AdGuard enters the metaverse: VPN and ad-blocker extensions launch on Meta Quest

• AdGuard releases two browser extensions for Meta Quest headsets
• These are AdGuard's ad-blocking and VPN browser extensions
• Both extensions work on Quest 2, Quest Pro, Quest 3, and Quest 3S

Browsing the web in virtual reality has often felt like the Wild West of privacy, but that is changing. AdGuard has officially launched two new privacy-focused extensions for the Meta Quest Browser: the AdGuard Ad Blocker and the AdGuard VPN.

This release marks a significant step for user control in the metaverse. While we often think of VR headsets as gaming consoles, they are increasingly used for media consumption and web browsing, activities that are just as susceptible to tracking, pop-ups, and geo-restrictions as they are on a laptop.

If you are looking for the best VPN to secure your Meta Quest headset, this new integration offers a lightweight alternative to full Android app installations.

A rare addition to the Quest ecosystem

The arrival of these tools is notable because the Meta Quest extension ecosystem is still in its infancy. Meta’s browser, which is built on Chromium, only began supporting user-installed extensions via a limited beta in early 2024. Currently, the catalog includes fewer than a dozen supported extensions.

AdGuard is claiming a "first" here, stating that its ad blocker is one of the first of its kind on the platform, while the VPN extension joins a very exclusive club of security tools integrated directly into the VR browser.

"This isn't just another platform for us, it's a leap forward in bringing distraction-free, secure browsing into immersive environments," said Vladimir Ozersky, Lead Product Manager at AdGuard.

The AdGuard Ad Blocker functions similarly to its desktop counterpart. It is designed to scrub ads, trackers, and pop-ups from websites, which can be particularly intrusive when they are floating inches from your eyeballs in a VR environment. It also provides a layer of protection against malicious phishing websites.

The AdGuard VPN extension focuses on anonymity and access. By encrypting browser traffic and masking your IP address, it allows users to bypass geo-blocks, handy if you are trying to stream content from back home while traveling with your headset.

"AdGuard VPN goes beyond privacy protection; it enables true digital freedom," said Denis Vyazovoy, Head of Product at AdGuard VPN. "Now, users can securely and seamlessly access the open internet in VR, maintaining full control wherever they are."

How to install AdGuard on Meta Quest

Because these are browser extensions rather than full operating system apps, the installation process is managed entirely within the Meta Quest Browser.

1. Open the Browser app on your headset.
2. Click the Menu icon (three dots) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Extensions.
4. Find AdGuard Ad Blocker or AdGuard VPN in the list.
5. Click Install.

Both extensions are compatible with all headsets running the Meta Horizon OS, including the Quest 2, Quest Pro, Quest 3, and the new Quest 3S.

While other providers like ExpressVPN have launched dedicated apps for the Quest that protect the entire device's traffic, AdGuard’s solution is specific to the browser. This makes it a lightweight option for users who primarily want to clean up their web surfing experience without routing their gaming traffic through a VPN tunnel.

Users can check out the full release details on the dedicated AdGuard Ad Blocker and the AdGuard VPN pages.

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