Why AdGuard Built a VPN
AdGuard has been protecting users from ads and trackers for years, but there has always been a gap in the privacy story: IP address protection. Even with the best ad blocker and DNS filtering, your IP address is visible to every website you visit. It reveals your approximate location and can be used to link your activity across different websites. AdGuard VPN was created to fill this gap, providing a complete privacy solution when combined with AdGuard's ad blocking tools.
What makes AdGuard VPN unique is its deep integration with AdGuard's ad blocking products. On Android and iOS, AdGuard VPN can work simultaneously with AdGuard Ad Blocker through a special compatibility mode, something that is typically impossible since operating systems usually only allow one VPN connection at a time.
Key Features of AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN offers several features that distinguish it from the crowded VPN market:
Proprietary VPN Protocol
Most VPN providers use standard protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. AdGuard developed its own proprietary protocol that is designed to be indistinguishable from regular HTTPS traffic. This is significant because many networks, especially corporate and public Wi-Fi networks, actively block VPN traffic. AdGuard's protocol looks like normal web browsing, making it much harder to detect and block.
No-Logging Policy
AdGuard VPN maintains a strict no-logging policy. They do not record which websites you visit, what you download, or your connection timestamps. The only data they store is the total amount of data transferred (for enforcing free tier limits) and which server location you last used (for convenience).
Kill Switch
The kill switch feature blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed during brief disconnections. The kill switch is available on all platforms and can be enabled in the VPN settings.
Split Tunneling
Not all traffic needs to go through the VPN. Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which connect directly. This is useful for:
- Banking apps that may block VPN connections
- Local network services like printers and NAS devices
- Streaming services that you want to access from your real location
- Gaming, where VPN latency might affect performance
Available Server Locations
AdGuard VPN operates servers in dozens of countries worldwide. The server network includes locations across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. The actual number of locations continues to grow as AdGuard expands its infrastructure.
| Region | Example Locations | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| North America | New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Miami | Streaming US content, general browsing |
| Europe | London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris | GDPR-protected browsing, European services |
| Asia-Pacific | Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, Mumbai | Asian content access, gaming |
| South America | Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires | Regional content access |
Setting Up AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN is available for all major platforms. Here is how to get started:
Desktop Setup (Windows/Mac)
- Download AdGuard VPN from adguard-vpn.com
- Install the application and create an account (or sign in with your existing AdGuard account)
- Choose a server location from the list
- Click Connect
- Optionally configure exclusions for sites or apps that should bypass the VPN
Mobile Setup (Android/iOS)
- Download AdGuard VPN from the Google Play Store or App Store
- Sign in with your AdGuard account
- Select a server location
- Tap Connect
- Grant VPN permissions when prompted
Browser Extension
For users who only need VPN protection in the browser, AdGuard VPN offers extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The browser extension routes only browser traffic through the VPN, leaving other apps unaffected. This is lighter on system resources and does not conflict with other VPN software.
Integration with AdGuard Ad Blocker
The standout feature of AdGuard VPN is its seamless integration with AdGuard's ad blocking products. On most operating systems, running an ad blocker that uses local VPN technology (like AdGuard for Android) alongside a real VPN is impossible because only one VPN can be active at a time.
AdGuard solved this with a compatibility mode that allows both apps to share the VPN tunnel. When both AdGuard Ad Blocker and AdGuard VPN are installed:
- AdGuard Ad Blocker handles ad blocking and DNS filtering
- AdGuard VPN handles traffic encryption and IP masking
- Both operate simultaneously through a shared VPN interface
This integration means you do not have to choose between ad blocking and VPN protection. You get both, working together seamlessly.
Free Tier vs Premium
AdGuard VPN offers a generous free tier alongside its premium subscription:
Free Tier Includes
- 3 GB of traffic per month
- Limited server locations
- Single device connection
- Standard connection speed
Premium Includes
- Unlimited traffic
- All server locations
- Up to 10 simultaneous device connections
- Maximum connection speed
- 24/7 customer support
Tip: If you already have an AdGuard ad blocker license, check for bundle deals. AdGuard frequently offers discounted bundles that include both the ad blocker and VPN.
When to Use AdGuard VPN
Not every situation requires a VPN. Here are scenarios where AdGuard VPN is particularly valuable:
- Public Wi-Fi - Airports, coffee shops, hotels. These networks are often unencrypted and vulnerable to snooping.
- ISP throttling - If your ISP slows down certain types of traffic, a VPN can bypass this.
- Accessing geo-restricted content - Connect through a server in another country to access region-locked services.
- General privacy - Prevent your ISP from logging your browsing activity.
Combined with AdGuard's ad blocking and DNS filtering capabilities, AdGuard VPN completes the privacy picture. You get ad-free browsing, tracker blocking, encrypted DNS, and now IP address protection, all from a single ecosystem of tools that work together harmoniously.
