Table of contents
AdAway
An ad blocker that uses the hosts file. For Android, requires root.
As AdAway is an open source project, you can find more
open source alternatives and stats
on LibHunt.
A startup from Open Source Project.
A startup from Open Source Project.
Open Source
AdAway is an open-source application, which means its code can be reviewed and improved by the community. Users can ensure there are no malicious elements.
Free
The app is completely free to use, providing an accessible solution for ad blocking without any subscription fees.
Custom Hosts Files
Allows users to add custom hosts files or use pre-existing ones, giving flexibility in the sources used for blocking ads.
Root Access
Utilizes root access to modify the deviceโs host files directly, providing effective ad-blocking at the system level.
Battery Efficiency
Blocks ads at the system level, which may reduce the number of ads loaded and displayed, potentially increasing battery life.
We have collected here some useful links to help you find out if AdAway is good.
Check the traffic stats of AdAway on SimilarWeb. The key metrics to look for are: monthly visits, average visit duration, pages per visit, and traffic by country. Moreoever, check the traffic sources. For example "Direct" traffic is a good sign.
Check the "Domain Rating" of AdAway on Ahrefs. The domain rating is a measure of the strength of a website's backlink profile on a scale from 0 to 100. It shows the strength of AdAway's backlink profile compared to the other websites. In most cases a domain rating of 60+ is considered good and 70+ is considered very good.
Check the "Domain Authority" of AdAway on MOZ. A website's domain authority (DA) is a search engine ranking score that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). It is based on a 100-point logarithmic scale, with higher scores corresponding to a greater likelihood of ranking. This is another useful metric to check if a website is good.
The latest comments about AdAway on Reddit. This can help you find out how popualr the product is and what people think about it.
AdAway can install itself as a VPN provider on your Android phone for the sole purpose of modifying traffic and blocking content. It is not actually a VPN. https://adaway.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
Seeing this I'm even more happy that I use AdAway. Source: almost 3 years ago
If filtering is done locally on the device itself (i.e. Like in AdAway, DNS66, NetGuard or personalDNSfilter) it's not. Source: about 3 years ago
I switched to AdAway once the whole VPN/"reading your private connection requests" advertising came up in Blokada. Source: about 3 years ago
I have installed Lineage OS 13 on my OP 6T, then added Magisk to be able to launch as root. It was initially for AdAway to run as super user. Revolut complained and refused to start. Source: about 3 years ago
On Android you can use a adblocker app like Adaway, Or change your DNS setting to something like AdGuard DNS or NextDNS, Or ditch the Reddit app entirely and install Firefox + uBlock Origin and use the Reddit website instead of the app. Source: about 3 years ago
Never heard of it until now, looks shady to me, if you want an adblocker use something like Adaway or Adguard DNS. Source: about 3 years ago
On Android AdAway (https://github.com/AdAway/AdAway / https://adaway.org/) also works pretty well as a general solution for Chrome as well. Source: about 3 years ago
Adaway: FOSS, regarded as the best adblocker, but requires root access on an Android phone. https://adaway.org/. Source: about 3 years ago
Android: Use something like Adaway, or Adguard DNS, or ditch the reddit app in favor of using the site in Firefox with uBlock Origin. Source: about 3 years ago
On mobile, you can use something like Adaway, or Adguard DNS, or use the Reddit website on mobile Firefox instead of the app, that way you can use uBlock Origin there too (Android only). Source: about 3 years ago
Adguard is a VPN-based adblocker and in my experience, the Limbus app really doesn't like a VPN of any kind running. It has refused to start when I had my regular VPN active. That being said, I would recommend AdAway regardless over it, even if you're not rooted. Unlike Adguard, it's FOSS (and more importantly, doesn't have developers that the FSB can burst the doors down of to spy on you). Source: about 3 years ago
What about AdAway? That's what I've been using. Source: about 3 years ago
Or use something like https://adguard.com/en/adguard-android/overview.html or https://adaway.org/ or https://blokada.org/. Source: over 3 years ago
As far as debloating goes, there are threads on XDA site where others might have posted routines where you may do so without rooting(jailbreak in apple lingo). But if you really want to depracate some of that bloat from your system or atleast have a significant lick on bloatware's functions a) you are better off rooting your phone, again there are a whole bunch of these threads on XDA. b) at the very least I would... Source: over 3 years ago
