Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

RethinkDNS VS AdGuard

Compare RethinkDNS VS AdGuard and see what are their differences

RethinkDNS logo RethinkDNS

2B+ Android users deserve access to a safer and open Internet.

AdGuard logo AdGuard

Surf the Web Ad-Free and Safely. Shield up!
  • RethinkDNS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-19
  • AdGuard Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-12

AdGuard is the best way to get rid of intrusive ads and online tracking, and to protect your computer from malware. Make your web surfing faster, safer and more comfortable with AdGuard!

RethinkDNS features and specs

  • Privacy Protection
    RethinkDNS aims to enhance user privacy by blocking trackers, ads, and malicious domains, helping to ensure that user data remains secure and private.
  • Customizability
    Users can highly customize RethinkDNS by creating their own DNS rules, which allows for tailored protection and control over the types of content that are blocked.
  • Open Source
    The RethinkDNS project is open-source, meaning that its code is transparent and can be reviewed and improved by the community. This adds a layer of trust and security as users can see exactly what the software is doing.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    RethinkDNS offers support for multiple platforms, including Android and potentially other operating systems, providing flexibility for users with different devices.
  • Regular Updates
    The service is frequently updated with new rules and features, ensuring that users are protected against emerging threats and have access to the latest functionalities.

Possible disadvantages of RethinkDNS

  • Complexity for New Users
    The high level of customizability can be daunting for users who are not tech-savvy, potentially resulting in confusion or improper setup.
  • Performance Impact
    Depending on the configuration and the number of rules applied, users might experience a slight decrease in browsing speed due to the time required to process DNS queries.
  • Limited Support
    As an open-source project, RethinkDNS might not offer the same level of official customer support as commercial products, which can be challenging for users needing help.
  • Platform Availability
    While it supports multiple platforms, comprehensive support might not be available for all operating systems or devices, limiting its usability for some users.
  • Learning Curve
    Users may need to invest time in learning how to effectively use and customize RethinkDNS, which can be a barrier to entry for those looking for an out-of-the-box solution.

AdGuard features and specs

  • Effective Ad Blocking
    AdGuard effectively blocks intrusive ads, pop-ups, banner ads, and video ads, ensuring a smoother browsing experience.
  • Privacy Protection
    AdGuard helps protect user privacy by blocking third-party trackers, preventing websites from collecting personal data.
  • Customizability
    Users can customize the level of filtering and create their own rules to block specific types of content or to whitelist particular websites.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    AdGuard is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, etc.
  • Additional Features
    In addition to ad blocking, AdGuard offers features like parental control, safe browsing, and spyware protection.

Possible disadvantages of AdGuard

  • Subscription Cost
    While offering free versions, most of AdGuard's advanced features require a paid subscription, which may not be suitable for all users.
  • Resource Usage
    AdGuard can consume a noticeable amount of system resources, which may affect the performance on less powerful devices.
  • Potential Website Breakage
    Some websites may not function properly when AdGuard is enabled, requiring users to manually whitelist such sites.
  • Learning Curve
    For users who want to fully utilize AdGuard's customizability, there is a learning curve associated with understanding and configuring its advanced settings.
  • Mobile App Limitations
    On iOS, AdGuard's functionality is somewhat limited compared to its Android counterpart due to Apple's restrictive policy on system-wide ad blockers.

Analysis of RethinkDNS

Overall verdict

  • RethinkDNS is a strong choice for users who prioritize privacy, security, and control over their internet experience. Its robust feature set and commitment to transparency make it a recommended option.

Why this product is good

  • RethinkDNS is considered good because it offers advanced privacy features, blocking unwanted ads and trackers, and providing secure DNS resolutions. It also emphasizes user control and customization, enabling users to choose from a variety of configurations and filters. Moreover, its open-source nature allows for transparency and community contributions.

Recommended for

  • Privacy-conscious individuals who want to safeguard their online activities
  • Users looking to block ads and trackers efficiently
  • Tech-savvy individuals who prefer open-source software
  • Anyone seeking customizable DNS and firewall solutions

Analysis of AdGuard

Overall verdict

  • AdGuard is generally considered a good choice for those looking to block ads and enhance their online privacy. Its range of features and cross-platform support make it a robust solution for most users.

