AdGuard is one of the few great options for ad blocking on iOS. But if you look for AdGuard on your iPhone’s App Store, you’ll see two apps. AdGuard and AdGuard Pro. They look similar, they both block ads, but one is paid and the other is free. What other differences are there, and how is AdGuard Pro different from AdGuard Premium?
Before we get to all that, we need to clear up some confusion. First, there is no free AdGuard on iOS. The free version that’s available on the App Store requires a paid license after the trial ends. Second, unlike AdGuard Premium, AdGuard Pro is not cross-platform. It only works within the Apple Ecosystem. More specifically, iPhones and iPads. And third, you don’t need to use AdGuard Pro if you already have an AdGuard Premium license.
This is not an AdGuard Free vs. Paid comparison. We already did that. Instead, here we will compare how the two AdGuard apps are different. Spoiler alert: they’re not.
The Core Differences Between AdGuard and AdGuard Pro
- AdGuard Pro is a one-time purchase of $9.99 from the App Store. Once you buy it, it gets linked to your Apple ID. So any iOS and iPadOS device linked to your Apple ID will get the benefits.
- AdGuard Premium is a cross-platform license that you can buy from adguard.com. It can be used on Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and more. So, you can activate it on up to 3 devices (Personal) or 9 devices (Family), regardless of platform.
If you’re on the Apple ecosystem and you just need an Ad Blocker for your iPhone and/or your iPad, AdGuard Pro is great.
Pricing Breakdown
AdGuard Pro is significantly cheaper, especially when compared to their $79.99 lifetime plan, which only covers 3 devices.
| Plans | 1 Year | Lifetime |
| AdGuard Pro | N/A | $9.99 |
| Premium Personal | $29.88 | $79.99 |
| Premium Family | $65.88 | $169.99 |
However, since it only covers iOS, if you ever decide to switch to Android or block ads on your computer, you’ll have to start over with a Premium plan.
Comparing the Features of AdGuard and AdGuard Pro
Feature-wise, on iOS, there are no differences, as we have already mentioned. However, if you’re thinking cross-platform, there are a lot of additional features you’ll get with AdGuard Premium that AdGuard Pro doesn’t really need on iOS, or can’t have due to platform restrictions.
Features Both the Pro and Premium Versions Share iOS
- Safari content blocking
- DNS filtering
- Built-in DNS provider presets and custom DNS support
- Ad blocking in all browsers
- Native dark mode and modern UI
- Blocklists, custom rules, and allowlists
These are great features for iOS, and definitely more than what most other ad blockers offer. However, Premium has more to offer on other platforms, including your macOS devices.
What AdGuard Premium Adds (Cross-Platform)
- Stealth mode comes with fingerprinting protection and tracking parameter stripping
- HTTPS filtering on supported platforms like Windows, macOS & Android
- Parental controls with safe search and adult content filtering
- App-level ad blocking on Android and desktop apps
- Unlimited custom script filtering and user rules
- Access to AdGuard DNS premium features
Also, AdGuard on iOS doesn’t receive the same updates as other platforms. So, feature parity may diverge over time. Premium has the benefit of continuous cross-platform support and integration with the core AdGuard ecosystem.
Installation & Activation
AdGuard Pro
- Purchase the AdGuard Pro app from the App Store for $9.99. (Taxes may apply. Price may vary based on region.)
- Download and Install the App.
- And you’re good to go.
AdGuard Premium
- Go to adguard.com
- Click on “Purchase” at the top of the website.
- Choose 1-year or Lifetime.
- Choose personal or family plan based on the number of your devices.
- Install the app on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
- Activate using your license key or AdGuard account
- And you got premium.
Is AdGuard Pro Worth It?
Yes. If you’re an iPhone-only user who wants a one-time purchase. For $9.99, you get powerful DNS filtering, Safari content blocking, and custom rules, all without a subscription. It’s lightweight, works, and doesn’t nag you to upgrade.
But it’s limited to iOS and tied to your Apple ID. You can’t use it on Android, macOS, or Windows. And you won’t get system-wide protection or features like Stealth Mode, parental controls, or encrypted DNS with DoH/DoQ tuning.
If you only care about blocking ads in Safari and improving your iPhone experience, AdGuard Pro is a worthwhile investment. However, if you use multiple devices or want more advanced privacy tools, AdGuard Premium provides you with much more flexibility and control across your entire ecosystem.
In short, Pro is a budget-friendly option for iOS users only. Premium is the better investment for everyone else.
Final Verdict
AdGuard Pro and AdGuard Premium cater to different types of users, and the right choice depends on your setup.
AdGuard Pro is the way to go if you’re all in on iOS. It’s simple, affordable, and provides DNS filtering and Safari-level ad blocking without requiring a subscription or account. For most casual users, that’s enough.
| If you… | Go with… |
| Only use an iPhone or iPad and want a one-time purchase | AdGuard Pro |
| Use multiple platforms and want one subscription to cover them | AdGuard Premium |
| Want parental controls, stealth mode, and app-level blocking | AdGuard Premium |
| Want a low-cost, set-it-and-forget-it Safari blocker | AdGuard Pro |
| Prefer long-term flexibility and future-proof privacy tools | AdGuard Premium |
AdGuard Premium is designed for users who require comprehensive coverage that follows them across multiple devices. It works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even smart TVs or routers via DNS. It’s more powerful, more flexible, and better for users who value full system privacy and control.
There’s no wrong choice here. Just two very different models for how (and where) you browse. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, Pro is simple. If you live across platforms, Premium is the way to go.