While it is relatively easy to set up content blocking on desktop PCs, the same can't be said for other device types. While there are solutions available for nearly any device, setup is usually not as quick or straightforward as installing an extension like uBlock Origin.
One of the better options for system-wide content blocking on mobile devices is to switch the DNS server to one that promises to do that. There are plenty of free, freemium and paid solutions available that will block a good portion of ads automatically when enabled.
Naturally, this may raise follow-up questions regarding privacy and security, considering that all Internet traffic is using that DNS service for core functionality.
AdGuard is a long-standing contender in the field. Its AdGuard solution is a cross-platform app that runs system-wide on desktop and mobile devices. However, the company has created several other solutions, including a DNS-based option to set DNS servers manually to avoid installing an app and only use that part of the entire solution.
AdGuard DNS for Android and iOS
The main purpose of the new AdGuard DNS app is to make it easier for inexperienced users to enable the DNS-based solution. Instead of having to change DNS parameters manually on a device, users install the app, add or scan a code for a device that they create, and that is that.
The system is still not as straightforward as possible, as you do need to get the code into the app and allow AdGuard DNS to create VPN connections on it as well.
Note: AdGuard DNS is available as a free version, but it is limited to 300,000 requests per month, starting with the first day of the month. That may sound like a lot, but it may not be enough for some users, especially if multiple devices are added. The free version allows for up to five devices to be added.
Good to know: The free public DNS servers do not have these rate limits and it seems that they won't have them in the future. If you hit the limit, you could consider combining the two or using just the DNS servers.
The device-level protection blocks a good percentage of ads that you would otherwise see in mobile browsers or in apps. Note that this may impact some functionality, for instance the ability to "get something" in games when you watch an ad.
Another advantage of using the mobile app is that you can open the dashboard on the Adguard DNS website to take a look at stats. There you see the number of requests, blocked requests, companies and more, account-wide and also per-device that you set up.
Users who like the private DNS server option and the mobile apps can sign-up for a paid plan to increase the limit. The cheapest is available for less than $20 per year currently, and it raises the limit to 10 million per month. Also, it allows you to add up to 20 devices, use up to 5 servers instead of the 2 of the free account, and add 1K custom rules. AdGuard VPN users get the personal plan for free.
Closing Words
Setting up a custom ad-blocking DNS solution is still the main way to enable content blocking on mobile devices. It is free, usually unlimited, but requires a bit of knowing your way around the settings of the device to enable the solution.
The new app-based alternative does much of the heavy-lifting for you, but it requires an account and limits the requests of free accounts to 300,000. On the plus side, you do get access to stats and better management options as well.
I can see this solution being attractive to less-experienced users who want a good solution that is easier to set up. However, most DNS providers, including AdGuard itself, offer step-by-step instructions to set up DNS servers manually on Android and iOS.
Now You: Do you use custom DNS servers that block ads, malware and other unwanted traffic? If so, which solution do you use and why? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post AdGuard DNS: new mobile app promises faster DNS-based content blocking appeared first on gHacks Technology News.
0 Commentaires