⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: AdGuard VPN starts at $2.40/month (2 Years). SafeShell VPN starts at $5.99/month (1 Week).
- Best for: AdGuard for ad blocking on a budget. SafeShell for streaming, gaming, and per-app routing.
- Key difference: SafeShell’s App Mode sends different apps to different countries at once. AdGuard pairs its VPN with AdGuard DNS and the AdGuard ad blocker.
- Our pick: SafeShell VPN for most users. It adds streaming, gaming, and routing tools AdGuard lacks.
AdGuard VPN and SafeShell VPN both promise privacy and fewer ads.
But they are not built for the same person.
AdGuard started as an ad blocker and added a VPN later.
SafeShell comes from a gaming company and leans hard into streaming.
One is cheaper and has a free plan.
The other offers tricks most VPN providers don’t have.
Overview
This guide puts AdGuard VPN vs SafeShell VPN side by side.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and user reviews for both tools.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each one.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN fits your online activities.
What is AdGuard VPN?
AdGuard VPN is a VPN service from AdGuard Software Limited.
The company is best known for the AdGuard ad blocker and AdGuard DNS.
The VPN hides your IP address and your real location.
It encrypts your traffic with AES-256 to keep snoops out.
Instead of WireGuard or OpenVPN, it runs its own proprietary protocol.
In short, AdGuard puts ad blocking and privacy under one AdGuard account.
AdGuard VPN works on phones, computers, TVs, and web browsers.
AdGuard VPN
A budget VPN that blocks ads and trackers. Start free with 3 GB of data each month.
AdGuard VPN Pricing
AdGuard offers three paid plans plus a free version. Here’s what each costs.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short trips or a quick test |
| 1 Year | $3.99/month | Everyday users who want savings |
| 2 Years | $2.40/month | Best long-term value |
Pricing verified October 2026.
Free trial: No trial, but AdGuard offers a free plan with 3 GB of data per month. It caps speed at 20 Mbps and limits you to a few server locations.
Money-back guarantee: A 30-day money back guarantee covers the yearly and 2-year plans. The monthly plan doesn’t qualify.
📌 Note: The yearly plan bills $47.88 up front. Paid plans unlock all the features, unlimited data, and up to 10 simultaneous connections. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or crypto.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list the 2-year plan at about $2.99/month ($119 billed every two years). Promo prices change often, so confirm at checkout.
Key Benefits of AdGuard VPN
Here’s what makes AdGuard VPN worth a look:
- Blocks Ads at the DNS Level: Pick DNS servers inside the app that filter ads and trackers. That’s how the VPN can block ads on its own.
- Strict No Logs Policy: AdGuard says it doesn’t log IP addresses, browsing history, or connection timestamps. It doesn’t share user data with third parties.
- Privacy-Friendly Location: The company is based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances. It also complies with GDPR.
- Kill Switch and Split Tunneling: The kill switch cuts traffic if your VPN connection drops. Split tunneling lets certain websites or apps skip the VPN.
- 10 Devices on One Plan: Paid plans allow up to 10 devices at once. That covers phones, laptops, and an Android TV.
- Wide Platform Support: Apps cover Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Linux. Browser extensions work in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer tested AdGuard VPN on a Windows PC and an Android phone. Those notes shaped our full AdGuard VPN review. Here’s what stood out:
AdGuard VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Pairs with the AdGuard ad blocker in integrated mode
- Free plan with 3 GB of data every month
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans
- Based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances
- Clean, easy to use apps on desktop and mobile
❌ Cons
- No WireGuard or OpenVPN, only a proprietary protocol
- No third-party audit of its no-logs claims
- No 24/7 live chat, only email and a ticketing system
- Slow speeds on distant servers
What is SafeShell VPN?
SafeShell VPN is a VPN app from GearUp Portal Pte. Ltd. in Singapore.
The same team builds GearUp Booster, a lag-reducing tool for gamers.
SafeShell hides your IP address and shields your online activities from hackers.
It runs its own ShellGuard protocol and uses QUIC to disguise VPN traffic.
Its headline feature is App Mode, which sends different apps to different countries.
The company claims SafeShell revolutionizes VPN routing this way.
Marketing aside, App Mode solves a real, everyday problem.
It holds a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot and 3.9/5 on the App Store.
The site invites you to discover a new level of online freedom.
The easiest way to experience SafeShell is its 3-day free trial.
SafeShell VPN
Stream from multiple regions at once with App Mode. New users get a 3-day free trial.
SafeShell VPN Pricing
SafeShell sells short and long plans, but no free plan. Here’s the lineup.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | $24.99/month | Trying it for a season |
| 1 Year | $59.99/month | Long-term streamers and gamers |
| 1 Week | $5.99/month | A trip or one big event |
Pricing verified October 2026.
