Comparison · Ad blockers
AdGuard vs Ghostery: which is better in 2026?
AdGuard ranks higher in our list of ad blockers (#2 against #4, score 87.5 against 84.0).
- 87.5Editorial score84.0
- 6Platforms2
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose AdGuard if you want
Ad blocking across browsers and mobile apps.
Covers browsers, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux, and blocks ads system-wide on Mac and Android. The free browser extension is the entry point, and Pro versions cost money on some platforms.
Choose Ghostery if you want
Browser users who want free ad and tracker blocking.
Blocks ads and trackers inside browsers and on Android, and its FAQ says the product is completely free with no subscription required. Its GPL-3.0 extension is open source, but it protects inside browsers rather than across a whole device.
The main differences
- Only AdGuard runs on Linux.
- Only AdGuard runs on Windows.
- Only AdGuard runs on macOS.
- Only AdGuard runs on iOS.
- Ghostery is open source; AdGuard is not.
Side by side
| Score | 87.5 | 84.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in list | #2 of 10 | #4 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree browser extension; Pro versions are paid on some platforms | FreeCompletely free to use; no subscription required, per its FAQ |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxBrowser extensionWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browser extension | Browser extensionAndroidBrowser extension, Android |
| Made by | AdGuard | Not stated |
| Scope | Apps and browsers | Browsers and an Android app |
| Best for | Ad blocking across browsers and mobile apps | Browser users who want free ad and tracker blocking |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |

