adblock pro for safari vs adguard

AdGuard vs AdGuard Pro for iOS

Introduction to adguard and adguard pro.

Today, more than ever, people are concerned about their online security. In our digital world, online security has become of utmost importance. Cybersecurity statistics indicate 2,200 cyber attacks happen daily, every 39 seconds (Astra Security 2024). This is partly because Internet users need to gain the necessary security knowledge to protect their information. For this reason, ad blockers are essential software to upgrade your browsing experience and enhance online protection. But which one to choose? AdGuard vs AdGuard Pro iOS!

You've come across AdGuard and AdGuard Pro apps but need clarification about which one to choose. This article gives tips to stay protected and block all kinds of ads on your iPad and iPhone. Discover ad-blocking in Safari with AdGuard.

• Overview of Features

AdGuard and AdGuard Pro offer many features for blocking trackers and ads and creating user rules in Safari and on the network level. However, they are both the same! Learn more about AdGuard and its advanced version, AdGuard Pro, its great DNS protection features, and how to ensure security and privacy while browsing the web on iOS.

• AdGuard vs AdGuard Pro iOS: What Sets Them Apart?

If you search for AdGuard in your App Store, you will find two apps: AdGuard and AdGuard Pro. Both apps are designed to block ads in Safari, other browsers and apps, and manage DNS protection on your Apple devices. However, both applications offer the same protection features. They are the same in terms of functionality after adapting to the App Store review guidelines, but for the time being, they are the same. 

If you have already downloaded AdGuard Pro, you do not need to download AdGuard and vice versa or any AdGuard product releases. Still, all significant changes can be grouped into three categories: UI, Safari content blocking, and DNS-related. Keep reading to discover more!

Feeling curious? Read on about the top Safari Ad Blocker!

User Interface and Ease of Use

Key differences in functionality, initial setup and first launch, 2. user rules, 3. allowlist and assistant, choosing the right dns servers, 1. dns filters, 2. custom allowlist and blocklist, monitoring network activity and statistics, adguard and adguard pro for ios: exploring unique features, advantages of stands adblocker over adguard products, unique features of stands adblocker,  final recommendations and personal insights, detailed review: adguard free vs pro.

The free AdGuard for iOS apps and AdGuard Pro are designed to block ads and trackers in Safari, other browsers and apps, and manage DNS protection by providing the best filtering quality. Let's learn more!

In both versions, both AdGuard for iOS and AdGuard Pro offer new improvements concerning their user interface. The new UI version provides a new style, menu configuration, and icons. In addition, it is still possible to switch from light to dark mode. Whether you choose AdGuard vs. AdGuard Pro iOS, both provide ultimate protection features.

Some differences that emerged in the functionality of both AdGuard and AdGuard Pro for iOS are:

• Enable Advanced Mode:  AdGuard added the "Advanced Mode," which you can activate in "Other Settings." To add your DNS filter, you have to enable this Advanced mode, also including the Simplified Domain Name Filter (SDN), composed of an English filter, social network filter, spyware filter, mobile ad filter, EasyList, and EasyPrivacy. Keep reading to learn how to enable your DNS filter on AdGuard.
• Activity Feed:  AdGuard has also added an "Activity feed" section, where you can access the origin of most DNS requests. This is much more reasonable because you can closely monitor malicious attacks.

NOTE:  For the functioning of the adblock for iOS AdGuard, it requires: 

• iPhone - iOS 11.2 or later.
• iPad - iPadOS 11.2 or later.
• iPod touch - iOS 11.2 or later.

In-Depth Look at Safari Content Blocking

If you use Safari to browse the Internet on any Apple device, AdGuard for iOS has implemented six content blockers: General, Privacy, Social, Security, Custom, and Other. AdGuard content blockers serve as "containers" for filtering rules responsible for blocking ads and tracking.

To install the app AdGuard for Safari, you can download the app directly from the App Store. To install it on your Apple device and understand how Safari content blocking works, follow these steps:

• Open the App Store and find the AdGuard browser extension for Safari.
• Click "Get" and then select "Install" and "Open."
• To launch the app AdGuard for Safari, you must enable the extensions in the Safari settings. You will get a notification saying, "Some AdGuard extensions are disabled." Click on "Fix it." 
• On "Extensions," remember to check all the boxes related to AdGuard extensions.
• After you are done here, go to the "Content Blockers" setting to enable them. You can allow the content blocker settings for all websites or personalize your choices.
• On a macOS device, click "Preference," then go to "Websites" and select "Content Blockers." To enable AdGuard, click the toggle button to activate the "When visiting other websites" option.
• On iOS, go to "Settings," click "Safari" and "Content Blockers," and set the toggle option to "Yes."

