How to Block Twitch Ads in 2025: Complete Guide to Ad-Free Viewing
If you want to know how to block Twitch ads – from banner ads to mid-roll ads – dive into this guide that comes with step-by-step instructions and our top suggestions.
Written by Jeremy Gan (Writer)
Reviewed by Samuel Chapman (Writer, Editor)
Facts checked by Eugenie Tiu (Editorial Assistant)
Last Updated:
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Key Takeaways: Key Takeaways: Block Twitch Ads
- Create a NordVPN account with a 72% discount on the first two years.
- Install the app.
- Click the shield icon and enable threat protection.
Best VPNs for Blocking Twitch Ads:
- NordVPN — Best-in-class VPN for all use-cases. You can sign up for NordVPN with a 72% discount and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
- Surfshark — Powerful protection that’s easy on your wallet. Surfshark’s two-year plan offers 66% (plus 3 months free) off on the first two years with three months free.
- ExpressVPN — Premium VPN protection made simple. Explore ExpressVPN’s features with a 30-day return policy, and grab extended plans at a 25% discount.
Facts & Expert Analysis on Blocking Twitch Ads
- Twitch streams are full of ads if users don’t subscribe or buy Twitch Turbo. Ads primarily appear on channels participating in Twitch’s Partner Program, making ad blocking particularly relevant for viewing popular streamers.
- The best ways to block Twitch ads include using strong stand-alone ad blockers (like uBlock Origin) or VPNs with built-in ad-blocking features. You can also use a VPN to stream Twitch from an ad-free country.
- The best VPN for blocking Twitch ads is NordVPN followed by Surfshark and ExpressVPN, with Windscribe being a free VPN that deserves honorable mention.
If you’re one of the 2.3 million daily Twitch viewers, you’re no stranger to ads interrupting the streams. Twitch runs ads in order to stay afloat, and these ads range from on-screen pop-ups to video ads, some running before you watch the stream and others mid-stream. This guide will explain how to block Twitch ads, including with good gaming VPNs, ad blockers and more.
Twitch doesn’t like it when people avoid ads, but you can learn how to block Twitch ads with a virtual private network (VPN), including some of the best VPNs. We also have an article on the best VPNs with ad blockers.
Ad blockers usually come as browser extensions, but sometimes they’re packaged with VPNs. In one convenient package, VPN services simultaneously block ads and preserve your online privacy from hackers, internet service providers (ISPs) and government agencies. Some ad-blocking solutions work by replacing Twitch’s default video player integration with a modified version that bypasses ad insertion.
Before proceeding, remember that different ads require different solutions. Ad blockers that come with VPNs don’t always block pre-roll and mid-roll ads on Twitch, though they can get rid of pop-up ads effectively. However, ad blockers still don’t protect your privacy fully. We’ll cover everything you need to know below.
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10/01/2024
We refined the article’s configuration steps and updated the rankings to reflect the latest VPN capabilities.
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02/13/2025 Facts checked
This article was updated to include more information on NordVPN’s ad-blocking capabilities and additional ways to block Twitch ads.
Different Types of Twitch Ads
Though there are technically seven types of Twitch ads, they all fall into these three larger categories:
- On-page ads and banner ads
- Pre-roll and mid-roll video ads
- In-script ads
For the top two types of Twitch ads, you can use online tools to block them.
However, streamers will sometimes read from a script to promote a product. These sponsorships aren’t pop-ups or videos. VPNs and ad blockers can’t prevent them because they’re part of the broadcast.
How to Block Pre-Roll and Mid-Rolls Ads
One of the most effective ways to block video ads (pre-roll and mid-roll) as you watch Twitch is to simply connect to a VPN server in a country that does not let Twitch run ads. For mobile users, the VPN approach is particularly effective since traditional ad blockers have limited functionality on mobile Twitch apps.
Poland, Germany, Ukraine and Costa Rica are four countries that block these types of Twitch ads from playing or appearing. From our testing, we confirmed that these countries have few or no ads. Different regional advertising policies mean connecting to servers in these countries can help bypass ads due to their stricter regulations on streaming advertisements.
while mid-roll ads are slightly less common.
For our tutorial on blocking video ads, we’ll use NordVPN as our example. It has a dedicated ad-blocking feature, and it is the best VPN for Germany, Poland and many other countries.
- Register for NordVPN
Visit the official NordVPN website and purchase a subscription. Select the two-year plans to get the best deal. Next, go to the download page.
- Download and Install NordVPN
Download and install NordVPN by following the on-screen prompts.
- Connect to a Server
After installing NordVPN, launch it and connect to a country that doesn’t show Twitch ads. Your best options include Poland, Germany, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ukraine and Romania. You should now be able to stream Twitch without pre-roll and mid-roll ads.
- Enable the Web Protection
As an added measure, you can also enable the built-in ad blocker by finding the shield icon on the left-side panel and turning on web protection.
How to Block On-Page Twitch Ads With a VPN
While connecting to a specific location is great for blocking ads, you’ll need an ad blocker to eliminate on-page ads on Twitch. While some ad-block browser extensions work, bundling an ad blocker with a VPN gets you online anonymity along with an ad-free experience. We’ll use NordVPN as the example here.
- Register for NordVPN
Go to the NordVPN website and click “pricing” to subscribe. After creating an account, you’ll be directed to the download page.
- Get NordVPN
Get NordVPN for your desktop and install the app. After that, launch the app and go to the main interface.
- Activate Threat Protection
Click the shield icon on the left side and use the dropdown menu below “web protection” to activate it. You should now be able to access Twitch without running into ads. If you wish to use Threat Protection Lite, you can toggle it on, but you must connect to a VPN server to ensure it’ll stop ads. If you’re on mobile, you’re stuck with it.
