Surfshark CleanWeb Review & Cost for 2025: Are they a Scam, or Safe and Legit?

Surfshark is a widely used and well-regarded VPN service. CleanWeb is an ad blocker that was launched as a feature for Surfshark. However, this feature works so effortlessly in blocking ads, trackers, and malicious content across the web that it deserves its own review. That’s why we’re here.

VPN-based ad blockers are not always the perfect option. However, they are really useful on mobile devices, where the options are limited. Surfshark also allows you to run CleanWeb independently on web browsers without turning the VPN on. 

Other than blocking ads and trackers, CleanWeb promises to protect against phishing and reduce bandwidth usage. In this review, we’ll put CleanWeb to the test to see if it really works. If you want to know if Surfshark CleanWeb is worth enabling, then stick around for the full review.

⭐ Rating7.7 out of 10
💵 Price$15.45/month, $47.85/year, or $59.13/two years
🏷️ Free versionNo
▶️ Blocks YouTube Ads?Yes
⛔ Blocks Trackers?Yes
💻 CompatibilityChrome, Firefox, Edge, Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Pros and Cons of Surfshark Cleanweb Ad Blocker

Pros

  • Excellent compatibility
  • Integrated VPN and Ad Blocker
  • Seamless Installation
  • Solid Real-World Performance
  • Ease of Use
  • Good Customer Support

Cons

  • Lack of Customizability
  • No Free Version
  • Limited Trial Options
  • Performs Poorly in Tracking Tests

Is Surfshark CleanWeb Safe?

Yes, CleanWeb is safe. CleanWeb works by analysing website requests through the VPN. It blocks connections to known ad and malware providers before they load, exposing you to fewer threats like malvertising. This proactive filtering keeps malicious content away without slowing down your browsing experience. It’s a win-win, especially for mobile users who often don’t have a good selection of ad-blockers.

One of the best features is CleanWeb’s ability to block trackers that follow your online behaviour. Advertisers and data-hungry third parties won’t be able to follow you around. You’re not just browsing ad-free; you’re doing so with less worry about invasive tracking or data collection.

For users who are concerned about safety, CleanWeb also tackles phishing risks. It blocks access to suspicious sites and alerts you about malware-prone websites, providing an extra layer of protection. But while CleanWeb is a powerful tool, it’s not a replacement for cautious browsing or a full antivirus.

What’s the Difference Between Surfshark CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2.0?

Let’s get this one question out of the way before we get more in-depth with the features and tests. You might get a bit confused when setting up CleanWeb on different devices. In some places, you’ll see CleanWeb, whereas other devices have CleanWeb 2.0. Is one better than the other? Is 2.0 an update? Are they both supposed to co-exist? Let’s figure all that out. 

CleanWeb is the original ad-blocker that sets the foundation for ad removal. CleanWeb 2.0 takes it to the next level with more features and customisation options for browser users.

These are the key differences between Surfshark CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2.0:

  1. Compatibility and Access: CleanWeb is available on all Surfshark app platforms, desktop and mobile, and integrates seamlessly with the VPN. CleanWeb 2.0 is only available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge. This means it’s limited to browser activity but has features that are not available in the app.
  2. CleanWeb 2.0 Features: While CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers and malware, CleanWeb 2.0 has four toggles:
    • Ad blocker: Blocks video ads on popular streaming services.
    • Pop-up blocker: Handles cookie consent pop-ups so you can browse uninterrupted.
    • Data breach alert: Tells you if your credentials are found in a breach.
    • Malware alert: Warns you about malware on compromised websites.

These additional features give you more protection based on your needs.

  1. No VPN Required: CleanWeb works with Surfshark’s VPN, but CleanWeb 2.0 can work without it. So you can use its features without being connected to a VPN server.
  2. User Interface and Customisation: CleanWeb 2.0 has a new dashboard in the browser extension with more intuitive and customisable options than the simple toggle in CleanWeb.

