PPC Protect rebranded to Lunio in September 2022. This was not an acquisition or a merger. The same company, team, and technology continued under a new name. The rebrand coincided with a GBP 14 million Series A funding round led by Smedvig Capital. If you visit ppcprotect.com, it redirects to lunio.ai. All existing PPC Protect accounts transitioned to Lunio automatically.
Last updated: April 2026
Table of Contents
- First: PPC Protect is now Lunio
- TL;DR: What are the best PPC Protect (Lunio) alternatives in 2026?
- What is Lunio (formerly PPC Protect)? (Short review)
- Why do people look for a PPC Protect / Lunio alternative?
- The 7 best PPC Protect (Lunio) alternatives compared
- 1. ClickPatrol: Best for GDPR-compliant, multi-layer protection
- 2. ClickCease (CHEQ Essentials): Best for competitive intelligence and session recordings
- 3. TrafficGuard: Best for mobile fraud detection and APAC markets
- 4. ClickGuard: Best for advanced customization and granular control
- 5. Fraud0: Best for privacy-first analytics cleansing
- 6. Fraud Blocker: Best for budget-conscious advertisers
- 7. Clixtell: Best for local service businesses needing call tracking + fraud protection
- Feature comparison: all PPC Protect (Lunio) alternatives at a glance
- How do you choose the right click fraud protection tool?
- Conclusion: which PPC Protect alternative is right for you?
First: PPC Protect is now Lunio
If you are searching for PPC Protect alternatives, you should know that PPC Protect no longer exists as a separate product. The company rebranded to Lunio in September 2022. This was not an acquisition or a merger. The same team, the same technology, and the same UK headquarters simply adopted a new name. If you visit ppcprotect.com today, it redirects to lunio.ai.
The rebrand coincided with a GBP 14 million Series A funding round led by Smedvig Capital. PPC Protect, which had focused primarily on Google Ads click fraud detection since its founding in mid-2016, expanded its scope under the Lunio name to cover 15+ ad platforms using AI-powered behavioral fingerprinting. Nick Morley became CEO in December 2024.
So when you search for “PPC Protect alternatives,” you are really searching for Lunio alternatives. This article reviews Lunio (what PPC Protect became) and compares it against 7 alternatives that may better fit your needs depending on your budget, ad platforms, and priorities.
TL;DR: What are the best PPC Protect (Lunio) alternatives in 2026?
The best alternatives to Lunio (formerly PPC Protect) are ClickPatrol (best overall value at EUR 59/mo with transparent pricing and four protection modules), ClickCease (best for competitive intelligence with session recordings and AdSpy), and ClickGuard (best for advanced customization with 50+ configurable rules). For mobile app fraud, TrafficGuard is the only serious option. Budget-conscious advertisers should consider Fraud Blocker ($69/mo). For privacy-first analytics cleansing, Fraud0 stands out. And for the broadest platform coverage, Clixtell offers a unique three-in-one bundle at $50/month.
What is Lunio (formerly PPC Protect)? (Short review)
Lunio is a UK-based invalid traffic protection platform originally founded in 2016 as PPC Protect in Chorley, United Kingdom. After raising GBP 14 million in Series A funding from Smedvig Capital in September 2022, the company rebranded to Lunio to reflect its expanded scope beyond Google Ads. Today, Lunio uses a self-learning AI algorithm to detect and block fraudulent clicks across 15+ ad platforms. The company claims to protect 35,000+ Google Ads accounts across 130 countries and holds ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications.
Where does Lunio excel?
- Broadest platform coverage in its class. Lunio supports 15+ ad platforms including Google Ads, Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Reddit, Snapchat, and Pinterest. Few mid-market tools come close to this breadth.
- Cross-channel intelligence. When Lunio detects an invalid IP on one platform, it automatically excludes that IP across all connected platforms. This compounding effect strengthens protection over time and is Lunio’s strongest differentiator.
