9 Top AdGuard Alternatives & Competitors for Ad Blocking & Privacy

Looking for a reliable ad blocker that goes beyond basic browser plugins? AdGuard has built a strong reputation with its system-wide ad filtering, DNS-level blocking, and parental control features. However, it’s not the only player in the game.

Whether you’re on Android, Windows, or macOS, there are several powerful AdGuard alternatives for all devices, and even some DNS-based options that protect you on every device. Let’s have a look at the best AdGuard alternatives worth considering this year.

Best AdGuard Alternatives to Try Today!

If you’re concerned about intrusive ads, trackers, or DNS leaks, these tools will help secure your browsing and keep your screens clean.

Tool	Platform Support	Type	Best For	Standout Feature
uBlock Origin	Windows, Mac, Android (browser-based)	Browser extension	Advanced users	Low resource usage, strong filter control
NextDNS	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	DNS-based	Cross-device protection	Cloud-based DNS filtering with analytics
Blokada	Android, iOS	App + VPN	Mobile ad-blocking	System-wide ad blocking via DNS
AdAway	Android (root)	App	Rooted Android users	Host file-based blocking
1Blocker	macOS, iOS	App	Apple ecosystem	iCloud sync, advanced content rules
Pi-hole	Any (via Raspberry Pi/Linux)	Network-level DNS blocker	Smart home setups	Whole-network ad blocking
DNS66	Android	App	Lightweight Android filtering	VPN-based ad blocking without root
RethinkDNS	Android	App + Firewall	Privacy-focused users	DNS, firewall & DDoS protection
Brave Browser	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Browser	Built-in ad blocking	Integrated privacy and crypto wallet
Firefox + uBlock	Windows, Mac, Android	Browser combo	Customizable blocking	Enhanced tracker protection
Ghostery	Windows, Mac, Android	Extension	Beginners	Tracker analysis and ad blocking
AdLock	Windows, Android	App + extension	Multi-platform users	In-app ad filtering
NetGuard	Android	App (non-root)	Simple firewall and ad block	Per-app network access control

• Read: Top 10 CISCO Umbrella Alternatives

Detailed Review of the Best AdGuard Alternatives

1. uBlock Origin

Outstanding Feature: Lightweight with advanced filter list controls.

uBlock Origin is a top-rated AdGuard alternative for Windows and Mac users. It’s fast, resource-efficient, and offers granular filtering, making it ideal if you want detailed control over what’s blocked.

Pros:

• Completely free and open-source
• Highly customizable filter rules
• Minimal system resource usage
  

Cons:

• Browser-only; doesn’t block in apps
• Not beginner-friendly
  

2. NextDNS

Outstanding Feature: Cloud-hosted DNS with analytics and parental control.

NextDNS works across devices and is a true AdGuard alternative for Android and iOS alike. It blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level with powerful parental control options.

Pros:

• Works on any device
• DNS-level filtering with logs
• Easy configuration through web panel

Cons:

• Free plan has query limits
• Setup might confuse non-tech users

3. Blokada

Outstanding Feature: System-wide ad blocking without root access.

Blokada is one of the best AdGuard alternatives for Android and iOS. It uses a local VPN to filter ads system-wide and includes a private DNS option.

Pros:

• No root required
• Easy toggle between blocklists
• Clean and user-friendly interface

Cons:

• Some features locked behind premium
• Slower connection with older devices

• Read: Is Einthusan Legal? How To Access It Safely?

4. AdAway

Outstanding Feature: Host file-based ad blocking (root required).
 

If you have a rooted Android device, AdAway offers surgical precision in ad removal. It’s open-source and highly effective for blocking ads across the entire OS.

Pros:

• Full OS-level ad blocking
• Lightweight and fast
• Free with custom host support

Cons:

• Requires root access
• Complex for some people

5. 1Blocker

Outstanding Feature: Deep Safari integration with cloud syncing.

Ideal as an AdGuard alternative for Mac, 1Blocker is built specifically for Apple devices. It offers deep control over trackers, cookies, and scripts.

Pros:

• Native to macOS and iOS
• Syncs via iCloud
• Energy-efficient

Cons:

• Apple-only ecosystem
• Limited free plan

6. Pi-hole

Outstanding Feature: Whole-network blocking via DNS sinkhole.

Perfect for home networks, Pi-hole acts as a centralized ad-blocker for all connected devices. It’s a powerful AdGuard alternative for Windows, Android, and smart TVs when configured at router level.

Pros:

• Blocks ads before they hit your devices
• Works with any OS
• No software needed on end devices

Cons:

• Requires Raspberry Pi or Linux server
• Needs technical knowledge to set up
  

7. DNS66

Outstanding Feature: VPN-based ad blocking without root.

DNS66 is a lesser-known but highly effective AdGuard alternative for Android users who value open-source solutions and prefer not to root their devices. Unlike traditional browser extensions, DNS66 uses a local VPN interface to block hostnames at the system level. This means it can prevent ads and trackers across all apps, not just your browser.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Customizable host sources
• No internet slowdown
  

Cons:

• Not updated frequently
  
• UI isn’t polished

8. RethinkDNS

Outstanding Feature: DNS firewall and tracker control.

RethinkDNS adds firewall rules, DDoS protection, and tracking control. It’s one of the most feature-rich AdGuard alternatives for Android available today.

Pros:

• Blocks spyware and ads
• Built-in firewall
• No root required
  

Cons:

• Still in active development
• Can drain battery if misconfigured

9. Brave Browser

Outstanding Feature: Built-in ad blocker with privacy-first approach.

Brave blocks ads and trackers right out of the box. It’s perfect as a free AdGuard alternative for Windows and Mac when you want simple, integrated privacy.

Pros:

• No plugins needed
• Fast performance
• Includes VPN on mobile
  

Cons:

• Only protects within browser
• Crypto features may be unnecessary for some

Quick Price Comparison

Tool	Free Plan	Premium Starts At	Platform
uBlock Origin	✅	Free forever	Browser
NextDNS	✅	$1.99/month	Cross-platform
Blokada	✅	$4.99/month	Android, iOS
AdAway	✅	Free (root only)	Android
1Blocker	✅	$2.99/month	macOS, iOS
Pi-hole	✅	Free	Any (self-hosted)
RethinkDNS	✅	Free	Android
Brave Browser	✅	Free	All
AdLock	❌	$3.50/month	Windows, Android
Surf Shark CleanWeb	❌	$2.49/month (VPN incl.)	All

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for an AdGuard alternative for Windows, mobile privacy tools, or DNS-based network filtering, the list above has you covered. If you want hands-off simplicity, uBlock Origin or 1Blocker are great. If you want full network control, consider Pi-hole or NextDNS.

Evaluate your platform, desired control level, and privacy needs. Then choose the AdGuard alternatives for Android, macOS, or Windows that suit your environment best.