Ad blocking and ProtonVPN (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 year ago by Ashyr@sh.itjust.works to c/privacy@lemmy.world

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I've been on Mullvad for a while now, but I'm looking to move to ProtonVPN soon and I'm curious how well it blocks ads out of the box.

I've looked into the possibility of combining it with something like NextDNS or AdGuard, but I'm not super tech savvy, so I think I'd prefer to keep it simple if possible.

Mullvad has been okay, but occasionally ads get through. If ProtonVPN is that good or better, I'll probably be fine.

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[-] Gazumi@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

The Adblock is OK. It's not something that you can configure or measure,, so I couldn't give a metric from my own use. Using my phone as a guide, I'm not seeing ads in the 1-2 apps that might otherwise serve them up. I suspect that it depends on your apps, but unlikely to beat home use where you might have Pihole or a router using Next DNS or similar

[-] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks so much. I'm probably looking to use nextDNS for the home behind the router and just lean on the VPN when out and about.

[-] Gazumi@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I have Proton VPN for when I need to connect to wireless networks like hotels, coffee shops, etc. The majority of time for my phone and tablet, I use Netguard from FDroid (for all the features). Block everything as default and then only allow specific apps that need internet access to have that. You can choose to allow each app with internet access to have it at anytime, or just when the screen is on. This just stops at least 80% of the reaching out that my devices do. I alao use Next DNS systemwide on those devices. Adblocking by OISD and Hagezi pro++. That just works without drama. Formy laptop, I have Linux only, the basic firewall and Proton VPN at all times. I only have more ad blocking within the browsers. Browsers for my laptop are Hardened Firefox, Librewolf and Brave. I separate the use of each for different things i.e. shopping, general browsing, social media. Always have at least 2 separate browsers!

[-] Oha@lemmy.ohaa.xyz 3 points 1 year ago

Just use Ublock

[-] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago

I want system wide blocking for devices, not just browsing.

[-] Fjor@lemm.ee 0 points 1 year ago

In that case, if you're not already, I'd recommend NextDNS or Adguard and the pass your router though either service. I like NextDNS as it has custom block lists easily accessible.

[-] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

I'll look into that. What do you do when you're not behind the router?

[-] Fjor@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago

NextDNS works on pretty much everything! There is also an app for it. Otherwise I've put it on my tailscale vpn which I'm always connected to 🙌

[-] Case@lemmynsfw.com 1 points 1 year ago

I've also noticed some DNS leakage when just using Proton's built in DNS. Win10, if that matters.

Switching my home desktop (gaming rig, primarily, also daily driver) to Linux when I get home today, so I'll try to keep an eye out - I know proton doesn't have the best Linux app, but the CLI doesn't phase me, so its all good.

I run traffic through their tunnel, but use NextDNS for DNS.

[-] blahsay@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

It's...ok. Better than nothing on your phone but for PC ublock, no script, privacy badger on Firefox for zero ads is the way 👍

[-] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 year ago

That's my setup except for privacy badger, I'll have to look into it.

[-] Swarfega@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago

I use NextDNS and it's really easy to set up. There are guides in the dashboard. On Android it's just a case of copying the unique DNS over TLS address and pasting it in settings. Ad blocking then is system wide.

You do need to be keep in mind you're running a DNS as blocking service, as it just renders known as domains dead. There's no nice 'this site is blocked' page. I frequent a site to get get deals on the internet and of course it has a lot of referrals which don't work. It's just a case then of looking at the block list and adding it to the allow list. Airplane mode on and off and it will work.

this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2023

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