Fact Check: Is DNS AdGuard safe?

Is DNS AdGuard Safe?

Introduction

The claim under examination is whether AdGuard DNS is a safe option for users seeking to enhance their online privacy and ad-blocking capabilities. AdGuard DNS is a service that provides domain name resolution while also blocking ads and trackers at the network level. As digital privacy concerns grow, many users are turning to third-party DNS providers like AdGuard, prompting questions about their safety and reliability.

What We Know

1. AdGuard DNS Overview: AdGuard DNS was relaunched in July 2022, offering features such as ad-blocking, tracker blocking, and protection against malicious domains. It supports various protocols including DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) 36.

2. User Experience: Anecdotal evidence from users suggests that AdGuard DNS effectively reduces the number of ads encountered during browsing. One user reported significant satisfaction with the service, indicating a decrease in ads when using AdGuard DNS 2.

3. Performance Metrics: According to AdGuard, their DNS service handles over 216 billion queries per day from more than 100 million users, which suggests a robust infrastructure 4.

4. Comparative Analysis: Various articles compare AdGuard DNS with other DNS providers, noting its effectiveness in blocking ads and trackers. Some reviews highlight its performance in ad-blocking tests, often giving it high marks 79.

5. Privacy and Security Features: AdGuard DNS claims to offer features that enhance user privacy, such as blocking known trackers and malicious domains. However, the specifics of how user data is handled and stored are less clear, which raises questions about privacy 68.

Analysis

Source Reliability

• AdGuard's Official Blog and Reports: The information from AdGuard’s own blog and reports 14 is likely to be biased as it promotes their services. While it provides useful insights into the features and usage statistics, it may lack objectivity.

• User Testimonials: User experiences shared on forums 2 can provide valuable anecdotal evidence but are not scientifically rigorous. They may not represent the broader user base and can be influenced by individual circumstances.

• Comparative Reviews: Articles from websites like Avoid The Hack 3 and Simeon on Security 7 offer comparative analyses of DNS providers. These sources can be more reliable if they are independent and not affiliated with any particular service. However, their conclusions can still be influenced by the authors' biases or the methodologies used in their evaluations.

Methodology and Evidence

• The claims about AdGuard DNS's effectiveness are primarily based on user experiences and performance metrics provided by the company itself. While high query volumes and user satisfaction are promising, they do not independently verify the safety of the service.

• The lack of detailed information regarding data handling practices raises concerns. For a comprehensive assessment of safety, it would be beneficial to have third-party audits or transparency reports that detail how user data is managed and protected.

Conflicts of Interest

• Many of the sources discussing AdGuard DNS, particularly those that are promotional or review-based, may have conflicts of interest. For example, if a review site receives compensation for promoting AdGuard, this could skew their evaluation of the service.

What We Don't Know

• There is limited information on how AdGuard DNS manages user data and whether it logs user queries. More transparency regarding data retention policies and security measures would be beneficial for users concerned about privacy.

• Independent studies or audits assessing the security and privacy practices of AdGuard DNS would provide a clearer picture of its safety.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that AdGuard DNS is a safe option for enhancing online privacy and ad-blocking capabilities is partially true. Evidence suggests that AdGuard DNS effectively blocks ads and trackers, as indicated by user testimonials and performance metrics. However, the lack of transparency regarding data handling practices and potential conflicts of interest in the sources reviewed raise concerns about its overall safety.

While user satisfaction and high query volumes are promising indicators, they do not provide a comprehensive assessment of safety. The absence of independent audits or detailed transparency reports limits our understanding of how user data is managed, which is crucial for evaluating privacy claims.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the limitations of the evidence presented. It is important to remain cautious and informed when choosing services that impact online privacy and security.

Sources

1. AdGuard year recap: the best moments of 2023 - AdGuard DNS Blog. Link
2. Using AdGuard as the default DNS server, is it safe to disable my ... - SNB Forums. Link
3. Avoid The Hack: 8 Best DNS Providers for Privacy (and adblocking). Link
4. Ads and trackers in 2023: how do they affect your browsing? - AdGuard. Link
5. AdGuard Review & Cost 2025: Scam, Safe or Legit? - Cookies. Link
6. Is Adguard DNS Safe? Everything You Need To Know - Yoodley. Link
7. Next DNS vs AdGuard DNS vs Quad9 vs Cloudflare DNS ... - Simeon on Security. Link
8. AdGuard Review 2025: Can This App Block It All? - All About Cookies. Link
9. AdGuard Review 2025: How Good Is It? - Cybernews. Link
10. Leaving for Adguard - Discussions. Link