- Performance Max optimization. Lunio’s P-Max Signal Optimization cleans the invalid signals feeding Google’s automated bidding algorithms. This is particularly valuable for advertisers who rely heavily on PMax campaigns.
- Hands-off automation. Setup takes about 5 minutes, and the platform runs autonomously with minimal ongoing management.
- Industry research credibility. Lunio publishes the annual Global Invalid Traffic Report (2.7 billion clicks analyzed in 2026, showing an 8.51% global IVT rate), which is widely cited across the industry.
- GBP 14M in funding. The Series A backing from Smedvig Capital provides financial stability and resources for continued product development. This is more funding than most competitors in the click fraud space.
Where does Lunio fall short?
- Opaque pricing. Lunio does not publish pricing on its website. You must contact sales for a custom quote based on your ad spend. Multiple G2 and Capterra reviewers flag this as a frustration, especially when comparing options.
- Billing and cancellation friction. One Capterra reviewer reported: “No cancellation option exists in the dashboard, no billing controls are available, and support did not respond to multiple termination requests, forcing the user to escalate through their bank to block Stripe charges.”
- No automated Microsoft Ads blocking. Lunio can detect invalid traffic on Microsoft Ads but cannot automatically block IPs on the platform. For advertisers running significant Bing campaigns, this is a real gap.
- Dashboard needs work. ClickFraudTool (2026) scores Lunio’s dashboard and UX at 7.0/10, calling it “functional but dated compared to newer competitors.”
- Diminishing returns after initial cleanup. G2 reviewer Troy S. noted: “After the initial cleanup, and all those bad actors have been permanently banned, I don’t see huge savings anymore.” This raises questions about long-term value, especially with hidden pricing.
- Optimized for larger budgets. Lunio’s custom pricing model and feature set work best for advertisers spending $10K to $250K/month. Smaller advertisers may find better value elsewhere.
“No cancellation option exists in the dashboard, no billing controls are available, and support did not respond to multiple termination requests.” – Verified reviewer, Capterra
“From day one, the support we’ve had from Lunio has been absolutely first class.” – Paul Oates, Head of Performance Media, Sykes Cottages
Why do people look for a PPC Protect / Lunio alternative?
Many advertisers searching for “PPC Protect alternatives” are former PPC Protect users who may not have followed the rebrand, or people who heard about PPC Protect but now encounter Lunio instead. Others are actively comparing Lunio against competitors. Based on reviews across G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot, the most common reasons for exploring alternatives fall into five categories.
1. Hidden pricing creates comparison friction. Lunio requires a sales conversation before you can see the cost. For PPC managers who need to compare three tools quickly and present options to a client or stakeholder, this is a significant obstacle. Competitors like ClickPatrol, ClickCease, and Fraud Blocker publish all pricing publicly.
2. Billing and cancellation concerns. The Capterra review about being unable to cancel through the dashboard or support is a red flag for advertisers who want self-serve control over their subscription.
3. Microsoft Ads gap. Lunio detects invalid traffic on Microsoft Ads but does not auto-block. For multi-platform advertisers running Google, Meta, and Bing, this means a third of their PPC coverage lacks automated protection.
4. No form or lead protection. Lunio focuses on invalid traffic detection at the ad click level. It does not offer a dedicated module for blocking fake form submissions or cleaning CRM data from bot-generated leads.
5. Diminishing ROI over time. Multiple reviewers note that Lunio provides strong initial value by cleaning up existing fraud, but ongoing savings diminish as the initial backlog of bad actors gets blocked. Combined with hidden pricing, this raises questions about long-term cost-effectiveness for some advertisers.
The 7 best PPC Protect (Lunio) alternatives compared
1. ClickPatrol: Best for GDPR-compliant, multi-layer protection
Best for: European advertisers, agencies, and e-commerce teams who need transparent pricing, EU-native GDPR compliance, and protection that goes beyond click blocking to cover audiences, data, and forms.
