Adblock Plus vs Disconnect

Adblock Plus is a browser extension and mobile ad-blocking product that filters ads, third-party tracking requests and malicious domains using lists such as EasyList and EasyPrivacy. It blocks formats including video ads, banners, pop-ups and pop-unders, and can disable social buttons. Acceptable Ads are enabled by default, but users can turn that feature off. Users can also remove default filter lists, add other lists or create their own. EasyPrivacy targets tracking domains, fingerprinting scripts, analytics requests and data-collection domains. The desktop add-on supports Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Yandex Browser. Mobile options include a Safari app for iOS, a product for Samsung Internet on Android and the separate Adblock Browser. The extension can access page URLs and content to block or hide ads; it does not track browsing history, record form typing or alter submitted data. Free ad blocking is available. Premium is listed at $4 a month or $40 a year.

Disconnect exposes and blocks trackers, data brokers and surveillance networks across websites, apps and email. Its Basic Extension displays and blocks trackers on visited websites. On iOS and Android, Tracker Protection uses encrypted DNS to block trackers across apps and browsers without a VPN. Privacy Pro for iOS adds Smart VPN, custom blocking rules and activity logs. Disconnect Premium can encrypt internet activity and mask the user's IP address in encrypted mode, using AES 256-bit encryption and 2048-bit Diffie-Hellman key exchange. Users can choose Blocking mode, focused on privacy and performance, or Encrypted mode, which may slow connections. Its ad blocking targets privacy-invasive ads that track users or may distribute malvertising, rather than every advertisement. A free plan is available, and the pricing note lists paid plans from $50/yr; Premium is also listed at $5 a month. Website subscriptions cover three unique devices. App Store subscriptions are limited to the purchasing iTunes user and their iPhone or iPad devices.