Updated September 29, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
AdBlocker Ultimate vs Proton AG
AdBlocker Ultimate
Proton AG
Higher score in this comparison
What sets them apart
| Compare | AdBlocker UltimateReviewVisitVisit | Proton AGReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan limits | Free browser extension; paid app for system-wide blocking | No data or speed limits, no ads, no time limit, 1 device, servers in 10 countries randomly selected, medium speed. |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Yandex | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV |
| Protocols | Doh, Dot, Dnscrypt | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Logging policy | No excess data collection | No activity logs |
| Jurisdiction | BG | CH |
| Open source | No | YesHas it |
Same on both: Free plan (Yes), Privacy tool type (Ad blocker).
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Key differences
- Proton AG scores higher overall: 9.3 vs 8.9.
- Platforms: only AdBlocker Ultimate offers Edge, Opera, Yandex.
- Platforms: only Proton AG offers Linux, Chromebook, Android TV.
- Protocols: only AdBlocker Ultimate offers Doh, Dot, Dnscrypt.
- Protocols: only Proton AG offers WireGuard, OpenVPN.
- Support channels: only Proton AG offers Chat, Community.
- Open source: only Proton AG.
Our verdict on each
AdBlocker Ultimate
AdBlocker Ultimate suits everyday browser users who want blocking at no charge before considering system wide cover. It earns 8.9 overall in this comparison, with free extension access that keeps entry simple for multi browser households looking for lighter upkeep.
Proton AG
Proton AG suits readers who want a published no-logs audit, a free tier and a bundled privacy suite rather than a bare tunnel, with the company based in Switzerland. Paid plans reach servers in from 140 countries and cover 10 devices, alongside free storage of 5 GB.
Score breakdown
| Area | AdBlocker Ultimate | Proton AG |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.0Entry stays low because access splits as Free browser extension; paid app for system-wide blocking | 9.3Higher |
| Offer | 9.1Offer centers on free use shown by model free | 9.4HigherTerm choice runs to 24 months with a 30-day refund window, and a free plan anchors entry pricing. |
| Privacy | 8.3Trust reflects stated wording No excess data collection alongside jurisdiction BG | 8.9Higher |
What each covers
| Protocols | AdBlocker Ultimate | Proton AG |
|---|---|---|
| Doh | Yes | No |
| Dot | Yes | No |
| Dnscrypt | Yes | No |
Positions in our rankings
| Ranking | AdBlocker Ultimate | Proton AG |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy tools | 32 of 281 | 22 of 281 |
| Ad blockers and private DNS | 15 of 63 | 11 of 63 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | AdBlocker Ultimate | Proton AG |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Legal entity | AdAvoid Ltd | Proton AG |
| Headquarters | Bulgaria | Switzerland |
| Founded | Not confirmed | 2014 |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre | Email, Chat, Help centre, CommunityCovers more |
Password managers
| Fact | AdBlocker Ultimate | Proton AG |
|---|---|---|
| Family plan | Not confirmed | Pass Family: up to 6 users, 6 Pass Plus accounts, admin panel |
| Passkeys | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Security audit | Not confirmed | Independently audited by third-party experts; audit reports public |
| Encryption | Not confirmed | Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption, 256-bit AES-GCM vaults, OpenPGP with ECC Curve25519 for vault keys |
| Features | Not confirmed | Kill switch, Split tunnelling |
| Zero-knowledge encryption | Not confirmed | Yes |
Secure email
| Fact | AdBlocker Ultimate | Proton AG |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Not confirmed | The VPN connection from the user's device to Proton's servers; Proton also markets Proton for Business with end-to-end encryption. |
Encrypted storage
| Fact | AdBlocker Ultimate | Proton AG |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | Not confirmed | 5 |
| Compliance certifications | Not confirmed | GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001 |
Pros and cons
AdBlocker Ultimate
Pros
- Wide coverage across Windows, macOS and Android for desktop, mobile and browser use
- DNS privacy options include doh, dot and dnscrypt on supported Android builds
- Focused ad blocking scope via ad blocker that keeps setup clear
Cons
- Closed review path, as open source is no, which limits outside code checks
- Support runs on email and help centre only, which limits direct contact routes
Proton AG
Pros
- No-logs claims are audited rather than asserted: Securitum's audit (Securitum, 2026) sits behind a No activity logs policy.
- Free limits come with no caps on data or speed, no ads and no time limit.
- 10 simultaneous devices, above the ranked VPN median of 8.
Cons
- Support runs on email, chat and help centre, and there is no phone line among them.
- The free plan limits put you on a single device at medium speed with randomly selected countries, so constant use points at a paid plan.
- End-to-end encryption is marketed for Proton for Business, while the consumer plan encrypts only the connection from your device to Proton's servers.
Who each suits
AdBlocker Ultimate
Who it suits
- Everyday browser readers who want free blocking before paying for wider cover
- Multi browser households that want the same ad blocker across desktop and mobile
Who should look elsewhere
- Choose DeleteMe for data broker removal rather than browser ad blocking
- Choose addy.io for masked mail handling rather than page level ad blocking
Proton AG
Who it suits
- Readers who want a VPN, a passkey vault and encrypted storage under a single account instead of separate subscriptions.
- Families sharing storage, since Pass Family covers several users and Pass Plus seats through a single admin panel.
- Teams buying under a business audience (business) who need GDPR, HIPAA and ISO 27001 certifications on file.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone needing more devices on a single account: Proton covers 10, while ESET Brasil plans run 3 to 25 devices.
- Readers choosing purely on server spread: AVG lists from 100 countries, a base close to Proton's from 140.
- Readers who want a different audit trail to compare: Session Technology Foundation lists Quarkslab 2021 against Proton's Securitum, 2026.
Questions about each
AdBlocker Ultimate
Does AdBlocker Ultimate have a free plan+
Yes. The model is listed as free, so browser blocking starts without charge. Paid app cover is separate for system wide blocking, so check which placement matches the devices used for daily browsing.
What are the limits of the free version+
Limits are described as Free browser extension; paid app for system-wide blocking. That means browser extension use is free, while full system wide blocking sits in the paid app. Readers who only need browser cover can stay free, while wider cover needs the paid tier.
Proton AG
What does Proton VPN cost, and how long are the commitments?+
The longest plan runs 24 months, the service is listed on a free model, and paid plans carry a 30-day money-back window. Across the ranked VPN field, monthly pricing has a median of €7.02 and long-term pricing a median of €3.97, which frames any quote you see.
Is there a free plan, and what are its limits?+
Yes. The free plan has no caps on data or speed, no ads and no time limit. It runs on a single device, reaches servers in a randomly selected group of countries and delivers medium speed, so the paid tier, which covers 10 devices, is the practical step for constant use.
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