Best AdBlocker Apps for Android Rooted and Unrooted Devices

No matter how pretty they are, ads can be annoying after a point. You may also have some privacy concerns these days. I mean, it does not feel nice to have an ad pop up minutes after you talk about something, right? While you can’t control the whole system, you can hide the ads you see.

You just need the right Android apps. Here are the best ad-blocker apps for rooted and unrooted Android devices.

Ad Blockers for Unrooted and Rooted Android Devices

Although you get advanced ad-blocking protection on a rooted device, rooting has its own set of pros and cons. Moreover, there are security risks. Sometimes, a complete ad-blocking system requires root-level access to your Android. You may notice that non-root-required ad-blockers may not work on all third-party apps.

#1 AdLock – Best Adblocker App for Android

AdLock is the best overall ad-blocker Android app in the non-rooted category. It is part of a larger ad-blocker product available for Windows, macOS, and iOS as well. You can download the AdLock APK file from its site and enjoy an ad-free Android experience. Yes, it means you cannot download it from the Play Store.

I like almost everything about AdLock, starting with its cross-platform availability. More so, it does not show you acceptable ads, either. So, this ad-blocker is a better choice when I want to remove all types of disrupting elements from a webpage. The premium plan from AdLock can handle browser-level ads, app-level ads, and native video apps.

While it cannot block YouTube ads on the app, you can use YouTube on your browser to enjoy it ad-free. You can benefit from AdLock better if you have an ad-supported plan for your streaming services. The app blocks those annoying pop-ups across devices.

If you spend a lot of time browsing the web, the AdLock utility can also save mobile data consumption and battery life. If you didn’t know, ads are a common source of RAM-hogging. You also get standard features like custom blocklists and whitelists.

#2 AdGuard – Powerful Android Ad Blocker

AdGuard is another potent option if you’re looking to block advertisements effectively on your Android phone. Although this application does not require root access, it offers comprehensive control over which ads you can block and where they appear.

For primary users, AdGuard for Android offers an impressive package. It blocks ads across websites, browsers, games, and apps. Additionally, it helps safeguard you from online trackers and (some) surveillance systems. Ultimately, you save battery life and data consumption while maintaining control over your system.

One of the standout features of AdGuard is its availability across almost all your devices. This app is available for Windows, macOS, Chrome, iOS, and Android. The premium package of the app offers some extra features like Browsing Security and Userscripts.

Userscripts are particularly great if you want to customize what your ad-blocker can remove. But if you need basic ad blocking for Android, you can go for the free version. But I think you get a good deal with AdGuard for the price you pay.

#3 Adblock Plus – Popular Adblock for Android

Adblock Plus is one of the most popular ad-blocking utilities available for Android. However, this is not the most potent option out there. For instance, you can use Adblock Plus for Android to get rid of browser-level ads and app-level pop-ups in some cases. 

For advanced protection and features, you need to get the Adblock Plus Browser. This browser is designed to get rid of all website-level ads, including when you are streaming content. I recommend using this browser if you use ad-supported plans from a streaming service.

You do not get all the features within the basic package because there is a premium plan. If you want to block floating videos and site notifications, you might need to upgrade to the premium plan, which costs $40 a year. However, this premium plan does not offer a lot in terms of customizability.

This plan also prevents annoying items such as cookie consent pop-ups and allows you to use the ad blocker on specific websites. One thing I don’t like about Adblock Plus is that its most attractive features are not available on Android.

#4 Blokada – Lightweight Ad Blocker for Android

Blokada offers two essential features for your Android device: an ad blocker and a VPN. This popular privacy suite is available for both Android and iOS, providing comprehensive controls through a VPN, parental control system, and built-in ad blocker. Designed to help parents manage what their kids are exposed to, Blokada gives you enhanced control over the ads and content you see.

You can use the same app to monitor another user’s activity and control multiple devices simultaneously. For ad blocking, Blokada 6 employs cloud-based ad-blocking technology, allowing you to manage options from a web-based interface.

There are no bandwidth restrictions; you can connect as many devices as you want with the premium plan. Blokada 5, on the other hand, offers an essential free ad blocker, effectively blocking ads and trackers without requiring root access. It can also remove ads that would appear on third-party apps.

In short, Blokada provides multiple options, making it an excellent choice for most people. You can get the best out of this ad-blocker even if you do not want to pay for a premium plan. If you are interested in it, you can explore the open-source code for Blokada as well.

#5 Brave Browser – Android Browser with Built-in Ad Blocking

You might already know about Brave browser if you’ve considered getting a web browser that can block advertisements and enhance your privacy. Fortunately, this app is available for Android devices, offering the same features as its desktop version. This may not be a concern, but Brave Browser for Android does not consume a lot of system resources.

