DuckDuckGo Browser vs Roadblock

DuckDuckGo Browser is a browser for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, with a free plan and paid subscriptions. It blocks third-party trackers, including those from Facebook and Google, and most ads, including video and YouTube ads. It can block most cookie pop-ups and may opt users out automatically. Cross-device sync and a password manager are included, and a one-click control clears tabs, history, and browsing data. Email protection blocks hidden trackers in emails, while Duck.ai offers optional private chats with popular AI models. DuckDuckGo says those conversations are not used to train AI and that it does not track searches; its tracker list and exceptions are open source. Paid plans add VPN protection, advanced AI models, personal information removal, and identity restoration. Plus costs $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year. Pro costs $19.99 a month or $199.99 a year and adds Claude Opus 4.8, GPT-5.6 Sol, higher reasoning effort, and twice Plus’s Duck.ai usage limits. DuckDuckGo has been independent since its founding in 2008 and is based in Paoli, Pennsylvania.

Roadblock is a freemium Safari content blocker for iPhone and Mac that controls how web content loads. It blocks advertisements, including pop-ups and video ads, plus scripts that track activity on webpages and across the web. It can remove chat widgets, cookie-consent, newsletter, and notification banners, subscription overlays, and AI widgets. Custom rules can block or allow sites and content, hide elements, strip cookies, and force HTTPS. Separate profiles support Wi-Fi, cellular browsing, or family use and can be shared with friends. The iPhone page lists 322K+ built-in rules, with additional ad-blocking rules for non-English sites in 37 languages. Optional iCloud sync shares profiles and settings between Mac, iPhone, and iPad and is off by default. Roadblock says it does not collect or store personal information, and extensions do not access browsing activity or report blocked content. It supports iOS 15+ and macOS Big Sur 11+. Premium plans start at $0.99 a month or $5.99 a year.