Amazon Prime Video Now Has Ads, Here's How to Block Them

If you aren’t thrilled about the rollout of a new ad-supported Amazon Prime Video on January 29, consider using an ad blocker to take care of annoying ads and other pesky internet interruptions.
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Amazon Prime Video is a bonus feature that comes with your Amazon Prime membership, but you also have the option to purchase it as a separate streaming service. While Amazon Prime Video has offered Freevee content with ads, streamers were able to enjoy Prime Video content ad-free. As of January 29th, 2024, all content now includes ads unless you purchase the ad-free upgrade for $2.99 per month. (This change is on par with other popular streaming services and streaming platforms.)

If sponsored ads sound annoying to you, you may want to consider using a proven ad blocker. Someone may say, “Why would I pay for an ad blocker instead of just paying for the ad-free experience?” Valid point. Consider, however, that an ad blocker can block ads across the internet, sometimes even on YouTube, while the Amazon Prime upgrade only takes care of ads on its platform.

If you’re curious about ad blockers, how they work, and which ones can unblock streaming like Amazon Prime Video, we’ve got everything you need to know.

In this article
How to block ads on Amazon Prime Video using an ad blocker
Other ways to stream Amazon Prime Video ad-free
Step-by-step guide on how to use an Amazon Prime Video ad blocker
FAQs
Bottom line: Lose the ads, not the drama

How to block ads on Amazon Prime Video using an ad blocker

An ad blocker works by scanning the code of a website or online platform as it loads and then blocking the elements that resemble advertisements. Ad blocker services keep giant blocklists (lists of elements the ad blocker knows to block given the way they behave), which the blocker service references when it’s looking at the code on a site. Essentially, the ad blocker works the same way an antivirus does — by identifying and blocking known code or behaviors.

If you want to skip ads on Amazon Prime, a good, trustworthy ad blocker should be able to get rid of them, even on Freevee content. It’ll be easiest to install on a browser and watch on your computer, but you can add a DNS server to your router to block ads on your smart TV, mobile devices, and anything else connected to your home network. If you aren’t confident, there are products like Surfshark’s CleanWeb that will walk you through installation. Bonus points if you get a bundled package with Surfshark’s VPN and CleanWeb so you can block ads and keep your data safe.

Best ad blockers to use with Amazon Prime Video

Ad blockers have long been used by internet privacy advocates to help stop trackers and improve the browsing experience. If you’ve never used an ad blocker before, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it when you get one. In addition to helping block ads on streaming, the best ad blockers can clean up blog posts, stop trackers, and even deny cookies in some cases.

1. Total AdBlock

Best Basic Adblocker — Including YouTube Video Ads
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Total Adblock's website
Ad Blocker
Total Adblock
BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 80% off
  • Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
  • Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
  • Improves page load times and enables faster browsing

This easy-to-use ad blocker offers a 7-day free trial so you can see just how good it is before making a commitment. Total AdBlock is available for Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Amazon Fire HD, iOS, and Android, so you can cover almost any internet-connected device. And if you’re thinking you need a little extra security, Total AdBlock includes its award-winning antivirus software TotalAV. It’s a win-win.

Get Total AdBlock | Read Our Total Adblock Review

2. NordVPN Threat Protection

Enjoy Privacy and Security Even When Not Connected to a VPN
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN Threat Protection's website
Ad Blocker
NordVPN Threat Protection
BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 72% off + 3 months extra
  • Stops intrusive ads before they can even load, improving browsing experience and speed
  • Identifies malware-ridden files and protects against visiting malicious websites
  • Encrypts your data and blocks third-party trackers for increased security and privacy

NordVPN is one of the best virtual private network options, and its Threat Protection add-on blocks ads and trackers as well. Threat Protection Lite works with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Covering up to 10 devices, NordVPN Threat Protection is an easy-to-use service with real-time protection. Plus, you get the added security bonus of a VPN.

Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review

3. Surfshark CleanWeb

Comprehensive Ad Blocking Online and in Apps + VPN Connection
4.7
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website
Ad Blocker
Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking
BLACK FRIDAY: Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra
  • Blocks ads, banners, and pop-ups on your browser and apps, including smart TVs
  • Enjoy boosted browsing speeds and save money on mobile data with its effective ad-blocking capabilities
  • Added benefit of a VPN to encrypt your data, hide your IP address, avoid phishing scams, and minimize malware risks

If you’re looking for an ad blocker with a lot more to offer, try Surfshark’s CleanWeb, which comes bundled with the Surfshark VPN subscription. You can install the Surfshark VPN on your router to activate protection on all your devices, not just the ones with apps and browsers. For those of us who like to watch shows on our TVs, this is a win. Surfshark offers budget-friendly plans and covers unlimited devices simultaneously. 

Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark CleanWeb Review

Top 3 ad blockers for Amazon Prime Video compared

Ad blocker
Best for Best for blocking YouTube ads Best for streaming Best overall
Price Paid plan costs $1.59/mo (billed annually) Paid plans start at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)
Blocks YouTube ads
Learn more Get Total Adblock Get Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking Get NordVPN Threat Protection

You can bundle your ad blocker with a secure VPN to expand your Amazon Prime Video library.

