AdLock vs Ghostery

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.

Ghostery is a free, open-source browser extension combining ad blocking, tracker protection, cookie-consent handling, and tracker information tools. It blocks banners, video ads, pop-ups, and sponsored content. The Tracker Panel displays trackers it identifies and neutralizes, while WhoTracks.Me provides information about tracking activity and companies. Ghostery says its protection replaces personal identifiers with random values. Never-Consent rejects tracking cookies and sends opt-out signals on supported sites. Supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, and Brave, and users can install the extension on as many devices as they like. On iOS and iPadOS, it offers Safari protection; on Android, it supports Edge and Firefox. Chrome on Android is unavailable because Chrome does not allow extensions there. Ghostery says extension telemetry is non-personal, with additional telemetry sent if users opt in. For phishing and malware protection, it says it sends a partial URL checksum to its backend rather than the full URL. Private Search is in closed beta.