Understanding Content Blockers in Safari

Content filtering prevents access to potentially risky content, blocking access to illegal or inappropriate content. AdGuard's own filters contain rules for corresponding language segments and task-based filters, such as social media or tracking protection filters.

• Base filter : Block ads from websites with content in English. 
• Tracking Protection filter : You can navigate incognito to hide your online activity and avoid tracking. 
• URL Tracking filter:  Enhances privacy by removing URL tracking parameters.
• Social media filter:  Block ads and other social media integrations on popular websites.
• Annoyances filter:  Block any annoying element on the pages, such as cookie notices, popups, and banners, among others, on desktop and mobile iOS devices.
• Other language filters:  AdGuard filter removes ads from websites in different languages like Russian, German, French, Japanese, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Chinese, and Ukrainian.
• DNS filter:  Simplified several filters (such as AdGuard's base filter, social media filter, and spyware filter) to get better DNS-level ad blocking. 

NOTE:  To verify which content blockers and filters are enabled, go to "General Settings" and then select "Content Blockers" to see their status. You can also disable DNS protection suite.

With AdGuard, you can customize Safari filtering at your convenience. In the "Safari User Rules," you can add new rules or use the AdGuard blocking tool in Safari to customize the filtering. However, if you consider yourself something other than tech-savvy, we don't recommend exploring this option.

The AdGuard extension is supposed to allow you to turn off the ad-blocking features on certain websites. It will enable you to add domains and subdomains to deactivate the content-blocking features. In addition, AdGuard for iOS has an "Import/Export" feature, so you can quickly transfer and use your allowlist from one device to another.

AdGuard Assistant is a tool that helps you manage filtering right from Safari browser without switching back to the app. You can enable the assistant to block specific elements or contact the AdGuard-friendly support team.

DNS Protection Features in AdGuard and AdGuard Pro

DNS, a domain name system, translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.standsapp.org) into machine-readable IP addresses. A Protective DNS (PDNS) is a security service that analyzes these DNS queries to identify and block potential threats within DNS traffic.

The DNS protection module of AdGuard enhances your privacy by encrypting your DNS traffic. In addition, AdGuard's DNS protection also works in applications and browsers other than Safari, as it is a more generalized protection system with extensive ad and tracking domains.

To enable it in AdGuard, you need to follow these steps:

• You will be required to establish a local VPN to allow the DNS.
• Then, choose the AdGuard DNS server.
• Go to "AdGuard home Settings" and "DNS settings protection."
• Toggle the switch to activate it.
• Once this module is completed, you will be able to use it. 

Find the best protection for you:  AdGuard vs. uBlock Origin !

DNS servers convert URLs and domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand and use. In the DNS Protection section of AdGuard, you can select a DNS server to resolve DNS requests, such as blocking ads and trackers and encrypting DNS traffic.

AdGuard will suggest several DNS servers from among the most popular ones, but you will also find an option to add a custom DNS server. It supports regular, DNSCrypt, DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS-over-QUIC servers. Choose whichever you prefer!

As an AdGuard user, you can handle your DNS security on the "Network settings," where you can filter or exclude mobile data and turn on or off DNS protection for the respective Wi-Fi networks. Here, you will find a "Wi-Fi exceptions" option to exclude particular Wi-Fi networks from DNS protection.

Network Settings and DNS Filtering

You can customize your DNS traffic by enabling AdGuard DNS filters and DNS filtering rules and using the DNS blocklist or allowlist. To do so, press its icon in the bottom menu bar, then select "DNS protection" and click "DNS filtering."

DNS filters in AdGuard are rules written according to a special syntax. AdGuard will monitor your DNS traffic and block requests that match these preset rules. You can use filters like the AdGuard DNS filter or add host files as filters.

In addition to DNS filters, adding individual domains to either the Blocklist or the Allowlist in AdGuard is possible. Both support the same DNS syntax, which can be imported and exported.

In the "Activity" section, you can find all the statistics that AdGuard displays about DNS requests, such as the total number of requests, the number of blocked requests, and the data saved by blocking them.

In AdGuard, you can check the 1500 ultimate DNS requests stored on your iOS device, their attributes, protocol type, and the destination domain.

Are you ready? Discover more features of AdGuard's protection for iOS devices:

• Ad blocking:  AdGuard's basic protection features block ads on most websites, and you can customize your ad blocking, enabling appropriate language filters and allowlisting your favorite sites.
• Tracking protection:  AdGuard offers tracking protection through three pre-configured protection levels, preventing third parties from gathering personal information. 
• Annoyance blocking:  You can block popups, online assistant windows, and cookie notifications in this configuration section.
• Firewall:  With AdGuard's firewall settings, you can block the apps you don't find trustworthy or unblock the ones you want to use.
• Browsing Security:  AdGuard warns about potential malware and avoids visiting phishing and malicious websites. 
• Advance Protection:  This module of AdGuard for Mac applies advanced filtering rules, such as CSS rules, CSS selectors, and scriptlets.
• Compatibility:  AdGuard ad blocker works with the most popular web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, macOS, iOS, and Android 7. You can also use AdGuard for Windows.

