Rating: 4.4/5
Best for: Privacy-focused users, families, and advanced users who want full control over ad filtering
Tested on: Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, Android 14, iOS 17, Chrome, Safari, Firefox
Standout feature: System-wide blocking + customizable filters + parental controls
AdGuard is one of the most powerful and versatile ad blockers available in 2025. It offers both browser extensions and a standalone desktop and mobile app that filters ads, trackers, pop-ups, and even DNS requests at the network level. Whether you want to block YouTube ads, social media trackers, or intrusive banners across all your devices, AdGuard provides precise control, real-time statistics, and robust privacy protection.
Unlike most ad blockers, AdGuard also includes parental controls, phishing protection, and stealth mode options, making it an all-in-one tool for safer, cleaner internet use across your household.
What Is AdGuard & Why Should You Care?
AdGuard is a dedicated ad blocker that goes far beyond browser extensions. It offers full-device protection through its standalone apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as lightweight browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Unlike VPN-based or extension-only blockers, AdGuard can filter ads at the system level — meaning it works in browsers, apps, games, and even on smart TVs (via DNS).
It blocks banners, autoplay video ads, YouTube commercials, social media widgets, and trackers. But what makes it stand out is its customization: you can choose filter lists, create your own rules, and control exactly what gets blocked and where. There’s also a Stealth Mode to prevent fingerprinting and a Parental Control module for families.
If you want privacy and flexibility without relying on a bundled solution or VPN, AdGuard is one of the best standalone ad blockers available — and it’s designed for both beginners and power users alike.
What You Get with AdGuard
Ad Blocking (Browser + System-Wide)
Blocks all types of ads — banners, pop-ups, autoplay videos, YouTube ads, and sponsored content — across browsers and desktop/mobile apps.
Tracker & Analytics Blocking
Prevents tracking scripts, third-party cookies, and analytics platforms from following your behavior across websites.
DNS Filtering
Filters traffic at the DNS level to block ads, adult content, malware domains, and telemetry — works even on devices without AdGuard installed (via AdGuard DNS).
Parental Controls
Restrict access to adult websites and enable safe search modes for major platforms, such as Google, Bing, and YouTube.
Stealth Mode
Protects against browser fingerprinting, WebRTC leaks, and other invasive tracking techniques.
Custom Filter Lists & Rules
Import third-party filter lists, create your own blocking rules, and whitelist trusted websites — ideal for power users.
Real-Time Stats Dashboard
See how many ads, trackers, and threats were blocked, broken down by domain, app, or page.
Cross-Platform Support
Available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and all major browsers — plus support for DNS-based filtering on routers and smart TVs.
HTTPS Filtering
Decrypts and filters HTTPS traffic (desktop only) to block ads and trackers even on secure pages.
Script & Widget Blocking
Disable social media buttons, comment sections, third-party embeds, and site scripts that slow down browsing or invade privacy.
AdGuard Installation & Ease of Use
One of AdGuard’s biggest advantages is its flexibility and speed of installation, whether you’re using a browser, computer, or mobile device. The setup process is quick, beginner-friendly, and works consistently across all platforms.
Here’s what to expect when setting up AdGuard:
Step 1: Visit the official AdGuard website and choose your platform (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or browser extension).
Step 2: Download the correct installer or extension for your device.
Step 3: Launch the installer (or enable the extension) and follow the guided setup prompts — no technical skills required.
Step 4: After installation, enable the recommended ad-blocking filters or DNS options.
Step 5: (Optional) Customize your privacy settings, parental controls, or Stealth Mode for advanced protection.
The interface is clean, modern, and clearly labeled, whether you’re using the extension or the full desktop app. You can easily manage blocklists, view real-time stats, and toggle features on or off without digging through complicated menus.
On mobile, setup is equally simple. Android users can install the full-featured app from AdGuard’s website, while iOS users can enable Safari content blockers and system-wide DNS filtering through the App Store version.
Whether you use a laptop, smartphone, or browser, AdGuard offers a fast and intuitive setup that makes ad blocking accessible to everyone, from casual users to privacy-focused power users.
How to Use AdGuard Day-to-Day
Once installed, AdGuard runs quietly in the background, giving you powerful protection with minimal effort. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or using desktop apps, here’s how it fits into everyday use:
- Automatic Ad Blocking: Ads are removed in real time, including banners, pop-ups, video ads, and sponsored content across browsers, apps, and even smart TVs (when using DNS mode).
- Browse Faster and Cleaner: With heavy ad scripts and tracking tools blocked, websites load noticeably quicker and use less data, especially helpful on mobile.
- Switch Profiles as Needed: You can easily toggle between general protection, family-safe browsing (with adult content filters), or a custom setup based on your needs.
