AdGuard is like a Swiss Army knife of all ad blockers. It’s slick, efficient and surprisingly powerful for something that’s (mostly) free. It’s a freemium DNS and ad blocker that doesn’t just wipe away pop-ups and intrusive ads; it also whips away trackers, third-party cookies and other digital annoyances like a ninja on coffee.
But with all this ad-blocking power, how does AdGuard stack up against the competition? Is it the real deal or just another app with a pretty face? And is the premium version worth your money? Let’s dig in and find out.
Quick Overview
| 🌟 Feature | ✨ Details |
| ⭐ Rating | 100/100 |
| 💵 Price | $39.99/year |
| 🆓 Free Version | Yes, and it’s great! |
| ▶️ YouTube Ads | Absolutely |
| ⛔ Blocks Trackers | Yes |
| 💻Compatibility | Works on everything you can think of |
Overall Score
AdGuard scored a perfect 100 our of 100 on Adblock Tester. This is a new high for AdGuard. They have always maintained an impressive score. Previously we have tested AdGuard and got a 99. Later, after the Manifest v3 update, that score dropped to 97, which is expected as the platform is notorious for nerfing ad blockers. But, it’s finally good to see AdGuard putting in the work and going the extra mile to achieve the perfect score.
Testing Parameters
We tested AdGuard against the usual suspects in the digital ad and tracking space. Here’s what we checked:
- Contextual Advertising: Those creepy ads that seem to know a bit too much about you? They use user data to serve content. AdBlock Tester checks if AdGuard can shut the door on them before they even load.
- Analytics Tools: Google Analytics and Hotjar are the internet’s nosy neighbours, tracking your every move. If an ad blocker can block these scripts, it can keep your data safe from prying eyes.
- Banner Ads: These are loud, flashy and hard to ignore. Some are so deep in websites they’re like wallpaper. We tested AdGuard’s ability to block different types: Flash banners, GIFs and static image ads.
- Error Monitoring Services: Tools like Sentry and Bugsnag help developers catch bugs on their sites. Blocking them won’t break anything, but it’s a nice bonus if your ad blocker can keep them from running. Why let them collect data if you don’t have to?
Key Result Highlights
Spoiler alert: AdGuard won!
- It passed all 22 tests without breaking a sweat.
- Every ad, tracker and sneaky background script we threw at it got blocked.
What we learned from this test is that AdGuard maintains a strict block-everything-that’s-not-content policy. And we’re all for it.
Pros and Cons
AdGuard has a lot more pros than cons, which is always good to see in an ad blocker.
Pros
✔️ Scored almost perfectly in our tests.
✔️ Transparent, trustworthy, and easy on your wallet.
✔️ Absolutely annihilates all third-party scripts, analytics, & trackers.
✔️ Lets you maintain a whitelist & an inverted whitelist
✔️ Works on everything from your laptop to a Raspberry Pi.
✔️The free version is loaded with powerful features.
Cons
✔️ Can’t dodge detection.
✔️ No 24/7 live chat support.
Compatibility and Platform Availability
Leave no devices behind. That’s AdGuard’s motto. It’ll work on your computer, smartphone, smart TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, NAS, Raspberry Pi, and even your wi-fi router. If you can think of a consumer device that can show you digital ads, AdGuard can block it.
| Platform | Availability |
| Chromium Extension | ✅ Yes |
| Firefox Add-On | ✅ Yes |
| Safari Extension | ✅ Yes |
| MV3 Compliance (Chrome) | ✅ Yes |
| Windows App (System-wide) | ✅ Yes |
| macOS App (System-wide) | ✅ Yes |
| Android App (System-wide) | ✅ Yes |
| iOS App (System-wide) | ✅ Yes |
How does AdGuard block ads on so many platforms?
AdGuard has a lot of products that are made to cater to different devices and use cases.
- AdGuard’s browser extensions do a great job at blocking ads on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge and all browsers based on their engine.
