When comparing DNS Smart Changer - Web content blocker and filter vs AdAway, the Slant community recommends AdAway for most people. In the question“What are the best ad blockers for Android?” AdAway is ranked 1st while DNS Smart Changer - Web content blocker and filter is ranked 17th. 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 Works without asking for more access rights, your privacy is always respected
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.
Cons
Con Need an adblocking DNS server - not TLS and no DOH
You may use the odd guard DNS servers. But it is not very fair to use add guard servers without paying a little bit of money for the infrastructure. You may set up an own DNS server and pay for VPS server and traffic - thats fair.
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.