About AdGuard AdBlocker
AdGuard AdBlocker is a strong Chrome option that still lets you tune things with custom filters and user rules. It comes from Adguard Software Ltd, a company that also sells apps for Windows, Mac and Android. The extension is free, needs no registration, and its source code is on GitHub under GPL-3.0.
The README says AdGuard does not collect any information about you and does not take part in any Acceptable Ads program. It says its only income is selling premium versions of its software. On Chrome, the Manifest V3 build became the main version in September 2024, and the Manifest V2 listing was removed on 31 August 2026. If you installed the MV2 one, you must install the current listing by hand and re-add custom rules and third-party filters.
AdGuard is open about the limits. Chrome caps how many rules and rule groups can be active, some rules cannot be converted, and urgent filter fixes must ship inside the extension. The company says there are edge cases where the old extension could do more, and notes that Firefox still supports Manifest V2. If you want more tools than uBlock Origin Lite and accept Manifest V3 limits, it is a sound pick.
Pros and cons
- Free and open source (GPL-3.0), with frequent updates
- Own filter lists plus custom filters and user rules
- Company states it takes no Acceptable Ads money and sells paid apps instead
- Available on Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Opera
- The Chrome version is limited by Manifest V3 rule caps
- Moving from the old Manifest V2 listing needs a manual reinstall and loses custom rules
- Safari users need the separate AdGuard app, not this extension
Permissions
It asks for access to all websites, tabs, cookies and the browser's declarative request rules. The README explains each one, such as cookies for removing tracking cookies and webRequest for applying cosmetic rules.
