AdBlock vs Disconnect

AdBlock blocks ads across desktop and mobile devices, with support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It works with major browsers and includes custom filter lists, an element picker, and cookie popup blocking. A free plan is available, alongside Premium at $4 a month. Premium includes a 7-day free trial; the subscription starts on day 8 unless cancelled. Listed Premium features are AdBlock VPN, enhanced YouTube blocking, cookie-consent blocking, and distraction controls. Pricing is also described as paid from $40/yr. The maker, AdBlock, was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas, United States. Device coverage is listed as desktop and mobile. The platform list names four operating systems, while browser support is described as covering major browsers.

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.