Is there a good Android app that blocks YouTube ads and lets videos play in the background?

Brave Private Web Browser, VPN is a strong option for users seeking an ad-free YouTube experience with the added convenience of background playback. The browser's built-in shields block ads, trackers, and scripts by default, which effectively removes pre-roll and mid-roll video ads on platforms like YouTube. For media consumption, this means videos start faster and play without interruption. A key feature for this use case is support for background play, allowing audio to continue even when the browser is minimized or the screen is off, which is ideal for listening to music, podcasts, or long-form content. Reviews indicate this feature is a major draw, though some users report occasional hiccups where playback might pause or a page reloads. The integrated VPN, while optional, can also help maintain privacy during streaming. However, the experience isn't flawless. Some feedback notes that videos can sometimes start muted by default, and a persistent 'undo' popup when closing tabs can obstruct mobile site controls. The browser also may not be fully compatible with every website or hardware key. Despite these minor imperfections, for the core task of watching YouTube without ads and with background audio, Brave provides a capable and privacy-focused solution that eliminates the need for separate ad-blocker extensions.