Freedom251 › Habit Tracker Apps
BlockAds
What BlockAds is
BlockAds is a free, open-source Android app that blocks ads, trackers, and phishing domains through local DNS filtering. It works through an Android local VPN tunnel or Root Proxy mode with iptables. In VPN mode, the privacy policy says traffic is not sent through an external server; DNS traffic and optional HTTPS or DNS-over-HTTPS are intercepted locally. Built-in filter lists include StevenBlack, AdGuard DNS, and EasyList, with regional defaults based on language. Users can bypass filtering for selected apps, add custom block and allow rules, and export settings as JSON. Searchable, filterable DNS query logs are available in real time and can be exported, while logs, settings, and cached lists stay on the device. The policy says personal information, device or advertising IDs, location, browsing history, and usage analytics are not collected unless telemetry is enabled. WireGuard profiles can be imported and stored locally. Downloads are linked through GitHub Releases and IzzyOnDroid. The app has no advertising or in-app purchases.
Who it suits
It suits Android users wanting device-wide local DNS blocking with customizable lists and per-app exceptions. Users who need another VPN connection should note the VPN-mode limitation.
What it does well
- Free and open-source
- Local VPN or Root Proxy filtering
- Custom block and allow rules
- Searchable real-time DNS logs
- No ads or in-app purchases
What to know first
- VPN mode disconnects another active VPN
- HTTPS filtering is still beta
- Android only
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 100% free · no ads in the app · no in-app purchases | Free |
As blockads.pwhs.app lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
BlockAds offers local, configurable DNS protection with clear device-side storage and privacy statements. Its Android-only scope and VPN conflict may limit some setups.
Facts from BlockAds's own pages
- Data collection
- The privacy policy says the app does not collect personal information, device or advertising IDs, location, browsing history, or usage analytics unless the user opts in to telemetry. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Device coverage
- mobile · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- DNS features
- The product supports DNS-over-HTTPS and lists HTTPS filtering as a beta feature. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- DNS privacy
- The privacy policy says VPN mode does not route traffic through an external server and only DNS traffic, plus optional HTTPS/DoH, is intercepted locally. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The maker links to GitHub Releases and IzzyOnDroid for Android downloads. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Filter lists
- Built-in lists include StevenBlack, AdGuard DNS, and EasyList, with region-aware defaults based on language. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The privacy policy describes WireGuard profile imports, whose profiles are stored locally and used to connect to the endpoint specified by the user. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Local storage
- DNS query logs, settings, and cached filter lists are stored locally on the device, according to the privacy policy. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Logs
- The app provides searchable, filterable real-time DNS query logs with optional export. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Notable limit
- On Android, enabling BlockAds in VPN mode disconnects any other active VPN connection. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Per-app controls
- Users can bypass filtering for selected apps and whitelist apps if needed. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- BlockAds is a free, open-source Android app for system-wide ad, tracker, and phishing blocking through DNS filtering. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Routing
- It filters DNS locally using either an Android local VPN tunnel or Root Proxy mode with iptables. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Rules and backup
- Users can add custom block and allow rules and export settings to a JSON file for transfer to another device. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker lists email, Telegram, and Reddit community links on its site. · blockads.pwhs.app, 11 Oct 2026
Where BlockAds stands on Freedom251
- Habit Tracker Apps#10 of 37
- Ad blockers#39 of 48