Disconnect

Overview

Disconnect is a privacy suite that identifies and blocks trackers, data brokers, and surveillance networks across websites, apps, and email. It suits people who want more than a browser-only blocker, especially those seeking tracker controls across mobile apps as well as browsers. Its focused ad blocking and optional encrypted mode make it a better fit for privacy protection than for removing every ad or choosing a VPN alone.

Founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, Disconnect says it does not collect personal information beyond what users voluntarily provide, and does not sell it to advertisers or other third parties. Its protection also powers integrations with Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet, and Chrome IP Protection.

Key features

Blocking across browsers and apps

The Basic Extension shows and blocks trackers on websites, but covers a single browser. On iOS and Android, Tracker Protection uses encrypted DNS to block trackers across apps and browsers without a VPN. That wider mobile reach is the stronger reason to choose Disconnect over an extension alone.

Disconnect targets privacy-invasive ads that track users or may distribute malvertising; it does not promise to block every advertisement. Readers seeking a completely ad-free experience should look elsewhere.

iOS controls and encrypted mode

Privacy Pro for iOS adds Smart VPN, custom blocking rules, and detailed activity logs to tracker protection. Disconnect Premium has a different emphasis: encrypted mode encrypts all internet activity and masks the user’s IP address, using AES 256-bit encryption and 2048-bit Diffie-Hellman key exchange for perfect forward secrecy. Blocking mode offers Privacy and Performance settings without that encrypted mode. Encryption adds privacy, but may slow connections, making blocking the more sensible option for users who prioritize speed.

Business tools

Cloud Privacy Plus integrates enterprise tracker protection through URL filtering, DNS, or VPN integration, with API or CSV deployment. The Lightbox API supplies tracker, ownership, app, website, and privacy intelligence through datasets, forensic reports, and integrations. These offerings suit organizations, not individual buyers comparing consumer blockers.

Pricing

Disconnect is freemium, with a free plan and a 30-day trial. The Basic Extension has no listed price and covers one browser, so it is the narrowest choice. Premium is $5 a month, billed after 30 days, for three devices. Disconnect Premium is also $5 a month, billed monthly, and covers three devices with tracker blocking and encrypted VPN. The two Premium listings describe different billing terms: check the renewal arrangement before subscribing.

Website subscriptions cover three unique devices. App Store subscriptions are limited to the purchasing iTunes user and iPhone or iPad devices, so they are not equivalent to the website’s three-device coverage. Cloud Privacy Plus has custom pricing; its enterprise integrations and deployment options are aimed at organizations. The free extension gives up broader app protection and Premium encryption, while paid options make most sense for readers who need those specific capabilities.

Platforms

Disconnect supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, web, browser extensions, and API deployments. Its device protection is aimed at desktop and mobile use, with major-browser support for the extension. Help is available through [email protected].

Who it's for

Choose Disconnect if you want tracker blocking across mobile apps and browsers, or want to add encrypted traffic protection on up to three devices through a website subscription. It is less suitable if your priority is blocking all ads, if you only need a single-purpose browser blocker, or if encrypted mode’s possible speed cost is unacceptable.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Mobile Tracker Protection reaches apps as well as browsers through encrypted DNS, without requiring a VPN.
• Pros: Premium combines tracker blocking with encrypted traffic and IP masking across three devices on a website subscription.
• Pros: The stated privacy policy rules out selling personal information to advertisers or other third parties.
• Cons: Ad blocking is selective, so users should not expect every advertisement to disappear.
• Cons: Encrypted mode may slow connections, a trade-off for users who put performance first.
• Cons: App Store subscriptions are restricted to the purchasing user’s iPhone or iPad devices rather than the website plan’s three unique devices.

Alternatives

For a free, open-source browser extension, consider Adblock Plus; its platform range includes Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows as well as extensions. Blokada offers a free Android 5-or-newer ad blocker and a paid Blokada Plus plan at €5 a month. Ghostery is a free, open-source option with all features free and no subscription required. For a free browser extension, AdNauseam is another option. AdLock may suit readers seeking protection across Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, with a listed five-device monthly plan at $9.95 a month. Adblock Fast is a free option available on Android, iOS, and several other platforms. For Apple-focused content blocking, 1Blocker has a 2.99 USD monthly plan that renews each month.

Browse more options in Ad Blocking Software or Ad blockers.

Verdict

Disconnect is a strong choice for people who want tracker protection to extend beyond a single browser, particularly across mobile apps, with encrypted traffic as an optional upgrade. Its clearest advantage is that breadth; its main compromises are selective rather than universal ad blocking and the potential speed cost of encrypted mode. Choose it for cross-app tracker control, and look elsewhere if your priority is removing every ad or maintaining connection speed above all.