I'm wondering which ad blocker you've had success with...specifically I'm wondering:

- Does this also block ads on Youtube (in the browser)?

- Can this block Youtube Shorts (they're way too addictive for me)?

I don't know about YT Shorts but Vinegar [0] blocks ads.

[0] https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vinegar-tube-cleaner/id1591303...

Control Panel for YouTube[^1] can block ads and Shorts in the browser

[^1]: https://soitis.dev/control-panel-for-youtube

The best way to block YouTube Shorts is using a modified APK on Android. Plus, you don't get ads.

I'd almost use the "real" YouTube app with ads on, if I could disable Shorts entirely.

yes this blocks YouTube ads in the browser.