CleanWeb 2.0 is mainly for those users who want advanced browser-level ad-blocking with more customisation. But if you use Surfshark’s app across multiple devices, the original CleanWeb is still the way to go. Each is for different needs and it’s up to you how you want to manage your online privacy and security.

Surfshark CleanWeb Features Overview

Surfshark’s CleanWeb has a range of convenient features to boost privacy while browsing. It blocks video ads, banners, trackers, and more across all devices, including smartphones and smart TVs. You get an ad-free experience and Surfshark’s VPN security. However, performance may vary on some platforms, like mobile apps, depending on the configuration and platform.

One of the best features is CleanWeb’s privacy protection. By combining ad blocking with VPN, it encrypts traffic and masks IP addresses, hiding your activity from hackers and your ISP. But remember, this combination is only as good as the tool you enable and configure.

CleanWeb’s malware alert feature also protects against malware. It warns users about compromised websites and their data breach history. This proactive approach helps users avoid harmful interactions online, but it doesn’t replace dedicated antivirus software for full malware protection.

For users concerned about data consumption, especially those with limited mobile plans, CleanWeb’s ad blocking reduces data usage by not loading ads at all. While this can greatly improve browsing efficiency, the savings will depend on how ad-heavy the sites or apps you are using are.

Also, CleanWeb removes resource-heavy ads and pop-ups to speed up your browsing. This will make your experience smoother but won’t fix performance issues caused by other factors, like a weak internet connection.

Lastly, CleanWeb protects you from phishing attempts by blocking malicious ads that target unsuspecting users. When combined with Surfshark’s VPN, it’s a strong defence against such threats, but you still need to be cautious when clicking links or entering sensitive info online.

FeaturesStatus
Blocks Banner Ads?Yes
Blocks Video Ads?Yes
Blocks Pop-ups?Yes
Blocks Social Media Widgets?Yes
Blocks Sponsored Posts?Yes
Blocks Floating/Overlay Ads?Yes
Blocks Trackers?Yes
Blocks Malicious Sites?Yes
Blocks Notification Requests?Yes
Hides Cookie Prompts?Yes
Score (Out of 10):  10

Surfshark CleanWeb Performance Test

To properly understand how well Surfshark CleanWeb works, we ran it through a series of real-world tests and benchmarks. The following report will help you understand how it performed.

How We Test Ad Blockers

To evaluate an ad blocker thoroughly, we follow a five-step process. First, we test its compatibility and ease of installation across different platforms. Then, we look at usability and customisation options, making sure they are user-friendly and give you control. After that, we dig into pricing and customer support, gauging whether it offers solid value for your money. Finally, we tested it on popular sites like YouTube and Reddit, followed by benchmark tests to measure its performance against industry standards.

Curious about our detailed testing process? Head to our full article on How We Test Ad Blockers for the complete breakdown.

Testing Websites

YouTube

YouTube is full of ads—pre-roll ads before videos, mid-roll ads in videos, banners next to videos, and ads on the homepage. Users are often prompted to subscribe to YouTube Premium to get an ad-free experience. During our tests, Surfshark CleanWeb blocked all these ads, including shorts, and we didn’t get any prompts to subscribe to Premium, so YouTube was completely ad-free.

Ad TypeStatus
Video AdsBlocked
Banner AdsBlocked
Shorts AdsBlocked
Score (Out of 10):  10

Forbes

Forbes.com is an ad-heavy site with banner ads, sidebars, and pop-up ads throughout its articles. Surfshark CleanWeb blocked all visible ads on Forbes but couldn’t bypass the paywall, which restricts access to some articles. However, it did give us a safety warning about a data breach the site had on February 11, 2015.

The New York Times

The NYT site has banner ads, embedded article ads, and notification prompts to subscribe or allow updates. Surfshark CleanWeb blocked all ads and notifications, so we had an ad-free reading experience.

