AdGuard

Overview

AdGuard is a collection of ad-blocking and filtering products from a company founded in 2009 and based in Limassol, Cyprus. The range includes apps, browser extensions and network-level tools for desktop and mobile use. AdGuard says its products protect 160 million users.

Capabilities vary across the products, but the listed features include custom filter lists, an element picker and cookie pop-up blocking, as well as blocking phishing, malware, dangerous and malicious sites, and inappropriate content. The freemium offering includes free AdGuard Content Blocker and AdGuard DNS. Content Blocker works with Samsung Internet and Yandex Browser, but has fewer features than AdGuard for Android.

Key features

• Custom filtering: Users can create custom filter lists. On Linux, they can choose pre-installed filters or add their own, while Assistant can block selected items on websites.
• Cookie pop-up blocking: This is one of the listed capabilities, alongside an element picker for selecting page items.
• Security filtering: AdGuard products block phishing, malware, dangerous and malicious sites, and inappropriate content.
• Home-network coverage: AdGuard Home can cover all devices on a home network when installed on a router.
• Privacy and encryption: AdGuard VPN advertises strong encryption and a no-logging policy. Android TV provides encrypted traffic.
• License transfer: A license can be moved to a new device after it is removed from the current one.
• Support: Support is available by email 24/7, and the FAQ answers 90% of user questions.

Pricing

AdGuard is freemium, with a free plan and free products including AdGuard Content Blocker and AdGuard DNS. Trial periods depend on the product: Windows, Mac, Android and Android TV show 14-day trials, while iOS Premium offers 7 days.

Paid licenses cover either 3 devices with a Personal license or 9 devices with a Family license. They are available for one year or for lifetime use, with annual billing or a one-time payment. Specific prices are not listed here. Website payments are billed in dollars, and VAT may apply. Purchases have a 30-day money-back guarantee when a refund is requested within 30 days.

Platforms

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, Android TV, iOS and Linux, alongside browser extensions. Browser support covers major browsers. The listed device coverage spans desktop and mobile. AdGuard Home extends filtering to all devices on a home network when installed on a router.

Who it's for

AdGuard may suit people looking for filtering across more than one device type, or those who want to choose between an app, browser extension, free product or home-network option. Its custom filtering tools may also appeal to users who want to manage filter lists or block specific website items. The free Content Blocker is more narrowly suited to people using Samsung Internet or Yandex Browser, and it has fewer features than AdGuard for Android.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Options cover desktop, mobile, browsers and home networks.
• Custom filter lists, an element picker and cookie pop-up blocking are listed capabilities.
• Free products and product-specific trials are available.
• Personal and Family licenses support different device counts, and licenses can be transferred after removal from a device.

Cons

• Prices are not specified here, so the cost of each license cannot be compared.
• The free Content Blocker works only in Samsung Internet and Yandex Browser and has fewer features than AdGuard for Android.
• Trial length varies by product.

Alternatives

For other ad-blocking options, consider Ghostery, AdLock, Adblock Plus, Disconnect, AdBlock, Blokada, uBlock Origin and AdBlocker Ultimate. Browse our lists of Ad blockers, Ad Blocking Software, DNS Filtering Software and Internet Filtering Software for more options.

Verdict

AdGuard stands out for the breadth of its product range and filtering approaches, from browser extensions and device apps to home-network coverage. Its free offerings provide an entry point, while paid licenses cover 3 or 9 devices and offer annual or lifetime terms. The main caveats are that the free Content Blocker is limited to two browsers and that the listed details do not include actual license prices. Check which product fits your platform and filtering needs before choosing a plan.