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Adblock Plus VS DuckDuckGo

Compare Adblock Plus VS DuckDuckGo and see what are their differences

Adblock Plus logo Adblock Plus

AdBlock Plus is a browser extension for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and several other popular browsers that prevents intrusive ads like pop-ups and malicious code from appearing on websites you visit.

DuckDuckGo logo DuckDuckGo

The Internet privacy company that empowers you to seamlessly take control of your personal information online, without any tradeoffs.
  • Adblock Plus Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-18
  • DuckDuckGo Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27

Adblock Plus features and specs

  • Blocks Ads
    Effectively blocks a wide variety of ads, including banner ads, video ads, and pop-ups, enhancing the web browsing experience.
  • Improved Speed
    By blocking ads, it can increase the speed at which web pages load, particularly on sites with heavy ad content.
  • Privacy Protection
    Helps to protect user privacy by preventing ad trackers from collecting data on browsing habits.
  • Customizable Filters
    Allows users to create custom filter lists to block specific content or ads from particular websites.
  • Open Source
    The source code is open to the public, allowing for transparency and contributions from the community to improve the product.

Possible disadvantages of Adblock Plus

  • Ad-Blocking Whitelist
    Adblock Plus allows certain 'acceptable ads' to be shown by default, which might not align with user expectations of an ad-free experience.
  • Potential for Website Breakage
    Some websites might not function correctly when ads are blocked, which can disrupt the user experience on those sites.
  • Revenue Impact on Websites
    Websites that rely on ad revenue may experience reduced income, which can affect the quality and availability of free content on the web.
  • Resource Usage
    Running the Adblock Plus extension can consume system resources, potentially impacting browser performance.
  • Complex Configuration
    Customizing filters and settings can be complex for non-technical users, potentially leading to suboptimal use of the tool.

DuckDuckGo features and specs

  • Privacy
    DuckDuckGo does not track user searches or store personal information, providing a higher level of privacy compared to other search engines.
  • No Filter Bubble
    The search engine doesn't tailor results based on user profiles, offering more diverse and unbiased search results.
  • Ad-Free Interface
    Although DuckDuckGo serves ads, they are non-intrusive and based on search keywords rather than personal data, resulting in a less cluttered interface.
  • Instant Answers
    Features like Instant Answers provide quick information at the top of search results, saving users time.
  • HTTPS Default
    DuckDuckGo defaults to HTTPS for more secure web browsing, ensuring that user activity is encrypted.

Possible disadvantages of DuckDuckGo

  • Search Result Relevance
    DuckDuckGo's search algorithm may not be as refined as Google's, resulting in less relevant search results for some queries.
  • Limited Ecosystem
    DuckDuckGo lacks a comprehensive ecosystem of services (like Gmail, Google Drive, etc.), which can be less convenient for users integrated into other platforms.
  • Fewer Features
    Compared to Google, DuckDuckGo has fewer advanced search features such as image search filters and comprehensive local search.
  • Market Share and Integration
    With a smaller market share, DuckDuckGo may not be as well integrated with various web services, affecting user experience.

Analysis of Adblock Plus

Overall verdict

  • Adblock Plus is generally considered effective for users who want a simple solution to block unwanted ads without much configuration. However, some critics point out that it participates in an 'acceptable ads' program, allowing certain non-intrusive ads to be displayed by default, which may not align with all users' expectations of an ad blocker.

Why this product is good

  • Adblock Plus is a popular browser extension that blocks intrusive ads, which can enhance user experience by speeding up web page loading times and reducing clutter. It also adds a layer of privacy by preventing tracking scripts from loading, and it can help protect users from malicious ads that might contain malware.

Recommended for

    Adblock Plus is recommended for casual internet users looking for a straightforward and easy-to-install ad-blocking solution. It is also suitable for users concerned with online privacy and who prefer not to be tracked by advertisers.

Analysis of DuckDuckGo

Overall verdict

  • Overall, DuckDuckGo is considered a good search engine option, particularly for those who value privacy and security in their online activities. It provides a reliable alternative to other major search engines while maintaining user privacy.

Why this product is good

  • DuckDuckGo is well-regarded for its focus on privacy and user data protection. Unlike many other search engines, it does not track search history or create user profiles, which has made it popular among users who prioritize privacy. Furthermore, it offers a clean and straightforward interface with fast search results and fewer ads.

