Updated on: October 1, 2024
Short on time? Here is the best adware removal tool in 2024:
- 🥇 Norton — Removes adware from all devices and browsers and offers real-time scanning to prevent future adware downloads and malicious pop-ups. Also includes extras like advanced anti-malware scanning, anti-phishing protection, a VPN, webcam protection, parental controls, dark web monitoring, and lots more.
Today’s adware doesn’t “just” display advertisements and generate revenue for its developers: more advanced variants employ aggressive tactics to collect user data, track browsing habits, and alter system settings without your consent.
In recent years, adware has evolved to circumvent traditional detection methods, embedding itself deeper within operating systems and using obfuscation techniques to evade removal tools. Unfortunately, this leads to adware serving as a precursor to more severe infections like spyware and ransomware, which is precisely why simple adware removal tools don’t often work.
You’ll need a full-fledged internet security suite to stay free from adware. I tested dozens of adware removal products, analyzing their security features, ease of use, and value. The most powerful adware products are found inside comprehensive antivirus packages like Norton — but there are other good choices on the market, too. Here’s a close look at my top picks.
Quick Summary of the Best Adware Removal Software in 2024
🥇1. Norton 360 — Best Adware Removal Software in 2024
Norton 360 is my favorite adware detection and removal tool in 2024. During my tests, Norton flagged every single piece of adware I placed onto my Windows PC, MacBook, and Android phone — from deceptive pop-up ads to sophisticated browser hijackers.
Once you set it up (whether on your computer or phone), adware infections are nearly impossible to get. This is great if your kids use your phone to download and play free games (one of the most common sources of adware) or if seniors ask you for help removing constant push notifications on their phones.
Norton is an all-around solution: its anti-malware engine identified and blocked other types of malware on my devices, including spyware and ransomware. It even caught ransomware files that other competitors, like McAfee, failed to detect. It also comes with:
- Anti-phishing protection.
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- Webcam protection.
- Dark web monitoring.
- Parental controls.
- Identity theft protection (US only).
- Cloud backup.
Norton’s anti-phishing tools are some of the best on the market — blocking more suspicious sites in my testing than both Chrome and Firefox’s built-in anti-phishing protections and outperforming most competitors.
I was also really impressed with Norton’s VPN. It didn’t just encrypt my data and keep my online activities private on unsecured hotspots — it also blocked ad trackers that were trying to collect all sorts of sensitive information (Norton ranks as one of the best antiviruses with a VPN in 2024).
Norton 360 Deluxe is the best-value plan for most users — it includes all of Norton’s features for up to 5 devices for just $29.99 / year*. For users in the US, Norton 360 with LifeLock plans start at $69.99 / year* and also include identity theft protection, along with $1 million insurance coverage for identity theft damages. You can also download Norton Power Eraser for free — but it’s a very simple Windows-only tool with a significantly higher rate of false positives than Norton’s premium products.
Bottom Line:
Norton 360 is an excellent adware removal tool that detected all of my adware samples during testing — including advanced malware files that most other competitors missed! Norton’s anti-malware engine is one of the best on the market, with perfect detection rates against all types of known and emerging malware. Norton also comes with great anti-phishing protections, a VPN that blocks ad trackers, webcam protection, cloud storage, dark web monitoring, and much more. Norton’s plans start from $54.99 / year*, and they all come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
🥈 2. Bitdefender — Lightweight Antivirus With Excellent Adware Protection
Bitdefender is a powerful antivirus that uses machine learning and a massive malware database to detect all kinds of malware threats, including adware. Just like Norton, Bitdefender found and removed 100% of the malware samples (including adware samples) I’d hidden on my Windows and Mac devices.
Bitdefender also comes with a wide range of additional features:
- Web protection.
- Ransomware protection.
- Webcam protection.
- VPN (200 MB/daily).
- Parental controls.
- Password manager.
- System optimizer.
