disable YouTube Ads with UFO VPN

Step 1 Download & Install UFO VPN

With 3000+ server in over 100 countries, UFO VPN is open to download as a free iPhone VPN, free Android VPN(with VPN APK), free Windows VPN and free Mac VPN. Install the app and sign up or log in.

Get Deals Get Deals

Step 2 Connect to a Browsing-friendly Server

Open the app, choose a free server locationwhere your desired streaming/gaming/browsing platform is available.

We recommend free USA VPN, free UK VPN and free Australia VPN.

Pro Tip

UFO VPN is compatible with popular platforms in gaming and streaming as CODM VPN, PUBG VPN, Netflix VPN and more!

Step 3 Check IP Location Status Again

After connecting, visit What is My IP tool to see your current location and ensure your real IP is visible.

Step 4 Enjoy Uninterrupted Browsing Now

With all set, visit your favorite platform and start browsing without geo-blocks or buffering!

Then open YouTube. Refresh the home feed or clear app cache if needed. YouTube will now treat you as a user in that region — resulting in fewer or lighter ads.

2. DNS Ad-Blocking on TV and All Devices

how to change dns on xbox

DNS-based ad-blocking like AdGuard DNS blocks most ad domains at the network level. The entire home network becomes ad-free easily and quickly.

Pros

  • Works on Smart TVs

  • Free option available

  • No need for browser extensions

Cons

  • YouTube sometimes loads ads from the same servers as videos

  • Might block comments or other features

Steps to Set Up DNS Blocking

  1. Open device or router DNS Settings.

  2. Enter AdGuard DNS IPs:

    • 94.140.14.14

    • 94.140.15.15

  3. Save → Restart YouTube app.

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3. YouTube Vanced Alternatives (Android Only)

ReVanced Manager 1.26.0 Download Official APK (2025)

Since Vanced shut down, users now switch to ReVanced or LibreTube (free, open-source apps).

Pros

  • 100% free

  • Background play + ad-free

  • Customizable themes

Cons

  • Android only

  • Must install manually (APK)

Steps (ReVanced) to Watch Ad-free YouTube

  1. Download ReVanced Manager.

  2. Patch the official YouTube APK.

  3. Install and log in.

4. Open Safari + Reader Mode (iPhone/iPad)

Open Safari + Reader Mode

afari’s built-in Reader Mode hides ads for many YouTube mobile web videos.

Pros

  • Already built-in

  • No apps needed

  • Free

Cons

  • Doesn’t work on every video

  • No comments or recommendations

Steps

  1. Open YouTube in Safari.

  2. Tap the Reader Mode icon.

  3. Video loads with zero ads.

5. Use Invidious Frontends (Web-Based YouTube)

Use Invidious Frontends for web-based youtube

Invidious is an open-source, privacy-friendly frontend for watching videos.

Pros

  • No ads

  • No login needed

  • Privacy-focused

Cons

  • No offline downloads

  • Some instances go offline

Steps to Watch YouTube without Ads

  1. Visit an Invidious instance (e.g., invidio.us).

  2. Search for any YouTube video.

  3. Watch without ads.

6. Smart TV Browser Trick

How to Download a Different Samsung TV Internet Browser

Many TV browsers don’t load YouTube ads because they bypass the ad API.

Pros

  • Works even on older TVs

  • No installations needed

Cons

  • Not all TV browsers support full playback

  • UI feels basic

Steps to Watch Youtube on TV without Ads

  1. Open Browser app on TV.

  2. Visit youtube.com.

  3. Ads often fail to load.

7. Download YouTube Videos for Offline Watching

Download YouTube Videos for Offline Watching

Using tools or apps that download videos removes ads entirely.

Pros

  • 100% ad-free offline

  • Highest reliability

Cons

  • Doesn’t support live streams

  • Some regions restrict downloads

Steps to Watch YouTube Offline without Ads

  1. Use a desktop downloader (4K Video Downloader, etc.).

  2. Paste the video URL.

  3. Save video ad-free.

8. Enable Free Browser Ad Blockers

search for Free Browser Ad Blockers on chrome web store

Extensions like uBlock Origin (uBlock Origin) block almost all YouTube ads on desktop browsers. Reliable ad-blockers work for all websites, not just YouTube.

Pros

  • Completely free

  • Works instantly

  • Highly customizable

Cons

  • Does not work on Smart TVs

  • YouTube sometimes breaks blockers

Steps to Set Up a Free YouTube Ad Blocker

  1. Install uBlock Origin from the Chrome/Firefox store.

  2. Open YouTube → Ads disappear.

  3. If ads appear, update filter lists.

9. Use Pi-hole for Full Network Ad Blocking

Use Pi-hole for Full Network Ad Blocking

Pi-hole is a server-level ad-blocking tool that filters ads for every device in your home.

Pros

  • Extremely powerful

  • Works on TVs, consoles, and all devices

  • Free (requires a Raspberry Pi)

Cons

  • Technical setup

  • YouTube ads sometimes get through without extra rules

Steps to Set Up Pi-hole for ad-free YouTube

  1. Install Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi.

  2. Set your router’s DNS to the Pi-hole IP.

  3. Apply updated YouTube blocklists.

10. Use an In-Browser Ad-Blocking Web Player

Some community-built web players proxy YouTube videos and strip ads before playback. These are browser-based alternatives where you paste a video URL and watch it without ads.