Recommended for

  • Individuals concerned about online privacy
  • Users looking to minimize targeted ads and tracking
  • Anyone seeking an alternative to more mainstream search engines

Adblock Plus videos

Adblock Plus: Now Serving You More Ads! - The Know Tech News

DuckDuckGo videos

Google vs DuckDuckGo | Search engine manipulation, censorship and why you should switch

More videos:

  • Review - Presearch Privacy Review #8 - DuckDuckGo
  • Review - How private browser 'DuckDuckGo' may be giving your data to Google

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Adblock Plus and DuckDuckGo)
Security & Privacy
61 61%
39% 39
Search Engine
0 0%
100% 100
Ad Blockers
100 100%
0% 0
Web Search
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Adblock Plus and DuckDuckGo

Adblock Plus Reviews

The Best Ad Blockers for YouTube 2024
Adblock Plus: AdBlock is a user-friendly free tool that received solid ad-blocking scores during our testing. It also offers a Premium subscription that can block additional nuisances like site notifications, survey requests, and floating videos.
Best Ad Blockers in 2023: Adblock Plus vs AdGuard vs uBlock Origin and More
Not to be confused with AdBlock Plus, AdBlock is a very simple and straightforward extension that offers ad blocking features, and it works admirably. The user interface is as simple as they come, with the option to pause the extension on the website youรขย€ย™re on โ€” useful if a website wonรขย€ย™t let you access it with such an extension enabled.
Best Ad Blockers
Adblock Plus (again, not to be confused with any variations on its name) is a standalone ad blocker thatโ€™s been around for quite some time. It is not the premium version of another ad blocker or a special edition. Adblock Plus is its own application.
22 NextDNS Alternatives
AdBlock Plus claims to be one of the most feature-rich and out-of-the-box ad blockers for smartphones, tablets, and PCs. People love having it because of its excellent adblocking mechanism and capabilities. AdBlock Plus extension is available for users who want to have a customized and controlled web experience. You can remove ads and malware from all the online destinations...
8 BEST Ad Blockers For Chrome In 2020 [Free Pop Up Blockers]
Not only is Adblock Plus free, but it also features acceptable ads. Instead of charging you the user, AdBlock Plus charges large companies who want to be a part of its acceptable ads program, thereby saving you money whilst allowing companies who depend on ad-generated revenue to continue offering you free content for years to come.

DuckDuckGo Reviews

  1. Google chrome, firefox, edge, ie, opera, are now tracking you.

    ddg is my favorite search engine and it has great restutes. It has a built in video player too! The only problem is that i have to use google in a blue moon to get the results it need. Duckside! Brave! Lunix!


The best private search engines for secure browsing
Why should you use a private search engine?The best private search engines1. Startpage2. DuckDuckGoHow is DuckDuckGo different from a VPN?Get NordVPNLearn more3. Qwant4. Searx5. SearchEncrypt6. Gibiruโ€œfaster than the NSA Search Engines since it does not install all sorts of personalization and tracking cookies on your system.โ€7. Ecosia8. Swisscows9. Mojeek10. MetaGer11....
Source: nordvpn.com
Best DuckDuckGo Alternative: Private Search Engines in 2024
In addition to not tracking users, the best DuckDuckGo alternatives have rare standout features or benefits. One of DuckDuckGoรขย€ย™s unique features is รขย€ยœbangsรขย€ย โ€” short commands you can type into the DuckDuckGo search bar if you plan to visit a particular web page. Our list includes private search engines that come with similarly useful features.
10 Best FREE Anti Tracking Software In 2023 [TOP SELECTIVE]
DuckDuckGo is a reputable name in the market of the private web browser, as this tool allows users to easily access the internet and ensure that they do not get traced. DuckDuckGo ensures that your data remains safe and out of reach, and the best thing about the tool is the incognito mode. The incognito mode does not create any cookies, making the mode completely private.
The Difference Between Search Engines
There are a whole lot of similarities among Google and Bing. Bing is completely different as a result of the highly advertised praise methods. It has many features identical to Google and that's the primary distinction between Bing and DuckDuckGo. The later has fewer features and it believes in the privacy of its users. As a result of that in contrast to Bing, it does now...
I Ditched Google for DuckDuckGo. Here's Why You Should Too
A quick office survey revealed similar search banality: recent Googles included "capitalist," "toxoplasmosis," and "hyde park police." For the most part, what weโ€™re looking for online is simple: definitions, companies, names, and places. Where DuckDuckGo has struggled is when I look for something incredibly specific. So, for example, search for "film Leonardo Dicaprio goats...
Source: www.wired.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DuckDuckGo seems to be a lot more popular than Adblock Plus. While we know about 1814 links to DuckDuckGo, we've tracked only 65 mentions of Adblock Plus. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Adblock Plus mentions (65)

