What do we look at?
Content: Our Score:
Speed 7.0 / 10
Servers 5.0 / 10
User Experience 6.0 / 10
Support 6.0 / 10
Pricing 5.0 / 10
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AdGuard VPN Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?

AdGuard VPN Overview

AdGuard claims to be the solution to your privacy concerns with its trusted VPN service. They tout their years of experience in the industry and promise a secure and confidential online environment, but it remains to be seen if these claims hold up. In this review, I put AdGuard’s assertions to the test and help you determine if their VPN service is actually worth considering.

AdGuard delivers on its promise of protecting your privacy while browsing the web, but the VPN component isn’t quite up to par. Being in a secure location, having effective security measures in place, and enabling you to access some well-known streaming services on a variety of devices are all nice, but they don’t make up for the high price.

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Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

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AdGuard VPN Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ (But Can’t Access Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer)

During my testing, AdGuard VPN effectively unblocked popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. By connecting to a US-based server, I was able to access my accounts while abroad. However, I encountered difficulty accessing Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer as these platforms detected the use of a VPN and blocked access.

Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu: Unblocked

Adguard VPN offers a convenient way to access Netflix’s US library and get the most out of your subscription. The service boasts high average speeds, ensuring smooth streaming of Netflix content in high resolution from nearly any server without lag.

Screenshot of AdGuard VPN unblocking Netflix

I was able to access Netflix from multiple server locations using AdGuard VPN

Alternatively, Hulu is a streaming service that offers a wide selection of TV shows and a Live TV feature. It is available in the US, certain areas of Japan, and US territories and military bases. If you are traveling outside of these locations and have a subscription, you can use AdGuard VPN to access Hulu content without any noticeable slowdown.

Screenshot of AdGuard VPN unblocking Hulu

Hulu worked well for me with a server in the US

Streaming services like Disney+ are expanding their library to meet rising demand. If you have a Disney+ account, you can use AdGuard VPN to access the service from any country and view content from your home country. I personally tested the server in New York and was able to unblock the streaming service without any difficulty.

Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer: Blocked

AdGuard VPN is not recommended for use with Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. I attempted to connect to BBC iPlayer using a server in the United Kingdom but was unsuccessful. The same was true for Amazon Prime Video, which is understandable given that both platforms are well-known for taking a strident anti-VPN stance. Unblocking HBO Max also proved to be a challenge as I couldn’t even sign into the service.

ExpressVPN is known for its top-notch streaming capabilities, making it a top choice for a streaming VPN. Its fast speeds let you stream movies in UHD without any hiccups, and I found that using services like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max was easy and quick.

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Speed

- 7.0 / 10

Good Speeds on Short-Distance Servers

AdGuard VPN offers faster speeds on short-distance servers, but it may struggle when connecting to servers located farther away. In my testing, the best performance was seen on servers in the US, UK, France, and other European locations. However, servers located in remote countries such as Australia and Singapore may experience lower-than-average performance.

It is worth noting that AdGuard VPN has a higher latency level, which may make it less suitable for gaming. If you’re looking for a VPN to use for gaming, I recommend checking out CyberGhost instead. Its gaming-optimized servers make it one of the best VPNs for COD: Warzone and other fast-paced games.

Speed Test Results

AdGuard VPN was impressive particularly on short-distance servers. To assess the impact of AdGuard VPN on internet connection speed, I conducted tests with and without the VPN. First, I checked my download and upload speeds without the VPN, and the results showed an average download speed of 28.51 Mbps and an average upload speed of 15.24 Mbps. Then, I decided to put AdGuard VPN to the test by trying it out on servers in the US, UK, France, and Australia.

Screenshot of speed test results while using AdGuard VPN

AdGuard’s connection speed was good when connecting to nearby servers, but less so when connecting to distant servers

There was a 27% decrease in local connections within the United States and a 30-35% reduction in speeds for connections between the United States and Europe. It is important to note that these reduced speeds may only be noticeable when downloading large files or for those without a stable base connection.

Outside of North America and Europe, the performance of AdGuard’s connections wasn’t as consistent. For example, I experienced a 78% decrease in speed when I connected to Australia from the US. This may cause issues with downloading files and streaming video.

In Asia, servers had even slower speeds, with over 90% loss in Hong Kong and Thailand, resulting in speeds as low as 1-2Mbps. This may make regular web browsing and accessing media-heavy websites such as Facebook and Instagram difficult due to timeout errors.

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Why Most Speed Tests are Pointless & How We Correctly Test VPN Speeds

Speed determines how fast content uploads, so if you're torrenting or streaming, you want the speed to be somewhat identical to your regular internet speed. Since a VPN encrypts your data, it usually takes a bit longer to send your data back and forth, which can slow down your connection. However, if your ISP deliberately slows down your connection (also known as throttling) a VPN might increase your internet speed. Testing a VPN is somewhat pointless because new servers pop up and affect speed. Your speed can also differ according to your location, so your speed test might not match ours. Having said that, we tested the speed in numerous locations to provide you with the average.