Do you want to get the best  Free AdBlocker for Chrome ? Find out with Stands!

Why Consider Stands Adblocker as an Alternative?

Both DNS-based adblockers and adblocker extensions have their advantages and disadvantages. Below, you will find some considerations for why using an adblocker extension like  Stands Adblock Free  might be your best option.

• Get more control over what you want to block:  Adblocker extensions like Stands offers much more specific control over what ads to block. You can customize filter lists in their settings, turn off blocking on particular sites, block other unwanted elements on web pages, and adjust everything according to your preferences.
• Easy-to-use interface:  Ad blockers like Stands usually come with much more user-friendly intuitive interfaces that make it easy for users to manage and customize their ad-blocking preferences and access more understandable statistics.
• Software with more practicality:  Some DNS-based services may interfere with the functionality or block certain websites. In contrast, adblocker extensions are a more practical option.

Choosing between an adblocker extension and a DNS-based system depends entirely on your preferences. Both options require regular updates of the blocking lists to remain effective. 

Looking for the ultimate protection?  AdGuard vs. AdBlock , find out which one is the best.

Now that you know some of the features of Stands Adblocker, discover more advantages to get the best online experience. 

• Get a smoother browsing experience:  Stands eliminates all kinds of ads, from annoying video ads to pop-ups, flashing banners, and all advertisements.
• Increased online security:  With Stands, you will avoid fraudulent websites, phishing attacks, and malware, as you can block all these unwanted elements. 
• Protect the confidentiality of personal data:  Stands also prevents detection by third parties, enhancing your online privacy and ad blocking.
• Get more timely family protection:  Your children's online safety is guaranteed with Stands, hiding all inappropriate, annoying, or offensive content. 
• Improve page loading speed and functionality:  Stands will speed up page loading by disabling all ads and optimizing your data usage. Plus, Stands does not interfere with the functionality of websites.
• Downloading Stands Adblocker is 100% free! 

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice Between AdGuard and AdGuard Pro

In comparing AdGuard and AdGuard Pro for iOS, both solutions offer similar features for blocking ads, trackers, and managing DNS protection, so you don't have to worry about which one you downloaded. Their most recent version offers improvements to the user interface, vital functional differences such as "Advanced Mode" and "Activity Feed," and the setup process for Safari content blocking.

Stands Adblocker also presents an alternative for a better online experience and security. It highlights its advantages by providing more specific control over iOS ad blocking, an easy-to-use interface, and practicality. Ultimately, the choice between an adblocker extension and a DNS-based system depends on personal preferences and the desired level of control over online protection, and both options require regular updates to the block list to remain effective.

If you are looking for an excellent ad-blocking alternative, Stands Free Adblocker is also emerging as a wonderful solution to reinforce your online security and enhance your browsing experience. With improved online security, privacy protection, and content filtering for the whole family, Stands Adblocker ensures a smoother, easier, and safer browsing experience without needing a premium subscription.

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Adblock vs Adguard – Which is the Better Ad Blocking Service?

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Don’t you just love it when you’re browsing the web or running an app and an ad pops up, wasting your time, bandwidth, and system performance in order to try to make a quick sale? Of course, you don’t, because you’re a human being. Most people would agree that ads are incredibly annoying, but they are more invasive today than ever before.

AdGuard is the best way to get rid of intrusive ads and online tracking, and to protect your computer from malware. Make your web surfing faster, safer and more comfortable with AdGuard!

What’s the Deal with Adblocking Anyway?

Believe it or not, ads are a security concern and can infringe upon your privacy. Most people use tools like VPNs, proxy servers, cookie managers, and other similar applications to help limit their online footprint and circumvent annoying advertisements.

But the best way to stop ads dead in their tracks, bar none, is to use an adblocker.

One of the great things about adblockers is that they actually help maintain and protect your privacy. Most people aren’t aware that modern digital marketers have become incredibly sophisticated, and can track users’ activities and the websites they visit in order to target them with ads related to their interests.

Usually these techniques revolve around storing cookies in your browser to target you with specific ads, and they can even aggregate demographic information.

They can even make extremely intelligent guesses related to your personal information, such as your identity, age, gender, ethnicity, and a whole host of other types of personal information. The good news is that we all have a right to privacy (for now, at least), and can take advantage of adblockers to stop annoying marketers dead in their tracks.

Two of the most famed and successful adblockers are Adblock and Adguard , but how do you know which to choose? Well, today we’re going to take a closer look at each of these services to see how well they compare.