Other Effective Ways to Block Twitch Ads
Using a VPN to block ads on Twitch can result in slower internet speeds, especially for those with poor reception. Advanced users can configure proxy server settings manually to route Twitch traffic through ad-free regions, though this requires technical expertise. Fortunately, there are many alternative methods for blocking Twitch ads.
Subscribe to Twitch Channels
Subscribing to Twitch is the simplest way to remove ads from your favorite Twitch channel. The streamer also earns money from your Twitch subscription, so we recommend this if you want to support them.
Purchase Twitch Turbo
Twitch Turbo is a subscription that gets rid of all ads on Twitch livestreams (besides channel sponsorships) for $11.99 per month in the U.S., though other countries charge a different amount. There may be pop-ups and banners on the homepage, but pre-roll and mid-roll ads will never appear when you watch a stream.
Use Twitch Adblock Extension
You can block a large variety of ads with an ad-blocking extension for browsers. Twitch Adblock Plus and Surfshark’s browser extension are two of the best. They’re available on Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers.
Floating video ads are a particularly annoying type of Twitch ad that appears over the stream content. While many ad blockers struggle with these, specialized tools like AdBlock include specific features to target and remove floating video ads without affecting the stream quality.
When installing ad-blocking extensions, review their required browser permissions to ensure they access only necessary Twitch-related data.
Use uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is one of the best ad blockers for Twitch ads and has the added benefits of being free and open source. It can remove Twitch ads and record which ads and ad domains have been blocked, and it has other advanced features.
One of uBlock Origin’s most powerful features is its customizable filter lists. You can add specialized filter lists specifically designed for Twitch, allowing you to target and block new types of ads as they appear on the platform. uBlock Origin also doesn’t hog system resources; you barely notice it’s there.
Some people have reported it not working for them, but it performed well in our testing.
Best VPN to Block Twitch Ads
Here are the best VPNs for blocking Twitch ads, either by connecting to an ad-free country using a VPN or using a VPN’s built-in ad blocker.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Removing Ads on Twitch
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN comes with an ad and malware blocker, and Threat Protection, which is effective at blocking Twitch ads. The former works even when not connected to a VPN location; the latter requires a VPN connection and is better for mobile users. iOS users can connect to NordVPN directly from the Control Center, making it faster to enable ad blocking before launching Twitch on their mobile devices.
NordVPN also has servers in ad-free countries. In addition, its new NordWhisper protocol is particularly effective for users in regions where VPN usage is restricted, as it doesn’t have the typical traffic signatures that reveal VPN usage. This can be especially useful when trying to access Twitch without ads in countries with strict internet controls.
NordVPN employs DNS filtering as part of its ad-blocking strategy, helping prevent ad domains from loading before they reach your device. The enhanced Dark Web Monitor also provides comprehensive digital identity protection alongside ad-blocking capabilities.
NordVPN now offers post-quantum encryption capabilities to protect against future quantum computing threats, making it one of the most forward-thinking VPN services for long-term security.
If you want to learn more, check out our NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
2. Surfshark – Best Cheap Twitch Ad Blocker VPN
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Surfshark’s CleanWeb is excellent for blocking pop-ups and Twitch ads, though you need to stay connected for it to work. CleanWeb 2.0 offers customization options and instant ad blocking without connecting to VPN servers. However, it’s only available as a browser extension. Our Surfshark review has more info.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Best Beginner-Friendly VPN for Blocking Twitch Ads
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN’s extensive server network lets users connect to countries like Poland, Germany and Costa Rica, which don’t allow video ads when watching Twitch streams. It also has ad-blocking capabilities built into the app, so it will remove pop-ups or banner ads, plus its large server network and features are unmatched. Read our ExpressVPN review for more details.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
How Do I Stop Twitch Ads For Free?
You can use the above method to stop Twitch ads for free by using a trustworthy VPN with free servers, such as Windscribe. The free German servers can stop ads, but they come with data usage limits. Windscribe also has the R.O.B.E.R.T. blocking tool, which can block ads on Twitch. You can look at our Windscribe review for the complete picture.
You should be wary of free VPNs that don’t limit data or speeds, as they might sell your data or infect your devices. Although some free VPNs are safe to use, our list of the worst free VPNs shows just how bad they can get.
Final Thoughts: Twitch Ad Blockers
No one likes so many ads interrupting their favorite streamers’ greatest moments, but Twitch makes blocking ads non-optional thanks to the sheer number that appear.
While using VPNs to block ads may occasionally impact stream quality, premium services like NordVPN with ad blockers maintain high speeds that minimize buffering. With NordVPN’s risk-free 30-day refund period, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving the service a try.
Users who don’t want to spend money can consider uBlock Origin or Windscribe (although it has data usage limits). Subscribing to a streamer or getting Twitch Turbo is also a surefire way to remove ads.
What’s your favorite way to block Twitch ads? Are there any VPNs or browser extensions we missed? Let us know in the comments section below. Thank you for reading.
FAQ: Blocking Twitch Ads With VPNs
No, ads will only appear on Twitch Partner and Affiliate broadcasts, meaning small streamers will provide an utterly ad-free viewing experience.
You can use a browser extension for blocking Twitch ads, like Twitch Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin, or connect to a VPN server in specific countries like Poland and Costa Rica.
Twitch Prime, a free subscription offered to Amazon Prime members, used to let you get ad-free content from one streaming channel per month. Today, it doesn’t remove ads anymore.