- And more…
I really like Bitdefender’s web protection. In my tests, it blocked every single dangerous website sample that contained adware. This included websites that the default protections on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge missed. Bitdefender is also great at flagging PUPs/PUAs that try to infiltrate your device and serve you with endless ads.
Bitdefender is really easy to use, too. It offers an intuitive dashboard that isn’t CPU-heavy, and it only takes a few minutes to install. What’s more, you can remotely scan any device registered with your Bitdefender plan from the dashboard — this is really handy for dealing with adware infections across your devices.
My favorite Bitdefender plan is Total Security — it includes every Bitdefender feature, support for all the main operating systems (Bitdefender’s lower-tier plans are Windows only), and a VPN with a 200 MB daily limit for $40.99 / year. You can also upgrade to Bitdefender Premium Security, which costs $63.99 / year and removes the VPN’s data cap. Whatever you decide, each Bitdefender plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Bitdefender is a really good malware and adware removal tool that detected 100% of malware samples in my tests. It also comes with excellent web protections, a good system optimizer, and more extra features than most other brands. Bitdefender has a lightweight and intuitive dashboard that’s easy to navigate, and each payment plan is well-priced, starting from $24.99 / year. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Bitdefender review >
🥉 3. TotalAV — Best for Non-Technical Users
TotalAV comes with a pretty good adware removal tool — it removed all of the test adware from my Windows PC and Android phone, but it missed some adware on my MacBook’s Safari toolbar — which is disappointing because Norton and Bitdefender detected and removed those same adware samples.
TotalAV’s web protections include WebShield, an ad blocker, and a safe browser with anti-phishing capabilities. I especially like the ad blocker since blocking ads lowers your computer’s risk of getting infected with adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). It also stops companies from tracking your data and can improve the speed of your web browser. WebShield, too, works great, reliably protecting you from malicious sites on desktop and mobile. It’s also highly customizable and easy to use.
Real-time protection is essential to avoid getting adware on your device, and TotalAV’s real-time protection is highly effective. It continuously scans downloads and analyzes programs in the background. In my tests, TotalAV promptly quarantined malicious .exe files upon download and issued alerts when attempting to extract virus samples from compressed folders. It also successfully blocked ransomware by detecting its encryption process before any system files were compromised.
TotalAV offers 3 antivirus packages starting from $19.00 / year. If you’re just looking for adware and malware removal for up to 5 devices, TotalAV Antivirus Pro is a great low-cost option. TotalAV Internet Security is slightly more expensive, costing $39.00 / year, but it also includes a VPN with unlimited data and coverage for up to 6 devices. The premium Total Security package costs $49.00 / year and adds the ad blocker, password manager, and coverage for up to 8 devices.
Bottom Line:
TotalAV has a good adware removal tool, an advanced anti-malware engine, and an easy-to-use interface. It comes with a good ad blocker, device optimization tools, a VPN, and more. TotalAV plans start from $19.00 / year and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full TotalAV review >
4. Avira — Best Free Antivirus With Advanced Adware Detection
Avira has a really good free antivirus with an excellent adware removal tool — it blocked and removed all of the adware samples in my testing, including adware that is automatically downloaded to a device without the user’s consent.
I like Avira’s PUA Shield, which notifies users if potentially unwanted applications are bundled with legitimate software — most adware scanners just detect harmful files after you’ve downloaded them, but Avira alerts you before adware infects your system.
Avira also has an excellent anti-malware scanner that operates in the cloud. It’s so good that TotalAV uses it too. It identified all of the trojans, spyware, keyloggers, and ransomware I placed on my computer, and when I relaunched the samples, Avira’s real-time protection blocked them all.
Avira also provides free internet security features like:
- Safe Shopping browser extension.
- VPN (500 MB monthly limit).
- Password manager.
- Basic system cleanup tools.
I’m a big fan of Avira’s Safe Shopping browser extension — it prevents phishing attacks, blocks ads and web trackers, flags sketchy web stores, and even compares prices between reliable vendors to help you find the best deals!
