Last updated: February 2026
TrafficGuard Review 2026: The Multi-Channel Guardian That Processes 3+ Trillion Data Points and Offers a Free Tier
TrafficGuard shows you exactly what it blocked and why — transparency that sets it apart. We tested it across PPC, P-Max, affiliate, and mobile, and compared it to 21 other tools. Here is what we found.
Score Breakdown
Strengths
- Most transparent reporting in the market — click-level invalidation reasons that support Google Ads refund claims
- Four-category protection: PPC Search, Performance Max, affiliate, and mobile app from a single platform
- Genuinely free detection tier covering up to $2,500 in monthly Google Ads spend with no time limit
- Percentage-based pricing (2% of ad spend) that scales naturally; no long-term contract required
- Surgical detection philosophy that prioritizes false-positive avoidance
- Google Cloud infrastructure; available on Google Cloud Marketplace; ASX-listed parent company
Weaknesses
- Lower verified review volume than major competitors (18 reviews on GetApp)
- Free tier does not fully showcase paid capabilities; dashboard UX has minor polish issues
- 2% of ad spend can become expensive at very high scale; English-only language support
- Support for free-tier users reportedly limited; Meta/TikTok/LinkedIn coverage limited to enterprise
About TrafficGuard
TrafficGuard is the tool that does what most click fraud prevention companies only claim to do: it shows you exactly what it blocked and why. In a market where "trust us, we stopped the bad clicks" is the default sales pitch, TrafficGuard built its entire platform around transparency — granular reporting at the click level, clear invalidation reasons for every blocked engagement, and the ability to share traffic quality reports directly with agencies, clients, and partners. That transparency has earned it the trust of brands like Rappi, GoJek, Glu Mobile, Bukalapak, and Centauro.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Perth, Australia, TrafficGuard is a subsidiary of ASX-listed Adveritas Limited (ASX: AV1). The company has offices in Singapore, the UK, Brazil, India, and the US, serving over 5,000 advertisers globally. It processes more than 3 trillion data points per month. Its team is predominantly data scientists, analysts, and engineers — and that technical DNA shows in the product.
TrafficGuard is also the only tool in this comparison that operates across four distinct advertising categories: PPC search, Performance Max, affiliate marketing, and mobile app install campaigns. While most competitors focus exclusively on Google Ads click fraud, TrafficGuard protects the entire acquisition journey from impression to conversion, including channels that most SMB tools cannot touch.
The company is a certified Google Ads and Cloud Partner, available on Google Cloud Marketplace, and has been recognized by the App Growth Awards, Effective Mobile Marketing Awards, MarTech Breakthrough Awards, and the Australian Financial Review's Most Innovative list.
Who Is TrafficGuard Built For?
TrafficGuard serves a broader range of advertisers than most tools in this comparison, largely because its pricing structure includes a genuinely free tier for small accounts.
The free detection plan covers up to $2,500 in monthly Google Ads spend and includes live traffic monitoring, real-time analytics, a single domain, a single ad account, and up to 10 users. This is not a crippled trial — it is functional detection that lets small advertisers and agencies see their invalid traffic exposure before committing to paid protection.
Beyond the free tier, TrafficGuard's paid plans target three distinct markets. PPC advertisers running Google Ads Search and Performance Max campaigns who need real-time blocking. Affiliate marketers who need to verify partner traffic, detect attribution hijacking, and prevent cookie stuffing. And mobile app advertisers who need to filter fake installs, identify click injection, and validate post-install events.
This multi-category coverage makes TrafficGuard the natural choice for companies whose marketing mix spans multiple acquisition models. A sports betting operator running Google Search campaigns, affiliate partnerships, and mobile app install campaigns can protect all three through a single platform. No other tool in this comparison offers that breadth.
The sports betting and iGaming vertical is a particular strength. TrafficGuard's own data shows gaming recording the highest average IVT rate of any industry. The company specifically highlights the volume of ad spend protected for sports betting operators, and CEO Mathew Ratty regularly publishes insights on navigating the sports betting marketing landscape.
How TrafficGuard Detects Invalid Traffic: The Technical Engine
TrafficGuard's detection philosophy is described by the company as "surgical" — relying on statistical invalidation rather than blanket blocking. The platform analyzes every impression, click, conversion, and post-conversion event to identify fraud at its earliest reliable point of detection.
The engine uses machine learning algorithms that create cumulative data loops — patterns identified across thousands of campaigns feed back into the model, improving detection accuracy over time. The system differentiates between General Invalid Traffic (GIVT) — known bots, data center traffic, and crawlers — and Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT) — click farms, device hijacking, attribution fraud, and human-mimicking bots.