- AdGuard content blocker will work great on Android and iOS if you’re just looking to block ads in Samsung Browser and Safari.
- Then, the AdGuard app will provide system-wide support for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- AdGuard Home is mainly designed to be a companion to your router. It’s meant to be installed on a network-accessed device connected to your router.
- AdGuard DNS just works everywhere.
Core Features of AdGuard
DNS Resolver
At its heart AdGuard is a DNS resolver. In simple terms DNS is like the phone book of the internet, translating website names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses (like 172.217.164.110).
Other DNS resolvers like Google and Cloudflare just do the translating, AdGuard adds a twist. It blocks ads on the DNS level. This means those sneaky ads are stopped before they even reach your home network. Think of it like having a bouncer at the door who doesn’t even let the troublemakers inside.
Ad Blocking
Yes, AdGuard is really, really good at blocking ads. Banner ads, pop-ups, video ads—you name it, AdGuard swats them away. But it doesn’t stop there. It also blocks third-party trackers, so advertisers can’t follow you around the web with creepy, hyper-targeted ads. Plus it blocks search ads and self-promotions to keep your browsing clean and clutter-free.
Custom Whitelisting
Like most ad blockers AdGuard lets you whitelist sites, so you can allow ads on websites you actually support. But here’s the cool part, AdGuard flips the script with inverted whitelisting. This means only the sites on your allow list will have ads blocked, while everything else stays as-is.
HTTPS Filtering
Most websites now use HTTPS, so your data is more secure. But ads and trackers can still sneak through. AdGuard’s HTTPS filtering steps in to analyze traffic on secure sites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter without compromising your privacy. It establishes secure connection with your browser and the website, filters out unwanted content while keeping your data encrypted.
Stealth Mode
AdGuard’s Stealth Mode is an invisibility cloak. It hides your search queries, automatically clears cookies, adds extra privacy-enhancing features and ensures websites can’t snoop on your personal information, even if they really, really want to.
Phishing & Malware Protection
The internet is a sketchy place, but AdGuard’s phishing and malware protection got you covered. It scans the websites you visit and blocks access to malicious sites and online threats.
Usability and Installation
For something that’s feature rich and customisable, AdGuard is also super user-friendly. AdGuard scores a 5 out of 5 for user-friendliness because it ticks all the boxes. Let’s break it down.
Quick and Easy Installation
Getting AdGuard up and running is as easy as making instant noodles. You can install it as a browser extension from the add-ons store or directly from the AdGuard website. It works with every browser you can think of.
If you’re more of an app person, AdGuard’s got you covered with apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. macOS and iOS versions are available on the App Store, while Windows and Android apps are a quick download from the website. Browser extensions? One click. Apps? Maybe two or three clicks but nothing that’ll require a tech wizard.
Easy to Use
Once installed you’re greeted with a big ol’ toggle button. Flip it on and boom! Ad blocking is activated. That’s it. No complicated setup, no 50 step guides. Just click and you’re good to go.
Want to dig deeper? Head to the settings page. You’ll find loads of options neatly organised. Yes there’s sub-settings and even sub-sub-settings but everything is clearly labelled and easy to understand. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user it’s all laid out logically, so you won’t struggle with anything.
Highly Customisable
AdGuard really shines when it comes to customisability. The Filters section is where the magic happens. You’ll find “Ad Blocking” enabled by default but why stop there? You can also activate filters for Privacy, Security, Social Widgets and even Annoyances (because who doesn’t want fewer of those?).
Each filter category has its own set of rules and if you’re feeling adventurous you can even add custom filters using URLs. But wait, there’s more! Advanced users can dive into the User Rules section to add custom HTML/CSS scripts for that extra level of control.Don’t like something on a website? Manually block it. That sidebar? Gone. That autoplay video? Poof. AdGuard remembers so you don’t have to.
Pricing and Free Version
AdGuard is one of the best free and open source ad blocker that also has some extra features if you’re willing to pay a tiny amount.