Other ways to stream Amazon Prime Video ad-free

If you’re not interested in ads distracting you from your viewing experiences, there are a few options for you in addition to an ad blocker. You could definitely pay the additional $2.99 per month to skip Prime Video ads, but you could also find other methods like paying individually for the third-party channels.

There’s a lot of talk on Reddit regarding third-party channels also receiving ads on Amazon. Users report ads being included in channels they pay for to specifically be ad-free, like Paramount+. Many users have noted they’ll be canceling through Amazon and subscribing to these services on their own so they can avoid the advertisements.

Use an ad blocker extension

An ad blocker extension on a browser is the easiest way to add an ad blocker to Amazon Prime Video. Some popular options include uBlock Origin, AdGuard, Ghostery, and AdLock. You can also find ad blocker extensions included with various antivirus programs like the TotalAV Total Security plan. Products like Surfshark can be installed at the router level so you can access CleanWeb on devices you normally wouldn’t be able to, like your smart TV.

4.5
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On AdLock's website
Ad Blocker
AdLock
  • Offers a free extension that's compatible with major browsers and a premium plan with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS compatibility
  • Effective blocker against follow-along videos, banner ads, YouTube ads, and more
  • Doesn't share or sell your data with third parties
  • Social media and spyware blockers only available on paid tier

Add the ad-free experience to your membership

For an additional $2.99 a month, Prime members can upgrade to an ad-free option. If you don’t mind the additional fee, this is the easiest way to get rid of ads. We suggest signing up only through verified Amazon Prime Video apps and sites, though, to avoid getting scammed.

Consider alternative ad-free streaming services

If you don’t mind ads on your Prime Video content but draw the line on additional channels like Paramount+, Starz, or Showtime that you pay for through Amazon Prime Video, you can subscribe to those services individually. All three can be purchased independently of Amazon Prime. Again, we suggest only purchasing through a verified source like the app itself or a verified third party similar to Amazon Prime.

Step-by-step guide on how to use an Amazon Prime Video ad blocker

We like Surfshark CleanWeb because it not only blocks ads but also provides other security benefits like malware protection, data breach alerts, and a cookie pop-up blocker. You can use CleanWeb as a browser extension or activate it in the Surfshark app to use with other apps.

To use Surfshark CleanWeb in the app:

  • Open your Surfshark App
  • Click on Features
  • Locate CleanWeb and toggle on

To use Surfshark CleanWeb as a browser extension (only available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge):

  • Download the Surfshark browser extension from your Surfshark app or your browser’s extension library
  • Enable the browser extension
  • Click on the CleanWeb icon
  • Enable CleanWeb

Surfshark CleanWeb status on Amazon Prime Video
Make sure you've opened a new browser window after starting CleanWeb.

Surfshark CleanWeb ad blocking status on Amazon Prime Video
Images are blacked out of screenshots by Prime Video, but you can see the ads have been removed.

FAQs


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Why am I seeing ads on Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon has decided to launch ad-supported content with an option to pay for an ad-free add-on. Some Amazon Prime Video content, like Freevee, has always contained advertisements. As of January 29th, 2024, however, you’ll see advertisements on all Amazon Prime Video subscriptions and Amazon Prime memberships unless you purchase the ad-free add-on.


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Can I block the ads on Amazon Prime Video?

Yes, you can block Amazon Prime Video ads. We suggest using a quality ad blocker like Total Adblock, NordVPN Threat Protection, or Surfshark CleanWeb. These ad blockers will work on Chrome and other browsers, but Surfshark can be installed on your home router to help block ads on devices like smart TVs that normally don’t have the capabilities to install ad blockers.


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Can you watch Amazon Prime Video without ads?

Yes, you can watch Amazon Prime Video without ads for an additional fee of $2.99 a month. If you don’t want to pay an additional fee, you can block Amazon ads with an ad blocker. If you notice advertisements on third-party channels like Paramount+, you can separately subscribe to those services through their respective apps for an ad-free experience.


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How much does it cost to remove ads from Prime Video?

If you’re a potential customer for Amazon Prime Video’s ad-free option, you’ll have an additional $2.99 per month charge on top of either your Amazon Prime membership cost ($14.99 per month) or your stand-alone Amazon Prime Video subscription ($8.99 per month). You can also use an ad blocker to remove the annoying ads. Those will each have their own fees, although some are free. When choosing a free ad blocker, make sure it’s been independently tested to not gather and sell your data.


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Where do Amazon Prime ads air?

If you're streaming from select countries, you may encounter ads before and during Amazon Prime Video movies and television shows. These include the US, UK, Germany, Austria, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, and Mexico. Currently, Amazon hasn't launched ads in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Keep in mind that ads will continue to air regardless of your location for Freevee content, live sports events, and, yes, even add-on channels.

Bottom line: Lose the ads, not the drama

Whether or not you’re old enough to remember commercials on television, you may not want to relive that experience now. An ad blocker can help you stream ad-free by blocking ads. By using a quality ad blocker on your laptop or desktop browser (or even on your router), you can disable the ads that are plaguing your binge fest. If you’re like us and are waiting for the next season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be able to catch up with Belly and the gang without interruption.

Best Basic Adblocker — Including YouTube Video Ads
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Total Adblock's website
Ad Blocker
Total Adblock
BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 80% off
  • Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
  • Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
  • Improves page load times and enables faster browsing

Author Details
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.