A critical technical distinction: TrafficGuard blocks fraud proactively, before it drains budgets, rather than detecting it retroactively and reporting on losses. The company emphasizes this as a fundamental difference from tools that identify invalid clicks after they have already been charged. When TrafficGuard detects an invalid interaction, it blocks the source in real time across connected campaigns.
For PPC campaigns, the system monitors every click against behavioral models, IP reputation, device fingerprinting, and geographic signals. For Performance Max specifically, TrafficGuard integrates with Google's 2025 channel-level reporting, search terms insights, and asset metrics to provide visibility into click sources and fraud patterns that P-Max's automated bidding obscures by design.
For affiliate campaigns, the detection extends to attribution hijacking (where a partner steals credit with last-second redirects), cookie stuffing (where cookies are dropped without genuine engagement), incentivized installs (where users are paid to install rather than having genuine interest), and postback manipulation. The platform validates the entire journey from click to conversion, not just the last-touch attribution point.
For mobile app campaigns, TrafficGuard provides three layers of protection that block both GIVT and SIVT, identifying click injection, SDK spoofing, device farms, and incent fraud before they contaminate attribution data.
The platform's investigative research has also uncovered fraud patterns that go beyond individual campaigns. TrafficGuard's team discovered that Google Search Partner fraud has infiltrated the app ecosystem — Google Play Store apps with no search functionality are generating Search Partner and P-Max search queries, costing advertisers money on completely fraudulent inventory. This kind of systemic investigation adds value beyond simple per-click protection.
Features and Platform Coverage
TrafficGuard's feature set is organized around its four protection categories.
PPC Protection (Google Search)
Monitors Google Ads traffic in real time, automatically blacklisting sources of invalid traffic. The system provides a Detection Graph that acts as a live IVT radar, showing detection rate, prevention rate, and blocked IVT in real time. Topline widgets show budget saved, estimated additional conversions possible from reallocated spend, and potential exposure avoided from blocked IPs.
Performance Max Shield
A specialized module for P-Max campaigns. It includes shadow campaigns that provide transparency into Google's black-box allocation, negative targeting signals that eliminate fraud at the audience level, and AI-powered analytics that filter low-value signals to keep Google's automation targeting real customers. Invalid traffic wastes up to 14% of ad spend across P-Max's Search, YouTube, and Display channels according to TrafficGuard's data.
Affiliate Protection
Provides click-level attribution and domain-level intelligence across the entire affiliate journey. The system identifies unapproved traffic sources, suspicious referral methods, and rule-breaking partners. It integrates with major affiliate management platforms (AMPs) including Impact, and provides automated conversion reversals or reconciliation lists for other platforms. Protection covers attribution hijacking, cookie stuffing, bonus abuse, incentivized installs, and geographic mismatching.
Mobile App Protection
Validates installs, in-app events, re-engagements, and uninstalls across iOS and Android. The system integrates with mobile measurement platforms including Adjust, Kochava, AppMetrica, Affise, Metrix, and Partnerize.
Transparency Reports
A distinctive feature. TrafficGuard generates detailed reports that can be used for Google Ads refund requests, showing exactly which clicks were invalid, why they were blocked, and the associated cost. Multiple reviewers cite the ability to recover Google Ads credits — one agency reported receiving over $1,000 in credits from a single appeal supported by TrafficGuard data. This is a tangible, measurable ROI that goes beyond the implicit savings of blocking fraud.
IVT Calculator
A public tool backed by data from 10,000 advertisers that lets anyone estimate their wasted spend from invalid traffic before signing up. This kind of pre-sale transparency is rare in the market and reinforces TrafficGuard's positioning around visibility and trust.
Setup, Dashboard, and Daily Operations
Setup is fast and straightforward. Multiple reviewers across Capterra, Software Advice, and GetApp confirm that integration takes minutes and requires minimal technical expertise. The platform connects to Google Ads via API, and a JavaScript tracking tag is added to the website for session-level analysis.
The dashboard provides a centralized view across all protected campaigns, with the Detection Graph serving as the primary monitoring interface. The system processes data in real time and provides clear visual indicators of protection status. Users can drill down to campaign-level, keyword-level, and individual click-level detail.
Reviewers consistently describe the dashboard as clear and functional. One Capterra reviewer noted that TrafficGuard provides broader analysis points than Google Ads-only detection platforms. Another described the real-time visibility as genuinely useful for understanding where invalid traffic originates.