Yahoo

Yahoo’s ecosystem, including its news portal and Yahoo Mail, is full of side banners, embedded news ads and inbox ads. Surfshark CleanWeb blocked all ads on the Yahoo News page and the side banners in Yahoo Mail but couldn’t block ads that appeared in the inbox.

Reddit

Reddit has display ads and sponsored posts on its homepage and subreddits. Surfshark CleanWeb blocked all ads on Reddit, including the annoying sponsored posts, and we had a clean browsing experience.

X (formerly Twitter)

X has sponsored tweets and promoted posts in user timelines. Surfshark CleanWeb blocked all sponsored content, so the timeline was ad-free and only organic posts.

CategorySubcategoryStatus
WebsitesForbesBlocked
New York TimesBlocked
YahooPartial
RedditBlocked
XBlocked
Score (Out of 10):  9.5

Third-party Ad Block Testing

We tested Surfshark CleanWeb using four industry standard tools to see how it performs as an ad-blocker. These tests measure CleanWeb’s ability to block different types of ads, trackers and scripts.

  • AdBlock Tester: CleanWeb scored 98% and blocked most ads. But it was inconclusive in the contextual ads category where it couldn’t determine if two tests passed. The site said “most likely passed” because of irregular file sizes or extended load times, so it’s strong but not 100% sure in these cases.
  • D3ward Ad Block: Test CleanWeb scored 99% and is very strong at blocking ads overall. However, it failed in the ad script loading category. According to the test, this is because the specific site being tested uses scripts that are not in the standard ad-blocking lists, not because it can’t block scripts. In real-world usage, this won’t happen often.
  • Can You Block It?: CleanWeb blocked all visible ads, pop-ups, banners, and embedded ads. However, it failed advanced testing because of detection mechanisms, so some sites may recognise and counteract its ad-blocking.
  • Cover Your Tracks: This test shows CleanWeb’s privacy limitations. It didn’t block tracking ads and invisible trackers, so the browser has a unique fingerprint. It’s good at blocking traditional ads but not anonymising users from tracking technologies.
Test NameTest Score
Adblock Tester98
d3ward Ad Block Test99
Can You Block It?2/3
Cover Your Tracks0/3
Score (Out of 10):6.9

Is Surfshark CleanWeb Worth It? – Pricing, Free Tier, and Trial

Surfshark CleanWeb is a good option if you need both a VPN and an ad blocker. It’s a good feature, it blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites. In real world usage CleanWeb blocks most ads seamlessly, with minimal interruptions. But is it worth it? Well that depends if you want a bundled solution.

Pricing

CleanWeb is included with every Surfshark VPN subscription, which is reasonably priced for the dual benefit. Here’s the pricing:

  • Monthly Plan: $15.45
  • Yearly Plan: $47.85 ($3.19/month)
  • Two-Year Plan: $59.13 ($2.19/month)

The multi-year plans are the best value for long-term users, because of what it offers, such as a VPN, ad blocking, and privacy features, Surfshark’s pricing is competitive with standalone VPNs and premium ad blockers. The yearly subscription plans also give you three extra months. 

Keep in mind that these prices are for the starter plan. We recommend the Surfshark One plan, which is $3.99 per year or $2.69 for two years. There is also a Surfshark One+ feature which is more pricey as it bundles more tools.

Free Tier and Trial

Surfshark doesn’t offer a free version, which might be a deterrent for casual users or those who don’t want to commit to a paid plan. But there are trial options to try it out:

  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Available for yearly and two-year plans, you can try Surfshark risk-free.
  • 7-Day Free Trial: This trial is only available on the Google Play Store. It can be activated on your account and will carry over to other devices once linked.

Note that there’s no free trial for desktop users, which is a minor drawback as you can activate your trial from an Android phone and use it on a PC.

Is It Worth It?

Surfshark CleanWeb is worth it if you need a VPN and an ad blocker in one package. In real-world usage, it’s reliable and blocks most ads and trackers across devices and browsers. But if you only need ad blocking without a VPN, standalone ad blockers may offer more customisation and cost savings.

