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AdGuard

Basic Information

  • Tool Name: AdGuard
  • Category: Ad-Tracker Blocking
  • URL: https://adguard.com/
  • Description: A comprehensive ad-blocking and privacy protection extension that blocks ads, online tracking, and enhances privacy across multiple browsers and platforms.
  • Status: Active

Core Features and Compatibility

  • Core Features: Ad Blocking, Tracker Blocking, Privacy Protection, HTTPS Filtering, Manual Element Blocking, Multiple Filter Lists, Compatibility with Other Ad Blockers, Real-time Protection, Custom Rules Creation, Performance Optimization
  • Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux (via browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Brave, Tor), Android (via Firefox)
  • Offline Functionality: ❌
  • Mobile Support: ✅
  • Languages Supported: 47 languages including Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), Japanese, Korean
  • Technical Level: Beginner

Security and Privacy

  • Security Features: HTTPS Filtering, No Browsing Activity Logs, Minimal Technical Diagnostics, Optional HTTPS Certificate Management, Local Rule Processing, No User Data Collection Without Consent
  • Data Collection Level: Minimal
  • Security and Privacy Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯪ (4.80)

Deployment and Technical Details

  • Deployment Architecture: A standalone software - Runs entirely locally (e.g., runs on computer and doesn't depend on external server)
  • License: GPL-3.0
  • Cost: Free Core

Maintenance and Support

  • Maintenance Status: Last release April 1, 2025, with active development (last commit 1 week ago). Development team highly responsive to GitHub issues (response within hours). Privately owned with estimated $1.2M revenue. Partnership program available but current partners not disclosed.
  • Community Support: ✅
  • Maintenance and Sustainability Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯪ (4.30)

Performance and Ratings

  • Operational Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯪ (4.70)
  • Usability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.00)
  • Effectiveness and Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.00)
  • Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯪ (4.56)

Documentation & Testing

  • Full Documentation: AdGuard Factsheet
  • Version Tested: 5.1
  • Date Tested: 2025-03-30
  • Testing Environment: HP 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H @ 2.30GHz, Windows 64, Network: WiFi

Additional Information

  • Limitations and Vulnerabilities: Cannot bypass censorship, Some features require paid subscription, Manual setup needed for advanced features, HTTPS certificate visibility issues, Potential difficulties with malicious sites using rogue CA certificates, Past concerns about Russian ties (addressed by company), JavaScript-based ads may bypass blocking
  • Additional Notes: Valuable for civil society organizations in authoritarian environments for reducing surveillance exposure through tracker/ad blocking. Performance metrics show efficiency (CPU usage 0.1-0.7% idle, brief spikes to 65% during page loads). Reduces network requests (120 vs 127) and data transfer (295kB vs 469kB) with minimal impact on response time (264.38ms vs 265.33ms). Not currently blocked in China. Chrome Web Store rating: 4.7/5.

Submission Information

  • Submitted By: adequatej
  • Submission Date: 2025-04-01
  • Last Updated: 2025-04-01