The Free Tier
AdGuard’s Chrome extension is free to use and not just some basic demo. It has solid ad-blocking capabilities and doesn’t nag you to upgrade every 5 minutes. For most users this free version will handle pop-ups, trackers and intrusive ads like a pro.
But if you’re curious what’s beyond, that’s where the AdGuard app comes in.
AdGuard Premium
While the browser extension is great, AdGuard recommends using the app for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS to get the most out of it. The app has a treasure chest of additional features but requires a paid license. Here’s what you get when you go premium:
- System-wide Ad Blocking: Tired of ads popping up in apps outside your browser? Premium blocks ads in non-browser apps. Yes, even that game you downloaded after watching an ad, that keeps showing you more ads.
- Tracking Protection: Say goodbye to tracking requests, online counters, UTM tags and nosy analytics systems. AdGuard puts a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your data.
- Browsing Security: Get real-time warnings when you’re about to visit a dodgy website.
- Parental Controls: Keep an eye on your kids’ online activities and block inappropriate content without being the “uncool” parent.
- Custom Filters & User Rules: Want to get super specific with your ad blocking? Add your own filtering rules or third-party filters to fine-tune everything.
- Userscripts & AdGuard Extra: Extend AdGuard’s functionality even further with userscripts that prevent sneaky ad reinjections. No ads sneaking past this gate.
How Much Does It Cost?
AdGuard’s pricing is pretty simple. And honestly, not bad for what you get.
Personal Plan:
- $39.99/year for up to 3 devices (just $3.33/month).
- Lifetime License: $99.99
Family Plan:
- $89.99/year for up to 9 devices (perfect for big families, or someone with a lot of gadgets).
- Lifetime License: $219.99
Now if the prices seem a bit too high. Don’t worry. Use ADBLOCKTESTER30 at checkout to get an additional 30% discount.
Free Trial & Money-Back Guarantee
Not ready to commit? No problem. AdGuard has a 3-day free trial when you install the app on your computer. No credit card required.
And there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you. That’s basically two months to change your mind without losing a dime.
Do You Really Need to Upgrade?
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to upgrade if you’re happy with the free version. It’s great ad blocking with no major limitations. But if you find yourself loving AdGuard, the lifetime license might be totally worth it. Especially if you’re big on privacy or want system-wide protection.
Is AdGuard Worth It?
Yes. We think AdGuard is absolutely worth it. It gives you great value for money and keeps the free version just as usable as the premium one.
Customer Support
AdGuard’s support isn’t the best but it gets the job done most of the time. If you’re the type who likes quick, real-time answers, you might find it lacking. Here’s the full breakdown of what AdGuard offers (and what it doesn’t).
Available Support Channels
When it comes to support channels, AdGuard keeps it simple:
- Knowledge Base: This is your first stop for troubleshooting. It’s got guides, FAQs and detailed articles on pretty much everything about AdGuard and its related products.
- Email Support: If you can’t find answers in the knowledge base, you can email them. They give you a ticket number so at least you know your query didn’t disappear into the void.
What’s missing?
- No Live Chat: If you want a quick, real-time answer from a support agent, you’re out of luck.
- No Phone Support: Sometimes you just want to talk to a human. Unfortunately, AdGuard doesn’t have phone support either.
Response Time
We tested AdGuard’s support by sending them some specific questions that weren’t in their knowledge base. Here’s what happened:
We got an auto-response right away with a ticket number. Nice!
After that… nothing. We didn’t hear back from a human support agent for over 24 hours. So if you have an urgent issue, the wait can be a real test of your patience. We still think 24 hours is a fast enough response time.
Customer Feedback
From what we’ve gathered, AdGuard’s support is a mixed bag:
- Pros: The knowledge base is actually helpful, covering a lot of ground. A lot of users have said positive things about it in Eeddit and other platforms. For common issues you probably won’t even need to email them.
- Cons: The email response time is hit or miss. Some users report quick answers like us, others had to wait longer.
