--- title: "How to Block YouTube Ads in Chrome, Edge and Brave" description: "Three ways to see fewer YouTube ads on desktop: YouTube Premium, Brave's built-in blocking and browser extensions, plus how to install an extension safely and keep supporting creators." url: https://boslaai.co/blog/block-youtube-ads-chrome-edge-brave language: en --- # How to Block YouTube Ads in Chrome, Edge and Brave > Three ways to see fewer YouTube ads on desktop: YouTube Premium, Brave's built-in blocking and browser extensions, plus how to install an extension safely and keep supporting creators. _BOSLA AI Team ยท 2026-10-27_ YouTube ads tend to appear right when you have found the video you came for. You have more than one way to see fewer of them, and each comes with a different trade-off. **Short answer:** to block YouTube ads in Chrome, Edge or Brave, you can pay for YouTube Premium (the official ad-free option), use a browser with built-in ad blocking such as Brave, or install an ad-blocking extension from your browser's official store. Whichever you choose, check permissions before you install, and consider how you will support the creators you watch most. ## Key takeaways - YouTube Premium is the only official way to remove ads on YouTube, and it works on every device where you sign in. - Brave blocks many ads on its own through its built-in Shields. Chrome and Edge need an extension. - Before installing any extension, check its publisher, permissions, recent reviews and update history. - No blocker catches every ad, because YouTube changes its ad formats often. ## What are your options for blocking YouTube ads? There are three main routes, and you can combine them. ### 1. YouTube Premium (official, paid) YouTube Premium is YouTube's own paid subscription. It removes ads from videos on the devices where you are signed in, including phones and TVs, and adds features such as background play and downloads. Prices, plans and availability vary by country, so check the current details on YouTube's Premium page. It is the simplest option: no setup, nothing to maintain, and it follows you from your laptop to your phone. YouTube also says that part of Premium revenue goes to creators. The trade-off is the monthly cost. ### 2. Built-in browser blocking (Brave) Brave includes ad and tracker blocking, called Shields, as part of the browser. Shields are on by default, so many YouTube ads are blocked without installing anything. You can adjust Shields for each site from the icon next to the address bar. Menu names may change over time. At the time of writing, Chrome and Edge don't include an equivalent built-in blocker for YouTube ads. Both have settings related to intrusive ads or tracking, but those are not designed to remove YouTube video ads. ### 3. Browser extensions (Chrome, Edge and Brave) An extension is a small add-on that changes how websites behave in your browser. If you are new to them, our guide to [what a browser extension is](https://boslaai.co/blog/what-is-a-browser-extension) covers the basics. - **Chrome:** install from the Chrome Web Store. - **Edge:** install from Microsoft Edge Add-ons. Edge can also install many Chrome Web Store extensions once you allow extensions from other stores in its settings. - **Brave:** Brave is built on the same open-source base as Chrome, so most Chrome Web Store extensions work in it. Extensions are usually free and work in desktop browsers. They do not cover the YouTube app on your phone or TV, and they need regular updates because YouTube changes how ads appear. ## How do you install an ad-blocking extension safely? An ad blocker needs permission to read and change the pages you visit. That is how it works, and it is also why you should choose carefully. Use this checklist: 1. **Use the official store.** Install only from the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Add-ons. Skip files or links from pop-ups and unfamiliar sites. 2. **Check the publisher.** Look for a named developer with a website, a privacy policy and a way to contact them. 3. **Read the permissions.** Before you click Add, your browser lists what the extension can access. An extension that only works on YouTube should not need access to every site you visit. 4. **Read recent reviews.** Sort by newest. Recent reviews tell you more about how an extension works today than an old average rating. 5. **Look at the update history.** Ad formats change often, so an extension that hasn't been updated in a long time may stop working well. 6. **Pin it and test it.** Pin the extension to your toolbar, open a few videos, and check that pages still load normally. For a deeper look at evaluating extensions, see [how to choose a YouTube extension for focus and privacy](https://boslaai.co/blog/choose-youtube-extension-focus-privacy). ## Why don't ad blockers catch every YouTube ad? YouTube regularly tests and changes how ads are delivered. When it does, extensions and built-in blockers need updates to keep up, and some ads may get through for a while. Expect fewer ads, not zero ads, from any blocker, and keep yours up to date. ## How can you still support creators you value? Ads are one of the ways creators earn from their videos. If you block ads, you can still support the people whose work you rely on: - **Allow ads on their channels.** Many blockers let you exclude specific channels or sites. - **Join a channel membership** or use Super Thanks, where available. - **Support them directly** through their own website, courses or merchandise. - **Engage with their work.** Watch fully, like, comment and share videos you found useful. It costs nothing and helps others find them. - **Consider YouTube Premium** if you watch a lot and want one official option. ## Which option should you choose? - **You watch on many devices, including TV and phone:** YouTube Premium. - **You want something built in and free on desktop:** Brave with Shields on. - **You prefer Chrome or Edge:** a carefully chosen extension, using the checklist above. ## An option from BOSLA AI If you use Chrome, Edge or Brave on desktop, BOSLA AI's Focus extension includes an Ad Blocker for YouTube. It removes most video ads before they play, hides sponsored page elements and Shorts ads, presses Skip when it is offered, and mutes ads that still play. A "Never hide these channels" list lets you keep ads on for creators you want to support. YouTube changes its ad formats often, so the Ad Blocker is tested and updated regularly, and it won't catch every single ad. BOSLA AI is in beta and free during the beta. You can read more about [what BOSLA Focus does today](https://boslaai.co/blog/boslaai-focus-youtube-ad-blocker-blur-extension). ## Conclusion There is no single right way to block YouTube ads. Premium is official and works everywhere, Brave handles much of it out of the box, and extensions give Chrome and Edge users a similar choice on desktop. Pick the option that fits how you watch, install carefully, and keep supporting the creators who make YouTube worth opening. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is blocking YouTube ads allowed? YouTube expects viewers to watch ads or subscribe to Premium, and it has shown warnings to some people using ad blockers. YouTube Premium is the only official ad-free option; an ad blocker is a choice you make in your own browser. ### Does Brave block YouTube ads without an extension? Brave's built-in Shields block many ads, including on YouTube, without any extension. Results can vary as YouTube changes its ad formats. ### Can I use a Chrome extension to block YouTube ads in Edge? Often, yes. Edge can install many Chrome Web Store extensions once you allow extensions from other stores in its settings. Check the permissions as you would for any extension. ### Do ad-blocking extensions work in the YouTube mobile app? No. Browser extensions work in desktop browsers. For ad-free viewing in the YouTube app, YouTube Premium is the official option. ### Does blocking ads affect creators? Ads are one source of creator income. You can allow ads on channels you value, join memberships, or support creators directly.