If you want to ensure that ads do not interrupt your web browsing experience, you can switch to Brave browser instead of using Google Chrome or Samsung Internet. Because it employs ad blocking at the browser level, you can also expect a faster internet experience, which is particularly beneficial if you live in an area with slower internet connections.

Additionally, if you’re open to viewing some privacy-friendly advertisements, you can enroll in Brave’s reward program, which compensates you with cryptocurrency when you reach certain milestones. As for ad blocking and privacy, Brave allows customization of where and how strictly it works. For instance, you can enable some acceptable advertisements.

For those concerned about privacy, Brave browser is available for download through the Google Play Store, allowing you to receive updates conveniently. It is something you can install on all your Android devices without privacy concerns.

#6 Opera Browser – Android Browser with Ad Blocking and VPN

If you’re interested in a web browser that not only blocks ads but also protects against threats using a VPN, you should check out Opera Browser. Opera is available for a variety of devices, including your Android smartphone.

As a browser, Opera works excellently and offers many features that you won’t find elsewhere. Even on mobile devices, its options for tab management and AI-based features are impressive. A standout feature is its customizable ad blocker, which is available even in the free version.

Because the ad blocker is built into the browser and does not require an add-on, you can benefit from its effectiveness at basic levels. There is also an option to allow specific ads or turn off the ad blocker for particular websites. The built-in VPN utility is a cherry on top, indeed.

With the free VPN, you get three unlimited proxy locations. This is something extraordinary, considering that there are no bandwidth restrictions. If you have a tight data plan, you can use the data-saving features from Opera Browser. Overall, it is a balanced package for privacy and peace of mind.

#7 DNS66 – Open-source Android App to Stop Ads

DNS66 is an open-source Android app you should check out if you’re looking for an effective ad blocker. It uses DNS filtering technology to block requests to advertisement websites and servers whenever you load a page. The best part about DNS66 is that it doesn’t consume many in-device resources, making it suitable for low-configuration devices.

Moreover, DNS66 offers ample support for customization through the hosts’ files, which you can add and remove as needed. The ability to add additional DNS servers can also enhance the speed and security of your entire web browsing experience on your Android device.

DNS66 is available on F-Droid, and you can download it from the official F-Droid website. It is impressive that the ad-blocking utility does not require root access. However, you must deal with a rather rudimentary UI to get started with the system.

I must also add that the setup for DNS66 requires quite a bit of patience. While the custom hosts file seems nice, it may not benefit the less tech-savvy among us. Regardless, considering that it costs nothing, I think you can check out what DNS66 has to offer.

#8 NextDNS: DNS-based Ad-blocking and Firewall

NextDNS is an excellent option for blocking advertisements on your Android phone without installing a third-party application. Despite seeming complicated, NextDNS essentially functions as a new type of firewall. This firewall can protect your device from various threats, including advertisements, security issues, and fingerprinting problems.

Since it operates based on the DNS setup rather than specific websites, it will protect all the apps and devices in your network. Although advanced features are available through premium and enterprise plans, you can still enjoy basic benefits with the free plan. The free plan includes 300,000 queries per month, which is sufficient for most users. It also offers unlimited configurations and community support without any cost.

For those who require additional features such as unlimited queries and dedicated support, NextDNS Premium is an option to consider. However, if you are new to DNS servers, you may have trouble getting a grip for the first time.

If you prefer a graphical user interface to manage these settings, you can install NextDNS Manager from the Google Play Store. This application simplifies interaction with the DNS system and allows you to connect your account easily for seamless access.

#9 AdAway – Powerful Ad Blocking Software for Rooted Android

AdAway is one of the most efficient and accessible ad-blocking solutions for your Android device if it has root access. The service offers two options: a root-based advertisement blocking system and a premium VPN-based blocking system. If your device already has root access, it makes sense to get AdAway and significantly enhance your browsing experience.

Customizability is a crucial feature of AdAway, allowing you to control almost every aspect of the ad-blocking process. You can choose which websites to block and customize the host file to control which websites you connect to.

However, it’s worth mentioning that AdAway requires some input from your side, especially for blocking in-app advertisements. If a particular app still shows ads after installing AdAway, you may need to add specific host names manually.

Alternatively, you can opt for the VPN-based blocking system by paying a monthly fee. For those who enjoy tinkering and customizing their devices, the root-based ad blocker from AdAway is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I have always found DNS and VPN-based ad-blockers more convenient than app-based ones. Because these tools block ads from loading in the first place, your device does not have to process these requests.

However, I understand it may not be the case for you. If you do not want to pay for these subscriptions, you can always go for a device-based blocker. And, as you have seen, things are easy if you have a rooted device.

Do you know any other ad-blocker for Android that works quite well? Do let us know.