Free trial: Yes. New users who haven’t subscribed before get a 3-day free trial period.
Money-back guarantee: A 7-day money back guarantee applies to your first purchase only.
📌 Note: Plans renew automatically. Cancel at least 24 hours before the billing date to stop the next charge. You can pay with credit card, PayPal, Google Play, Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
⚠️ Price check: SafeShell’s store pages and some review sites show different rates. Examples include $3.99 per week, $9.99 per month, and $49.99 per year. Prices vary by platform and region, so confirm at checkout.
Key Benefits of SafeShell VPN
Here’s what makes SafeShell VPN worth considering:
- App Mode: Connect different apps to different VPN locations at the same time. Watch Prime Video from one country while your bank app stays local.
- Game Mode: It picks faster routes to game servers for lower latency. That helps with online gaming and voice chat.
- Subtitle Translation: It translates subtitles in 30+ languages. Foreign shows and YouTube videos get easier to follow.
- Zero-Logs Policy: SafeShell says it keeps no activity logs. Built-in DNS leak protection keeps lookups inside the tunnel.
- Wide Server Spread: The company lists 70+ regional server locations. It also advertises access to 100+ locations worldwide.
- Multi Device Support: Apps cover iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Apple TV, and Android TV. One account works across them all.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer used SafeShell VPN on iPhone, Android, Mac, and Apple TV. The focus was App Mode and streaming. Here’s what stood out:
SafeShell VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- App Mode routes different apps through different regions at once
- Game Mode picks faster routes for lower ping
- Built-in subtitle translation in 30+ languages
- Apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro
- Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot
❌ Cons
- No free plan, only a 3-day trial
- Short 7-day refund window
- Some reviewers report refund and support problems
- No published third-party audit
Feature Comparison
Ready for a closer look at AdGuard VPN vs SafeShell VPN? We’ll walk through 10 key areas to help you pick the right fit.
| Feature | AdGuard VPN | SafeShell VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.40/month | $5.99/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ 3 GB/month | ❌ (3-day trial) |
| Built-in Ad Blocker | ✅ | ✅ |
| Filtering DNS Servers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (App Mode) |
| Multiple Regions at Once | ❌ | ✅ |
| Game Mode | ❌ | ✅ |
| Linux App | ✅ | ❌ |
| Third-Party Audit | ❌ | ❌ |
| Best For | Budget ad blocking | Streaming and gaming |
1. Ad Blocking
AdGuard VPN: Ad blocking is AdGuard’s home turf. The VPN lets you pick DNS servers that block ads and trackers. On desktop, integrated mode runs the VPN alongside the full AdGuard ad blocker.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell includes SafeNet AdBlock, a built-in ad blocker. It strips ads and trackers from websites as you browse. It’s a handy extra, but it’s one feature, not a whole product family.
2. DNS Protection
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard DNS is a filtering DNS server from the same company. In the AdGuard VPN app, you can switch DNS servers, including ones that block malware. So can AdGuard VPN block ads without the full ad blocker? Yes, through these DNS settings.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell focuses on DNS leak protection instead of filtering. Your lookups stay inside the VPN, so your ISP can’t see which sites you visit. You get privacy, but fewer filtering options.
3. VPN Protocol & Encryption
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard uses AES-256 and its own proprietary protocol. The AdGuard VPN protocol skips the classic VPN tunnel. It wraps traffic in HTTPS, so it looks like normal browsing. There’s no WireGuard or OpenVPN option, which raises transparency questions.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell runs its in-house ShellGuard protocol and uses QUIC to disguise VPN traffic. That helps on networks that block VPNs. IPv6 support keeps your IPs hidden on newer networks too.
⚠️ Warning: Both VPNs rely on in-house protocols. Neither has published an independent audit. If verified security matters most, look at audited premium VPNs instead.
4. Privacy & Logging
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard says it doesn’t log IP addresses, browsing history, or connection timestamps. It collects minimal technical data to fix issues. A kill switch blocks traffic if the VPN drops, which protects your real IP.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell follows a zero-logs policy, according to its documentation. Its parent company sits in Singapore, outside the 14 Eyes alliance. The focus is on hiding your IP from hackers and surveillance.
Both tools take online privacy seriously on paper. Their security measures cover the basics of online security. Neither has outside verification yet.
5. Server Network & Speed
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard lists 65+ locations across 53 countries. That’s small next to big rivals. Independent speed tests show roughly a 20% drop on nearby servers. One tester saw speeds fall from 65 Mbps to about 10 Mbps on distant ones.
