AdLock vs AdNauseam

AdLock blocks ads and helps filter tracking and malicious activity across Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, with Android TV also listed. It blocks ad types by default and does not participate in acceptable ads; users can allow ads on selected websites or apps. Other protections include blocking tracking scripts, malware, malicious requests and redirects, plus filtering HTTP and HTTPS connections. Users can add custom filter lists and block cookie popups. Browser coverage includes Chrome, Safari and Firefox, as well as major browsers generally. AdLock says it uses few device resources, can save mobile data and can extend battery life. Free browser extensions are available, and standalone applications offer free trials. The free plan and paid options coexist: plans are $9.95 a month, $39.50 a year, or $15.99 a year when billed every five years. Paid plans cover five devices and include a 30-day money-back guarantee. The company lists 24/7 technical support and is based in Bratislava, Slovakia.

AdNauseam is a free browser extension intended for people who want to resist advertising surveillance and tracking. Built on uBlock Origin, it blocks ads and quietly simulates clicks on blocked ads to add noise to advertising networks’ user profiles. Its interactive AdVault lets users inspect and explore captured advertisements. The FAQ says simulated clicks run as background requests, with responses discarded rather than executed in the browser.

AdNauseam supports major browsers, including Chromium-based browsers and Firefox derivatives, and is available on desktop and mobile. The Firefox add-on page lists availability for Firefox on Android. Google Chrome requires workarounds because the extension was disallowed there; the installation instructions describe those workarounds as temporary. The extension does not collect or click ads in private or incognito windows unless enabled manually. Its developer reports that it does not require data collection, while its Firefox add-on permissions include access to privacy settings, tabs, navigation activity, and data for all websites. It is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 only and is offered at free.