If you want a one-stop solution for privacy, security, and ad blocking, CleanWeb with Surfshark VPN is a good value.

CategoryScore
Value for Money4/5
Free Version Usability0/5
Score (Out of 10):4

How to use Surfshark CleanWeb?

Surfshark CleanWeb is a versatile feature designed to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. Here’s a detailed guide on enabling CleanWeb across various platforms, ensuring you can leverage its full potential.

Using CleanWeb on Surfshark Apps

CleanWeb is integrated into Surfshark’s apps for desktop and mobile devices, making it accessible wherever you go. Follow these steps to activate it:

  • Launch the Surfshark application on your device.
  • Click or tap on the Settings tab.
  • Select VPN Settings within the settings menu.
  • Toggle the switch next to the CleanWeb option. When the switch turns green, CleanWeb is active.

CleanWeb will now block ads and trackers while offering protection against some phishing attempts.

Using CleanWeb 2.0 on Browser Extensions

The CleanWeb 2.0 version adds advanced features like cookie pop-up blocking, malware alerts, and data breach notifications. It is available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

  • Download the Surfshark browser extension for your preferred browser.
  • Sign in using your Surfshark credentials.
  • Open the browser extension and navigate to the dashboard.
  • You’ll see toggles for CleanWeb features like the ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alert, and malware alert.
  • Enable or disable individual features based on your preferences. 

Keep in mind that, unlike the app, CleanWeb 2.0 does not require an active VPN connection.

Using CleanWeb on Smart TVs

For smart TVs, CleanWeb integrates through Surfshark’s app or router configuration.

  • Download Surfshark on supported smart TVs or streaming devices like Fire Stick or Apple TV.
  • Log in and go to the settings.
  • Enable CleanWeb through the VPN settings.

How Usable is Surfshark CleanWeb?

We’ll evaluate its usability in compatibility, installation, ease of use and customizability. The main idea here is to understand how widely available and user-friendly this tool is.

Compatibility

One of CleanWeb’s best features is its compatibility across devices and platforms. Surfshark supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Apple TV and FireTV, so you can use CleanWeb wherever you browse. That means you can have ad-blocking wherever you use.

For browsers, CleanWeb 2.0 is available as an extension for Chrome, Edge and Firefox. Unlike standalone ad blockers limited by Chrome’s Manifest V3 restrictions, CleanWeb works seamlessly as part of Surfshark’s VPN. That means it bypasses many browser-specific limitations. The dedicated Surfshark apps for Windows, macOS and Linux have CleanWeb built-in, so you can use it outside the browser without any browser technology-specific limitations.

Also, CleanWeb has a unique advantage by combining VPN with ad blocking. You can pair region-specific VPN servers with CleanWeb to bypass geographic restrictions, unblock websites, and stay private online—all while being ad-free. That’s something other VPN-based ad blockers can’t do.

PlatformAvailability
Chromium ExtensionYes
Firefox Add-OnYes
Safari ExtensionYes
MV3 Compliance (Chrome)Yes
Windows App (System-wide)Yes
macOS App (System-wide)Yes
Android App (System-wide)Yes
iOS App (System-wide)Yes
Score (Out of 10):10

Installation

Installing CleanWeb is easy, whether you use a browser extension or the Surfshark app. For desktop (Windows, macOS, and Linux), download and install the Surfshark app, log in, and toggle CleanWeb in the settings under “VPN Settings.” For mobile, it’s just as easy: download the app, log in, and toggle CleanWeb.

Installation is just as simple for browser extensions. You can add the Surfshark extension to your browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox), log in, and enable CleanWeb from the extension dashboard. It’s so easy that even non-techy people can get started in minutes, and it takes a few minutes on any platform.

InstallationStatus
Quick InstallationYes
Beginner FriendlyYes
Clarity of InstructionsYes
Score (Out of 10):10

Ease of Use

CleanWeb is all about simplicity. Enable and forget. Once enabled, it runs in the background, blocking ads and trackers without interaction. For browser extensions, you don’t need to connect to a VPN for CleanWeb to work, so it’s even more convenient.

