AdGuard VPN review: Features, pros & cons

You probably already know AdGuard for its ad blocker, one of the best on the market. But in 2020, the company built on its privacy protection expertise to launch AdGuard VPN. That said, you might be wondering whether this service can really hold its own against the big names in the industry, such as Express VPN, NordVPN, PIA VPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN. In this in depth AdGuard VPN review, we will answer that question and more, covering user opinions, security features, speed and performance, the service’s pros and cons, the effectiveness of its customer support, and other key factors.

Is AdGuard VPN a trustworthy option? Does it follow a solid privacy policy? Does it deliver good speeds for streaming and gaming? Keep reading to find out.

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What is AdGuard VPN and what is it for?

AdGuard VPN is one of the many Virtual Private Network services available today. As mentioned earlier, it is backed by AdGuard, a company best known for its powerful ad blocker. The brand has a strong reputation for privacy and security, and its VPN is no exception, as it includes advanced features designed to protect user data while browsing the web. As you might expect, the service is built to provide anonymity, preventing anyone from tracking your online activity.

This is crucial for digital nomads and remote workers, who depend on the internet for their jobs and are often exposed to cyber threats, especially when using insecure public Wi-Fi networks. That is why a VPN is an essential tool for this lifestyle, just like Holafly’s global plans, which provide internet access worldwide without the need to change data packages at each destination. With a plan like this, you can work from a café in London or a quiet beach in northern Spain without extra roaming costs. If you want to make life as a digital nomad easier, a good VPN and a global Holafly internet plan are key.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Coming back to today’s VPN, AdGuard stands out for being easy to use, even for beginners, and for offering its own proprietary protocol, which delivers solid speeds and keeps obfuscation always enabled, making it well suited for bypassing censorship in many countries. That said, its server network is noticeably smaller than those of its competitors, though still decent. On the plus side, it follows a strict no logs policy, meaning it does not share user data with third parties.

This is just a brief introduction to what AdGuard has to offer. Next, we will take a look at its most important technical features.

What does AdGuard VPN include?

We have already hinted at some of its key points: a proprietary protocol, top tier encryption, a strict no logs policy, decent speeds, and a mix of basic and more advanced security features. Because of this, AdGuard VPN is a solid choice for users looking for a reliable service with a strong focus on privacy. Its integration with the AdGuard ecosystem and its unique protocol make it a good fit for everyday browsing and basic online security needs. However, users who want more advanced features, such as a dedicated IP or specialized servers for P2P traffic, may want to explore other alternatives.

We help you visualize this with a table of its technical characteristics:

Technical Characteristics of AdGuard VPN

This table highlights the most important aspects of AdGuard VPN. Next, we will take a closer look at the factors we consider key when deciding whether or not the service is worth subscribing to.

Number and location of servers

AdGuard VPN offers more than 80 server locations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, including countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia. While its network isn’t as large as some other VPNs, such as Proton VPN with servers in 120 countries, its coverage is strategically chosen to ensure fast and stable connections.

One thing to keep in mind is that the larger a VPN’s network, the easier it is to avoid congestion that can slow down speeds, as well as to bypass geographic restrictions. In this regard, we believe AdGuard VPN can’t quite compete with some of the more well-known providers.

Protocols and encryption

Like most VPNs on the market, AdGuard VPN uses military-grade encryption with the AES-256 standard. This ensures your connection is secure against potential attacks and keeps any data you transmit safe from third parties.

Regarding protocols, AdGuard uses the AdGuard VPN Protocol, which, as the name suggests, was developed in-house to balance speed, stability, and privacy. This protocol masks VPN traffic to make it look like regular HTTPS traffic, making it especially useful for bypassing restrictions on limited networks or services that detect VPN usage.

Kill Switch, IP and DNS leak protection, and Split Tunneling

AdGuard VPN has a built-in kill switch that keeps your IP hidden if the connection drops unexpectedly. This essential security feature is standard among good VPNs. With AdGuard VPN, it works smoothly and is turned on by default, so it’s best to leave it that way.

It also protects against IP and DNS leaks, keeping your real IP address hidden along with cached data and browsing history. Additionally, the browser extension comes with WebRTC protection enabled by default. Since Web Real-Time Communication can reveal your actual IP to websites, keeping WebRTC blocked is key for maintaining privacy. In this area, AdGuard VPN scores extra points.