Pricing Models Compared

When comparing any two digital services, one of the top determinants in most people’s mind is the price.

Free Versions:  First off, note that both Adguard and Adblock have free options. The free version of Adguard , as you might expect, is a little watered down and don’t have as many features as the paid version. Nevertheless, it’s better to use the free versions instead of forgoing adblocking software entirely.

Adblock Plus:  Adblock Plus can be downloaded completely free of charge, and it doesn’t cost a dime to use. For that reason alone, I think most people prefer to use Adblock Plus. After all, why spend money when you don’t have to?

Adguard:  On the other hand, Adgaurd does have free versions, but they also have three different licenses of their software for sale.

The first license is only applicable for Android devices, and costs $9.95 per year . The Standard license costs $19.95 per year , and supports Windows and Mac systems. Finally, the Premium Plan costs $24.95 per year and supports up to two devices, including support for Windows, Mac, and Android.

They also include an option to add additional device licenses in pairs of one computer and one handheld device. The maximum number of devices that can be purchased as a single package includes support for up to 9 computers and 9 mobile devices.

Features to considering and Contrast

The features between these two different adblockers are rather diverse, starting with how the applications actually function and block ads.

Compatibility

First and foremost, be aware that Adblock Plus is a browser extension that supports Firefox, Google Chrome, Android, opera, Internet Explorer, Safari, Yandex, Maxthon, and Microsoft Edge.

Conversely, Adguard is a standalone application that only supports Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac systems. They do have some different versions of their adblocking software that functions as a browser extension as well, but only support Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Yandex, and Opera.

Despite the differences and nuances of being either a standalone application or a browser extension, there are many similarities between the features of these two competing services.

Both Stop Tracking

First off, note that both services will stop ad tracking requests dead in their tracks. They’ll help by disabling invasive banners, scripts, and special types of cookies to make sure that digital marketers aren’t tracking your online activities.

Both Stop Popups

They both also have tools designed to prevent popup ads from spawning new windows. This feature alone can speed up system performance for several reasons.

Ads eat up memory and CPU cycles, and by disabling them, system resources can be spent on processing data and running apps. Furthermore, popup ads can significantly bog down your Internet connection by forcing you to download related images and other data.

Preventing the ads from loading means that your Internet will run better, and you won’t have to waste precious bandwidth downloading irritating images. If you have a weak signal on a mobile device, the difference between browsing the web with ads versus blocking them can be as dramatic as the difference between night and day.

Both Boost Security Overall

Both Adblock and Adguard also help improve system security by blocking attempts from malicious advertising entities. Some ads try to run malicious code or inundate a user with phishing attempts in order to try to get sensitive login credentials.

But, Adguard and Adblock maintain blacklists of websites and domains that are known to be malicious, preventing them from sending malicious advertising to your browser.

The Core Difference?

However, there is one notable advantage to using Adguard over Adblock.

Since Adblock only functions as a browser extension, it doesn’t block ads from other sources as well as Adguard.

Adblock runs independently of your web browser (that is unless you use it’s browser extension version). But advertisers frequently leverage applications, especially freeware, to send ads to users.

Adguard can actually stop ads from being sent to your applications, such as Skype, uTorrent, and others. That’s a handy feature, especially on mobile devices, because it seems that app-advertising is much more prevalent on smartphone and tablet applications.

Lastly, note that both applications have the power to selectively disable ads given certain parameters. You can configure settings for various criteria that will help selectively block certain types of ads, giving you a high degree of control over which ads are blocked.

How does Adblock compare to Others?

• Adblock vs Ublock

Value Versus Cost

Personally, I prefer Adblock over Adguard. I would have to say that Adguard is actually more powerful, and has a more robust set of features. For me, the feature that really made Adguard shine was its ability to stop ads in applications. Adblock can as well, though it isn’t as sophisticated or as powerful.

As such, you might be wondering why I prefer Adblock, and I’ll tell you: it’s free. Both of these services are extremely comparable. Adguard outperforms Adblock by a narrow margin due to some enhanced features, but when it’s all said and done, I’m not sure I would want to spend an extra $10+ dollars a month for such a nominal increase in features.

Plus, Adblock is available on more platforms since it functions as a browser extension. It’s also easier and simpler to install browser extensions than standalone applications, which makes it easier to setup and use.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still not sure, I’d recommend starting with Adblock and seeing how you like it. It’s free to download and use, so there’s absolutely no risk. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, then I’d recommend checking out Adguard . If you opt for a paid license, they do have a 60-day money back guarantee, which gives you two full months to test out their product.

Personally, Adblock does everything I want it to and performs well. Nevertheless, I’ve heard plenty of people say that they use both, though I’m not sure how much better it really is to use both services.

Each service is extremely similar, and they’ll both help improve your privacy, anonymity, system performance, bandwidth, and peace of mind by stopping annoying ads from tracking your online activities.

