Pros of hosts

• Simpler, more straightforward approach to blocking
• Easier to customize and maintain for individual users
• Widely compatible with various systems and devices

Cons of hosts

• Less comprehensive coverage compared to block
• May require more manual intervention for updates
• Limited flexibility in terms of filtering options

Code Comparison

hosts:

0.0.0.0 example.com
0.0.0.0 ads.example.com

block:

example.com
ads.example.com
||example.com^
||ads.example.com^

Key Differences

• block offers more extensive blocking lists and categories
• hosts uses a simpler hosts file format, while block supports various formats
• block provides more frequent updates and actively maintained lists
• hosts is more lightweight and easier to implement on a wider range of devices

Use Cases

• hosts is ideal for users seeking a simple, lightweight solution
• block is better suited for those wanting comprehensive protection and frequent updates

Community and Support

• Both projects have active communities and regular contributions
• block has more frequent releases and a larger variety of list options
• hosts benefits from its simplicity, making it easier for users to contribute and customize

Pros of AdAway

• Open-source Android app with a user-friendly interface for ad-blocking
• Supports custom host files and whitelist/blacklist functionality
• Allows for local DNS server setup for more efficient ad-blocking

Cons of AdAway

• Limited to Android devices, not a universal solution
• Requires root access for full functionality
• May not be as frequently updated as some other blocklists

Code Comparison

AdAway (Java):

private void applyHostsFile() {
    CommandExecutor.Result result = runScriptAsRoot(Constants.SCRIPT_FILE_PATH);
    if (result.exitCode == 0) {
        // Hosts file applied successfully
    } else {
        // Error applying hosts file
    }
}

EnergizedProtection (Shell script):

#!/bin/sh

HOSTS_FILE="/etc/hosts"
BACKUP_FILE="/etc/hosts.bak"

# Backup original hosts file
cp $HOSTS_FILE $BACKUP_FILE

# Apply new hosts entries
cat blocklist.txt >> $HOSTS_FILE

While AdAway is an Android app with a GUI, EnergizedProtection/block is primarily a collection of blocklists that can be used with various ad-blocking solutions. The code comparison shows the different approaches: AdAway uses Java for its Android implementation, while EnergizedProtection relies on shell scripts for applying blocklists.

Pros of GoodbyeAds

• Specifically targets mobile ads and tracking
• Includes regional ad blocking lists for certain countries
• Offers a lightweight version for low-end devices

Cons of GoodbyeAds

• Less frequent updates compared to EnergizedProtection
• Smaller community and fewer contributors
• Limited configuration options

Code Comparison

EnergizedProtection:

0.0.0.0 example-ad-domain.com
0.0.0.0 tracking-pixel.net
0.0.0.0 analytics.service.com

GoodbyeAds:

127.0.0.1 mobile-ad.example.com
127.0.0.1 app-analytics.com
127.0.0.1 tracking.mobileapp.net

Both projects use similar host file formats, but GoodbyeAds tends to focus more on mobile-specific domains. EnergizedProtection often includes a wider range of domains and offers more comprehensive lists.

EnergizedProtection provides more extensive blocking lists with frequent updates and a larger community. It offers various configurations and formats for different use cases. GoodbyeAds, while more focused on mobile ads, has a smaller scope and less frequent updates. However, it may be more suitable for users primarily concerned with mobile ad blocking or those using low-end devices.

Pros of blacklist

• Simpler structure with fewer files, making it easier to navigate
• Focused primarily on adblocking and tracking prevention
• Regularly updated with community contributions

Cons of blacklist

• Less comprehensive coverage compared to block
• Fewer customization options and filter categories
• Limited documentation and usage instructions

Code Comparison

blacklist:

0.0.0.0 ad.doubleclick.net
0.0.0.0 static.doubleclick.net
0.0.0.0 m.doubleclick.net
0.0.0.0 mediavisor.doubleclick.net

block:

# Energized Protection - block
# https://energized.pro

0.0.0.0 ad.doubleclick.net
0.0.0.0 static.doubleclick.net
0.0.0.0 m.doubleclick.net
0.0.0.0 mediavisor.doubleclick.net

Both repositories use similar formats for blocking domains, with block including additional metadata and comments. The block repository offers more extensive lists and categories, while blacklist provides a more streamlined approach.

block offers a wider range of filter lists and protection options, making it suitable for users who want comprehensive control over their blocking. blacklist, on the other hand, is more straightforward and easier to implement for basic adblocking needs.

Users should choose based on their specific requirements, with block being better for advanced users seeking extensive customization, and blacklist for those preferring a simpler, no-frills approach to adblocking.

Pros of hosts-blocklists

• More frequent updates, providing up-to-date protection against new threats
• Larger blocklist with a broader range of domains covered
• Includes additional categories like gambling and social media for more comprehensive blocking options

Cons of hosts-blocklists

• May cause more false positives due to its extensive blocklist
• Potentially higher resource usage on devices due to the larger number of entries
• Less customization options compared to block's variety of list types

Code Comparison

hosts-blocklists:

0.0.0.0 example-ad-domain.com
0.0.0.0 malware-site.net
0.0.0.0 tracking-domain.org

block:

127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.0.1 example-ad-domain.com
127.0.0.1 malware-site.net
0.0.0.0 tracking-domain.org

Both repositories use similar formats for their blocklists, with hosts-blocklists consistently using 0.0.0.0 as the blocking IP, while block uses a mix of 127.0.0.1 and 0.0.0.0. The block repository also includes the localhost entry, which is not present in hosts-blocklists.

Overall, hosts-blocklists offers a more extensive and frequently updated list, while block provides more customization options and potentially fewer false positives. The choice between the two depends on the user's specific needs and preferences for blocking coverage versus precision.

Pros of AdguardFilters

• More comprehensive and frequently updated filter lists
• Supports a wider range of ad-blocking scenarios and use cases
• Better documentation and community support

Cons of AdguardFilters

• Larger file sizes, potentially impacting performance on low-end devices
• More complex structure, which may be overwhelming for beginners
• Higher likelihood of false positives due to aggressive filtering

Code Comparison

AdguardFilters:

! Title: AdGuard Base filter
! Description: EasyList + AdGuard English filter
! Version: 2.1.45.80
! TimeUpdated: 2023-04-20T12:41:49+00:00
! Expires: 4 days (update frequency)

block:

# Energized Protection - block
# Description: A merged collection of hosts from reputable sources
# Version: 23.04.225
# Release: 225
# Entries: 1,234,567

Both repositories provide filter lists for ad-blocking and privacy protection. AdguardFilters offers a more extensive and frequently updated set of filters, catering to various scenarios. However, this comes at the cost of larger file sizes and potentially more complex management. block, on the other hand, focuses on a simpler, merged collection of hosts from reputable sources, which may be easier to implement but might not cover as many use cases as AdguardFilters.