Difference Between Ad-Blocker and VPN (With Table)

Due to increased usage of the internet, our data may be threatened by hackers and that often results in unwanted scams and advertisements which may hinder our work while on the internet. To solve this issue on the internet, ad blockers and VPN exists. Both can be used together for the best protection of data.

Ad-Blocker vs VPN

The main difference between an Ad-blocker and a VPN is that Ad-blockers are there to prevent the showing up of unnecessary ads while surfing the internet, whereas a VPN is used so that the users tracking information is protected so that the data cannot be leaked.

Ad- Blockers are utilized for clocking up the unnecessary pop-up, which many times reduce the speed of the connection, hides important information and in general, makes the task easy for the user. Nowadays the majority of the websites are covered in ads for revenue, ad-blockers are there so that the individual doesn’t have to remove the ads individually.

VPN is utilized for securely browsing the internet. The full form of VPN is Virtual Private Network. It hides the IP address of the device used so that the device isn’t trackable which protects the device from cyber-attacks and frauds.

Comparison Table Between Ad-Blocker and VPN

Parameters Of Comparison

Ad- Blocker

VPN

Definition

Ad-Blockers are used to create a wall between unwanted sites and a web user so that the user isn’t presented with unwanted ads for the site.

VPN hides all the information of the web user so that the user becomes untraceable.

Internet speed

The use of an Ad-blocker may increase the internet speed.

VPN may reduce the speed of the network.

Divisions

Ad-blockers do not have any divisions

VPN has 4 main types of connections for different types of use.

IP- address

An Ad-Block cannot hide the IP address of the used devise.

VPN hides the IP address of the utilized device.

Utility

Ad-Blockers can prevent frauds.

VPNs can protect from cyber-attacks.

What is an Ad-Blocker?

Ad blockers, often known as ad filtering services, is a facility that allows a web browser, an application, or a network to block or modify online advertising. This can be accomplished through the use of plug-ins or other techniques. Ad blockers have substantial financial implications for all parties involved in the marketing ecosystem, as well as a reduction in users’ internet exploration and shopping behavior.

Ad blockers can help in securing the privacy of the user. Advertisements are only shown after tracking the user’s URL history, and an ad-blocker may help in blocking the tracking.
Ads also increase the traffic, making the speed of the internet slower which may make it difficult to work. Also, certain websites are covered so much in ads that, the content of the website is literally un-readable. Important links get covered up by ads and make it a hard time for users.

Invasive advertising could turn out to be harmful to companies when consumers become irritated by it. Annoyed consumers may make a conscious attempt to prevent purchasing products and services from companies who utilize obnoxious “pop-up” advertisements that obstruct the Online content they are attempting to view. Blocking advertisements might just save energy for individuals who are not concerned about making purchases.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for, allowing people to transmit and read information like if individual computers were physically linked to a proxy server. Increased functionality, privacy, and control of a local network are all advantages of using a Vpn. VPN is frequently used by telecommuting professionals to obtain raw materials which are not available on the cellular internet. While confidentiality is widespread, it really isn’t a requirement of such a Vpn service.
VPN can be formed by using specialized lines or tunneling technologies to build a synthetic point-to-point link over communication lines.

A VPN that can be accessed via the open Network can give off the advantages of a network infrastructure. The majority of VPN user reviews (including ours) rely on individual VPNs. It is utilized to establish safe and encrypted links to a public web and to get around roadblocks and geo-restricted web access.
Organizations, but on the other hand, are using an unauthorized connection VPN to allow staff to gain entry towards the firm’s subnet while traveling or operating away at residence.
A portable VPN could be utilized alternatively if somehow the worker may not possess a regular or steady broadband connection.
Lastly, organizations may require to use a site-to-site VPN if numerous sites and corporations are wanting to join the same subnet.

Main Differences Between Ad-blocker and VPN

  1. An Ad-Blocker is used to block unnecessary advertisements, while VPN is used to surf the internet being untraceable.
  2. Ad-blockers do not have division, but VPNs has 4 to 5 divisions.
  3. Ad-blockers increase the speed of the internet, whereas VPNs generally reduced the speed of the internet.
  4. Ad-blockers do not hide the IP address of the user, VPN on the other hand hides the IP address of the device being used.
  5. Ad-blockers may not necessarily protect the users’ data, but VPNs focus on protecting the transmission of the users’ data.
  6. Ad-blockers cannot do the work of a VPN, whereas some VPNs can do the work of an Ad-Blocker too.

Conclusion

The use of Ad-Blockers and a VPN may be the best combination for the protection and data and blocking of ads simultaneously. However, now there are many software available that do the work of an ad-blocker and a VPN together at the same time. Although free Ad-blockers and VPNs are available, but they are not so safe. To be secured the most, it is better to subscribe to a paid Ad-Blocker or VPN.

When picking up a VPN, some features should be kept in mind to choose the best service. It is always a good idea to pick a VPN that provides ad-blocking services and also guarantees a money-back policy if the service isn’t up to the mark, also allows use in more than one linked device. Some of the best VPN services which additionally block ads are Private Internet Access (PIA), CyberGhost, HMA VPN and ProtonVPN.

References

  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8171376
  2. https://arxiv.org/abs/1709.02901