When comparing AdAway vs StopAd, the Slant community recommends AdAway for most people. In the question“What are the best ad blockers?” AdAway is ranked 2nd while StopAd is ranked 22nd. The most important reason people chose AdAway is:
Use the hosts files to block ads, so it works for everything.
Specs
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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 Multiplatform
Available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Pro Blocks ads on YouTube and Facebook on Windows and Mac
Blocks ads in social media websites including YouTube and Facebook.
Pro Works on all browsers without multiple downloads
As it's not an extension - it works on all browsers (Chrome, Opera, Safari, Firefox, IE etc)>
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.
Con Doesn't block ads on YouTube and Facebook on mobile devices
Doesn't block ads on YouTube and Facebook on Android and iOS.