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).

How we rank Share

  • 87.5
    Editorial score
    84.0
  • 6
    Platforms
    2
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

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

AdGuardGhostery
Score87.584.0
Rank in list#2 of 10#4 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree browser extension; Pro versions are paid on some platformsFreeCompletely free to use; no subscription required, per its FAQ
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxBrowser extensionWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browser extensionBrowser extensionAndroidBrowser extension, Android
Made byAdGuardNot stated
ScopeApps and browsersBrowsers and an Android app
Best forAd blocking across browsers and mobile appsBrowser users who want free ad and tracker blocking
Strengths
  • System-wide blocking on Mac and Android
  • Free browser extension for major browsers
  • Covers desktop, mobile and TV
  • Free with all privacy features, per its FAQ
  • GPL-3.0 licensed, with source on GitHub
Limits
  • Pro versions cost money on some platforms
  • Many products under one brand can be confusing
  • Desktop protection runs inside browser extensions
  • Android protection is an app, not a system-wide blocker
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about AdGuard vs Ghostery

Is AdGuard better than Ghostery?
AdGuard ranks higher in our list of ad blockers (#2 against #4, score 87.5 against 84.0). AdGuard is best for: ad blocking across browsers and mobile apps. Ghostery is best for: browser users who want free ad and tracker blocking.
Which is cheaper, AdGuard or Ghostery?
AdGuard: Free browser extension; Pro versions are paid on some platforms. Ghostery: Completely free to use; no subscription required, per its FAQ.
Do AdGuard and Ghostery run on the same platforms?
AdGuard supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browser extension. Ghostery supports Browser extension, Android.