There are, however, some UX criticisms worth noting. One reviewer flagged that the global date filter resets when changing pages — a minor but recurring annoyance during daily use. Another noted that the free trial does not adequately demonstrate the full capability of the software, suggesting that summary features or a more guided onboarding would help new users understand the platform's potential faster. A reviewer specifically wished for video tutorials to better understand all functionalities.
The enterprise tier includes a dedicated success manager who provides hands-on optimization and tailored exclusion strategies. This level of support elevates the experience from software-as-a-service to a managed partnership, which is particularly valuable for agencies and large advertisers managing complex multi-channel campaigns.
Pricing: What TrafficGuard Costs in 2026
TrafficGuard's pricing is the most transparent and accessible in the mid-to-enterprise tier of this market.
Free Detection Plan
Free
Up to $2,500/mo Google Ads spend
- Live traffic monitoring, real-time analytics
- Single domain, single ad account, up to 10 users
- No time limit — genuine free product
Protect
2% of ad spend
Any budget level
- Everything in free tier + automated blocking
- Real-time invalid traffic blocking
- No long-term commitment
Enterprise
Custom
- Unlimited users and ad accounts
- Dedicated success manager
- Performance Max Shield, Smart Bid Optimizer
- Advanced IP hardening, enterprise dashboard
Mobile App and Affiliate solutions are priced separately based on the number of events (clicks, installs, events, conversions) monitored. Payment is available monthly or as an upfront annual payment at a discounted rate. TrafficGuard is also available through Google Cloud Marketplace, with 100% of fees contributing to Google Cloud committed spend — a meaningful procurement advantage for organizations with existing Google Cloud commitments.
The 2% of ad spend model is elegant in its simplicity. For an advertiser spending $10,000 per month on Google Ads, TrafficGuard costs $200 per month. If the platform saves even 5% of ad spend from invalid traffic (conservative relative to the 8.51% industry average), that is $500 per month in recovered budget against a $200 cost — a 2.5x return before accounting for improved conversion rates from cleaner data.
The combination of a free tier, percentage-based pricing, and no minimum contract makes TrafficGuard the most accessible mid-tier tool for advertisers who want to start small and grow.
What Users Actually Say: Verified Review Analysis
We analyzed verified reviews across Capterra, G2, Software Advice, and GetApp. TrafficGuard has a smaller review volume than ClickCease or Lunio (18 verified reviews on GetApp), which limits the statistical significance of aggregate ratings but provides detailed qualitative feedback from committed users.
What users love
- Transparency is the dominant theme. Multiple reviewers specifically highlight that TrafficGuard shows exactly what is invalid and why. One agency reviewer stated that they could see it was only stopping fraud, not blocking real traffic — a distinction that builds trust with clients. Another confirmed that the detailed reporting enabled a successful Google Ads refund appeal resulting in over $1,000 in credits.
- The balance between protection and false-positive avoidance earns strong praise. One reviewer specifically compared TrafficGuard favorably against other tools that were "very aggressive and blocked lots of real traffic." TrafficGuard's surgical approach — statistical invalidation rather than blanket blocking — means advertisers can trust that genuine customers are not being turned away.
- Ease of setup is a consistent positive. Reviewers describe the integration as simple, fast, and immediately valuable. The low barrier to entry through the free tier lets agencies test the platform on client campaigns without budget commitment.
- The support team earns strong marks, particularly for the enterprise tier. Multiple reviewers describe the team as knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely engaged. One reviewer noted that the TrafficGuard team helped identify that client ads were being triggered by VPN users, providing actionable intelligence beyond simple blocking.
What users criticize
- The review volume is notably low. With 18 verified reviews on GetApp and similar numbers across other platforms, TrafficGuard has significantly less social proof than competitors like ClickCease (500+ Trustpilot reviews) or ClickPatrol (4.9/5 on G2). This may reflect TrafficGuard's enterprise and agency focus, where fewer clients generate less review volume — but it means potential buyers have less peer validation to reference.
- The free tier, while generous, does not adequately demonstrate the platform's full capabilities according to multiple reviewers. One specifically requested summary features that show what the software can provide, noting that alerts about known data centers are useful but lack context without the underlying IP lists.
- Facebook/Meta Ads integration was flagged as missing by at least one reviewer, though TrafficGuard's pricing page now references Meta protection in its enterprise tier.
- Dashboard UX has minor friction points — the global date filter reset across pages, limited video tutorials, and a desire for deeper self-service exploration tools. Customer support for the free version is reportedly limited.
