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Head-to-head · Internet Filtering Software

Fortra Secure Web Gateway vs AdGuard

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Fortra Secure Web Gateway #7 in Internet Filtering Software 8.6/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Fortra
AdGuard #8 in Internet Filtering Software 8.5/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit AdGuard

Fortra Secure Web Gateway leads on 0 checks, AdGuard on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreFortra Secure Web Gateway · 8.6/10
  • Free planonly AdGuard
  • Free trialonly AdGuard
  • Most featuresFortra Secure Web Gateway · 1 of 3

Fortra Secure Web Gateway scores higher on our rubric for internet filtering software: 8.6 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

Fortra Secure Web Gateway is the better fit for secure web gateway and content inspection. AdGuard is the better fit for ad and tracker blocking on personal devices.

  • Fortra Secure Web Gateway fits best

    Secure web gateway and content inspection

  • AdGuard fits best

    Ad and tracker blocking on personal devices

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Fortra Secure Web Gateway 8.6/10 Visit ↗ AdGuard 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.6 8.5
Ranking #7 in Internet Filtering Software #8 in Internet Filtering Software
Best for Secure web gateway and content inspection Ad and tracker blocking on personal devices
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request —
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets Email, Community, Docs · 24/7
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Fortra Secure Web Gateway 1/3 · AdGuard 0/3
Custom blocklists Not checked yet Not checked yet
Safe search controls Not checked yet Not checked yet
Filtering schedules ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Device limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Activity reports Advanced Not checked yet
Platform support Network proxy, hardware appliance, software image, AWS, Azure, VMware Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Real-time URL categorization plus malware and anti-spyware scanning
  • Granular policies by organization, department, group, or individual
  • DLP, deep inspection, redaction, HTTPS inspection, and auditing
  • Blocks ads, trackers, spyware, pop-ups, and phishing sites
  • Works across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browsers
  • Adds custom rules, DNS protection, logs, parental controls, and SafeSearch
Cons
  • Pricing is handled through a contact-sales process
  • Deployment centers on proxy, appliance, cloud, or virtualized environments
  • Its enterprise gateway scope may exceed smaller filtering requirements
  • Personal licenses cover up to 3 devices
  • Family licenses cover up to 9 devices
  • Its focus is narrower for internet-filtering administration
Our verdict

Fortra Secure Web Gateway is an enterprise web-security gateway for controlling internet access and protecting organizational data. It is designed for administrators who need centralized filtering across web traffic, web applications, and…

Read the review →

AdGuard is an ad-blocking and privacy-protection product family for individuals using browsers, computers, and mobile devices. It blocks advertisements in browsers and apps, along with trackers, spyware, adware, pop-ups, banners, video…

Read the review →
  1. Fortra Secure Web GatewayInternet Filtering Software 8.6Pricing on request
  2. AdGuardInternet Filtering Software 8.5Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Fortra Secure Web Gateway — where it wins

    • Real-time URL categorization plus malware and anti-spyware scanning
    • Granular policies by organization, department, group, or individual
    • DLP, deep inspection, redaction, HTTPS inspection, and auditing

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing is handled through a contact-sales process
    • Deployment centers on proxy, appliance, cloud, or virtualized environments
    • Its enterprise gateway scope may exceed smaller filtering requirements

  • AdGuard — where it wins

    • Blocks ads, trackers, spyware, pop-ups, and phishing sites
    • Works across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browsers
    • Adds custom rules, DNS protection, logs, parental controls, and SafeSearch

    Where it doesn't

    • Personal licenses cover up to 3 devices
    • Family licenses cover up to 9 devices
    • Its focus is narrower for internet-filtering administration
  • Fortra Secure Web Gateway8.6/10 · Pricing on request

    An enterprise gateway for deep web filtering, inspection, policy control, and data protection.

    Visit FortraFull verdict →
  • AdGuard8.5/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A broad personal ad blocker with desktop, mobile, DNS, and privacy controls.

    Visit AdGuardFull verdict →

More comparisons

All internet filtering software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update