Disconnect

Disconnect is a tracker-blocking suite covering browsers, mobile apps and email, with an optional encrypted-browsing tier. It suits privacy-conscious users who want one service across desktop and mobile, while people seeking an ad remover that hides every advert or a speed-first VPN may prefer another tool.

Its strongest proposition is breadth: browser visibility, system-wide mobile blocking and a three-device Premium subscription. The trade-off is that encryption can reduce connection speed and the free browser option is limited to one browser.

Overview

Disconnect identifies and blocks trackers, data brokers and surveillance networks across websites, applications and email. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in San Francisco. It says it does not collect personal information beyond what users voluntarily provide and does not sell that information to advertisers or other third parties.

Advertising controls are deliberately selective. Disconnect targets ads that track people or could carry malvertising, so it is not the right choice for someone who expects every conventional advertisement to disappear. Its tracker technology also underpins integrations with Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet and Chrome IP Protection.

Key features

Browser extension

The Basic Extension identifies trackers on each visited website and lets users block them. It is a useful, focused browser layer, but the plan covers a single browser rather than a whole device.

Mobile-wide protection

Tracker Protection works across apps and browsers on iOS and Android using encrypted DNS, without operating as a VPN. That is materially broader than extension-only blocking and suits phone users who want coverage outside the browser.

iOS enhancements

Privacy Pro for iOS adds Smart VPN, user-defined blocking rules and detailed activity logs. These controls are valuable for readers who want to tune blocking and inspect activity, although they are specific to iOS.

Encrypted mode

Disconnect Premium encrypts all internet activity and masks the IP address when Encrypted mode is selected. AES 256-bit encryption and a 2048-bit Diffie-Hellman key exchange provide the stated security design, including perfect forward secrecy. Blocking mode offers Privacy and Performance settings without that full encryption layer; Encrypted mode may slow connections, making the non-encrypted modes preferable on speed-sensitive networks.

Enterprise tools

Cloud Privacy Plus supports enterprise tracker protection with URL-filter, DNS or VPN integration and API or CSV deployment. The Lightbox API adds tracker, ownership, application, website and privacy intelligence through datasets, forensic reports and integrations. Business deployments can connect with Zscaler, Palo Alto, Cisco, Fortinet and other existing security infrastructure.

Pricing

Disconnect uses a freemium model. The free plan is available, and paid access starts at $50 per year; a 30-day trial is offered. Website subscriptions cover three unique devices, while an App Store subscription is limited to the purchasing iTunes user and iPhone or iPad devices.

The free browser route keeps costs down but gives up multi-device coverage and encrypted traffic. Premium is straightforward for up to three devices, though monthly billing costs more over time than a discounted annual commitment where one is available.

Platforms

Disconnect supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, the web, browser extensions and an API. Major browsers are supported, and the stated device coverage is desktop and mobile. The three-device website limit is important for households or users with several computers and phones.

Who it's for

Choose Disconnect if you want tracker controls that extend from a browser into mobile apps, or if encrypted browsing and IP masking are useful additions. Privacy Pro is particularly relevant to iPhone and iPad users who want logs and custom rules. Enterprises can use the API and deployment integrations rather than treating it as a consumer-only blocker.

Look elsewhere if removing every ad is the priority, if encrypted mode's possible slowdown is unacceptable, or if you need more than three devices on one website subscription.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Mobile tracker protection covers apps and browsers through encrypted DNS, not just websites.
• Pro: Premium combines blocking with encrypted traffic and IP masking on three devices.
• Pro: iOS users get custom rules and activity logs through Privacy Pro.
• Pro: Enterprise API, CSV and security-platform integrations support larger deployments.
• Con: Ad blocking is limited to privacy-invasive or potentially malicious ads, so ordinary advertising can remain.
• Con: Encrypted mode may slow connections.
• Con: The Basic Extension is restricted to one browser, and website subscriptions stop at three devices.

Alternatives

Ghostery is a free, open-source tracker and ad blocker with all features included and no subscription, making it preferable when zero cost and open source matter most.

uBlock Origin is free and open source, suited to readers who want a donation-free blocker rather than encrypted browsing.

AdLock offers Android, iOS, macOS and Windows coverage, five-device licensing on its monthly plan and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Blokada provides a free Android 5-or-newer blocker and a paid Plus tier for users comparing broader platform coverage and pricing in euros.

Adblock Plus is a freemium option with an open-source web extension and broad desktop and mobile platform support.

AdBlocker Ultimate offers free trials and personal or family plans, including a 10-device family option.

wBlock is a free blocker for macOS, iOS, iPadOS and visionOS with no free trial.

1Blocker suits Apple-device users wanting multiple blocking categories, background filter updates and a 2.99 USD monthly plan.

For broader comparisons, see Ad blockers and Ad Blocking Software.

Verdict

Disconnect is a strong choice for anyone who wants tracker blocking across browsers and mobile apps, with an optional three-device encrypted tier and useful iOS controls. Its focused ad policy, device cap and potentially slower encrypted connections are the main reasons to choose a different blocker or VPN.