Hey iOS users! Are you bummed out about YouTube Vanced being discontinued? I get it. Vanced was awesome for blocking ads and playing videos in the background, features that made YouTube way more enjoyable. But don't worry, there are still some cool options out there that can give you a similar, or even better, experience on your iPhone or iPad. Let's dive into the best YouTube Vanced alternatives for iOS in 2024.

Why Look for a YouTube Vanced Alternative?

Before we jump into the alternatives, let's quickly recap why Vanced was so popular in the first place. The main reasons were:

• Ad-Blocking: Nobody likes being interrupted by ads every few minutes.
• Background Playback: Listening to music or podcasts while using other apps is super convenient.
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Watching videos in a small, floating window while multitasking.
• Customization: Themes and other tweaks to personalize the YouTube experience.

These features made Vanced a must-have for many Android users, and now iOS users are looking for similar functionality. Finding an app that ticks all these boxes can significantly enhance your YouTube viewing experience. That's why we're exploring the top alternatives for YouTube Vanced specifically tailored for iOS devices.

Top YouTube Vanced Alternatives for iOS

Okay, let's get to the good stuff. Here are some of the best apps and methods to get a Vanced-like experience on your iOS device:

1. Vinegar - The best native client

Vinegar is a fantastic Safari extension that enhances your YouTube experience on iOS. Here's why it's a great alternative:

• Ad Blocking: Vinegar effectively blocks all YouTube ads in the Safari browser. This means no more annoying interruptions during your favorite videos. The ad-blocking feature alone makes Vinegar a worthy alternative, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience.
• Background Playback: With Vinegar, you can play YouTube videos in the background while using other apps or when your screen is locked. This is perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or lectures without keeping the YouTube app open.
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Vinegar supports PiP mode, allowing you to watch videos in a small, floating window while you browse other apps. This multitasking capability is incredibly useful for staying entertained while staying productive.
• No YouTube App Required: Vinegar works directly within Safari, so you don't need the official YouTube app installed. This can save storage space on your device and streamline your browsing experience.

To get started with Vinegar, simply install the extension from the App Store and enable it in Safari settings. Once enabled, Vinegar will automatically block ads and enable background playback and PiP mode for all YouTube videos you watch in Safari. It’s a simple, lightweight solution that greatly enhances your YouTube viewing experience on iOS.

2. Brave Browser - All-in-One Privacy Browser

Brave Browser is another excellent alternative that not only blocks ads but also offers a range of privacy-focused features. Here’s why it stands out:

• Built-in Ad Blocker: Brave has a built-in ad blocker that automatically blocks YouTube ads, as well as ads on other websites. This comprehensive ad-blocking feature makes browsing the web a much cleaner and faster experience.
• Background Playback: Brave supports background playback, allowing you to listen to YouTube videos while using other apps or with your screen locked. This feature is especially useful for listening to music or podcasts without interruption.
• Privacy Focused: In addition to ad blocking, Brave offers advanced privacy features like tracker blocking and script blocking, protecting your data from being collected by websites. This makes Brave a secure and private browsing option.
• Cross-Platform Sync: Brave allows you to sync your bookmarks, history, and settings across multiple devices, providing a seamless browsing experience whether you’re on your iPhone, iPad, or desktop computer.

To use Brave Browser as a YouTube Vanced alternative, simply download the app from the App Store and start browsing YouTube within the Brave browser. The built-in ad blocker and background playback features will automatically enhance your viewing experience. With its focus on privacy and comprehensive features, Brave Browser is a top choice for iOS users looking for a Vanced-like experience.

3. Firefox Focus - Privacy-First Browsing

Firefox Focus is a privacy-centric browser that can also serve as a YouTube Vanced alternative. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, its simplicity and focus on privacy make it a strong contender. Here’s what makes it appealing:

• Ad and Tracker Blocking: Firefox Focus automatically blocks a wide range of ads, trackers, and analytics scripts, providing a cleaner and faster browsing experience on YouTube. This ad-blocking capability ensures that you can watch YouTube videos without constant interruptions.
• Erase History Easily: With a single tap, you can erase your browsing history, cookies, and trackers, ensuring your privacy is protected. This feature is especially useful for those who want to keep their online activity private.
• Simple Interface: Firefox Focus has a minimalist interface that is easy to use and navigate. This simplicity makes it a great option for users who want a straightforward browsing experience without unnecessary features.
• Lightweight and Fast: Firefox Focus is designed to be lightweight and fast, making it ideal for older devices or users with limited storage space. Its efficient design ensures that you can browse YouTube without experiencing lag or slowdowns.

To use Firefox Focus as a YouTube Vanced alternative, download the app from the App Store and browse YouTube within the Firefox Focus browser. The built-in ad and tracker blocking will automatically enhance your viewing experience. While it may not have background playback, its focus on privacy and simplicity makes Firefox Focus a great option for users who prioritize a clean and private browsing experience.

4. YouTube Premium - The Official Solution

Okay, so this isn't exactly a third-party alternative, but it's the official way to get ad-free YouTube with background playback and other perks. YouTube Premium is YouTube's official subscription service, offering several benefits that enhance your viewing experience:

• Ad-Free Viewing: With YouTube Premium, you can watch videos without any ads interrupting your viewing experience. This alone can significantly improve your enjoyment of YouTube content.
• Background Playback: YouTube Premium allows you to play videos in the background, even when using other apps or when your screen is locked. This feature is perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or lectures without interruption.
• YouTube Music Premium: Your YouTube Premium subscription also includes access to YouTube Music Premium, which offers ad-free listening, background playback, and offline downloads for music.
• Offline Downloads: YouTube Premium lets you download videos for offline viewing, which is great for watching content when you don't have an internet connection. This feature is especially useful for travel or commuting.
• YouTube Originals: As a YouTube Premium subscriber, you gain access to exclusive YouTube Originals content, including movies and TV shows.

To subscribe to YouTube Premium, simply open the YouTube app on your iOS device and navigate to the Premium section in the settings. Follow the prompts to sign up for a subscription. While it comes with a monthly fee, YouTube Premium offers a comprehensive and official solution for an ad-free and enhanced YouTube experience.

5. Using a VPN with Ad-Blocking

Another approach is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that includes ad-blocking features. Some VPNs offer built-in ad blockers that can block YouTube ads across all apps, including the official YouTube app. Here’s how this works:

• VPN with Ad-Blocking: Choose a VPN service that offers ad-blocking as part of its features. Popular VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost include ad blockers that can block ads on YouTube and other apps.
• System-Wide Ad Blocking: Unlike browser-based ad blockers, a VPN with ad-blocking capabilities blocks ads system-wide, meaning it works across all apps on your device, including the YouTube app.
• Enhanced Privacy and Security: In addition to ad blocking, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online privacy, making it a secure way to browse the web.
• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: A VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may not be available in your region, expanding your viewing options on YouTube.

To use a VPN with ad-blocking, simply download and install the VPN app from the App Store, enable the ad-blocking feature in the VPN settings, and connect to a VPN server. Once connected, the VPN will automatically block ads in the YouTube app and other apps on your device. While this method requires a VPN subscription, it provides comprehensive ad blocking and enhanced privacy for your iOS device.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Even though YouTube Vanced isn't available on iOS, you've got some awesome alternatives to choose from. Whether you go for a browser like Brave or Firefox Focus, a Safari extension like Vinegar, or even spring for YouTube Premium, you can definitely find a way to enjoy ad-free, background-playback goodness on your iPhone or iPad. Happy watching!