Servers

- 5.0 / 10

Server Network — Limited Server Offerings

AdGuardVPN’s server network covers 50 countries and over 65 locations, allowing you to choose the server that best fits your needs and make your connection appear to be from any desired country. There are totally 1000+ servers available, covering many popular server locations including the United States, Europe, and Asia. With a subscription to AdGuard VPN, you can access all available locations and unlock content while protecting your online activity from being monitored.

Screenshot of server locations available on AdGuard VPN

AdGuard VPN is below average in terms of serving a large number of simultaneous users

Unlike other VPNs that provide recommendations for servers based on specific tasks such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting, AdGuard VPN does not offer any guidance on which servers are the fastest to use. Instead, it redirects you to the appropriate servers based on your needs. This approach is more user-friendly since it eliminates the need for you to switch between different servers for various purposes. For instance, if you are downloading a torrent file, AdGuard VPN will redirect your traffic to special servers situated in the DMCA-free zones.

Furthermore, the list of server locations not only shows the available servers but also their corresponding ping numbers. These ping numbers can help you identify the quickest and most suitable server for your specific needs. By choosing a server with the lowest ping time, you can ensure a fast and efficient connection.

Security — Industry-Standard Encryption

AdGuard VPN has implemented several security measures to ensure the protection of its users. However, the effectiveness of these measures may vary in different areas.

These features include:

  • Military-grade encryption – AdGuard VPN utilizes robust encryption capabilities to protect your data. Specifically, they have chosen to use AES-256, which is widely considered the best encryption method currently available.
  • Protocol – AdGuard VPN uses proprietary HTTPS (TLS) and HTTP/2 as transport protocols, making it harder to detect the use of a VPN. However, these custom protocols aren’t open source and have not been tested as thoroughly as more established options.
  • Kill switch – The kill switch is a feature that blocks internet access if the VPN connection is lost. It is a standard feature in the industry designed to protect your internet protocol address in the event of any technical issues.
  • Split tunneling – AdGuard’s split tunneling function allows you to selectively use a VPN connection. This can be useful for tasks that don’t require strong privacy protection, as it allows for normal connection speeds and can save on bandwidth usage. With split tunneling, added applications will work normally without the encryption and speed throttling that often comes with a VPN connection.
  • Auto start – The auto-start feature allows the VPN to automatically start when you turn on your device, meaning you don’t have to manually start the VPN every time. This can be helpful for those who rely on the VPN for security or privacy, as it ensures that your connection is always protected.
  • Website safelisting – AdGuard also provides a Website safelisting feature that allows you to fine-tune your protection based on specific web addresses. This feature functions similarly to split tunneling, but it operates on a website level rather than on individual applications.
  • Subnet exclusions – This function allows you to specify regular network routes for a specific address on your network, such as a printer. It is recommended, however, that this task be handled by a network administrator, particularly if you are not very tech-savvy.
  • SOCKS5 proxy – This function provides a random IP address for interacting with others but does not encrypt your network traffic. This results in generally faster connections since encryption is not used. It is important to note that this feature works on the application level, meaning you must manually set it up in the settings of each individual application in order to use the SOCKS5 proxy.
  • Custom DNS – AdGuard VPN also gives you the option to customize your DNS settings. While custom DNS servers can offer faster connections, web filtering, ad blocking, phishing protection, and other benefits, they can also undermine the privacy aspect of using a VPN. In general, you don’t need to customize your DNS if you’re using a privacy-respecting VPN.

To ensure that AdGuard VPN is able to effectively hide my IP address, I conducted various leak tests on its servers. The results of these tests showed that AdGuard is successful in preventing any leaks from occurring.

Screenshot of leak test results while using AdGuard VPN

Connecting to a secure server with this VPN protects your private information

Additionally, this test also demonstrated that AdGuard protects against WebRTC leaks. If AdGuard had not taken measures to secure it, my IP address would have been visible in the Public IP address section through the WebRTC leak. While AdGuard effectively handles WebRTC leaks, it is important to note that this is a browser-based vulnerability and even a well-functioning VPN may still potentially leak your IP address through WebRTC.

Privacy — Not 100% Log-Free

AdGuard VPN promises to protect your online privacy, and it is transparent about the type of data that it collects in its privacy policy. The service is designed to collect only the necessary data to provide a functioning service. This includes your email address, data usage statistics, and the type of device you use to connect. It’s important to note that even the most reputable VPNs collect similar data. However, this data does not reveal personal information.

More importantly, AdGuard VPN does not track your browsing data, metadata, source IP address, VPN IP address, or DNS queries. In other words, your online activity remains private and secure.

