Pros of hosts

• Larger community and more frequent updates
• Offers multiple variants with different levels of blocking
• Well-documented with clear instructions for various platforms

Cons of hosts

• May be overly aggressive in blocking, potentially causing false positives
• Less granular control over specific categories of blocked content
• Larger file size, which may impact performance on some devices

Code Comparison

hosts:

0.0.0.0 example.com
0.0.0.0 ads.example.com
0.0.0.0 tracking.example.com

1Hosts:

0.0.0.0 example.com
0.0.0.0 ads.example.com
0.0.0.0 tracking.example.com

The basic structure of both hosts files is similar, using the 0.0.0.0 IP address to block domains. However, 1Hosts offers more specialized lists for different purposes, while hosts provides a more comprehensive, all-in-one approach.

Both projects aim to block unwanted content and improve privacy, but they differ in their approach and level of customization. hosts is more suitable for users who want a ready-to-use solution with minimal setup, while 1Hosts caters to those who prefer more control over their blocking lists and are willing to invest time in customization.

Pros of AdAway

• Open-source Android app with a user-friendly interface for ad-blocking
• Supports custom host sources and whitelist/blacklist functionality
• Offers both root and non-root methods for ad-blocking

Cons of AdAway

• Limited to Android devices, not a universal solution
• Requires more user interaction and setup compared to 1Hosts
• May impact battery life due to running as an app

Code Comparison

AdAway (Java):

private void applyHostsFile() {
    CommandResult result = Shell.SU.run(Constants.ANDROID_HOSTS_PATH);
    if (result.isSuccessful()) {
        // Hosts file applied successfully
    }
}

1Hosts (Hosts file format):

0.0.0.0 ad.example.com
0.0.0.0 tracker.example.com
0.0.0.0 analytics.example.com

While AdAway is an Android app with code for applying hosts files, 1Hosts is primarily a collection of curated hosts files. The code comparison shows the different approaches: AdAway programmatically applies hosts files, while 1Hosts provides ready-to-use hosts file content.

Pros of GoodbyeAds

• More comprehensive blocking of ads and trackers in mobile apps
• Includes specific lists for Samsung and Xiaomi devices
• Regular updates and active community support

Cons of GoodbyeAds

• May cause more false positives and break some legitimate services
• Larger blocklist size, potentially impacting performance on low-end devices
• Less granular control over blocked domains compared to 1Hosts

Code Comparison

1Hosts:

0.0.0.0 example-ad-domain.com
0.0.0.0 tracking-url.net

GoodbyeAds:

0.0.0.0 example-ad-domain.com
0.0.0.0 tracking-url.net
0.0.0.0 app-specific-ad.com
0.0.0.0 samsung-ads.com
0.0.0.0 xiaomi-tracking.net

Both repositories provide host files for ad and tracker blocking, but GoodbyeAds tends to include more mobile-specific and manufacturer-targeted entries. 1Hosts offers a more streamlined approach with fewer potential conflicts, while GoodbyeAds provides broader coverage at the cost of potential overblocking. Users should choose based on their specific needs and tolerance for potential false positives.

Pros of blacklist

• More granular control with separate lists for different purposes (e.g., Facebook, porn, whitelist)
• Includes a whitelist for commonly false-positive domains
• Provides installation instructions for various platforms (Pi-hole, AdGuard Home, etc.)

Cons of blacklist

• Less frequently updated compared to 1Hosts
• Smaller overall blocklist size, potentially missing some domains
• Lacks some advanced features like regex blocking

Code comparison

blacklist:

0.0.0.0 graph.facebook.com
0.0.0.0 pixel.facebook.com
0.0.0.0 an.facebook.com

1Hosts:

0.0.0.0 facebook.com
0.0.0.0 www.facebook.com
0.0.0.0 m.facebook.com

Key differences

• Blocking approach: blacklist targets specific subdomains, while 1Hosts blocks entire domains
• Update frequency: 1Hosts is updated more regularly
• List organization: blacklist offers separate lists for different categories, 1Hosts provides unified lists with varying levels of protection

Recommendation

Choose blacklist if you need more fine-grained control and separate lists for different purposes. Opt for 1Hosts if you prefer a more comprehensive, frequently updated blocklist with simpler management.

Pros of block

• Offers multiple filter list variants for different use cases and device types
• Regularly updated with community contributions and automated processes
• Provides extensive documentation and usage instructions

Cons of block

• Larger file sizes due to comprehensive blocking lists
• May require more frequent updates to maintain effectiveness
• Potentially higher risk of false positives due to extensive coverage

Code Comparison

block:

0.0.0.0 example.com
0.0.0.0 ads.example.com
0.0.0.0 tracking.example.com

1Hosts:

0.0.0.0 example.com
127.0.0.1 ads.example.com
::1 tracking.example.com

Key Differences

1. List format: block uses consistent 0.0.0.0 for all entries, while 1Hosts varies between 0.0.0.0, 127.0.0.1, and ::1
2. Scope: block offers more comprehensive coverage with multiple list variants, while 1Hosts focuses on a more curated approach
3. Update frequency: block is updated more frequently, potentially providing better protection against new threats
4. File size: 1Hosts tends to have smaller file sizes, which may be beneficial for devices with limited resources
5. Customization: block provides more options for tailoring the blocking experience to specific needs, while 1Hosts offers a more streamlined approach

Both projects aim to enhance privacy and security by blocking unwanted domains, but they differ in their approach to list management, update frequency, and overall scope.

Pros of hosts-blocklists

• More comprehensive blocking lists, including additional categories like gambling and social media
• Regular updates and active community contributions
• Offers both domain-based and IP-based blocking options

Cons of hosts-blocklists

• May cause over-blocking, potentially affecting legitimate services
• Larger file size, which could impact performance on low-end devices
• More complex setup and configuration process

Code Comparison

hosts-blocklists:

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

1Hosts:

0.0.0.0 ad.example.com
0.0.0.0 analytics.tracker.com
0.0.0.0 malicious.domain.org

Both projects use similar syntax for blocking domains, with hosts-blocklists potentially including more diverse entries due to its broader scope.

Summary

hosts-blocklists offers a more extensive blocking solution with regular updates and community involvement, but may require more careful configuration to avoid over-blocking. 1Hosts provides a more streamlined approach, potentially sacrificing some coverage for ease of use and performance. The choice between the two depends on the user's specific needs and technical expertise.