ClickPatrol is a Netherlands-based click fraud protection tool that analyzes 800+ data points per click with 99.97% bot detection accuracy. Where Lunio focuses on cross-channel detection across 15+ platforms, ClickPatrol takes a different approach with four dedicated protection modules: AdProtector for real-time click blocking, AudienceProtector for filtering bots from remarketing audiences, DataProtector for keeping conversion data clean, and FormProtector for blocking fake form submissions.
Key features:
- 800+ data points analyzed per click with 99.97% bot detection accuracy
- AdProtector (real-time click blocking via Google Ads API)
- AudienceProtector (filters bots from remarketing audiences)
- DataProtector (keeps conversion data clean for bidding algorithms)
- FormProtector (blocks fake form submissions, reducing junk leads by 40-70%)
- VPN, proxy, and data center detection
- Device fingerprinting and behavioral biometrics
- Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft Ads support with automated blocking on all three
Pricing:
| Plan | Price | Clicks/month |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Insights (Free Trial) | Free for 7 days | Up to 5,000 |
| Traffic Security Starter | EUR 59/month (annual) | Up to 75,000 |
| Traffic Security PRO | EUR 69/month (annual) | Up to 75,000 |
| Agency / Brand | On request | Unlimited |
No setup costs, no lock-in contracts. 17% discount on annual billing. 7-day free trial with full feature access.
What users say:
“Within 2 weeks our ROAS improved and the fake traffic just disappeared. The price pays for itself many times over.” – E-commerce ad manager, Trustpilot (March 2026)
“ClickPatrol feels like a tool designed by people who actually understand digital marketing pain points. The UI is clean, the fraud detection is accurate, and I can prove ROI improvements quickly to stakeholders.” – James W., Head of Marketing, G2 (September 2025)
“We were losing about 15-20% of our budget to junk clicks. Competitors clicking our ads, bots, you name it. ClickPatrol was super easy to set up. Within the first week we could already see how many fraudulent clicks were being blocked.” – Dental clinic chain advertiser, Trustpilot (March 2026)
Pros:
- Published, transparent pricing (EUR 59/mo vs. Lunio’s hidden pricing)
- Four-module protection covering ads, audiences, data, and forms
- Automated Microsoft Ads blocking (Lunio offers detection only on Bing)
- EU-built and GDPR/CCPA/POPI Act compliant by design
- Sub-minute setup, no developer needed
- No lock-in contracts (cancel anytime)
- Highest independent score (9.3/10 on ClickFraudTool, Editor’s Choice)
Cons:
- Covers 3 ad platforms (Google, Meta, Microsoft) vs. Lunio’s 15+
- No native HubSpot, Salesforce, or Marketo integrations (connects via Zapier/Make)
- No cross-channel intelligence (does not share IP data across platforms automatically)
- Smaller brand presence compared to Lunio or ClickCease
- No session recordings or competitive intelligence features
Ratings: G2: ~4.9/5 | Capterra: 5.0/5 | SourceForge: 5.0/5 (51 reviews) | Trustpilot: 4.3/5 (30 reviews) | ClickFraudTool: 9.3/10
Ideal use case: A mid-size European e-commerce advertiser spending EUR 5,000 to 25,000/month on Google Ads and Meta in a competitive niche (legal, insurance, SaaS), dealing with rising CPAs and junk leads, who needs fast setup and transparent billing without the friction of a sales process.
Recommendation: ClickPatrol is the strongest alternative to Lunio for advertisers who want transparent pricing and protection that goes beyond click blocking (audiences, data, forms). The four-module approach is unique at this price point. If you advertise heavily on platforms beyond Google and Meta (TikTok, LinkedIn), Lunio’s broader coverage may be a better fit. But for most SMB and mid-market advertisers, ClickPatrol delivers more value per euro with less friction.