Screenshot of an excerpt of AdGuard VPN privacy policy

AdGuard VPN only gathers important information needed to make sure it works properly

The Cyprus-based headquarters of AdGuard VPN is advantageous from a privacy standpoint because it is not subject to data retention, logging, or monitoring by any of the 14-Eyes regions. Additionally, AdGuard VPN supports Bitcoin as a payment option, further demonstrating their dedication to customer anonymity.

It’s worth noting that AdGuard VPN has not undergone a third-party audit like other VPN companies, so we are just taking their word for it. If maintaining anonymity is crucial to you, consider trying ExpressVPN instead, since it has been externally verified to keep no logs.

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Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Torrenting — Supports P2P File Sharing

AdGuard VPN is well-suited for torrenting and P2P file sharing, and it performs best when connected to servers that are located near you. AdGuard VPN provides unlimited bandwidth, ensuring a fast and consistent speed for downloading large files.

In addition, the company places a high emphasis on customer privacy by keeping minimal logs of activity. While they have a limited number of servers, our testing showed that AdGuard VPN maintained a stable connection, making it a reliable choice for torrenting.

Please note that my team and I do not condone illegal torrenting. It is important to check the rules and regulations in your country and make sure that the torrents you download are copyright-free.

Does AdGuard VPN Work in China? Yes!

Even though I was unable to test it myself, I received confirmation from the support team that the service works properly in China. AdGuard’s representative stated that it uses a custom protocol that can easily blend in with normal traffic, making it difficult for Chinese censorship to detect and combat. The representative also mentioned that the service can only maintain a limited number of servers in China and therefore concentrates on a select few to allow Chinese users to effectively evade censorship. Additionally, due to this custom protocol, it is among the few VPN providers that operate in Russia despite facing repeated blockades.

Screenshot of my interaction with AdGuard support regarding its activities in China

AdGuard’s objective is to ensure that its service is easily accessible in China

If you’re planning to travel to China or need a VPN service that works within the country, it’s important to have a backup plan in case your primary choice is unavailable. ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that reliably work in China, making it a smart choice for those in need of a VPN service in this region.

Although it is wise to be cautious when using a VPN in China, there have been no known cases of the Chinese government punishing foreigners for using one. The government tends to block VPNs technologically rather than targeting individuals who use them.

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Server Locations

Cambodia
Canada
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
See all supported locations...

User Experience

- 6.0 / 10

Simultaneous Device Connections — 10 Connections Per Account

AdGuard VPN allows you to link up to 10 devices at the same time, which is a significant advantage compared to the industry’s typical limit of 5 devices. This means that you can protect not only your laptop and phone, but also your tablet, smart TV, and other devices that are capable of connecting to the internet. Additionally, having more connections available can help you switch between devices seamlessly, ensuring that all of your devices remain protected and anonymous while browsing the internet.

Device Compatibility — Available on Popular Platforms

AdGuard VPN offers a range of options for device and platform compatibility, including standalone apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera.

It is crucial to understand that browser extensions do not provide the same level of protection as VPNs. While they may offer some security measures for web browsing, they function as a proxy service rather than creating an encrypted connection like VPNs. Therefore, they are not a complete VPN solution.

Ease of Setup & Installation — Straightforward for Most Devices

AdGuard VPN is a solution that is easy to use and set up for users of all levels of VPN expertise. It is user-friendly for ordinary users and has advanced settings and options for those who know what they want to do. The design is consistent across all devices and allows users to connect to a server right away without distractions. The main elements are clearly displayed, and there is a single primary button that can be used to ensure safety and protection.

To download AdGuard VPN, you can visit the app store or the AdGuard VPN website, depending on your operating system. The installation process is quick and easy, and you can be up and running in just a few minutes.

The basic settings of AdGuard VPN are straightforward. You can choose a server based on location or ping, set up the app to work only on specific sites, and enable advanced features like the kill switch to browse the internet anonymously and safely.

Screenshot showing my AdGuard's user interface

AdGuard VPN allows you to adjust its settings to your liking

Overall, the mobile and desktop versions of AdGuard VPN are designed with the convenience of the user in mind. The app is easy to use and has advanced options for those who need them. The installation process is quick and the basic settings are straightforward.

