Privoxy vs Stands AdBlocker

Privoxy is free, non-caching web proxy software for privacy controls, access rules, and changes to HTTP headers and web pages. It can modify page text, remove banners and web bugs, filter HTML annoyances, and inspect HTTPS requests and responses. A browser-based configuration and control utility includes rule tracing and remote toggling, and Privoxy can be chained with other proxies. It can serve multiple clients across a network or as a LAN gateway. The software runs on Windows, GNU/Linux, Mac OS X, Haiku, BSD variants, Solaris, and other Unix systems. It is licensed under the GNU GPL version 2 or later, with a free plan listed at free. A basic configuration is included with a new installation, but many advanced features need to be enabled. Privoxy handles HTTP and HTTPS proxying; it does not handle FTP, SMTP, instant messaging, IRC, or ICQ. It is not designed as a malware-removal tool, and the default setup does not filter malware. The project says it lacks trusted build infrastructure; individual project members or external contributors build and upload binary packages.

Stands AdBlocker is a free browser extension that blocks ads, pop-ups, and trackers on websites including YouTube and Twitch. It supports major browsers on Windows and macOS, plus an Android browser app that blocks advertising while browsing inside that app. The extension includes an element picker and a Cookie Notice Remover for consent pop-ups. Stands says its Manifest V3 implementation uses Declarative Net Request logic, and that video ads can be skipped or removed before, during, and in live videos without stopping playback. Users can allow ads on selected sites, creators, or channels and adjust ad and pop-up preferences. Some non-intrusive ads may be allowed by default; Acceptable Ads and Search Ads can be disabled. The privacy policy says Stands collects IP and device information at download and browsing information such as visited websites and viewed content for ad blocking. It says analytics data is filtered to remove personal data. The plan costs nothing, with no obligatory payments.