NOTE: For a full round-up of ALL the top ad blockers, check out my guide here .

[email protected]

Saturday 14th of July 2018

Thanks! You just saved me twenty bucks!

The best ad blockers in 2024

Say goodbye to intrusive online advertising with the best ad blockers

Best in-browser ad blockers

Best ad-blocking apps, best ad-blocking mobile apps, other privacy-focused extensions and apps.

The best ad blockers unfortunately very necessary yo survive on the modern internet. It doesn't matter where you go, there's the risk of being harassed by pop-ups, tracker cookies, malvertising and countless other digital nasties that seem hell-bent on ruining your online experience. Even if all your browsing is above board.

Thankfully there's no shortage of apps and browser extensions that can block ads and keep you safer when you're online. Combined with the best antivirus software and the best VPNs , a good ad-blocker gives you a perfect arsenal of tools to offer as much protection as possible. Even the FBI recommends using an ad-blocker for protection.

The only thing you need to figure out is which ad-blocker is right for what you need. There are so many to choose from, and whether you are willing to live with the downsides. Most free sites rely on advertising revenue to survive, including Tom's Guide. But if you're happy with the trade-off, we've got a thorough list of the best ad blockers and privacy tools — with options for every browser and platform.

The best ad blockers you can get today

1. adblock plus (chrome, edge, firefox, opera, safari, android, ios).

AdBlock Plus (ABP) is among the most popular ad blockers, with extensions available for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge and Opera. ABP features a quick setup, loading preset filter lists that allow users to quickly block most ads, as well as the option to filter malware and social media buttons. 

Savvy users can chose additional block lists as well as set custom filters or whitelist their favorite sites to keep their ad revenue in the black. AdBlock Plus allows what it calls "non-intrusive advertising" through filters; that may irk some users, though this feature can be disabled in settings. 

On Android, the AdBlock Browser provides a Firefox-based browser that blocks incoming advertising, while on iOS, the AdBlock Plus app integrates with the content blocker system to seamlessly block advertising on Safari with minimal setup.

Download AdBlock Plus: Firefox , Chrome , Safari , Opera , Edge

2. AdBlock (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

AdBlock (no relation to AdBlock Plus) is the other best ad-blocking browser extension of note, available for users of Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. AdBlock uses a series of filter lists to automatically block ad content coming from known ad servers and providers. Users can stick with the default block lists, subscribe to additional ones, or even create their own, as well as whitelist their favorite websites. 

As one of the most downloaded Chrome and Safari extensions, AdBlock has the trust of many users worldwide.

Download AdBlock: Chrome , Firefox , Safari , Edge

3. uBlock Origin (Chrome, Firefox)

Ublock Origin is a browser-based ad blocker that focuses on simple, efficient blocking with a low resource overhead. The extension comes loaded with a number of filter lists for known advertising and malware sources, with extra filter lists available and the option to read and create your own custom filters from hosts files.

Download Ublock Origin: Chrome , Firefox

4. Poper Blocker (Chrome)

Rather than be an all-in one blocking solution, Poper Blocker (aka Pop Up Blocker For Chrome), is designed to complement other adblockers. 

In this case, Poper Blocker focuses on blocking pop-ups, pop-unders, overlays, timed and scroll pop-ups, and other varieties that might slip past other ad-blocking extensions. Small notifications tell you when pop-ups are blocked. You also can view your blocking stats, but otherwise, you can generally just keep Poper Blocker running in the background with minimal impact alongside other adblocker extensions.

Download Poper Blocker: Chrome

5. Stands Fair AdBlocker (Chrome)

For a fast and light ad-blocking plugin, Chrome users can turn to Stands Fair AdBlocker. The extension does precisely what it promises, blocking ads and pop-ups from cluttering up your browser view while also preventing any tracking from going on. 

Stand's Fair AdBlocker gives you control over the type of ads you can block, specifying everything from autoplay video ads, YouTube ads, expanding ads and more. It can even block Facebook ads if you want.

The "Fair" part of AdBlocker comes into play by giving you the ability to allow certain types of ads or even whitelist ad-supported websites you don't want to shortchange of badly needed revenue. This is one ad blocker that doesn't take a scorched earth approach to its stated purpose.

Download Stands Fair AdBlocker: Chrome

6. Ghostery (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Edge)

Like the other extensions on our list of the best ad blockers, Ghostery can remove ads from webpages, so you can focus on content and browse more efficiently. But the real value in Ghostery lies in its privacy protection features. You can use Ghostery to view trackers, which lets you see who's trying to collect data on you. With Ghostery, you can also stop that tracking from taking place. If you really want to safeguard your privacy, you can turn to Ghostery's Enhanced Anti Tracking to anonymize your data.

