BlockAds

Android ads are not only in the browser: splash ads in apps, feed ads, tracking domains reporting in the background, none of which a browser extension can touch. Blocking them all usually means root or a paid subscription. BlockAds takes a third route: local VPN based DNS filtering, no root, blocking ads, trackers and malware domains at resolution time without traffic leaving the phone.

It is free, open source and collects no data. The home screen is one switch plus live stats: queries, blocked and block rate at a glance. Tinkerers can switch to a root proxy mode or import a WireGuard profile.

Features

System-wide without root: Local VPN DNS filtering blocks ad and tracker domains for every app at resolution time

Two routing modes: Default VPN mode needs no root; with root you can use an iptables proxy mode

Live stats: Queries, blocked, threats and block rate with activity charts

HTTPS filtering: A userspace network stack enables per-app filtering, cosmetic rules and script injection once a CA certificate is installed and verified

Passthrough list: A curated list keeps banking and similar apps from breaking

WireGuard import: Bring your own WireGuard profile when needed

No tracking: Crash reports and log export are optional; no data is collected by default