Pros

  • 100% free

  • No installation needed

  • Works on any device with a browser

Cons

  • Not as stable as official apps

  • Some players break comments or recommendations

  • HD/60FPS may be limited during peak times

Examples

  • Invidious instances

  • Piped video front-ends

  • FreeTube Web (browser preview mode)

(These sites act as alternative interfaces for YouTube, fetching the video without ads.)

Steps

  1. Open an Invidious or Piped instance.

  2. Paste the YouTube link.

  3. Watch the video ad-free.

  4. (Optional) Bookmark the instance for faster access.

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How to Watch YouTube without Ads: Paid Solutions

1. Subsrcibe to YouTube Premium 

Get YouTube Premium - YouTube

YouTube Premium is the only official way to remove ads everywhere — phone, desktop, TV, and console. This works even on Smart TVs, where most free blockers fail.

Pros

  • 100% ad-free

  • Works on every device

  • Includes Background Play & YouTube Music

  • Highest stability (never breaks)

Cons

  • Monthly cost varies by country

How to Set Up YouTube Premium for Ad-free Watching

  1. Open the YouTube app or website.

  2. Go to Profile → Purchases and memberships.

  3. Select YouTube Premium.

  4. Subscribe using card/PayPal or in-app billing.

2. YouTube Premium vs Cheaper Countries

 

Some users legally subscribe using pricing from lower-cost regions such as India, Turkey, or Argentina using a local payment method.

Pros

  • 60–85% cheaper

  • Still fully official

  • Works across all devices

Cons

  • Requires a payment method that matches region

  • VPN required only during signup

Setup Steps for Cheaper YouTube Premium

  1. Connect a VPN to a low-cost country.

  2. Visit YouTube → Buy Premium.

  3. Add local-region payment method.

  4. Disable VPN afterward.

3. Use an Ad-Blocking/ Private DNS Service

Ad-Blocking/ Private DNS Service

Paid DNS-based filtering services block advertising servers at the network level, including most YouTube ad delivery domains. This method works especially well for Smart TVs, where browser extensions aren’t possible.

Pros

  • Works for every device on your Wi-Fi

  • Great for Smart TVs and devices without browsers

  • No app installation required

  • Faster browsing overall

Cons

  • Small monthly fee

  • Rarely, some YouTube ads slip through

  • Must update DNS settings on your router or phone

Steps

  1. Sign up for a private DNS service (e.g., NextDNS).

  2. Copy the DNS IP addresses provided.

  3. Open your router settings → set custom DNS.

  4. Save & reboot the router.

  5. Open YouTube → enjoy an almost ad-free experience.

Tips for Ad-free YouTube: Mobile, Desktop & Smart TVs

Watch YouTube without Ads on iPhone/Android

👍Best Methods

  • Built-in ad blocker browsers (e.g., Brave)

  • DNS blocking (NextDNS / AdGuard DNS)

  • Lightweight ad blockers via private DNS on Android

  • Switching regions with a VPN

Extra Tips

  • Always use the browser version of YouTube instead of the app for free ad blocking.

  • On Android: set Private DNS to a blocking service.

  • On iOS: use configuration profiles from DNS providers.

Watch YouTube without Ads on Windows/Mac

Best Methods

  • Browser extensions (uBlock Origin, SponsorBlock, etc.)

  • Ad-blocking browsers (Opera GX, Brave)

  • Proxy-style YouTube front-end (Invidious, Piped)

  • VPN region switching

Extra Tips

  • Use profiles in your browser: one for YouTube, one for work.

  • Enable “Advanced Filtering” in your ad blocker for stronger protection.

  • Update your browser often so YouTube can’t break your filters.

Watch YouTube without Ads on Smart TVs

Smart TVs are the hardest platform to block ads because they rely on the official YouTube app.

Best Methods

  • Paid DNS filtering (NextDNS / ControlD)

  • Router-level ad blocking

  • Installing YouTube via a web browser instead of the official app (if supported)

  • Casting from an ad-blocked phone or desktop

Extra Tips

  • For Samsung & LG: use the TV browser + ad-blocked DNS for best results.

  • For Android TV: sideload a browser (e.g., Kiwi Browser) + extensions.

  • For Roku & Apple TV: rely on router DNS filtering or VPN routers.

FAQs

Do ad blockers still work on YouTube in 2026?

Yes, but YouTube frequently updates its anti-adblock measures. Extensions like uBlock Origin still work with updated filters.

Does YouTube block VPNs?

YouTube doesn’t block VPN usage, but it may adjust region-based recommendations.

What’s the best method to watch YouTube without ads for Smart TVs?

Use DNS blocking, Pi-hole, or a TV web browser.

Bypass blocks. Stay private.

Use UFO VPN — the best free VPN that works anywhere

Jake Harrison
Jake Harrison

About This Author

Hey there, I’m Jake Harrison. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, I’ve spent the last decade writing about tech, culture, and the ever-evolving digital world. If I’m not at my desk hammering out articles, you’ll probably find me on a road trip, chasing the next great story.