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Comparison · Ad blockers

AdGuard vs uBlock Origin: which is better in 2026?

AdGuard87.5#2 in best ad blockersuBlock Origin93.5#1 in best ad blockers

uBlock Origin ranks higher in our list of ad blockers (#1 against #2, score 93.5 against 87.5).

How we rank Share

  • 87.5
    Editorial score
    93.5
  • 6
    Platforms
    1
  • 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 uBlock Origin if you want

Open-source browser blocking with full control.

An open-source GPL-3.0 blocker for Chromium and Firefox, with filter lists the user chooses. It works only inside supported browsers and needs more tuning than the simpler options here.

The main differences

  • Only AdGuard runs on Linux.
  • Only AdGuard runs on Windows.
  • Only AdGuard runs on macOS.
  • Only AdGuard runs on iOS.
  • Only AdGuard runs on Android.
  • uBlock Origin is open source; AdGuard is not.

Side by side

AdGuarduBlock Origin
Score87.593.5
Rank in list#2 of 10#1 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree browser extension; Pro versions are paid on some platformsFree and open sourceFree and open source under the GPL-3.0 license
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxBrowser extensionWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browser extensionBrowser extensionBrowser extension
Made byAdGuardNot stated
ScopeApps and browsersBrowser pages
Best forAd blocking across browsers and mobile appsOpen-source browser blocking with full control
Strengths
  • System-wide blocking on Mac and Android
  • Free browser extension for major browsers
  • Covers desktop, mobile and TV
  • Open source under the GPL-3.0 license
  • Blocks ads and trackers with filter lists
  • Works in Chromium browsers and Firefox
Limits
  • Pro versions cost money on some platforms
  • Many products under one brand can be confusing
  • Works only in browsers that support extensions
  • Advanced rules take effort to tune
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about AdGuard vs uBlock Origin

Is uBlock Origin better than AdGuard?
uBlock Origin ranks higher in our list of ad blockers (#1 against #2, score 93.5 against 87.5). AdGuard is best for: ad blocking across browsers and mobile apps. uBlock Origin is best for: open-source browser blocking with full control.
Which is cheaper, AdGuard or uBlock Origin?
AdGuard: Free browser extension; Pro versions are paid on some platforms. uBlock Origin: Free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license.
Do AdGuard and uBlock Origin run on the same platforms?
AdGuard supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browser extension. uBlock Origin supports Browser extension.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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