Another test measured an average download of 58.73 Mbps on the paid plan. Reviews also mention random connection drops. AdGuard VPN’s performance is fine for browsing but weak for heavy use.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell lists 70+ regional server locations built to cut latency. It promises unlimited, high speed access with no speed limits. Its site also claims the fastest download speed in each region, which we couldn’t verify.
💡 Pro Tip: Run your own speed tests and check upload speed, not just downloads. Pick a server near your real location for the best connection speeds.
6. Streaming
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard can unblock Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer on many servers. It struggles with Amazon Prime and Peacock. Some viewers see buffering, so it’s weak for data intensive tasks like 4K streaming.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell is built for streaming services. Its Professional Streaming servers target Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and Facebook videos. Reviewers often praise its smooth, reliable playback. The pitch is fast secure streaming from anywhere.
SafeShell also translates subtitles in 30+ languages. That makes a foreign channel easier to follow and creates a more comfortable viewing experience.
7. Split Tunneling vs App Mode
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard calls its split tunneling “Exclusions.” You choose which apps or websites skip the VPN. Everything else runs through one server in one country.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell goes further. Global Mode sends all traffic through one server, like a normal VPN. App Mode connects different apps to different VPN locations. You can reach multiple regions simultaneously.
For example, a game can use Japan while a browser uses the UK. That’s the whole point of reaching multiple locations at once. It’s a personalized connection experience you can customize app by app.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your banking app on your home country while Netflix uses a US server. No more switching back and forth.
8. Gaming
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard has no gaming tools. Reviewers call its speed fine for browsing. For online gaming and video calls, it’s below average.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell’s Game Mode picks routes toward game servers for lower latency. It comes from the team behind GearUp Booster. The goal is ping improvements on distant game servers. If you game with friends and stream too, one app covers both.
9. Device Support & Extra Tools
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s apps run on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Linux. Browser extensions cover Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The desktop apps and mobile apps share one look. Moving from the Windows version to mobile devices feels familiar.
The family also includes AdGuard Temp Mail for throwaway sign-ups. It hides your real inbox from spam.
AdGuard Assistant is another bonus. This browser add-on hides specific page elements with one click.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell covers iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Apple TV, and Android TV. It’s even compatible with Apple Vision Pro. Create one account and sign in on every device you own.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the plans side by side.
| Plan | AdGuard VPN | SafeShell VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free Option | Free plan (3 GB/month) | 3-day free trial |
| Shortest Plan | 1 Month: $11.99/month | 1 Week: $5.99/month |
| Mid Plan | 1 Year: $3.99/month | 3 Months: $24.99/month |
| Longest Plan | 2 Years: $2.40/month | 1 Year: $59.99/month |
| Money-Back | 30 days (yearly and 2-year) | 7 days (first purchase) |
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard is the clear budget pick. The 2-year plan is the lowest price here. The free plan lets you try it risk free. Before you buy AdGuard VPN monthly, know that $11.99 is steep for what you get.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell costs more on every listed plan, with no free tier. You’re paying for App Mode, Game Mode, and streaming tools. If you only need basic privacy, that premium is hard to justify.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | AdGuard VPN | Lowest price plus a free plan |
| Streaming from several countries | SafeShell VPN | App Mode handles many regions |
| Ad and tracker blocking | AdGuard VPN | AdGuard DNS plus ad blocker |
| Online gaming | SafeShell VPN | Game Mode lowers latency |
| Linux or browser-only use | AdGuard VPN | Linux app and extensions |
| Apple TV or Vision Pro | SafeShell VPN | Native apps for both |
| Beginner-friendly | SafeShell VPN | Simple modes, user friendly design |
💰 Your Budget
AdGuard wins on cost and lets you start free. SafeShell only makes sense if you’ll use App Mode or Game Mode.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Linux users and browser-extension fans should pick AdGuard. Apple TV and Vision Pro owners will prefer SafeShell.
🎬 Your Streaming and Gaming Habits
Heavy streamers and gamers get more from SafeShell. Casual browsers who hate ads will be happy with AdGuard.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both apps are simple to set up and navigate. SafeShell takes a few minutes to learn the difference between Global Mode and App Mode.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Test AdGuard’s free plan or SafeShell’s 3-day trial before paying. Set a reminder, because SafeShell renews automatically.
🛟 Support Options
AdGuard lacks 24/7 customer support. Its support team works through email and a ticketing system. SafeShell support gets mixed reviews, so contact them early about refunds.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from AdGuard VPN to SafeShell VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- App Mode for multiple regions at once
- Game Mode for lower ping
- Subtitle translation plus Apple TV and Vision Pro apps
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free plan and lower long-term price
- AdGuard DNS filtering and integrated mode
- The Linux app and browser extensions
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your AdGuard VPN subscription from your AdGuard account.
