Portmaster alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Portmaster: no macOS version, and can conflict with VPNs and security software. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Portmaster, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. AdGuard currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best Portmaster alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Portmaster alternative for most people
AdGuardPaid system-wide ad blocking for Windows and Mac, with less firewall detail.
Best Portmaster alternative for a free option
Pi-holeNetwork-wide DNS blocking that covers every device, not just one computer.
Best Portmaster alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
NextDNSCloud DNS filtering for all devices without a local firewall.
Best Portmaster alternative for open source
uBlock OriginFree browser-level blocking if you don't need app-level control.
Best Portmaster alternative for self-hosting
Pi-holeNetwork-wide DNS blocking that covers every device, not just one computer.
Best Portmaster alternative for Mac
AdGuardPaid system-wide ad blocking for Windows and Mac, with less firewall detail.
Best Portmaster alternative for Windows
AdGuardPaid system-wide ad blocking for Windows and Mac, with less firewall detail.
Best Portmaster alternative for Linux
AdGuardPaid system-wide ad blocking for Windows and Mac, with less firewall detail.
Best Portmaster alternative for iPhone and Android
AdGuardPaid system-wide ad blocking for Windows and Mac, with less firewall detail.
Best Portmaster alternative for working in the browser
NextDNSCloud DNS filtering for all devices without a local firewall.
Portmaster alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Portmaster?
AdGuard ranks first right now. Paid system-wide ad blocking for Windows and Mac, with less firewall detail. Pi-hole and NextDNS follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Portmaster?
Yes. Pi-hole (open source), NextDNS (free plan + paid) and uBlock Origin (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Portmaster?
Yes: Pi-hole and uBlock Origin. Pi-hole can also be self-hosted.
Which Portmaster alternatives work on Linux?
AdGuard, Pi-hole and NextDNS run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Portmaster?
The complaints we hear most: no macOS version; can conflict with VPNs and security software; history and SPN features are paid.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Portmaster, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.