AdGuard is one of the very few ad blockers that does not treat its free users like second-class citizens. In fact, a lot of the time, while using the free version, you won’t even realize that this is free and there’s more in the paid version. Because it doesn’t constantly try to upsell AdGuard Premium.
You’ll get full ads and tracker blocking with the browser extension. And there’s no paid version for that. You’ll mainly need to pay if you want to utilize system-wide ad blocking with the desktop and mobile apps.
We’ve broken down the full experience of using AdGuard free and Premium in this comparison. However, most of the insights are drawn from our AdGuard review, and we recommend reading it if you haven’t already.
Quick Overview
| AdGuard Features | Free | Premium |
| AdBlock Tester Score | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| YouTube Ad Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Filters | Yes | Yes + user rules + scripts |
| Stealth Mode | Not available | Included |
| HTTPS Filtering | Depends on the browser | Built-in via app |
| Parental Controls | Not available | Included |
| DNS Filtering | Limited | Full |
| Platform Support | Chrome, Edge, Safari & Firefox | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| System-Wide Blocking? | No | Yes, on both PC and mobile |
| Price | Free | Starts at $29.88/year |
Key Differences at a Glance
- The free version only works in supported browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari). Premium works seamlessly in apps, games, and entire operating systems, with native apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- AdGuard Free blocks ads in browsers, including YouTube. AdGuard Premium blocks in-app video ads in mobile games and third-party apps.
- Premium has Stealth Mode, HTTPS filtering, and DNS-level tracking prevention. These tools protect your data from trackers and fingerprinting and helps block ads with accuracy.
- Both have filter lists. But the premium version allows unlimited user rules, enhanced script blocking, and app-wide filtering.
- Only in Premium can you block adult content, set up safe search, and monitor access.
- Outside of the standard Premium plan, there are more paid AdGuard products, like AdGuard DNS that can block ads at a network level.
Pricing & Premium Features
AdGuard Free (Browser Extension)
Price: Free forever
The free version of AdGuard is a full-fledged ad blocker for casual users who just want cleaner, faster browsing, without paying a dime.
What’s included?
- Blocks banners, popups, trackers, and YouTube ads (in browser)
- Custom filter & rules support (limited)
- Allowlist and Reverse Allowlist
- Works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers
- No upgrade prompts or nag screens
Best for
Anyone who only needs browser-based protection and wants a hassle-free, high-performance ad blocker.
AdGuard Premium (Desktop & Mobile App)
Starts at $29.88/year
AdGuard Premium unlocks the full suite of privacy tools and device-wide protection across platforms.
What’s included?
- System-wide ad blocking (apps, games, browsers)
- Stealth Mode (anti-tracking, anti-fingerprinting, cookie auto-clean)
- HTTPS filtering for encrypted sites (like YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
- DNS filtering (AdGuard DNS, custom DoH/DoQ)
- Parental controls (safe search, adult site blocking)
- Custom rules (CSS/JS-based, per-app or site-specific)
Complete Pricing Options
| 1 Year | Lifetime | |
| Personal (3 Devices) | $29.88 | $79.99 |
| Family (9 Devices) | $65.88 | $169.99 |
We find the pricing to be very reasonable. However, you can save even more with our promo code ADBLOCKTESTER30, which offers 30% off. For more such promo codes, you can have a look at the best ad blocker coupon codes for 2026.
Free Trial & Money-Back Guarantee
Sometimes, you may receive a 3-day free trial with the app on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. For that, no credit card information is required.
AdGuard is also very generous with its refund policy, offering a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Best for
Power users, privacy-focused households, or anyone who wants ad blocking that works outside the browser, too.
AdBlock Tester Score & Real-World Performance
Both AdGuard Free and AdGuard Premium scored a perfect 100/100 on AdBlock Tester. They block banners, popups, video ads, and trackers equally well in browsers.
The premium version blocks ads in apps and games, not just in your browser. So if you’re seeing ads in mobile apps, streaming services, or desktop software, Premium is the one that handles those. Other than that, there’s no difference in real-world performance.
Privacy & Security
AdGuard takes privacy seriously, regardless of whether you use the free version or the Premium version. Both are GDPR compliant, don’t log user data, and are built with open-source components that are visible. Your browsing history is private, and AdGuard doesn’t sell or share your data.
But Premium unlocks a full privacy toolkit:
Stealth Mode: Hides search queries, removes tracking parameters (like UTM tags), masks IP info, blocks browser fingerprinting, and auto-deletes cookies.
HTTPS Filtering: Allows AdGuard to filter secure (HTTPS) traffic, block ads and trackers even on encrypted sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
DNS Filtering: Allows you to block ads, malware, and telemetry at the DNS level, before requests reach your device. Similarly, requests don’t leave your device either.
For enhanced privacy, there’s also a free and self-hosted option called AdGuard Home. It’s for tech-savvy users. AdGuard Home gives you network-wide blocking from a Raspberry Pi, NAS, or home server. It’s fully private and local. No third-party DNS required.
Platforms & Installation
AdGuard Free (Browser Extension)
The free version of AdGuard is available as a browser extension and works on:
- Chrome (or any Chromium-based browser)
- Firefox (or any Firefox-based browser)
- Edge
- Safari
- Opera
How to install?
Just go to your browser’s extension store, search for AdGuard, and click “Add.” No account, no trial, no subscription required. It runs immediately and stays free forever.
AdGuard Premium (Desktop & Mobile App)
AdGuard Premium covers system-wide protection. It blocks ads across apps, browsers, games, and even some streaming platforms. The premium app is available on:
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
- Some routers and smart TVs
How to install?
Go to adguard.com, download the app for your platform, and install it like any regular software.
On Android, you’ll need to sideload the full-featured version (not the one from the Play Store) from the AdGuard website.
On iOS, install it from the App Store; it works as a Safari content blocker with DNS options.
How to subscribe?
Subscriptions can be bought through the app or via the AdGuard website. A single license covers up to 3 devices, or 9 devices with the Family Plan. You can also opt for a $79.99 lifetime license, with no recurring fees.
AdGuard Pro (iOS only)
AdGuard Pro is a one-time purchase app on the App Store for iOS. It includes DNS filtering, custom rules, and more. But it is tied to one Apple ID only and not part of the Premium subscription.
Final Verdict
AdGuard’s free version does more than most paid blockers. It’s powerful, fast, and private. There are no upsells, locked features, or annoying pop-ups. If you just want to block ads in your browser, it’s a no-brainer.
However, AdGuard Premium is where it truly becomes a comprehensive privacy suite. It blocks ads beyond the browser – in your apps, games, smart TV, and entire device. It also adds advanced features like Stealth Mode, HTTPS filtering, and DNS-level protection so you have full control over what gets blocked and how.
| If you want… | Go with… |
| A reliable, free ad blocker that just works in browsers | AdGuard Free |
| To block ads across apps, games, and smart TVs | AdGuard Premium |
| DNS filtering and encrypted HTTPS ad removal | AdGuard Premium |
| Element hiding and custom filter list support | Both (Free & Premium) |
| Stealth Mode and anti-tracking tools | AdGuard Premium |
| A one-time lifetime license instead of subscriptions | AdGuard Premium |
Is AdGuard Premium Worth It?
Yes! If you want a seamless experience across all your devices, in-app ad blocking on mobile, or more advanced privacy tools, Premium is 100% worth it. And with a lifetime license option, it’s one of the best value upgrades in the privacy space. It pays for itself in just over two years.