But simplicity comes at a cost. Disabling the feature requires going into Surfshark’s settings, which isn’t as one-click as a dedicated ad blocker. Mobile users get a better experience; enabling the VPN enables CleanWeb and blocks ads on all traffic.

Despite the lack of advanced user controls, CleanWeb is easy to use if you just want a set-it-and-forget-it solution. This is good for users who prioritise convenience over customisation.

Ease of UseStatus
One Click UseNo
User Friendly SettingsYes
Automatic UpdatesYes
Score (Out of 10):6

Customisation

Where CleanWeb shines in simplicity, it falls short in customisation. Unlike dedicated ad blockers, CleanWeb has limited options to customise the ad-blocking experience. You can toggle three main features: ad blocking, cookie pop-up blocking and language-specific ad blocking. Beyond that, CleanWeb has no filter lists, manual element blocking, or customisation of user script.

Whitelisting was not found during testing. This might be a problem for users who want to block specific ads or sites. CleanWeb’s lack of filter lists makes it even less appealing for advanced users.

CustomizabilityStatus
Accessible Filter ListNo
Custom FiltersNo
Manual Element BlockingNo
Score (Out of 10):0

Surfshark Customer Support

If you’re facing any technical difficulties, have any questions, or need help with billing, Surfshark offers multiple support channels. They provide 24/7 live chat support so that users can instantly connect with an agent to resolve their issues. You will also get email support from them. While no email address is shared on their website, you can submit a ticket using the support form. Their team will reach out to you. If you’re more of a do-it-yourself person, their website has enough resources to help you troubleshoot. 

Their support team is prompt and great with customers. We had a good experience with their support, and based on reviews on TrustPilot and Reddit, we can see that more users say the same.

Customer SupportDescription / Score
Availability of SupportLive Chat, Knowledge Base and Email 
Response Time3/3
Support Quality3/3
Score (Out of 10):10

Verdict

Surfshark CleanWeb earns a solid 7.7, excelling in compatibility, installation, and customer support. It’s a reliable ad blocker that integrates seamlessly with Surfshark’s VPN, delivering strong real-world performance by blocking ads, trackers, and malicious websites across various devices and platforms.

However, the score takes a hit primarily due to its lack of customizability. Unlike dedicated ad blockers, CleanWeb doesn’t offer advanced options like filter lists, whitelisting, or manual element blocking. While this simplicity may not satisfy power users, it’s ideal for those seeking a hassle-free, “set-it-and-forget-it” solution. For many users, the convenience of enabling CleanWeb and letting it run quietly in the background outweighs the need for additional settings.

Surfshark CleanWeb is a great choice for users who value simplicity and real-world performance over granular customisation. While it’s not for everyone, it’s a dependable, convenient option for ad-free, secure browsing.

CategoryScoreWeight
Features1020
YouTube1010
Websites9.510
Independent Tests6.915
Pricing415
Compatibility105
Installation105
Ease of Use610
Customizability05
Support105
Final Score:7.7100

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Surfshark CleanWeb block YouTube ads?

Yes, Surfshark CleanWeb effectively blocks YouTube ads, including preroll, midroll, and banner ads. It also prevents prompts from subscribing to YouTube Premium and ensures an ad-free experience while streaming videos or browsing shorts.

Can I use CleanWeb without enabling Surfshark VPN?

Yes, CleanWeb 2.0, available as a browser extension, can function independently of the VPN. You don’t need to connect to a VPN server for ad-blocking features like tracker blocking and cookie pop-up suppression to work.

Is Surfshark CleanWeb free?

No, Surfshark CleanWeb is included as a feature in Surfshark VPN subscriptions. There is no standalone or free version available. However, Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial via the Google Play Store and a 30-day money-back guarantee for yearly and two-year plans.