2. ClickCease (CHEQ Essentials): Best for competitive intelligence and session recordings
Best for: Marketers who want click fraud protection combined with competitor ad monitoring and visual session recordings in one platform.
ClickCease, now part of Israeli cybersecurity company CHEQ, is the largest click fraud tool in the SMB market with 14,000+ customers and 2M+ protected campaigns across 106 countries. It runs 2,000+ behavioral tests per visit using CHEQ’s enterprise-grade technology and includes unique features like AdSpy (competitor ad monitoring) and session recordings that Lunio does not offer.
Key features:
- 2,000+ real-time behavioral tests per visit
- Automated IP blocking within approximately 3 seconds
- Session recordings (mouse movements, scrolls, click patterns)
- AdSpy competitive intelligence (competitor ad copy, keyword tracking)
- Pixel Guard Connector (prevents ad pixels firing on invalid users)
- Google Ads refund claim assistance
- WordPress bot protection (BotZapping)
Pricing:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Websites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $84/mo | $63/mo | 1 |
| Pro | $104/mo | $78/mo | Up to 5 |
| Advanced | $124/mo | $93/mo | Up to 20 |
| Enterprise (CHEQ) | Custom | Custom | Unlimited |
7-day free trial. Annual billing required for discounted price (12-month commitment).
What users say:
“I saved more than 30% of my yearly budget for 2024-2025. The dashboards and reports are clear and easy to understand.” – Verified advertiser, Trustpilot (August 2025)
“I signed up after the pricing was presented as ‘$275/month.’ The page gave a strong month-to-month impression. Only in much smaller text was it indicated this monthly price was tied to an annual commitment.” – Verified reviewer, Trustpilot (January 2026)
Pros:
- Largest install base and brand recognition (14,000+ customers)
- AdSpy and session recordings are unique at this price point
- 2,000+ behavioral tests powered by CHEQ enterprise technology
- Google Ads refund assistance
- Published pricing (unlike Lunio)
Cons:
- Annual billing confusion (monthly prices shown, but annual commitment required)
- False positive risk with aggressive default settings
- Microsoft Ads requires manual CSV upload
- Visit-based limits count all traffic, not just ad clicks
- Google’s 500 IP exclusion limit reduces long-term effectiveness
Ratings: G2: 4.6/5 (~107 reviews) | Capterra: 4.7/5 (222 reviews) | Trustpilot: 4.4/5 (510 reviews) | ClickFraudTool: 8.5/10
Ideal use case: A digital marketing agency managing 5-15 client accounts on Google Ads that wants fraud protection plus competitor ad monitoring (AdSpy) and visual proof of fraud (session recordings) for client reporting.
Recommendation: ClickCease is a strong choice for teams that want click fraud protection plus competitive intelligence in a single platform. The session recordings and AdSpy are features neither Lunio nor ClickPatrol offer. Watch for the annual billing commitment and monitor false positive rates with default settings.
3. TrafficGuard: Best for mobile fraud detection and APAC markets
Best for: App marketers, performance agencies with mobile campaigns, and advertisers operating primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.
TrafficGuard is an ASX-listed Australian company (Adveritas Limited, ASX: AV1) that processes over 1 trillion data points monthly. Its standout strength is mobile fraud detection with native MMP integrations (Adjust, AppsFlyer, Kochava, Singular, TUNE) covering the full funnel from click to post-install events. Neither Lunio nor most other tools on this list cover mobile app fraud.
