Ghostery vs Roadblock

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.

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.