Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

AdwCleaner VS URLscan.io

Compare AdwCleaner VS URLscan.io and see what are their differences

AdwCleaner logo AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner is a free removal tool for : Adware (ads softwares)

URLscan.io logo URLscan.io

urlscan.io is a free service to scan and analyse websites. When a URL is submitted to urlscan.io, an automated process will browse to the URL like a regular user and record the activity that this page navigation creates.
  • AdwCleaner Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-17
  • URLscan.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-12

AdwCleaner features and specs

  • Efficiency
    AdwCleaner is highly effective at detecting and removing adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), browser toolbars, and other types of unwanted software.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features a simplistic and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users of all experience levels to navigate and use.
  • Lightweight
    AdwCleaner is a lightweight tool that does not require installation, meaning it can be run directly from the executable, consuming minimal system resources.
  • Free to Use
    The tool is available for free, making it accessible to users looking for a cost-effective way to clean up their systems from unwanted software.
  • Frequent Updates
    AdwCleaner is regularly updated to keep up with the latest threats, ensuring a higher success rate in detecting new adware and other PUPs.

Possible disadvantages of AdwCleaner

  • Limited Scope
    AdwCleaner primarily focuses on adware and PUPs, meaning it is not designed to replace more comprehensive antivirus or antimalware solutions.
  • Manual Removal
    Some detections require manual intervention to fully remove, which can be cumbersome for less technically savvy users.
  • Potential False Positives
    Occasionally, AdwCleaner may flag legitimate software as unwanted, which requires the user to carefully review the detections before removing any items.
  • Limited Customer Support
    As a free tool, AdwCleaner offers limited customer support options compared to paid security solutions, potentially leaving users without expert assistance.
  • Windows Compatibility Only
    AdwCleaner is currently only available for Windows operating systems, excluding users on macOS or Linux from utilizing this tool.

URLscan.io features and specs

  • Comprehensive Analysis
    URLscan.io provides a detailed analysis of URLs, including screenshots, domain information, and HTTP transactions, helping users gain deep insights into the content and behavior of a website.
  • Threat Detection
    It helps identify malicious URLs by checking for phishing threats, malware, and other harmful activities. This is valuable for security researchers and IT professionals.
  • Public and Private Scans
    Users can perform both public scans, which are visible to everyone, and private scans that are only accessible by the user, offering flexibility depending on privacy needs.
  • API Access
    URLscan.io provides API access, enabling automated and programmatic interaction with its service, which is beneficial for integrating into other security tools and workflows.
  • Historical Data
    It maintains a historical archive of scanned URLs, allowing users to access past scan results and observe changes in the URL's content and behavior over time.

Possible disadvantages of URLscan.io

  • Limited Free Scans
    The free version of URLscan.io has a limit on the number of scans that can be performed, which might be restrictive for users who require extensive scanning capabilities.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Public scans are accessible by anyone, which might lead to privacy issues if sensitive URLs are mistakenly scanned publicly.
  • API Rate Limits
    API usage has rate limits which could affect users who need to perform a large number of scans or need consistent high-volume access.
  • Data Retention
    Historical scan data is retained for public scans, which could be a concern for users who prefer not to have their scan data stored long-term or made publicly available.
  • Dependency on Service Availability
    As a third-party service, users are dependent on URLscan.io's availability and performance. Any downtime or issues with the service can disrupt users’ workflow.

Analysis of AdwCleaner

Overall verdict

  • Yes, AdwCleaner is considered a good tool for removing adware and unwanted programs.

Why this product is good

  • AdwCleaner, developed by Malwarebytes, is recognized for its effectiveness in detecting and removing adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and browser hijackers that can impact system performance and privacy. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it suitable for quick scans and cleanup of infected systems. It is also regularly updated to handle new threats.

Recommended for

  • Users who experience unwanted advertisements or browser redirects.
  • Individuals who have installed suspicious or unwanted applications.
  • System administrators seeking a quick tool for cleaning infected machines.
  • Those who want a secondary tool along with their main antivirus solution for additional layers of protection.

AdwCleaner videos

AdwCleaner Test & Review 2019 - Does It Match Up With Other Free Tools? Lets Find Out!

More videos:

  • Review - ADWcleaner review
  • Tutorial - AdwCleaner Tutorial & Review

URLscan.io videos

No URLscan.io videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to AdwCleaner and URLscan.io)
Security & Privacy
56 56%
44% 44
Monitoring Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Cyber Security
100 100%
0% 0
Antivirus
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, URLscan.io seems to be a lot more popular than AdwCleaner. While we know about 87 links to URLscan.io, we've tracked only 5 mentions of AdwCleaner. 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.

AdwCleaner mentions (5)

  • Help with opensubtitles removal
    From my online research, this program seem to be a PUP, try using Malwarebytes adwcleaner (https://malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Search Engine Reroutes, nothing fixes it
    Disable all of your chrome extensions one by one to see if you can find the culprit. Run adwcleaner from Malwarebytes (https://malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/) in the settings make sure the switch to reset the hosts file is enablee, then hitmanpro (https://www.sophos.com/en-us/free-tools/hitmanpro). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • I need some help.
    If there are none, try scanning for Malware using the ADWCleaner. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Malware/adware issue on macbook Google chrome
    Check for fishy add-ins first and uninstall them.Otherwise try Malwarebytes AdwCleaner (free). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Hi, hope you're all doing okay and still kicking. What is the best AntiVirus for a laptop?
    I only use Microsoft Defender , with good extension uBlock Origin and Poper Blocker. With adwcleaner from time to time . Source: over 3 years ago

URLscan.io mentions (87)

  • Fake costumer support
    The final missing piece is the link, throw that in https://urlscan.io and it will show you if it resolves to a legitimate blizzard domain, which if it does. Pretty safe to say it will be legitimate email and the error is possibly on their part regards to the mailshot/merge or its on your part and its an old blizzard name/account you've long since forgotton about. Source: over 1 year ago
  • legit check please
    Use a site like https://urlscan.io/ to check a url. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Introducing OSINT Template Engine: An open source OSINT Tool.
    Transform OSINT sources such as shodan, bgpview & urlscan into templates which you can use to query & store any and each of the API endpoints they provide. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • cbsecure.online
    Coinbase's social media presence How to report a phishing scam Coinbase.com - our homepage Urlscan - a free service to scan and analyze websites. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Administration with inbibriation
    LMAO! Who else used urlscan.io to preview what this mad man was sending over?! Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing AdwCleaner and URLscan.io, you can also consider the following products

Malwarebytes - Malwarebytes protects you against malware, ransomware, and other advanced online threats that have made antivirus obsolete and ineffective. Free Anti-Malware & Malware .

VirusTotal - VirusTotal is a free service that analyzes suspicious files and URLs and facilitates the quick...

Spybot - Search & Destroy - Spybot Search & Destroy is an anti-malware, adware and antivirus program for safe removal of the threats from the PC and browser.

Metadefender - Metadefender, by OPSWAT, allows you to quickly multi-scan your files for malware using 43 antivirus...

Windows Security - Windows 10 security delivers built-in & ongoing protections you can trust: Windows Defender Antivirus, firewall, family settings, ransomware protection, real-time protection & more. Stay up to date & protected at no extra cost.

Any.Run - ANY.RUN is an online interactive sandbox for DFIR/SOC investigations. The service gives access to fast malware analysis and detection of cybersecurity threats.