Key features:
- Full-funnel mobile fraud prevention (click, install, post-install events)
- Native MMP integrations (Adjust, AppsFlyer, Kochava, Singular, TUNE)
- Smart Bid Optimizer for intelligent CPC adjustments
- Performance Max Shield
- 200+ detection algorithms including session scoring and Reputation IQ
- Free monitoring tier for up to $2,500/mo ad spend
Pricing:
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor (Free) | $0/mo | Detection only, up to $2.5K ad spend, 1 domain |
| Shield | 2% of ad spend | Full blocking, unlimited spend, up to 5 domains |
| Scale (Enterprise) | Custom | Unlimited everything, dedicated success manager |
| Social (Meta) | From $250/mo | Meta portfolio protection |
| Mobile | From $2,500/mo | Full-funnel mobile verification |
What users say:
“TrafficGuard managed to block almost 95% of those clicks, increasing my ROI on ads.” – Gur T., Marketing Manager, SourceForge
“One of the worst click fraud services out there. The support never answer, they have a bot that sends you to a help portal.” – Verified reviewer, Trustpilot
Pros:
- Only tool with deep mobile app fraud detection (MMP integrations)
- Free forever monitoring tier (no credit card required)
- ASX-listed company (financial transparency)
- Published case studies with concrete results (William Hill: 43% invalid traffic, 4.5x ROI improvement)
Cons:
- 2% of ad spend pricing becomes expensive above $50K/month
- Support quality inconsistent (praised on SourceForge, criticized on Trustpilot)
- Meta Ads integration still maturing
- Does not support Microsoft Ads
Ratings: G2: 4.4/5 (~30 reviews) | Capterra: 4.7/5 (18 reviews) | SourceForge: 4.7/5 (89 reviews) | ClickFraudTool: 8.7/10
Ideal use case: An app-first company or performance agency running mobile campaigns across Adjust or AppsFlyer, operating in APAC markets, where mobile install fraud is the primary concern.
Recommendation: TrafficGuard is the only serious option for mobile app fraud detection with MMP integrations. The free monitoring tier removes all risk from evaluation. For desktop PPC protection, ClickPatrol or ClickCease offer better value. The 2% pricing model is fair for small accounts but gets expensive at scale.
4. ClickGuard: Best for advanced customization and granular control
Best for: Data-driven PPC managers and agencies who want maximum control over blocking rules, detection thresholds, and forensic-level click data.
ClickGuard differentiates itself through deep customization. With 50+ configurable features, a four-layer protection system (Click Forensics, Click Fraud Prevention, Post-Click Analysis, Audience Protection), and both automation and granular manual controls, it gives experienced advertisers the ability to fine-tune fraud detection per campaign. Lunio’s automation-first approach does not offer this level of granularity.
Key features:
- 50+ configurable fraud detection features
- Four-layer protection system
- Campaign-level rule customization (click thresholds, frequency caps, device types, geo-restrictions)
- Cross-campaign IP blocking
- Unlimited clicks with no overage charges on all plans
- Full click forensics with visitor-level data
Pricing:
| Plan | Monthly | Websites | Ad Spend Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | $74/mo | 1 | Up to $5K |
| Standard | $119/mo | 3 | Up to $50K |
| Pro | $159/mo | Unlimited | Up to $100K |
| Custom | Contact sales | Unlimited | Unlimited |
20% off with annual billing. 7-day free trial, no credit card required.
What users say:
“ClickGuard has the most customization options I’ve seen in any click fraud tool. I can set different rules for different campaigns and actually see the forensic data behind every blocked click.” – Verified G2 reviewer
“Setup takes about 30-45 minutes to fully configure compared to 5 minutes for simpler tools. But once it’s dialed in, the level of control is unmatched.” – Agency PPC manager, Capterra
Pros:
- Deepest customization in the market (50+ configurable features)
- Unlimited clicks on all plans (no overage fees)
- Full transparency into every blocked click (forensic data)
- Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Meta support with native automation
- Published pricing (unlike Lunio)
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve (30-45 minutes to configure)
- No session recordings or competitive intelligence
- No phone support
- Short data retention on lower tiers (1-2 months)
Ratings: G2: 4.7/5 (~30 reviews) | Capterra: 4.8/5 (~155 reviews) | Trustpilot: 4.9/5 (181 reviews) | ClickFraudTool: 8.1/10
Ideal use case: A data-savvy PPC manager at an agency handling $50K to $100K/month in ad spend across multiple clients, who wants to set custom blocking rules per campaign and needs forensic-level visibility into every blocked click for client reporting.
