Tired of ads following you around the internet? Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites automatically — no extra apps or browser extensions needed. It’s built right into the VPN, and it works across all your devices.
Here’s what CleanWeb does, how it works, and how it compares to other options.
This article contains affiliate links.
What CleanWeb Does
Four layers of protection
| Protection type | What it blocks | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ad blocking | Banner ads, pop-ups, video ads | Cleaner browsing, faster page loads |
| Tracker blocking | Analytics scripts, pixel trackers, social widgets | Stops companies from following you across sites |
| Malware protection | Known malicious domains and downloads | Prevents infections before they happen |
| Phishing protection | Fake login pages and scam sites | Keeps your credentials safe |
The best part? CleanWeb is included free with every Surfshark plan. You don’t need to pay extra or install additional software — just toggle it on in the app settings.
How CleanWeb Works
DNS-level filtering explained simply
CleanWeb works at the DNS level, which means it blocks unwanted content before it even reaches your device. When your browser tries to load an ad or connect to a tracking server, CleanWeb intercepts the request and stops it. The ad never downloads, the tracker never fires, and your page loads faster as a result.
This approach has a big advantage over browser-based ad blockers: it works across all apps on your device, not just your web browser. That means ads in mobile apps, smart TV interfaces, and other software get blocked too.
CleanWeb vs Other Ad Blockers
How it stacks up
| Feature | CleanWeb (Surfshark) | Browser ad blocker | NordVPN Threat Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocks ads | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Blocks trackers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Malware protection | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (Advanced) |
| Works outside browser | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| File scan on download | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Extra cost | Free with VPN | Free | Included with NordVPN |
| Speed impact | Pages load faster | Minimal | Pages load faster |
CleanWeb handles the essentials well. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro goes further with file scanning on downloads — a nice extra if you download files frequently.
How to Enable CleanWeb
Quick setup guide
- Open the Surfshark app on any device
- Go to Settings → VPN Settings (or Features)
- Toggle CleanWeb on
- Connect to any server — CleanWeb activates automatically
That’s it. Once enabled, CleanWeb runs quietly in the background on every connection. No configuration needed.
What CleanWeb Can and Can’t Do
Setting realistic expectations
| Can do | Can’t do |
|---|---|
| Block most display ads and pop-ups | Block YouTube/Twitch in-stream ads |
| Stop cross-site trackers | Remove ads already embedded in content |
| Block known malware domains | Scan downloaded files for viruses |
| Warn about phishing sites | Replace a full antivirus solution |
| Work across all apps on your device | Block ads on other devices on your network (use router VPN for that) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CleanWeb slow down my internet?
No — it actually speeds things up. By blocking ads and trackers before they load, pages typically load 20-40% faster with CleanWeb enabled.
Does CleanWeb work on all devices?
Yes. CleanWeb is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and smart TVs. It works on any device where you can install the Surfshark app.
Can I use CleanWeb without the VPN connected?
CleanWeb requires an active VPN connection to work, since it filters traffic through Surfshark’s DNS servers. You need to be connected to a Surfshark server for the blocking to activate.
Is CleanWeb enough, or do I still need an ad blocker?
For most people, CleanWeb handles everyday ad and tracker blocking well. If you want more granular control (like custom filter lists or element-level blocking), a browser extension like uBlock Origin can complement CleanWeb nicely.
Conclusion
Surfshark’s CleanWeb is a practical, easy-to-use tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites across all your devices — no extra software needed. It won’t replace a dedicated antivirus, but for everyday browsing protection, it’s a great bonus that comes free with your Surfshark subscription. For more advanced threat protection with file scanning, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro is worth considering.