Ghostery's a free download that offers basic web protection. More advanced protection starts at $4.99 a month and the $11.99 monthly tier comes with a built-in VPN. There are also versions of Ghostery that work with Android and iOS devices.

Download Ghostery: Chrome , Firefox , Opera , Safari , Edge

7. Adblocker for YouTube (Chrome, Firefox)

YouTube has gotten more aggressive with ads, so the makers of ad-blocking extensions have followed suit. Adblocker for YouTube is a Chrome extension that promises to automatically block YouTube ads, whether we're talking about the pre-roll ad appearing before your video or any text and banner ads that appear on the video itself.

If you prefer Firefox to Chrome, there's also an AdBlocker for YouTube extension that works on that browser. Same name, different developer apparently, but the functionality of stripping out video and display ads remains. This version works on Android devices too.

Download Adblocker for YouTube: Chrome , Firefox

1. AdGuard (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)

Uses looking for a more robust experience can try out the subscription-based AdGuard, which provides desktop and mobile options to reduce the ads you see when surfing online. 

AdGuard on Windows and Mac covers popular browsers, with highly configurable options for ads, content, and tracker blocking, as well as a parental controls module for restricting adult content. AdGuard for Android is a no-root ad-blocker that blocks advertising on apps and games, though you’ll have to install it from AdGuard’s site instead of through Google Play. AdGuard for iOS works with Safari to effectively filter ads on the default browser.

Download AdGuard: Windows , Mac , Android , iOS

2. AdLock ($33 per year)

AdLock avoids the browser-based route, instead opting to run as a separate program to be able to block not only browser-based ads, but also advertising in other programs like Skype or games. 

The app runs in the background, using filters to block ads, popups, and autoplaying videos, speeding up loading times and applying Safe Browsing features to automatically block sites that are known to be unsafe. 

For obvious reasons, the mobile version is unavailable on the Google Play Store, so you'll need to sideload the app if you want to get AdLock into your Android device. iOS users can download AdLock directly from Apple's App Store.

Download AdLock: Windows , Chrome ,  Android , Mac , iOS

3. Wipr (macOS, iOS; $1.99)

If you’re a Safari fan, Wipr may be the best ad blocker for both your Mac and iPhone. The app is available for both iOS and macOS — costing $1.99 from either Apple App Store — and it promises to work with Safari as well as apps that use Safari for displaying web pages.

You’ll find a full array of features with Wipr, which not only blocks apps and trackers, but cryptocurrency miners, EU cookie and GDPR notices and anything else that gets in your way of surfing the web. Its blocklist gets updated twice a week, and there’s little configuration; the idea is that you load Wipr and forget that it’s there while it does its job in the background.

With Wipr, pages should load faster in Safari, which will be particularly welcome if you’re surfing from an iPhone, where ads and trackers can bog down your browser’s speed.

Download Wipr: macOS , iOS

1. 1Blocker (iOS)

1Blocker was one of the first really good ad blockers on iOS when Apple opened up that functionality on iPhones and iPads; the apps has since been optimized for Safari. 

The app is designed to make browsing faster and more secure by blocking ads, popups, trackers and other online cruft. Rather than blocking content of a downloaded page, 1Blocker works with Safari's content blocker API to tell the browser what to block in advance, saving time and resources. 

1Blocker features more than 115,000 blocker rules, custom regional adblocking settings, and easy-to-use custom rules settings. The app is a free download, with premium features available as in-app purchases.

Download 1Blocker: iOS

2. Firefox Focus (Android, iOS)

Firefox Focus is another addition to Mozilla's family of browsers. This one's a privacy-oriented version of Firefox that bakes in ad-blocking and anti-tracking into a light and functional package. Firefox Focus blocks ads and speeds up browsing, while also working in privacy-friendly features like automatic history and cookie clearing. 

Users can selectively block ads, analytics, content and social trackers with easy toggles, turn on a "stealth" mode, and set a default search engine.

Our look at the best Android browsers has more on the various flavors of Firefox.

Download Firefox Focus: Android , iOS

3. AdClear (Android, iOS)

AdClear — or AdClear Plus if you're searching for the iOS version — offers the kind of mobile ad blocking in browsers that similar apps provide. But AdClear takes it one step farther by also blocking ads in apps. 

AdClear achieves this through a DNS changer feature that routes traffic through a VPN. AdClear doesn't catch everything in all apps, and in our experience, some apps ran a little slower. But this free download can put a stop to ads interrupting what you're trying to do whether in an app or a browser.

Download AdClear: Android , iOS

1. Decentraleyes (Chrome, Firefox)

Some times, blocking ads can also prevent websites fromn pulling needed resoruces and libraries from third-party sources, breaking web pages in the process. Decentraleyes tries to stop that from happening by acting as a local content delivery network emulator to serve up the files that websites need. By doing so, this extension can stop websites from sending out requests to the likes of Google Hosted Libraries.