Recommendation: ClickGuard is the best option for teams that want full control over detection settings. The 50+ configurable features and forensic data are unmatched. Lunio’s automation-first approach is the opposite philosophy: less control, less effort. If you prefer hands-on optimization, choose ClickGuard. If you prefer hands-off automation, stay with Lunio.
5. Fraud0: Best for privacy-first analytics cleansing
Best for: European companies with strict GDPR requirements who need bot detection combined with analytics data cleansing and programmatic ad verification.
Fraud0 is a Munich-based tool founded in 2020, backed by EUR 6 million in seed funding (Signals Venture Capital, 2023) and advised by Dr. Augustine Fou, one of the leading ad fraud researchers globally. Fraud0 analyzes 4,000+ data points per visitor, more than any competitor on this list, using privacy-safe fingerprinting that requires no cookies and no consent banners.
Key features:
- 4,000+ data points per visitor (AI-powered behavioral analysis)
- Privacy-safe fingerprinting (no PII, no cookies, GDPR Art. 6(f) compliant)
- Onsite bot detection across all traffic channels
- In-ad CPM protection for programmatic campaigns (Enterprise)
- CRM enrichment (flags bot-generated form submissions)
- Google Analytics connector for clean analytics data
- Cross-platform exclusion (Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, LinkedIn)
Pricing:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | EUR 50/mo | EUR 40/mo | Up to 50K |
| Pro | EUR 150/mo | EUR 120/mo | Up to 100K |
| Enterprise | EUR 600/mo | From EUR 500/mo | From 100K+ |
7-day free trial, no credit card required.
What users say:
“A very effective tool for killing unwanted traffic to our marketing channels. Since we are using fraud0 analytics suite, we can see precisely where fraudulent and low-quality traffic is coming from and react.” – Verified reviewer, Trustpilot
Pros:
- Deepest analysis in the market (4,000+ data points per visitor)
- No cookies required: sees 100% of traffic while cookie-dependent tools miss 30-40%
- Dual onsite + in-ad protection (unique in the market)
- CRM enrichment flags bot-generated leads
- Published pricing (unlike Lunio)
Cons:
- Detection-only mode initially; blocking requires additional manual setup
- Thin review base (2 Trustpilot reviews, limited G2 volume)
- No session recordings or competitive intelligence
- Young company with primarily EU/DACH customer base
Ratings: G2: 4.9/5 (limited reviews) | Trustpilot: 3.8/5 (2 reviews) | ClickFraudTool: 8.0/10
Ideal use case: A European mid-market advertiser spending EUR 10,000-50,000/month across paid search, social, and programmatic channels who cares deeply about data quality and needs GDPR-compliant protection without cookies or consent requirements.
Recommendation: Fraud0 is the strongest choice for advertisers who prioritize data quality and privacy compliance alongside fraud protection. The 4,000+ data points and cookieless architecture are genuine differentiators. However, the thin review base means you should test carefully before committing. If you want immediate auto-blocking from day one, ClickPatrol or ClickCease are faster to get running.
6. Fraud Blocker: Best for budget-conscious advertisers
Best for: Small businesses and solo advertisers spending $2K-25K/month on Google Ads who need straightforward click fraud protection at a low price point.
Fraud Blocker is a bootstrapped, Los Angeles-based tool focused on doing the basics well at the most transparent pricing in the market. While it lacks the AI sophistication of Lunio or ClickPatrol, its proprietary fraud scoring, device fingerprinting, and automated IP blocking cover the fundamentals for smaller accounts.
