AdGuard

System-wide ad and tracker blocker app

adguard.com
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Price
FreemiumPaid license for the full app (one-time or subscription depending on platform), with a free trial or limited free tier on some platforms.
Works on
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Based in
Cyprus
Source code
Closed source

AdGuard is a system-wide ad and tracker blocker app for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS that filters content across apps and browsers, not just a single browser. It uses a local filtering engine and can also handle DNS filtering and HTTPS traffic inspection. Unlike AdGuard's open-source Home server and browser extensions, the desktop and Android apps and their CoreLibs engine are proprietary, though the iOS app is open source. It is freemium: a paid license unlocks the full app, with a free tier or trial depending on the platform. The developer is AdGuard Software Ltd, based in Cyprus.

Strengths

  • System-wide blocking across apps and browsers
  • Available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
  • Includes DNS filtering and tracker protection
  • Actively developed with frequent updates

Considerations

  • Desktop and Android apps and CoreLibs are proprietary; the iOS app is open source
  • Full features require a paid license
  • HTTPS filtering installs a local root certificate
  • The iOS version is more limited by platform rules
Listed inAd Blockers

AdGuard alternatives

uBlock OriginThe gold-standard browser extension for blocking ads and trackers.NextDNSConfigurable DNS-level blocking for every device on your network.uBlock Origin LiteThe Manifest V3 blocker for Chromium browsers, from uBO's own developer.AdGuard DNSSet-in-minutes public DNS resolver that blocks ads and trackers.