Why this product is good

  • AdGuard is known for its effective ad-blocking capabilities, shielding users from intrusive advertisements across websites and apps.
  • It also provides additional features such as privacy protection, blocking of trackers, and optional parental control.
  • The software is compatible with various platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and browser extensions, offering flexibility for users.
  • AdGuard has a user-friendly interface and offers both a free version and more comprehensive paid options.

Recommended for

  • Users who want to block ads and enhance their browsing experience on different devices.
  • People concerned about privacy and data tracking while browsing online.
  • Parents looking for tools to implement parental controls and regulate internet content for their children.
  • Individuals who prefer customizable settings in a straightforward interface.

RethinkDNS videos

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AdGuard videos

AdGuard for Desktop and Android: Why We Use the Full Version

More videos:

  • Review - Bye Bye To Annoying Ads...Using AdGuard [Review]
  • Review - AdGuard Youtube ads killer and others Lifetime Deal

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to RethinkDNS and AdGuard)
Security & Privacy
17 17%
83% 83
Ad Blockers
12 12%
88% 88
Monitoring Tools
30 30%
70% 70
Threat Detection And Prevention

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare RethinkDNS and AdGuard

RethinkDNS Reviews

Best AD Blockers for Android [ 2022 ]
RethinkDNS has a very active community with a telegram channel so that you can ask for help.

AdGuard Reviews

The Best Ad Blockers for YouTube 2024
AdGuard’s Chrome extension was effective in removing multiple types of ads, such as pop-up ads and chatbots. We also tested the macOS application when using Safari and saw the same results: no ads. We used AdGuard while watching a few videos on YouTube and were pleasantly surprised not to encounter ads while using the platform. AdGuard was able to remove pop-up ads, video...
List of 10 Best Ad Blockers in 2024
In thе еvеr-еxpanding digital landscapе of 2024, AdGuard еmеrgеs as onе of thе bеst ad blockers availablе. With its powerful fеaturеs and robust pеrformancе, AdGuard еffеctivеly shiеlds usеrs from intrusivе and unwantеd advеrtisеmеnts across various platforms. This advanced tool еmploys a combination of filtеrs, including AdGuard’s own databasе, to block ads on wеbsitеs,...
Best Ad Blockers in 2023: Adblock Plus vs AdGuard vs uBlock Origin and More
I made sure to include several excellent browser extensions, which are all better than AdGuard. On the other hand, I also wanted to include a full-fledged desktop app, which is where AdGuard performs admirably, hence its place on the list.
10 Best FREE Anti Tracking Software In 2023 [TOP SELECTIVE]
AdGuard is a tool with various features which allow users to work efficiently without worrying about their data privacy. This tool provides a faster browser as it disables all ads and trackers on the browser, enabling a faster browsing speed.
Best AD Blockers for Android [ 2022 ]
Then Adguard is a great alternative Not only does it block ads on both your browser and apps, but it’s also the only ad blocker that removes the spaces where the ads used to be.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, AdGuard should be more popular than RethinkDNS. It has been mentiond 87 times since March 2021. 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.

RethinkDNS mentions (22)

  • Show HN: WalledGarden – A SIM You Control (RBI/GeoAuth/VPN/NGFW/Socks/Pcap/SDX)
    [2] https://rethinkdns.com - if this is something our users value, and given https://archive.md/slpZ9, we'll donate to support them. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Thoughts on RethinkDNS. Firewall, Privacy, Ads, all-in-one app for privacy.
    Hi, I've been using RethinkDNS https://rethinkdns.com/ for a few days, and for now it's something quite good for what I've seen so far. Source: about 2 years ago
  • blitz down?
    I changed this to rethinkdns.com they are reliable and also they care on privacy..//. Source: over 2 years ago
  • NextDNS vs Control D as compared by Control D owner
    If only https://rethinkdns.com was compared too. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Best way to use Facebook Messenger?
    You might want to look at Frost and SlimSocial, and aside from that maybe run some custom DNS to filter out anything that doesn't break functionality using hosts lists. There are several options there, one is Rethink DNS. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

AdGuard mentions (87)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing RethinkDNS and AdGuard, you can also consider the following products

NextDNS - Block ads, trackers and malicious websites on all your devices.

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

Blokada - The best ad blocker for Android. Free and open source.

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.

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

DNS66 - Local vpn for adblocking.