Avira’s mobile apps for Android and iOS are both feature-rich and work well, too. The Android app has a fast and efficient antivirus scanner and will keep adware and spyware off your device, while its web protection reliably blocks phishing sites. The iOS app has some interesting iOS-specific features (such as Siri protection) and a system updater, which works pretty well.
Avira’s free plan is one of the most generous on the market, but upgrading to Avira Prime for $59.99 / year brings you a VPN with unlimited data, advanced performance optimization tools, coverage for multiple devices, and lots more.
Bottom Line:
Avira provides comprehensive adware protection inside its free antivirus package. It successfully removed every adware file from my computer, and it also scanned all of my downloads in real-time to prevent reinfection. Avira also offers protection against web trackers, phishing sites, and pop-ups. Users looking for advanced internet security protections should consider choosing Avira Prime, which adds a VPN with unlimited data, advanced performance optimization tools, coverage for multiple devices, and a lot more.
5. McAfee Total Protection — Best Web Protections + Excellent Adware Removal
McAfee Total Protection provides advanced adware scanning and removal — along with some of the best web protections on the market today. It detected every piece of adware in my testing, clearing out my Chrome toolbar and the pop-ups on my desktop, and even blocking adware bundled with several legitimate third-party apps. Its real-time anti-malware engine also blocked all of the malware files I tried downloading onto both my PC and my MacBook.
McAfee Total Protection has additional internet security tools like:
- Anti-phishing protection.
- VPN (unlimited data).
- System cleanup tools.
- Parental controls.
- Identity theft protection (available in 35+ countries, including the US, Australia, France, South Africa, and the UK).
During tests, McAfee’s anti-phishing tools were just as good as Norton’s — blocking all of the malicious websites I tried opening. McAfee’s VPN is also very good — it kept my IP hidden while browsing, preventing companies from collecting my information for advertising and making sure my data stayed safe even when connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. That said, it doesn’t work with Disney+ or Hulu. But I do like how it has unlimited data so long as you sign up for auto-renewal, so there are no annoying data caps like there are with Bitdefender.
McAfee has mobile apps for iOS and Android that can prevent adware. The Android version is my favorite — it provides effective malware detection that can identify threats like adware. The real-time scam protection is cool, too. It uses AI to detect and block malicious links in text messages. The iOS app doesn’t offer antivirus scanning due to Apple’s restrictions, but it provides anti-phishing protection that’s essential for preventing adware infections. Other useful tools include the Wi-Fi network scanner, a secure VPN, and ID theft protection.
McAfee has several plans to choose from, starting from $39.99 / year. McAfee Essential costs $39.99 / year and covers 5 devices, McAfee Premium costs $49.99 / year, provides protection on unlimited devices and adds a personal data cleanup tool, and McAfee Advanced costs $89.99 / year and adds identity theft protection.
Bottom Line:
McAfee has excellent adware removal capabilities — it removed all the adware samples I placed on my devices, and it prevented new adware from infecting my system. McAfee also comes with a really good anti-malware scanner (100% detection rates against test malware), anti-phishing protection, a network scanner, and a VPN with unlimited data. McAfee offers protection for unlimited devices, and all purchases come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. Intego — Best Adware Removal Software for Mac Computers
Intego is my favorite antivirus for Mac. It has perfect malware detection rates, and its VirusBarrier software was able to find and remove all kinds of malware from my MacBook Pro, including the test adware I’d downloaded. However, Intego’s Windows version isn’t as good as the Mac version, so if you’re a Windows user, you should consider Norton, Bitdefender, or TotalAV instead.
Intego for Mac includes:
- Malware scanner.
- System optimization tool.
- Data backup tool.
- Parental controls.