Https://adaway.org/ for anyone who may need it. Source: over 3 years ago
I think you would have to access reddit through an adblocking browser. You wouldn't be able to block ads in the reddit app. To do that, you have to root your phone and install something like AdAway. Source: over 3 years ago
You found the only correct solution here, stick with it. For root, use AdAway for system wide ad blocking on all your apps. Source: over 3 years ago
I use AdAway (https://adaway.org) on Android instead. I don't know if it blocks Spotify ads as I don't listen to Spotify on my phone. If using VPN mode, you can have a quick action tile (by the wifi toggles, etc) to quickly and easily toggle AdBlock in case there is something blocked that you wanna see. Source: over 3 years ago
Why are you not using an ad blocker? On android adaway works well for me and is completely free: https://adaway.org. Source: over 3 years ago
You can consider using something like AdAway (https://adaway.org/) in VPN mode instead for similar functionality; this filtering is done on your device and a VPN is used to intercept DNS queries. Blokada (https://blokada.org/) also works similarily, and has worked for me in the past. Some people seem to discourage it, I'm not sure why. I'd just go with AdAway. Source: over 3 years ago
Public Opinion on AdAway: A Comprehensive Overview
AdAway is an open-source ad-blocker specifically tailored for Android devices, offering users a seamless browsing experience devoid of intrusive ads and pop-ups. This tool, though not available on the Google Play Store, can be accessed via third-party platforms like F-Droid and further establishes its presence as a robust ad-blocking alternative, whether on rooted or non-rooted devices.
According to user experiences, AdAway effectively blocks ads by modifying hosts files, a method distinct from VPN-based ad-blockers like AdGuard. This allows it to intercept DNS queries locally, offering enhanced privacy as all processing is done on the device itself. For users concerned with privacy, this feature stands out because it doesn't require routing traffic through an external server, which is a concern encountered with some competitors.
AdAway's installation necessitates enabling third-party apps, which might be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users. However, it doesnโt deter its extensive user base, evident from the frequent commendations across community forums like Reddit. Both rooted and non-rooted Android users have expressed satisfaction with its performance, though rooted users highlight increased functionality and effectiveness in system-wide ad blocking.
In forums, AdAway is often mentioned alongside prominent competitors like Blokada, AdGuard, and uBlock Origin. While AdAwayโs non-commercial nature and open-source credibility are celebrated, users also appreciate its ad-blocking proficiency on a variety of applications, including mobile browsers and apps notorious for displaying ads. Notably, users who are wary of privacy implications or require a more transparent ad-blocking solution gravitate toward AdAway for its straightforward and locally executed blocking method.
Repeated mentions of AdAway in discussions emphasize its ease of use and powerful features that rival those of Blokada and AdGuard. Unlike VPN-based blockers, AdAway tends to integrate seamlessly without interfering with app functionality that may object to VPNs, making it the ad-blocker of choice for users running applications sensitive to VPN interference. Additionally, its open-source nature adds a layer of trust not afforded by some commercial alternatives, bolstering its reputation as a reliable choice among tech enthusiasts.
The consensus among users highlights AdAwayโs commitment to security and privacy enhancement, aspects that are paramount in this product category. The ability to function without transmitting data through external servers makes it particularly appealing to privacy-conscious users. This attribute, coupled with the absence of any major reports on data breaches or misuse, sustains confidence in its long-term use.
AdAway maintains a strong foothold in the ad-blocking domain by offering a free, effective, and privacy-focused solution for Android users. While the necessity to sideload the app is a minor inconvenience, its performance and the satisfaction it brings to its users are widely acknowledged. In today's digital landscape, where user privacy concerns are increasingly vital, AdAwayโs open-source and ad-blocking efficiency set a high standard, marking it as a formidable choice within the ad-blocking community.
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Is AdAway good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss AdAway here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.
