15 rules in 4 groups, worth 100 points in all. They were set before any product was scored and apply the same way to all 12.
Version 1, published 8 Oct 2026
In short
Each rule is a yes-or-no fact, a list (such as the systems with an app) or a number with published thresholds, read from the vendor's own pages.
A fact the vendor does not publish earns nothing. A feature in beta or preview does not count.
The list follows the points. A tie goes to the lower price on "cheapest paid plan", then to the name.
Ad and tracker blockers for individuals that run on Windows, as a browser extension, a Windows app or a DNS service. Browser-built-in blockers and Apple-only tools are left out. Prices count one person on the cheapest paid yearly plan; one-time lifetime licences are not counted.
Where it blocks 23 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Windows browsers
Each browser earns 3 points if the vendor's page names it as supported by an extension, or if the vendor says its Windows app or DNS service filters all browsers on the PC.
12
Blocks outside the browser
The vendor says a Windows app or a system-wide DNS setting filters other programs on the PC, not only browsers.
5
Phone protection
The vendor lists the phone system as supported by an app, a browser extension, a vendor-made browser with the blocker built in, or a DNS profile. Each earns 3 points.
6
Blocking 26 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Still works in Chrome after Manifest V2
True if the vendor documents a Manifest V3 Chrome extension (its own or a named 'Lite' edition from the same vendor), or if the product blocks outside the Chrome extension system (a Windows app or DNS service).
4
Your own block rules
The vendor documents adding your own filter rules, third-party blocklists or a manual list of blocked domains, on at least one plan.
7
Malicious site blocking
The vendor documents blocking of malware or phishing sites as a feature, not only ads and trackers.
5
Cookie pop-up blocking
The vendor's page or filter-list documentation names a feature or filter that hides cookie-consent pop-ups, on at least one plan.
4
No ad allow-list on by default
True if the vendor's documentation of default settings or default filter lists shows no allow-list of permitted ads (such as Acceptable Ads) switched on. False if the vendor states one is on by default. Null if default settings are not documented.
6
Privacy and trust 20 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Open source
The source code of the apps is public under an open-source licence.
10
No browsing history kept
The vendor's privacy policy or help page says it does not store your browsing history, or lets you turn logging off.
6
Works without an account
True if the vendor's install or setup guide shows the free version or trial working without sign-up (an extension installed straight from a browser store with no sign-in step counts).
4
Price 31 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Free plan
A free version (not a trial) that blocks ads with no time limit. A usage cap on the free version still counts.
12
Cheapest paid plan
The cheapest paid plan for one person, in US dollars a month, billed yearly at its regular price. A product with no paid plan counts as $0. $1 or less earns 12 points, $2.50 or less 9, $3.50 or less 6, $5 or less 3. If the page shows two different yearly prices, use the higher one. Lifetime licences are not counted.
12
Devices on one paid plan
The number of devices the cheapest paid plan covers, as a number stated by the vendor ('multiple devices' is null). A plan stated as unlimited, or a product with no paid plan, is recorded as 99. 5 or more earns 4 points, 3 or more 2.
4
Money-back guarantee
The vendor's terms or purchase page state a refund period for paid plans. A product with no paid plan has nothing to refund and is recorded as true.