Another handy feature of AdGuard VPN is split tunneling. What it does is let you decide which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This comes in handy if, for example, you need to use a local app for ordering food or access websites that require your real IP address.

Compatibility and number of devices

AdGuard VPN works on a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, making it easy for users who just want to secure their web browsing. Each subscription allows up to 10 devices to be connected at the same time. While some providers offer unlimited connections, 10 is still a very generous number.

No-logs policy

AdGuard VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t keep any record of your online activities, ensuring your privacy is fully protected. That said, it does collect some data, like email addresses and cookies, to personalize its website experience.

AdGuard VPN is run by AdGuard Software Limited, a Russian company registered in Limassol, Cyprus, which isn’t part of the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes alliances. This works in the VPN’s favor when it comes to privacy.

Speed

AdGuard VPN offers speeds that are sufficient for most everyday activities, with optimizations in place to reduce slowdowns. That said, like any VPN, performance can vary depending on how close you are to a server and how crowded the network is.

Streaming and gaming

AdGuard VPN can unblock streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, but this only works on specific optimized servers. This makes it a decent choice for entertainment, though not as reliable as VPNs that focus more heavily on streaming.

When it comes to gaming, AdGuard VPN delivers a decent experience, especially on nearby servers with low latency. However, it’s not specifically designed for gamers, so it might not be the best choice for highly competitive online play.

P2P downloads

The VPN supports P2P downloads on select servers, allowing you to share files securely, though it isn’t specifically built for that purpose.

Free plan vs. premium plan

AdGuard VPN offers a free plan with a 3 GB monthly limit. While it’s not suited for heavy users, it’s enough for casual browsing or light streaming. The premium plan comes with unlimited data, access to all servers, and priority support. Prices start at $2.69 per month on the two-year plan, making it competitive compared to other VPNs.

What additional features does AdGuard VPN offer?

One of AdGuard VPN’s standout features is its integration with AdGuard’s ad-blocking software. This lets users enjoy a cleaner browsing experience by removing ads and trackers. While the software is paid, it comes with a free trial. Additionally, AdGuard DNS is available for free and blocks malicious websites, providing an extra layer of security while browsing.

Other convenient features of this VPN include “Launch at Startup” and “Auto-Connect,” which ensure the VPN activates as soon as you turn on your device, automatically protecting you on unsecured networks. This is especially handy when using public WiFi, so you don’t have to remember to turn the VPN on manually.

Customer support

Customer support includes live chat, email assistance, and a comprehensive knowledge base on their website. While it may not be the fastest compared to major VPN providers, it is effective for solving common issues.

AdGuard VPN: User experience

A VPN can have every security feature imaginable, but if it isn’t easy and smooth to use, it may drive users away rather than attract them. In this respect, AdGuard VPN strikes a balance between simplicity and advanced features, offering a seamless experience for both beginners and more demanding users.

Here are some more details:

1. Signing up for AdGuard VPN

As you know, AdGuard VPN offers free and premium plans. To start using the service, follow these steps:

• Visit the official website: Visit their official website to see the available plans and choose the one that fits your needs. The free plan does not require any payment information, just sign up. If you go with the premium plan, select a subscription option, whether monthly, yearly, or multi year, and follow the steps to complete the payment.
• Registration: Enter a valid email address and create a password. This links your account to you for any future account management.
• Payment methods: AdGuard accepts credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods depending on your region. Once your payment is complete, if you choose the premium plan, you will receive a confirmation email.

2. Installing the app

AdGuard VPN is compatible with various platforms. Here are the steps to install it on each one:

For Windows/macOS:

1. Download the installer from the official website.
2. Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions in the installation wizard.
3. Once installed, open the application and log in with the credentials you created during registration.

For Android/iOS:

1. Go to Google Play Store or App Store and search for “AdGuard VPN.”
2. Download the app and install it on your device.
3. Log in with your account and grant the necessary permissions to set up the VPN connection.

Browser extensions:

1. From the official website, select the options for Chrome or Firefox.
2. Add the extension to your browser by following the specific instructions.
3. Log in to the extension to activate the VPN in your browser.