- Customize Filters and Exceptions: Power users can add specific filter lists, whitelist trusted websites, or block individual page elements using the built-in assistant tool.
- Monitor Stats: The AdGuard dashboard displays the number of ads, trackers, and threats blocked per app, website, or session, allowing you to see what is being filtered.
- Use DNS Filtering on the Go: Even when you’re not using the app, AdGuard’s DNS-level protection continues to filter connections on your mobile device or entire home network, if set up via your router.
Whether you install it and forget it or dive into deep customization, it works efficiently every day to protect your browsing, enhance performance, and safeguard your privacy.
AdGuard Pricing – What Do You Actually Pay?
| Plan | Devices | First-Year Price | Key Features |
| Personal | 3 devices | $2.49/month* | Full ad blocking + tracker filtering + parental controls |
| Family | 9 devices | $5.49/month* | Same features for larger households or multi-device users |
| Lifetime | 3 or 9 devices | $79.99–$169.99 | One-time payment for lifetime access (no renewal fees) |
| Free Tools | Browser only | $0 | AdGuard browser extension with basic ad blocking only |
All paid AdGuard plans include:
- Full system-wide ad and tracker blocking
- DNS protection + stealth mode
- Real-time stats and filter customization
- Parental control features
- Available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
What Users Are Saying About AdGuard
AdGuard earns consistently high praise from users for its power, flexibility, and reliability. On Trustpilot, it holds a solid 4.4 out of 5 rating based on nearly 10,000 reviews, with users praising everything from its smooth setup to its ability to block even the most persistent ads, including those on YouTube and social media.
Many users highlight the real-time stats dashboard and customizable filters as standout features, especially those who want full control over what is blocked and what is allowed. The option to use AdGuard system-wide — across browsers, apps, and even DNS — also makes it a favorite among privacy-conscious users and families.
Some mention a slight learning curve when customizing advanced settings, and others note that iOS has more restrictions due to Apple’s content-blocking policies. Still, the majority agree that AdGuard offers one of the most comprehensive and effective ad-blocking solutions available in 2025.
AdGuard: Strengths & Limitations
Pros:
- System-wide ad blocking: Filters ads in browsers, apps, and even smart TVs (via DNS).
- Blocks YouTube, pop-ups, and trackers: Handles a wide range of ad types across devices.
- Fully customizable filters: Supports third-party lists, manual rule creation, and whitelisting.
- Parental controls included: Restricts adult content and enables safe search across major platforms.
- Stealth Mode for privacy: Prevents fingerprinting, WebRTC leaks, and data collection.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and all major browsers.
- DNS Filtering Option: Protects your entire home network with AdGuard DNS — no installation required.
- One-time lifetime license available: Skip subscriptions entirely with a permanent license.
- Lightweight & fast: Minimal system impact even during active filtering.
Cons:
- Full protection requires a desktop or mobile app: The free browser extension only covers browser traffic.
- Some features are restricted on iOS: Safari-based content blocking is limited due to Apple system policies.
- Learning curve for advanced features: Custom rules, filters, and DNS setup may overwhelm casual users.
- No browser extension for all mobile platforms: Android users can install system-wide, but browser-only filtering is limited.
Final Verdict: Is AdGuard Worth It?
Yes — if you want serious ad blocking that goes beyond your browser. AdGuard offers comprehensive system-wide protection, blocking nearly every type of ad (including those on YouTube), and provides additional privacy features, such as Stealth Mode and parental controls.
It’s ideal for users who want more control than a typical extension offers. While some features take time to set up, the out-of-the-box protection is excellent. With a lifetime license option, it’s a smart long-term choice for cleaner, faster, and safer browsing.
Get AdGuard – Lifetime License or Start Free
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is AdGuard free?
Yes. The browser extension is free, but full system-wide filtering requires a paid license for the desktop or mobile app.
2. Does AdGuard block YouTube ads?
Yes. The desktop and Android apps block YouTube ads effectively. Results on iOS and in some browsers may vary due to platform restrictions.
3. Can I use AdGuard on multiple devices?
Yes. The Personal license covers 3 devices, and the Family license covers up to 9 devices. A lifetime option is also available.
4. Does it work on mobile?
Yes. AdGuard works on both Android and iOS. Android offers full protection, while iOS uses Safari content blocking and DNS filtering.
5. Is AdGuard a VPN?
No. AdGuard is not a VPN, but it does offer DNS filtering and Stealth Mode to enhance online privacy.
6. Does it show real-time stats?
Yes. You can view detailed logs showing how many ads, trackers, and threats were blocked per app, site, or session.
7. Does AdGuard include parental controls?
Yes. You can block adult content, set up safe search, and manage site access for kids across all devices.