How TrafficGuard Compares to the Competition
| Feature | TrafficGuard | ClickPatrol | ClickCease | CHEQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 | — |
| Free Tier / Trial | ✓ Free detection ($2,500 spend) | 7-day trial | 7-day trial | — |
| Affiliate + Mobile Protection | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Transparency / Refund Reports | ✓ Click-level reasons | — | — | — |
| Starting Price | Free, then 2% ad spend | €59/mo | $63/mo | Custom |
Against ClickPatrol — ClickPatrol operates at the click level with 800+ data points per click and a four-module protection suite (ads, forms, audiences, data). TrafficGuard operates at the journey level, analyzing impressions, clicks, conversions, and events. ClickPatrol has stronger user reviews (4.9/5 on G2) and more transparent flat-rate pricing (€59/mo). TrafficGuard has broader channel coverage and the unique advantage of affiliate and mobile app protection. For SMBs focused on Google Ads, ClickPatrol is simpler and better reviewed. For advertisers with complex acquisition models spanning search, affiliate, and mobile, TrafficGuard is the only single-platform option.
Against ClickCease — ClickCease has the larger install base and includes session recordings and AdSpy competitive intelligence. TrafficGuard has deeper detection methodology, better transparency reporting, and the free tier. ClickCease pricing starts at $63/month; TrafficGuard's percentage model may be cheaper or more expensive depending on ad spend. The key differentiator: TrafficGuard provides click-level invalidation reasons that support refund claims, while ClickCease focuses on blocking volume.
Against CHEQ — Both target multi-channel protection, but CHEQ is the full enterprise security platform covering forms, on-site defense, and privacy compliance. TrafficGuard is focused specifically on advertising verification and fraud prevention. CHEQ has a larger network effect (6 trillion signals daily vs. 3 trillion data points monthly). TrafficGuard is more accessible — free tier, transparent pricing, no enterprise procurement required. For organizations where ad fraud is the primary concern, TrafficGuard delivers comparable protection at a fraction of CHEQ's cost and complexity.
Against Lunio — Lunio produces superior industry research and has stronger G2 ratings. TrafficGuard has more transparent pricing, a free tier, and broader channel coverage (affiliate, mobile app). Lunio's billing and cancellation practices have drawn criticism; TrafficGuard's no-commitment structure avoids this entirely. Lunio is stronger for P-Max signal optimization specifically. TrafficGuard is stronger for advertisers who also run affiliate programs or mobile app campaigns.
Privacy and Compliance
TrafficGuard operates on Google Cloud infrastructure, which provides SOC 2 compliance, data residency options, and enterprise-grade security. The platform is built with privacy as a consideration, using behavioral analytics and statistical methods rather than personal data tracking.
The platform's transparency model — showing exactly what was blocked and why — provides an audit trail that is valuable for compliance-conscious organizations. For regulated industries like sports betting and financial services, the ability to demonstrate that ad spend was verified and fraud was prevented creates documentation that supports both marketing efficiency and regulatory compliance.
TrafficGuard integrates with Google Ads, Google Cloud, Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, Segment, and major mobile measurement and affiliate management platforms including Adjust, Affise, AppMetrica, Kochava, Metrix, Partnerize, and Impact.
The Verdict: Should You Use TrafficGuard?
The four-category coverage (search, P-Max, affiliate, mobile) makes it uniquely suited for organizations whose acquisition models span multiple channels. The free tier and percentage-based pricing make it the most accessible mid-tier tool for advertisers who want to grow into protection gradually.
It is the right choice for agencies managing diverse client portfolios that include search, affiliate, and mobile app campaigns. For sports betting and iGaming operators facing the highest IVT rates in any industry. For advertisers who need click-level transparency reports to support Google Ads refund requests. For organizations with Google Cloud commitments who want procurement synergies. For small advertisers who want to start with free detection and upgrade when ready.
It is not the right choice if you need the deepest AI-driven detection without any manual review — ClickPatrol or CHEQ may have stronger automated engines. If your ad spend exceeds $250,000 per month and the 2% model becomes cost-prohibitive relative to fixed-rate alternatives. If you need extensive social proof from hundreds of verified reviews before committing. If Meta, TikTok, or LinkedIn protection is a primary requirement at the SMB tier.
Start with the free detection plan to see your actual invalid traffic exposure. The data will tell you whether paid protection is justified — and TrafficGuard trusts you enough to let the data speak first.
Start with free detection at trafficguard.ai — no credit card, no contract, no commitment.
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This review was independently researched and written for ClickFraudTool.com. TrafficGuard did not sponsor, review, or approve this content prior to publication. All feature, review, and company data is current as of February 2026.