Intego’s malware scanner, VirusBarrier, is great at removing viruses and adware, including PUPs and PUAs. It detected nearly all of the malware samples I had on my computer during my tests, and I didn’t experience many slowdowns. Unfortunately, there isn’t a mobile app to stop adware, but you can use Intego to scan your iPhone for it: just connect the device to your Mac and initiate a scan of external devices.
I really like Intego’s parental controls. They’re not quite as good as dedicated parental control apps, but they allow you to block applications or websites you don’t want your kids visiting. This is excellent if you have kids who often use your computer, as it reduces the chances of them downloading adware or anything else unwanted onto your device.
Intego for Mac plans start from $19.99 / year. I really like the Mac Premium Bundle X9, which costs $34.99 / year and includes every Intego feature for up to 5 Macs. However, if you want a budget option, you should consider Mac Internet Security X9, which also covers up to 5 Macs, costs $19.99 / year, and comes with a malware scanner and web protection.
Bottom Line:
Intego is the best adware removal tool for Mac. It can remove all types of adware and other malware, plus it has good features such as a system optimization tool, data backup, and parental controls. Intego for Mac’s most basic plan costs $19.99 / year and is a great option for budget users. You can also upgrade to Mac Premium Bundle X9 for $34.99 / year. Whichever plan you choose, Intego for Mac comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
7. Kaspersky — Good Adware Protection & Online Shopping Security
The Biden administration has recently banned sales of Kaspersky in the USA. Even though Kaspersky is headquartered in Russia, we have no evidence to suggest it’s dangerous. If you’re concerned about using Kaspersky due to geo-political tensions, there are alternatives on the market, such as Norton, Bitdefender, or TotalAV.
Kaspersky is an excellent antivirus program that successfully detected 100% of the malware samples on my PC and MacBook Pro (including adware). It has a dedicated adware remover that will remove adware apps, browser extensions, autodialer tools, suspicious packers, and more.
Kaspersky also comes with:
- Phishing protection.
- Web protection.
- Parental controls.
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- And more…
Kaspersky’s phishing protection works really well. In my tests, it detected more malicious adware-containing websites than the built-in protections on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. However, it did let me access several dangerous websites that Norton and Bitdefender blocked.
I also like Kaspersky’s VPN. It includes unlimited data, works with most major streaming sites like Netflix, and maintains fast speeds for all online activities. It’s a good all-round VPN, but it still can’t compete with standalone providers like ExpressVPN or top antivirus–VPN bundles like Norton.
Kaspersky has 3 payment plans starting from $27.99 / year. My favorite plan is Kaspersky Premium, which includes all of Kaspersky’s features and can cover up to 20 devices for $38.99 / year. You can try Kaspersky risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Kaspersky is a great choice for removing adware in 2024. It has 100% malware detection rates, includes good phishing protections, and has a decent VPN. You can pick between 3 payment plans, but Kaspersky Premium is my favorite. It costs $38.99 / year and can cover up to 20 devices. Whichever plan you choose, all Kaspersky purchases are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Kaspersky review >
8. MacKeeper — User-Friendly With Intuitive Security Features for Mac
MacKeeper offers a great adware removal tool for Mac users. When I tested the adware removal feature, it instantly detected all of the adware files hidden on my MacBook Pro. The scan only took about 3 minutes, too! Adware Cleaner also works in real time to block further adware installations, which is great.
MacKeeper also offers:
- Antivirus scanning and real-time malware protection.
- VPN (unlimited data).
- ID theft tools.
- Ad and tracker blocker.
Unfortunately, MacKeeper only works on Macs — so if you have phone adware, you’ll need to look elsewhere. For multi-platform support, I highly recommend Norton.
Most of MacKeeper’s features are pretty good, but I don’t like that it’s missing important cybersecurity protections like anti-phishing and a firewall. While Intego also lacks anti-phishing protection, it at least checks that your web browser’s anti-phishing protections are turned on.
That said, MacKeeper’s interface is very easy to navigate. Most users will have no trouble setting up MacKeeper and accessing all of its features, and with the built-in live chat support, it’s very easy to get assistance if needed.
