When comparing AdAway vs UnbelovedHosts, the Slant community recommends AdAway for most people. In the question“What are the best ad blockers for Android?” AdAway is ranked 1st while UnbelovedHosts is ranked 11th. The most important reason people chose AdAway is:
Use the hosts files to block ads, so it works for everything.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro System wide blocking
Use the hosts files to block ads, so it works for everything.
Pro Doesn't consume CPU time or memory
The app updates the hosts file periodically but doesn't need to run in the background in order to block ads, which is especially convenient for older phones.
Pro Can use systemless host
Can be used without modifying the system if rooted with magisk.
Pro Can use custom host files
Lots of people and keep their own updated host files used for blocking ads and ad away supports loading them in or even adding their source for autoloading.
Pro Not adware
All apps rendering 3rd party web ads are malware by definition. Unlike most "free" Android apps which are really malware, UnbelovedHosts is not.
Pro Free version is excellent
The pro version is free but accepts donations. It adds features only experienced users would prefer.
Pro Difficult to detect in newer Android versions
Pro Low use of device resources
Pro Does not require Hosts modification
Cons
Con Needs root (by design)
Needs root to update the hosts file.
Con Won't block same domain ads
Because the host file can only redirect domains, if the ad and content are on the same domain the ad will be displayed.