5 ways how to block Twitch ads

Twitch is a great way to watch streamed video content from users all over the world, but you're not alone if you haven't stumbled on Twitch in its corner of the internet. It mainly carves a niche in video game live streaming, including broadcasts of esports competitions (aka gaming). 

However, this is quickly changing and Twitch also hosts a wide range of other streamed content. It offers music broadcasts and DJ live sets, creative content such as woodworking live streams, cooking streams, and more recently, "in real life" streams. There's just one problem...ads. 

Twitch ads hit you hard and fast as soon as you start watching (pre-roll ads), and then periodically throughout the stream (mid-roll ads), alongside ads that will be inserted onto your screen (display ads). They're intrusive, loud, and annoying. The good news is, there are a few different ways to block ads on Twitch and some you have to pay for and others are free services. 

1. Subscribe to a channel (paid)
2. Use Twitch Turbo (paid)
3. Use a VPN (paid)
4. Use an External Stream Platform (free)
5. Use an ad-blocking service (free)

First, let's look at a few paid options on how to block Twitch ads.

1. Subscribe to a Twitch channel

Subscribing to your favorite channel is a great way to support your favorite Twitch streamer and comes with the added benefit of ad-free viewing. It also comes with other perks such as access to custom emotes (Twitch-specific emoticons) that you can use across all of Twitch, a subscriber badge, and advanced loyalty badges (3-6-12 month subscription streaks). Tier 1 subscriptions start at $4.99 per month.

2. Twitch Turbo

At $8.99 per month, it's a slightly more expensive way to have ad-free content on Twitch but a Turbo subscription allows no pre-rolls, no-mid rolls, and no display ads of any kind. You'll also get a few other perks such as your own emotes, and the ability to change your user name color. If you broadcast on Twitch, you'll also be able to save your videos for 60 days instead of 14.

3. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) with ad blocking will prevent any third-party domains from installing trackers and displaying ads. Essentially, by blocking the trackers, a VPN prevents ad domains from accessing your browser. Monthly VPN service subscriptions average around $4.99 per month depending on the service you choose but are often higher, especially if you get ad blocking included. 

Now let's look at the best free ways to remove ads from Twitch.

4. Use an external streaming platform

If you're after a free alternative, you could try using an external streaming platform. These platforms allow for ad-free viewing and sites such as "MULTISTRE.AM" allow for the viewing of multiple Twitch streams at the same time. You simply enter in the URL and away you go, ad-free.

5. Use an ad-blocking service

The easiest way is to use a third-party ad-blocking service. We think that one of the best feature-packed free tools is CCleaner Browser which comes with Adblock. It also includes no tracking, no junk, and built-in security features for your browser. You can use stealth browsing and it will disguise your browser fingerprint too. That means that no one can track you, including advertisers. 

While there are plenty of good reasons for paying for a Twitch subscription, if you are a light user and just want to block ads it makes sense to use a free third-party tool like CCleaner Browser. With so many added features and being available for quick installation on PCs (takes seconds), it's the easiest and most convenient choice for ad-free uninterrupted viewing of your favorite streamers on Twitch. It will also block ads across all of your browsers and any site you visit!