MacKeeper offers several plans to choose from, starting at $57.12 / year, and they include coverage for 1-3 devices.
Bottom Line:
MacKeeper has a great adware removal feature for Mac users. It also offers a wide range of cleanup tools, as well as antivirus scanning and real-time malware protection, a VPN with unlimited data, and ID theft protection. MacKeeper could improve in some areas, but overall, it offers a good range of features that most Mac users would find useful. MacKeeper comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full MacKeeper review >
9. Avast One — Comprehensive Adware Removal With Lots of Extras
Avast One is a well-rounded cybersecurity program that can remove adware and other threats, including viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware, and more. In my tests, it successfully detected and removed all adware samples, including advanced threats that other tools missed. Its real-time protection blocked new adware infections, too, which is great.
One of the best things about Avast One is how feature-rich the free version is. In addition to extensive adware and malware removal capabilities, it includes a VPN (capped at 5 GB per week), a firewall, a network scanner, dark web monitoring, and more. These tools help keep your device safe, not just from adware but from most other threats. Upgrading to the premium version gets you some cool extras; you can stop webcam spies, block dangerous websites, and even automatically update your computer drivers.
I wish Avast would integrate an ad blocker into its offering. Currently, even the premium version lacks one. From my experience, consistently using a good ad blocker is one of the best preventative measures to avoid adware infections. If you occasionally get sidetracked by intrusive ads, I recommend using a program like TotalAV.
Avast One Essential is the free version of Avast that most users will find sufficient to get rid of and stay safe from adware. But if you want advanced features like Banking Mode, Browser Shield (protects passwords stored in your browser), tracking prevention, and more, you should consider upgrading to Avast Silver ($35.88 / year) or Gold ($83.88 / year).
Bottom Line:
Avast One effectively removes adware and other threats, providing continuous protection with its real-time monitoring feature. The free version is notably rich in features, including a VPN, firewall, and various security tools, making it an excellent choice for overall protection. Avast offers a generous 60-day free trial of its highest-tier plan, so you can see if it’s right for you.
Read the full Avast One review >
10. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner — Easy-to-Use Adware Removal Tool
AdwCleaner is a simple, fast, and effective tool for getting rid of adware. And it comes from one of the top antiviruses of 2024 — Malwarebytes.
In my testing, AdwCleaner removed all of the adware from my desktop and browser, even flagging some of the bloatware that came bundled with my new printer. AdwCleaner also removed junkware from my PC, which improved my device’s performance as well.
However, AdwCleaner can only be installed on Windows computers. It also doesn’t have real-time protection, malware scanning, or any cybersecurity protections like Norton, Bitdefender, or TotalAV.
If you’re only looking for adware detection and removal, AdwCleaner is a good choice. But if you’re also looking for malware protection and additional online security tools, you should check out Malwarebytes’s Standard plan, which includes virus, ransomware, phishing, and rootkit protection (and an ad blocker) for $44.99 / year.
Bottom Line:
AdwCleaner is the simplest adware removal tool on my list. If you’re just trying to get adware off of your system, it’s a great choice. But I don’t recommend it for most people, simply because it doesn’t have an anti-malware engine or internet security protections. However, if you already have an antivirus, AdwCleaner is a good addition to your internet security setup — and it’s free. If you don’t have an antivirus, check out Malwarebytes’s premium plans if you want virus protection alongside AdwClearner.
Read the full Malwarebytes review >
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I relied on our proven methodology to identify and rank the top adware removal tools for 2024. Each tool listed here outperformed other options on the market and met all of our stringent criteria. Below are the testing parameters I used to determine which products made the cut.
- I looked for effective adware removal. Your antivirus scanner should use heuristic-based analysis, machine learning, and comprehensive malware databases to remove adware, worms, trojans, rootkits, ransomware, zero-day attacks, and more. Choosing a cloud-based scanner is even better, as it uses fewer computer resources during scanning.