3. Connecting to servers

1. Open the app: Launch the application on your device or access the extension in your browser.
2. Select a server: The interface displays a list of available locations. You can pick a server based on your preferred region or to access specific content, or you can let the VPN automatically select the fastest server for you.
3. Connect: Click the connect button. Once the connection is established, the app will show a visual indicator, such as a green icon or a “Connected” message.
4. Advanced settings: You can turn on automatic mode so the VPN starts when you power on your device. In the settings, you can also customize site exclusions if you only want to protect specific apps or websites.

Interface and user experience

AdGuard VPN stands out for its clean and user friendly interface. The main screen shows your connection status, the selected server location, and the connection speed. Navigating the app is straightforward, with well organized menus for settings, support, and site exclusions. The browser extension is quick to install and easy to use, making it perfect for securing your web browsing.

AdGuard VPN: Pros and cons

As with any VPN or service, AdGuard VPN comes with both strengths and weaknesses. Since it is a relatively new player in the market, it doesn’t yet compete fully with the major brands. Still, the company appears to be doing things the right way.

AdGuardVPN: User reviews

Reviews of AdGuard VPN are mixed, but overall positive feedback outweighs the negative. On Trustpilot, it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, and 4.5 out of 5 on Google Play.

Here is a selection of AdGuard VPN reviews taken from Google Play so you can see what users think of this VPN:

• “An excellent VPN, no annoying ads, connects quickly, very smooth. The only catch is the 4GB monthly limit on the free plan; if you want more, you have to pay. But 4GB is fine for me.” – Cristhian Guerrero (Google Play)
• “Good speed, and super stable. But limited to 4GB of free usage. You have to wait 30 days to get another 4GB.” – Andrew Lago (Google Play)
• “Very good, but the problem is the 4GB limit, which runs out quickly. Just for leaving a review, they should at least give 500 MB per week, that would be perfect. Everything else is great.” – Exneider Nieto (Google Play)

As we can see from these reviews, one common criticism of AdGuard VPN is the 3GB limit on its free plan. Compared to other free VPNs, this is quite low. For instance, Privado VPN offers 10GB, and Proton VPN even provides unlimited data for free users.

Here are some more positive reviews:

• “The best VPN I’ve tried so far on Android. The speed is never limited, the servers respond perfectly, and download speeds have no restrictions. Highly recommended it. I don’t understand the people who say it doesn’t work, it works perfectly for me, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I think it really depends on your phone.” – Cris (Google Play)
• “Excellent app, the best VPN I’ve tried. I don’t usually leave app reviews, but this one deserves it. Everything works perfectly once installed. Kudos to the developers, and I hope they always keep a free option with some GB like they do now. I’ve tried many VPNs, but this one is by far the best.” – Luis Mario Ricardo Font

However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the service, particularly regarding connection issues and slow speeds, as you will see below.

• “At first, before buying it, the connection speeds were pretty good. But since I purchased the three-year subscription, things have gone downhill. The servers are often hard to connect to, and most importantly, my connection speed has slowed down a lot. I trusted the project, but honestly, so far I’m a bit disappointed.” – Jose Luis Ruiz Gomez (Google Play)
• “Connection issues. I use both the PC and Android versions with AdGuard and AdGuard VPN. When network traffic is heavy, the VPN disconnects constantly. On Android, it’s impossible to connect to its private DNS. Sometimes the connection is extremely slow, less than a third of the real speed, but as soon as you disconnect, your full speed returns. The only good thing is that it blocks ads very effectively, but the price is too high.” – Corbish (Google Play)

Alternatives to AdGuard VPN

Fortunately, the VPN market is large, so there are plenty of alternatives if AdGuard VPN doesn’t meet your needs. If you’re looking for a premium provider with top speeds, modern protocols, and strong security features, options like Proton VPN, Express VPN, NordVPN, PIA VPN, or Surfshark are worth considering.

If you want a VPN with a solid free plan, Proton VPN’s free version is the best on the market. It offers the largest number of servers and countries, making it ideal for anyone needing global connectivity. In terms of privacy and security, Proton VPN also stands out, with regular external audits and obfuscated servers. AdGuard VPN, on the other hand, shines for its ad-blocker integration, while Privado VPN has a good privacy policy, though not as strong as Proton VPN’s. With the paid versions, you can access up to 15,000 servers in over 120 countries, starting at $3.44 per month.

In any case, you have the advantage of being able to try the AdGuard VPN free plan and then opt for a subscription if you like the service.

Frequently asked questions about AdGuard VPN

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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