Why AdGuard Stands Out in 2025?
In 2025 online ads are more intrusive than ever. But AdGuard isn’t just keeping up, it’s leading the way. Here’s why:
DNS-level Ad Blocking
AdGuard’s real magic starts where most ad blockers fail. As AdGuard works at DNS level, it can stop ads and trackers before they even reach your device.
Focus on Privacy
AdGuard is a full-on privacy tool. With features like Stealth Mode, phishing protection and system-wide ad blocking it protects you from online trackers, malicious sites and intrusive data collectors.
Cross Platform
Whatever device you use: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS or even a Raspberry Pi, AdGuard has got you covered. It fits seamlessly into your ecosystem and offers protection across all platforms.
Perfect for Power Users
AdGuard isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. You can customise with custom filters, create inverted whitelists and even add user scripts. AdGuard lets you control how the tool works.
Is AdGuard Safe?
Yes! AdGuard is absolutely safe and it’s data safety practices are admirable.
First off, AdGuard is based in Cyprus, which means it’s under the EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). GDPR is one of the strictest privacy laws out there. It means your data can’t be collected, sold or misused without your consent. So your data isn’t just protected, it’s legally protected.
Transparency is key when you trust any software with your data. AdGuard is open source. Anyone can look under the hood and see how it works. No tricks, no hidden trackers and no surprises. It’s all behind a glass wall. You know what’s going on.
AdGuard acts as your first line of defence against malicious websites and phishing attacks. It actively scans and blocks suspicious domains that can compromise your security.
With GDPR backed privacy laws, open source transparency and solid protection against online threats, AdGuard is your shield bearer when you’re browsing online. So yes, it’s completely safe and you can surf with peace of mind.
Top Alternatives To AdGuard
AdGuard vs. uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin Price: Free
uBlock Origin is free and powerful but full version isn’t MV3-compliant so no Chrome support and developer has no plans to change that. Plus uBlock can be a bit technical for casual users. AdGuard is much more user-friendly and free version performs just as well sometimes even better without the technicalities.
AdGuard vs. Total AdBlock
Total AdBlock Price: $19.99/year
Total AdBlock is cheaper for the first year but here’s the catch: free version doesn’t block ads on 15,000 most popular websites. Meanwhile AdGuard’s free version blocks ads on all websites without a problem.
AdGuard vs. Ghostery
Ghostery Price: Free
Ghostery is great if you like community-driven projects with open-source database of ads and trackers. But AdGuard is one step ahead, using multiple open-source blocklists that are way more comprehensive and effective. In short AdGuard casts a wider, stronger net.
Final Verdict
AdGuard is one of those apps I can recommend without hesitation. It checks all the boxes: It blocks ads, stops trackers from following you around, and does it all for free and paid. If you feel fancy, the premium won’t hurt your wallet, and if you fall in love with it, there’s a lifetime license, so you can block ads forever.
Yes, the customer support could be better. But honestly, it’s a small trade-off for an ad blocker that works this well. Plus, AdGuard’s wide compatibility is the cherry on top. You can install it on your browser, desktop, phone, and yes, even your Raspberry Pi.
In short: AdGuard gets the job done, no fuss, no fluff.
AdBlock Tester Score: 100/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AdGuard Free?
AdGuard is a freemium DNS and ad blocker. All of the ad blocking features are free to use. But it also has a premium subscription that can be bought as an annual plan or one-time fee. The premium subscription includes a VPN and parental controls. But all the ad blocking features are free for everyone.
Does AdGuard Sell My Data?
According to AdGuard’s privacy policy, they don’t collect or share any user data. And while AdGuard is a commercial company, most of their products are open-source, so you can access the codes. So your data is safe with AdGuard.
Does AdGuard block viruses?
AdGuard doesn’t block viruses. But it can block malicious URLs online. AdGuard has blocklists for phishing, scams and badwares. Overall AdGuard provides some security online. But not as a substitute for an antivirus or other internet security tools.