- I tested Real-time protection. A good adware removal tool should include strong real-time protection. This is a preventative measure to stop your computer from getting adware in the first place. Our top choices, like Norton, Bitdefender, and TotalAV, all have really excellent real-time protection.
- I made sure the product had web protection. Web protection is crucial for adware prevention because it blocks malicious websites and harmful downloads that can introduce adware onto your system. Ideally, your antivirus should include anti-phishing protection, a VPN, and a firewall.
- I went for ease of use. Adware removal tools should be simple, intuitive, and easy to use with clear setup instructions.
- I looked for good value. Look for an adware removal tool that includes plenty of features for a reasonable price. However, if you’re determined to choose a free product, there are some ok options out there — Avira has one of the best free plans on the market with great adware removal tools. Also, while I definitely recommend having a premium antivirus program running on your computer at all times, it’s a good idea to pick a tool with a good refund policy. That way you can try the product risk-free before committing.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Heimdal. Heimdal is good at detecting adware and other types of malware, but it’s more difficult to use and understand than most other internet security products, which lost it a place on my list.
- Webroot. Webroot has a fast antivirus scanner, decent web protections, and a user-friendly interface. However, Webroot’s adware detection rates were pretty bad during testing — it missed most of my adware samples.
- Comodo. Comodo has decent malware detection (and removal) and offers a variety of advanced settings for experienced users. However, it has weak phishing and ransomware protection, and its virus scanner significantly impacted my system’s speed and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is adware?
There are many different types of adware — some of them are completely harmless, and some of them are very dangerous.
Adware can infect your browser, inserting new icons into your toolbar which redirect you to sites that try to steal your information or sell you products. It can also infect your search bar, inserting suggested products into your searches and manipulating you into visiting potentially dangerous sites.
Adware can also infect your computer, notifying you that your security specs are out of date and convincing you to pay for an upgrade to a product you may never have installed!
Adware removal tools are designed to detect suspicious behavior and flag any potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) on your system. The best tools, like Norton 360, don’t just remove existing adware but also scan your downloads to ensure that you aren’t getting any new adware infections.
Are adware removal tools and antivirus software the same thing?
No. Many antivirus scanners don’t consider adware to be a serious threat.
That said, the adware removal tools found in the antiviruses on this list are the best on the market. These products protect you against all types of adware and also against a wide range of other threats. Plus, they include excellent internet security protections like anti-phishing protection, firewalls, and VPNs to ensure you stay secure and fully protected online.
Do I really need adware protection?
Yes, you do. Good adware tools actively scan your system for all suspicious behavior — if any process tries to make changes on your system, open a pop-up window, or communicate with an outside server, that action is blocked, and you get a notification asking if you want to grant permission to the file in question.
Adware removal tools also scan new downloads to ensure that you aren’t getting new pieces of adware online. All of the top 5 products on this list provide active scanning, so every single file you download is analyzed using advanced detection tools to ensure you don’t get any adware on your system in the first place.
How do I know if an adware removal tool is legit?
You should only install reputable internet security programs, and you should only get them directly from the developer’s website.
Because cybersecurity software is given access to your system files, there are tons of deceptive sites out there hoping that you’ll download a fake security program and give it permission to infect your system with malware.
I’ve provided links to all of the home pages for the adware removal tools on my list, so you can download any of these products with 100% certainty that you’re actually getting the tools that you need.
Is adware a virus?
Adware is not a virus. While both are malicious software, adware is designed primarily to display unwanted advertisements on your device. Viruses are more destructive, often replicating themselves and infecting other files or systems to cause harm or steal information. Adware can be intrusive and annoying, but it typically doesn’t have the same damaging effects as a virus. For this reason, many antiviruses don’t flag adware in their scans and can’t help you remove it. All of my recommendations, however, excel at adware and PUP/PUA detection and removal.