Think of Decentraleyes as a complement to ad blockers. In fact, the extension specifically says it can work with uBlock Origin and AdBlock Plus, both of which we recommend up above.

Download Decentraleyes: Chrome , Firefox

2. Opera (Desktop, Android, iOS)

The Opera browser bakes in ad-blocking features into the browser without the need for an extra add-on, while also offering privacy-friendly tools such as an unlimited, built-in VPN service, incognito mode, fraud and malware warnings for suspicious links and pages, and more. In addition, you can further customize Opera's capabilities with a wide array of extensions. 

Mobile users need not fret, as the Android version comes with just about everything the desktop version has but built for touch-screen interfaces. On iOS, the mobile version of Opera is listed in Apple's App Store as Opera Touch. (Incidentally, we've got a guide on how you can use Opera to block ads on the iPhone .)

Download Opera: Mac or Windows , Android , iOS

3. Privacy Badger (Chrome, Firefox, Opera)

The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Privacy Badger browser extension was born from the EFF's concerns about the business models of some privacy tools and ad blockers. 

Privacy Badger functions similarly to extensions like AdBlock Plus (on which it was based), observing the various tracking tools that advertisers and other third parties might use to track your online activities and selectively blocking them from executing. Built-in learning algorithms adapt to the sites you visit and take any new tracking tools discovered into account. 

While not explicitly an ad blocker, Privacy Badger does also block some advertising, depending on how aggressively the ads track you across websites.

Download Privacy Badger: Chrome , Firefox , Opera

4. Tor Browser (Desktop, Android)

The Tor network helps anonymize your internet activity by bouncing the data you send and receive through a distributed anonymous network of routers to foil a common online surveillance technique called traffic analysis, which can reveal the sites you visit or who you're communicating with. 

The Tor Browser is an all-in-one package that includes everything you need to surf the net through the Tor network in an easy-to-install portable package. The package includes a modified version of Firefox with privacy aids such as NoScript baked in, and an automatic setup aid that makes it easy to connect to and create new Tor circuits. 

On the desktop, you can grab a version of Tor Browser for Windows, macOS or Linux. There's also a version of Tor Browser for Android, which replaces the previous OrBot + OrFox combination recommended for browsing Tor on Android.

Download Tor Browser: Desktop , Android

5. Onion Browser (iOS)

iOS users aren’t left out when it comes to browsing the Tor anonymizer network, with the Onion Browser among the more popular options on Apple’s mobile OS. 

Previously a premium app, Onion Browser has since moved to a donation model, opening up access to everyone who wants to download the app, without compromising security or features. The usual caveats apply: Browsing through Tor will slow down the web experience, and some features, like video streams and video files won’t work in order to preserve anonymity.

Download Onion Browser: iOS

How to choose the best ad blocker for you

Many of the best ad blockers are available for free, either as extensions or as standalone apps, though a few, like AdLock, charge a fee. Determine if the free services provide enough ad-blocking to meet your needs or whether a paid app delivers more for your money. You should also figure out if a browser extension will take care of your ad-blocking needs or whether you should consider switching browsers to one with more built-in privacy features.

You can narrow down your choice in ad blockers by deciding specifically what you're looking to accomplish with such an app or extension. Do you just want to stop annoying pop-up ads from appearing or do you want the full range of services, including privacy features and an end to ad-tracking? Grab the ad blocker that ticks off all the boxes on your wishlist.

Some ad blockers, such as AdBlock Plus include filters and the ability to let in non-obtrusive advertising. Others, like AdBlocker Ultimate, take a more aggressive approach. Find out which one best suits your needs and comfort level.

As we noted at the outset, there's also an ethical component to ad blockers. Do you feel comfortable keeping ad revenue out of the hands of sites you enjoy and use for free? As good as the best ad blockers are, that's still a trade-off you need to consider when deciding whether to install one as a browser extension or as a standalone app. 

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• kep55 I'm waiting for an ad blocker that will spoof the websites into thinking there is no ad blocker in place. More and more sites are incorporating code that disables the site entirely or many of the features if an adblocker is in use. Reply

kep55 said: I'm waiting for an ad blocker that will spoof the websites into thinking there is no ad blocker in place. More and more sites are incorporating code that disables the site entirely or many of the features if an adblocker is in use.

• View All 2 Comments

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Adblock vs Adguard: Difference and Comparison

One of the best features of adblockers is that they let you keep and defend your anonymity.

Most individuals are unaware that current digital advertisers have advanced to the point where they can monitor users’ activity and the sites they frequent in an attempt to attack them with adverts relevant to their preferences.

Adblock and Adguard are 2 of the most well-known and influential adblockers.

