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Head-to-head · Ad Blocking Software

Ghostery vs AdBlocker Ultimate

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Ghostery #2 in Ad Blocking Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Ghostery
AdBlocker Ultimate #4 in Ad Blocking Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit site

Ghostery leads on 0 checks, AdBlocker Ultimate 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 scoreGhostery · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly AdBlocker Ultimate
  • Most featuresGhostery · 1 of 4

Ghostery scores higher on our rubric for ad blocking software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

Ghostery is the better fit for free, feature-rich cross-platform blocking. AdBlocker Ultimate is the better fit for system-wide blocking across devices.

  • Ghostery fits best

    Free, feature-rich cross-platform blocking

  • AdBlocker Ultimate fits best

    System-wide blocking across 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 Ghostery 9.2/10 Visit ↗ AdBlocker Ultimate 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #2 in Ad Blocking Software #4 in Ad Blocking Software
Best for Free, feature-rich cross-platform blocking System-wide blocking across devices
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Tickets, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Ghostery 1/4 · AdBlocker Ultimate 0/4
App blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Tracker blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Custom filters Not checked yet Not checked yet
Element picker ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Platform coverage Not checked yet Not checked yet
Device limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Filter-list control Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Blocks ads, trackers, pop-ups and cookie-consent requests
  • Works across desktop and mobile platforms, including major browsers
  • Offers custom filters, element picking, reports and portable settings
  • Blocks ads, trackers, malicious domains, and phishing domains
  • Filters desktop applications through DNS and HTTPS traffic controls
  • Supports custom lists, allowlisting, and per-application filtering
Cons
  • Protection is centered on browser-level blocking
  • Advanced controls may require more configuration
  • There are no paid product tiers for buyers seeking tiered plans
  • Device limits are capped at 3 for Personal and 10 for Family
  • Mobile protection differs between app filtering and Safari protection
  • The browser extension is separate from dedicated desktop and mobile apps
Our verdict

Ghostery is a free, open-source browser extension for people and organizations that want browser-level protection from ads, trackers, pop-ups and tracking cookies. It serves individual users, privacy-conscious teams and organizations…

Read the review →

AdBlocker Ultimate is a freemium ad-blocking and privacy suite for people who want protection beyond browser pages. It covers web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome through a browser extension and dedicated applications. Its feature…

Read the review →
  1. GhosteryAd Blocking Software 9.2Free plan
  2. AdBlocker UltimateAd Blocking Software 8.8Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Ghostery — where it wins

    • Blocks ads, trackers, pop-ups and cookie-consent requests
    • Works across desktop and mobile platforms, including major browsers
    • Offers custom filters, element picking, reports and portable settings

    Where it doesn't

    • Protection is centered on browser-level blocking
    • Advanced controls may require more configuration
    • There are no paid product tiers for buyers seeking tiered plans

  • AdBlocker Ultimate — where it wins

    • Blocks ads, trackers, malicious domains, and phishing domains
    • Filters desktop applications through DNS and HTTPS traffic controls
    • Supports custom lists, allowlisting, and per-application filtering

    Where it doesn't

    • Device limits are capped at 3 for Personal and 10 for Family
    • Mobile protection differs between app filtering and Safari protection
    • The browser extension is separate from dedicated desktop and mobile apps
  • Ghostery9.2/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source blocker with broad platform coverage and detailed privacy controls.

    Visit GhosteryFull verdict →
  • AdBlocker Ultimate8.8/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A broad ad-blocking suite for users who want system-wide filtering across up to 10 devices.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All ad blocking software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update