- Start SafeShell’s 3-day free trial and install the app.
- Set up App Mode and turn on SafeNet AdBlock.
🔄 Switching from SafeShell VPN to AdGuard VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free plan and much lower plan prices
- AdGuard DNS and the AdGuard ad blocker working together
- A longer 30-day refund window
❌ What you’ll lose:
- App Mode’s per-app regions
- Game Mode
- Built-in subtitle translation
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel SafeShell at least 24 hours before renewal.
- Create an AdGuard account and install the AdGuard VPN app.
- Add Exclusions and pick an ad-blocking DNS server.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on everyday privacy, streaming, and gaming. We didn’t test router setups or either VPN inside China. Other reviewers say AdGuard struggles with the Great Firewall. Business plans and long-term reliability weren’t part of this review. Prices and features reflect October 2026 versions and may change.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing & Free Use | AdGuard VPN |
| 🛡️ Ad & DNS Blocking | AdGuard VPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Jurisdiction | AdGuard VPN |
| ⚡ Speed | SafeShell VPN |
| 🎬 Streaming | SafeShell VPN |
| 🔀 Per-App Routing | SafeShell VPN |
| 🎮 Gaming | SafeShell VPN |
| 📱 Device Support | Tie |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | SafeShell VPN |
🏆 WINNER: SAFESHELL VPN
SafeShell VPN wins 4 of 8 categories. AdGuard VPN takes 3, and one is a tie.
Best for: Streaming from several countries, online gaming, Apple TV and Vision Pro users
AdGuard VPN and SafeShell VPN solve different problems. AdGuard is a privacy add-on for people who already like AdGuard products. SafeShell is a streaming and gaming VPN with clever routing.
AdGuard is great for blocking ads on a budget. The free plan is a real perk. But slow speeds on distant servers and no 24/7 support hold it back.
There’s no single best VPN for everyone. If you want more than blocked ads, SafeShell is the better choice. Just watch the 7-day refund window and cancel early if it’s not for you.
More of AdGuard VPN Compared
Here’s how AdGuard VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
AdGuard VPN wins on: a free plan, integrated mode with the AdGuard ad blocker, and extras like Temp Mail
NordVPN wins on: audited no-logs claims, the WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol, a larger network, and 24/7 live chat
AdGuard VPN wins on: a cheaper 2-year rate, filtering DNS servers built into the app, and pairing with AdGuard’s ad-blocking apps
ProtonVPN wins on: open-source apps, an unlimited-data free plan, Swiss privacy law, and Secure Core routing
AdGuard VPN vs Private Internet Access
AdGuard VPN wins on: a home base outside the 5/9/14 Eyes, a free plan, and DNS-level ad filtering
Private Internet Access wins on: open-source apps, WireGuard and OpenVPN choices, port forwarding, and unlimited devices
More of SafeShell VPN Compared
Here’s how SafeShell VPN stacks up against other options:
SafeShell VPN wins on: App Mode for per-app regions, Game Mode, and built-in subtitle translation
ExpressVPN wins on: the audited Lightway protocol, RAM-only servers, a 30-day refund window, and 24/7 live chat
SafeShell VPN wins on: watching several regions at once, gaming routes from a gaming-network team, and subtitle translation
CyberGhost wins on: longer money-back windows, servers labeled for specific streaming platforms, and WireGuard support
SafeShell VPN wins on: App Mode, Game Mode, and subtitle translation for foreign shows
Surfshark wins on: unlimited devices, WireGuard support, published audits, and a 30-day refund window
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AdGuard VPN safe to use?
Yes, for everyday browsing. It uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. The weak spot is its proprietary protocol, which hasn’t been independently audited.
Is AdGuard VPN free?
There’s a free plan with 3 GB of data per month, capped at 20 Mbps. Paid plans unlock unlimited data, more server locations, and up to 10 devices.
What is the downside of AdGuard?
The VPN has a small server network and slows down on distant servers. It skips WireGuard and OpenVPN, and there’s no 24/7 live chat.
Is AdGuard VPN better than NordVPN?
Not for most people. NordVPN offers audited no-logs claims, WireGuard-based speed, and 24/7 live chat. AdGuard only wins if built-in ad blocking matters most to you.
Is AdGuard a Russian company?
No. It started in Moscow in 2009. AdGuard Software Limited is now based in Limassol, Cyprus. That places it under EU privacy law (GDPR).
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