Steps to Install AdGuard VPN on Windows

  1. Download the AdGuard VPN client. To download AdGuard VPN on Windows, visit the company’s website, click “Product,” and choose the Windows version to save the installation file to your computer.
    Screenshot of the download page for AdGuard VPN's Windows setup file
  2. Run the installation file. To begin the installation process, you will need to find the downloaded installation file and double-click on it. A window will appear with the terms and conditions of the installation. If you agree to these terms, click “I Agree.” Then, click the “Install” button to start the installation process.
    Screenshot of Adguard VPN installation process
  3. Launch the application. After the installation is complete, click the “Finish” button to launch the app.
  4. Sign in to your account. To use AdGuard VPN, you must log in with your login credentials, which will then grant you access to the server and connection interface.
  5. Establish a connection. To start using AdGuard VPN on your Windows device, simply select a server from the list and click “Connect.” After the connection has been established, you will be protected by the VPN. It’s that easy!
    Screenshot of AdGuard VPN's server selection and connection interface

Support

- 6.0 / 10

AdGuard VPN offers a range of efficient and helpful support options, including email support and an FAQ section on their website. I personally tested the email support service and was pleased to receive a response within a few hours.

Screenshot showing my interaction with AdGuard VPN's support

AdGuard VPN’s email support channel ticks both boxes of response timeliness and helpfulness

In addition to the FAQ section, the company also has a forum and a large knowledge base with numerous online tutorials on how to set up the VPN on various devices. However, there is no live chat option, which is a feature that is commonly offered by other services and typically provides fast customer service.

Despite the absence of live chat, AdGuard VPN’s email support and online resources are sufficient for addressing most questions and issues. The email replies were prompt, and the FAQ section, forum, and knowledge base provide a wealth of information on various topics. Overall, AdGuard VPN’s support offerings are satisfactory, even if they do not include the convenience of live chat.

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How We Test Customer Support and Why Should You Care

We personally test the customer support team of every VPN we review. This means asking technical question through the live chat feature (where applicable) and measuring the response time for email questions. Whether you need to connect to a specific server, change your security protocol, or configure a VPN on your router, finding a VPN with quality customer support should be important to you.

Pricing

- 5.0 / 10

When compared to competing premium VPN services, AdGuard’s monthly fee is excessive for the features it provides. However, it does provide substantial savings for subscribers who sign up for longer service periods. Monthly, yearly, and 2-year commitments are all available as subscription lengths. Their best deal is a 2-year contract, which reduces your monthly payment by 75% on average.

In addition to its premium paid version, AdGuard VPN also has a freemium option. The free version, though it comes with limitations, has certain restrictions on its functionality. You’re restricted to a mere 3GB of monthly data usage, which falls short even for streaming a single HD movie. Additionally, the connection speed is capped at 20 Mbps.

You can pay for AdGuard VPN with a variety of methods, including credit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency, so you don’t have to worry about revealing your true identity. Each subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which gives you the opportunity to try out Adguard VPN risk-free. This guarantee, however, is valid only for annual or longer subscriptions and cannot be applied to the monthly plan.

AdGuard VPN offers the following plans

1-Month plan
 
$11.99
per month
 
View Plan
2-Year plan
$11.99
$2.99
per month
Save 75%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 75%
1-Year plan
$11.99
$3.99
per month
Save 67%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 67%

Final Verdict

AdGuard VPN offers a reliable platform, great email customer service, all the necessary security features, and a user-friendly interface. It effectively unblocks certain streaming platforms and actively protects against DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks.

While AdGuard VPN may not be a “no-logs” service, it does not keep logs of your IP address or web browsing activity. However, AdGuard VPN could improve by expanding its server offerings as its network is currently limited.

Considering its relative youth, AdGuard VPN could use some time to mature into a fully functional product. So, it might not be as smart to choose AdGuard VPN over more well-known services like CyberGhost, which has a wider range of features and costs about the same. You can test CyberGhost out completely risk-free as it’s backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee — if you don’t like it, you can easily get a full refund.

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Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs About AdGuard VPN

Is AdGuard VPN good?

Yes, I was very impressed with what Adguard VPN offered — decent speeds, user-friendly applications, and the ability to access content on some popular streaming platforms. It has also a free version, as well as a money-back guarantee on its affordable paid plans, so it’s easy to check if it’s right for you.

Can I use AdGuard VPN for free?

Yes! AdGuard VPN does offer a free version, however, it comes with a number of restrictions in comparison to the premium subscription. For instance, you’re limited to a maximum of 20 Mbps and can only connect to two servers at once. Moreover, the monthly VPN traffic limit for free users is set at 3 GB.

While free VPNs may be tempting, it is important to be aware that they may sell your data to third parties in exchange for providing their services. This means that your personal information could be shared for financial gain. For this reason, it is generally recommended to use a paid VPN service to protect your data. However, if you are unable to afford a paid VPN, there are still a few free VPN options that can provide adequate protection for your data.

Is AdGuard VPN really safe?

Yes, AdGuard VPN is a VPN service that you can trust and rely on. It employs cutting-edge AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data. The Cyprus-based company is exempt from sharing any user data with governmental organizations under the law because it is not a member of the 14 Eyes coalition. AdGuard VPN also does not retain any information that could identify you.

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.