Key Takeaways Adblock is a browser extension that blocks website ads, improving user experience and page load times. AdGuard is a comprehensive ad-blocking solution that offers additional features such as tracking protection, phishing defense, and parental controls. Both tools aim to enhance the browsing experience, with AdGuard providing more advanced functionality and protection.

Adblock vs Adguard

AdBlock offers an essential ad-blocking feature that can be used to block most ads. AdGuard provides a more comprehensive features, including ad-blocking, anti-tracking, parental controls, and malware protection. AdBlock is a free browser extension, while AdGuard offers free and paid versions.

AdBlock lets people block the display of page components such as adverts. AdBlock is safe to download and free of virus; however, bear in mind that the only secure sites to download AdBlock is the authorized browser extension shops and our homepage.

Similar Reads

• AdBlock vs Privacy Badger: Difference and Comparison
• Adblock vs 1blocker: Difference and Comparison

If you get “AdBlock” from elsewhere, it might include spyware that infects your system.

AdGuard disables all ads, notably video commercials, intermittent ads, hovering ads, pop -ups, web banners, adverts, and print advertisements.

The component blocking functionality allows you to block ANY unwelcome element on the website. 

If you’re concerned, you could permanently deactivate routing for individual applications, which will cause Adguard to cease tracking information from that application.

Comparison Table

What is adblock.

Adblock software is based on essential lists, known as filter lists, that select what to prevent and conceal and what to permit to display on the sites you view.

These lists are essentially a collection of Addresses in the style of an “allowlist” and “blocklist.” When you access a site, Adblock rapidly determines whether or not it is on one of these filtering groups. 

If it is, the demand for external material is denied, and the advertisement is not loaded into the website.

In a word, AdBlock software is a collection of criteria created in these filtration groups that govern what can or can not be banned on internet pages you browse.

Filter listings are managed by a third-party group unaffiliated with adblocker manufacturers or ad firms. 

It is not malware, but it, like any other open-source software, can potentially be changed for illegal reasons.

In summary, you have the power to prohibit adverts, but tampering with the author ‘s ability to offer or limit accessibility to copyrighted information in a way that they allow is not permitted. 

Although the specific phrasing varies depending on the browser, the cautions are all frightening for a reason. You should be informed of the capabilities of the add-ons you download.

Adblock Plus gathers specific limited private data, but solely to deliver its functions to you.

What is Adguard?

AdGuard is an open protection program that offers a single method for blocking advertisements and trackers across all gadgets in your system.

Furthermore, AdGuard provides network-wide security without requiring any software to be downloaded on your client’s computers.

Additionally, it offers a user-friendly online platform that lets you effortlessly control traffic, even from a cellular telephone. 

It serves as a DNS router, rerouting monitoring domains to a bottomless pit and blocking your gadgets from interacting with such servers.

It’s built on the same technology that runs AdGuard DNS servers; a lot of code is shared between the two.

AdGuard is a simple and inexpensive method to block advertisements on any gadget and protect your youngsters’ safe onlinet. 

AdGuard is indeed a highly considerate program when it comes to your privacy. It may be deployed on Android, iPhone , Pc, Ethernet, and DNS.

Its Android device prevents trackers and advertisements in all applications and websites, making it a convenient all-in-one answer.

With licensing keys that can be transferred and used on any platform, their adaptability is nearly unheard of in the IT sector. 

AdGuard was chosen by over 30 million consumers, and they have remained with them ever since.

Adguard for Android is among the most excellent software that includes an adblocking capability by standard and reeware for all sites without needing ROOT access.

Main Differences Between Adblock and Adguard

• Adblock is free to use and has no charges, and even though Adguard is also free, it does have certain costs after a while. 
• Adblock is actually an extension in a website, whereas adguard is a complete application. 
• Adblock cannot eliminate all the advertisements on its own, whereas Adguard can do so entirely on its own. 
• Currently, AdBlock is owned by Wladimir Palant of, a German business corporation, and Adguard had its roots settled in Cyprus. 
• Adblock came into being in the year, 2002 and Adguard came into being later in the year, 2009.
• https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7785821/
• https://swsprec.com/papers/acceptable.pdf

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page .

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6 thoughts on “adblock vs adguard: difference and comparison”.

AdGuard seems to be a popular choice among consumers. The versatility and adaptability offered by AdGuard is impressive.

I didn’t know about the wide range of features they offer, especially AdGuard. It’s eye-opening.

The difference between AdBlock and AdGuard is quite striking. Adblock seems to be a little less comprehensive than Adguard

I appreciate the detailed comparison between Adblock and Adguard. It helps in making an informed decision.

With all the additional features, it’s very attractive to have such protection for my personal data online.

It is great that these adblockers provide so much protection and anonymity! It is an effective way to safeguard your data.

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