Adblockers and VPNs: Do They Work Together and Should You Use Both?

Here at PrivateVPN, we believe in providing clarity about what these tools do, how they intersect, and whether using both an adblocker and a VPN makes sense. In this article we unpack how adblockers and VPNs work, how they differ, how they can be used together and offer guidance on when it’s worth using both.

What a VPN Does

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes your traffic through a remote server. For example, PrivateVPN offers military-grade 2048-bit encryption, a strict no-logging policy, and servers in multiple countries.

With a VPN in use:

• Your internet service provider (ISP) and other intermediaries cannot easily see which websites you visit (they can see you’re connected to a VPN server, but not typically much beyond that).
• Your IP address is masked by the server’s IP, meaning websites you visit will see the VPN server’s IP instead of your real one.
• Public Wi-Fi networks become less risky, because the encrypted tunnel helps protect against eavesdropping.
  Thus the VPN is primarily aimed at privacy, security, and sometimes geo-unblocking (e.g., streaming content from another region). (Source: PrivateVPN feature page)

However, a VPN is not primarily designed to block all ads. Some ads may still appear because the websites load content that includes ads, trackers, or even scripts that run after encryption/decryption.

What an Adblocker Does

An adblocker (browser extension, device-wide app, or part of a security suite) focuses on blocking or filtering unwanted content: pop-ups, banners, tracking scripts, autoplay videos, and sometimes malicious ad networks. It can improve page load times, reduce data usage, and limit tracking by advertisers.

Ad blockers operate by intercepting requests to known ad servers or filtering out elements in web pages. They are typically configured at the browser or operating-system level, not necessarily via encryption or routing through remote servers.

While an adblocker enhances your browsing experience, it addresses a different axis of protection than a VPN: it’s about content filtering and tracker blocking, rather than routing and encryption.

How VPN and Adblocker Overlap and Differ

Overlap:

• Both VPNs and adblockers can contribute to privacy. A VPN masks your IP and encrypts traffic. An adblocker reduces tracking by ad networks, limit exposure of personal behavioural data.
• Both can sometimes yield performance improvements (e.g., less unwanted content means less data to load).
• On some networks (public Wi-Fi, restrictive environments), using both can provide layered protection: the VPN protects the connection; the adblocker protects the content you receive.

Differences:

• A VPN does not automatically filter out ads or trackers (unless a specific feature is included).
• An adblocker does not encrypt your entire internet connection or hide your IP from websites or your ISP.
• The threat models they cover are different: VPNs focus on connection security and privacy; adblockers focus on content and tracking.

Should You Use Both? The PrivateVPN Perspective

From our standpoint at PrivateVPN, using both a VPN and an adblocker can make sense for many users — but it depends on your priorities, device setup, and threat model.

When using both is advisable:

• If you frequently use public or semi-trusted Wi-Fi networks (cafés, airports, hotels) and want both connection encryption and cleaner browsing (fewer ads/trackers).
• If you are privacy-conscious: you want to reduce exposure to tracking networks and hide your IP and encrypt all your traffic.
• If performance and uninterrupted browsing matter: fewer ads means less data, less loading time, especially on mobile networks.

When you might decide only one is enough:

• If your main goal is simply streaming geo-restricted content or hiding your IP, then a VPN alone might suffice.
• If you are very concerned about ads/tracking but are on a trusted network and less worried about encryption or IP-masking, then an adblocker alone might meet your needs.
• Device and resource considerations: running both may consume more battery (on mobile), or complicate configuration (some adblockers may conflict with VPN apps or routing).

Practical guidance for PrivateVPN users:

• Connect to PrivateVPN first to secure your connection.
• Then install a reputable ad-blocking extension or app for your browser or device. Ensure it does not interfere with your VPN’s routing.
• If your VPN provider offers built-in ad or tracker-blocking features (we evaluate every capability), consider enabling them. (Note: At present our core offering focuses on encryption and no-logs; users are free to pair with an adblocker as needed).
• Monitor your performance: some extremely aggressive adblockers might block scripts or features that websites rely upon when used together with a VPN; if you notice site breakage, whitelist trusted sites or adjust settings.
• Review your device and network environment: for desktops, browser extensions suffice. For mobile, consider device-wide filters (which may require careful setup alongside VPN apps).

Caveats and Considerations

• No tool is 100%: Some ads may still get through adblockers; some VPN servers may be blocked by streaming services; trackers may adopt new methods.
• Privacy trade-offs: An adblocker may require elevated permissions (especially device-wide filters), so choose a well-reviewed, trustable product.
• Impact on speed: Running both could introduce additional overhead — encryption by VPN, filtering by adblocker. PrivateVPN’s network is optimized to keep speeds high, but every layer adds some effect.
• Compatibility: Some websites detect adblocking and restrict content; some networks restrict or monitor VPN usage. Being aware of both helps you plan (for example choosing different VPN servers or adblocker settings).
• Legal/regulatory environment: Depending on your country, VPN use or blocking ads may have legal/regulatory implications. Always use tools in accordance with local terms of service and laws.

Conclusion

In summary, adblockers and VPNs address distinct but complementary aspects of online privacy and browsing experience. The VPN secures your connection and masks your identity; the adblocker reduces unwanted content and tracking. From PrivateVPN’s perspective, using both is often beneficial for users who are serious about privacy, browsing experience, and using untrusted networks. For other users, a VPN or an adblocker might suffice depending on specific goals and risk-tolerance.

If you choose to use both, ensure they are configured carefully so they work in harmony rather than conflict. At PrivateVPN we remain committed to providing encryption, no-logs, high-speed servers and excellent support — enabling you to focus on choosing the right additional filters (such as adblocking) for your browsing needs.