Key features:
- Automated IP blocking via Google Ads API
- Proprietary fraud scoring per visitor (100+ signals)
- Device fingerprinting and VPN/proxy detection
- Conversion tag protection (prevents blocking actual customers)
- Email verification on forms (Pro+ plans)
- Savings dashboard showing estimated money saved
Pricing:
| Plan | Price | Ad Clicks | Websites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $69/mo | 5,000 | 1 |
| Pro | $109/mo | 25,000 | 50 |
| Enterprise | From $469/mo | 250,000+ | Unlimited |
20% off annual billing ($55/mo starting). 7-day free trial, no credit card required.
What users say:
“Fraud Blocker saved me $200 on $4,000 ad spend. My client is very happy with the results because he suspected many fraudulent clicks and it turned out to be correct.” – Abder-KINANE, AppSumo Member
“Saves tons of money by stopping garbage and fraudulent ad clicks. And when I needed help, I called and got great 1-on-1 help.” – Josh S., Business Owner
Pros:
- Most transparent pricing in the market (published, no sales calls)
- Lowest entry price among serious contenders ($69/mo or $55/mo annually)
- Conversion tag protection prevents false positives
- No contracts, cancel anytime
Cons:
- Small team (1-10 employees); support delays documented
- Detection relies on pattern matching, not deep behavioral AI
- Meta Ads integration still maturing
- No native Microsoft Ads automation
- No Performance Max-specific protection
Ratings: G2: 4.3/5 | AppSumo: 4.3/5 (~80 reviews) | ClickFraudTool: 7.8/10
Ideal use case: A solo advertiser or small business spending $2,000 to $10,000/month on Google Ads in a local services niche, who needs basic click fraud protection without a big budget.
Recommendation: Fraud Blocker is the most budget-friendly proven option. It handles the basics for small Google Ads accounts. If Lunio’s hidden pricing felt too enterprise-focused for your budget, Fraud Blocker gives you transparent costs from $69/month. Expect less detection depth than Lunio or ClickPatrol, but the conversion tag protection is a useful feature for preventing false positives.
7. Clixtell: Best for local service businesses needing call tracking + fraud protection
Best for: Local service businesses (dentists, plumbers, lawyers) that need click fraud protection bundled with call tracking and session recordings in one affordable platform.
Clixtell is a Tel Aviv-based tool that occupies a unique position: it is the only platform combining click fraud protection, call tracking, and session recordings in a single product. At $50/month for full protection, it is significantly cheaper than buying separate fraud and call tracking tools.
Key features:
- 24/7 click fraud detection and monitoring
- AI fraud algorithms with auto Google Ads IP exclusions
- Website video session recorder (included free with fraud plans)
- Call tracking with dynamic number insertion (keyword/campaign attribution)
- VPN and proxy detection
- Device fingerprinting and ISP detection
- Google Ads refund support with fraud evidence
- WordPress plugin and Zapier integration
Pricing:
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor | $15/mo | Detection only, 5,000 clicks, 1 domain |
| Protection | $50/mo | Full blocking + all Monitor features, 10,000 clicks |
| Agency | $75/mo | Unlimited websites + Google Ads accounts |
Add-ons: Call tracking +$10-30/mo. 14-day free trial. 20% annual discount. No contracts.
What users say:
“Easy to use and have been able to receive refunds from Google in the past 30 days that would cover my account cost for the year.” – Verified reviewer, Trustpilot (July 2025)
“Great support from their team, almost instant responses. The software is easy to use, and prices are competitive.” – Verified reviewer, Trustpilot (May 2024)
“No support for smart campaigns… what a joke company.” – Verified reviewer, Trustpilot (February 2024)
Pros:
- Only tool bundling click fraud + call tracking + session recordings
- Affordable at $50/month for full protection
- Session recordings serve as visual fraud evidence
- Call attribution shows which clicks became calls and customers
- Google Ads refund support with evidence
Cons:
- Detection engine described as “competent but not sophisticated” (ClickFraudTool)
- Smart Campaigns not supported
- Limited Microsoft Ads protection (IP blocking only)
- No LinkedIn, TikTok, or Pinterest coverage
- Small company (1-10 employees)
- No API for custom integrations
Ratings: Trustpilot: 4.1/5 (37 reviews) | SoftwareFinder: 4.8/5 (18 reviews) | FeaturedCustomers: 4.8/5 (1,570 ratings) | ClickFraudTool: 7.5/10
Ideal use case: A local service business (dental clinic, law firm, plumbing company) spending $2,000-10,000/month on Google Ads that needs click fraud protection and call tracking in one tool to prove which ad clicks turn into phone calls and which are fraudulent.