  • How I stay (more) focused with ADHD
    Tip: I use Adblock Plus on desktop, and AdGuard on iPhone and iPad. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • [Vent] YouTube forcing adblock removal, here's what you can do!
    Adblock plus => I only use this one with Edge because Opera has a default adblocker of its own, but this is also a very welcome extension and something that can (and will) keep you safe! Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Why are there differences between the EasyList filter lists mirrors!?
    Why doesn't easylist.to link to its own version of the Fanboy's Annoyance List? Why are the lists (and especially the "EasyList Germany") on the mirror (?) of adblockplus.org more up-to-date than on easylist.to? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Problem with popups
    That can be annoying. Do you see them on Flipboard or when you navigate to the actual website of the article? If that's the case, then it would be up to the website that is hosting the article. I would recommend a good popup/ad blocker like adblock plus. Source: over 2 years ago
  • "He gets us" is taken over my feed
    Try AdBlock Plus, gets rid of a ton of junk. https://adblockplus.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

DuckDuckGo mentions (1814)

  • Scientists say X has lost its professional edge and Bluesky is taking its place
    The AI stuff can be disabled. Duckduckgo allows you to store settings in the URL, so if you're the type of person who disables cookies and localstorage you could simply edit your search URL to: https://duckduckgo.com/?k5=1&kbe=0&kbj=1&kbg=-1&q=%s. - Source: Hacker News / 7 days ago
  • Everything that's wrong with Google Search in one image
    It's solid, I use it 95% of the time, that 5% Google usually still disappoints. https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=midjourney&ia=web. - Source: Hacker News / 9 days ago
  • Oh no, not again a meditation on NPM supply chain attacks
    Anyone familiar with The Onion knows this, The Onion themselves repost the exact same thing every time there's a school shooting. Which emphasizes how regularly it happens, and therefore in turn I have no objection to a joke like this becoming copy pasta every time an NPM supply chain attack takes place. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=site%3Atheonion.com+%22no+way+to+prevent+this%22. - Source: Hacker News / 17 days ago
  • Challenges You Will Face When Parsing PDFs with Python
    This is not insightful. It describes (in a very typical padded, AI style) some generic reasons that PDFs are hard to parse (which apply just as much in any programming language), and then makes a few common suggestions for Python PDF parsing libraries that could trivially be found by anyone who needs them with a simple Web search (https://duckduckgo.com/?q=python+pdf+library). (Admittedly, PyPI's own search is... - Source: Hacker News / 19 days ago
  • Minesweeper Thermodynamics
    Similar game: Mamono Sweeper https://duckduckgo.com/?q=mamono+sweeper (mamono is monster in japanese) it's a RPG variant of Minesweeper, where you have life points, level up and fight against monster (mines) that gives you xp once killed (you loose HP if you fight a monster higher lvl than you). it's a flash game, that had an android release at some point (it was removed from the store for some reasons). - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Adblock Plus and DuckDuckGo, you can also consider the following products

uBlock Origin - Popular and efficient blocker for Chromium, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Thunderbird.

Google - Google Search, also referred to as Google Web Search or simply Google, is a web search engine developed by Google. It is the most used search engine on the World Wide Web

AdGuard - Surf the Web Ad-Free and Safely. Shield up!

Brave Search - Private search that puts you first, not big tech

AdBlock - Ad blocker for Chrome, Safari and Opera on desktop and Safari for iOS devices.

Bing - Bing helps you turn information into action, making it faster and easier to go from searching to doing.