Recommendation: Clixtell is the best option if you need call tracking and fraud protection bundled together at a low price. The three-in-one approach (fraud + calls + recordings) is unique and practical for local businesses. Detection is less advanced than Lunio or ClickPatrol, but for small Google Ads accounts focused on phone leads, the combination of fraud evidence and call attribution in one dashboard is hard to beat.
Feature comparison: all PPC Protect (Lunio) alternatives at a glance
| Feature | Lunio | ClickPatrol | ClickCease | TrafficGuard | ClickGuard | Fraud0 | Fraud Blocker | Clixtell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (from) | Custom | EUR 59/mo | $63/mo (annual) | Free / 2% spend | $74/mo | EUR 50/mo | $69/mo | $50/mo |
| Pricing Published | No | Yes | Yes | Partially | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial | 14-day audit | 7 days | 7 days | Free tier | 7 days (no CC) | 7 days (no CC) | 7 days (no CC) | 14 days |
| Google Ads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| META Ads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Maturing | Yes | Yes | Maturing | Yes |
| Microsoft Ads | Detection only | Yes (automated) | Manual CSV | No | Yes (automated) | Yes | Manual | Limited |
| Other Platforms | 15+ (TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.) | DV360 | YouTube | Apple Search Ads, MMP | No | TikTok, LinkedIn | No | No |
| Detection Depth | ~100 per visitor | 800+ data points | 2,000+ tests | 200+ algorithms | 50+ rules | 4,000+ data points | 100+ signals | AI algorithms |
| Form/Lead Protection | No | Yes | No | No | No | CRM enrichment | Email verification | No |
| Session Recordings | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes (free) |
| Call Tracking | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes (add-on) |
| Mobile App Fraud | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Cross-Channel Intelligence | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes (UK) | Yes (EU-built) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (no cookies) | Yes | Yes |
| G2 Rating | 4.6/5 | ~4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A |
| ClickFraudTool Score | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
How do you choose the right click fraud protection tool?
Budget and ad spend volume
Your budget is the first filter. Clixtell ($50/mo) and Fraud Blocker ($69/mo) offer the lowest published entry prices. ClickPatrol (EUR 59/mo) provides the best value per feature at the Starter tier. ClickCease ($63/mo annual) and ClickGuard ($74/mo) sit in the mid-range. Lunio’s hidden pricing requires a sales conversation, and TrafficGuard’s 2% model scales with your spend. If you spend under $10K/month, published-price tools are typically the better fit.
Supported ad platforms
If you only run Google Ads, any tool works. For Google + Meta + Microsoft with automated blocking, ClickPatrol and ClickGuard are the only tools with native automation on all three. Lunio covers the most platforms (15+) but only detects on Microsoft Ads. For TikTok and LinkedIn, Lunio and Fraud0 offer coverage. For mobile app campaigns, TrafficGuard is the only option.
Technical setup and implementation time
ClickPatrol sets up in under a minute. ClickCease, Clixtell, and Fraud Blocker take about 5 minutes. Lunio takes about 5 minutes but requires a sales conversation first. ClickGuard needs 30-45 minutes for full configuration. Fraud0 installs quickly but starts in detection-only mode. Match the setup complexity to your team’s technical resources.
Type of threats
Different tools address different fraud types. ClickPatrol’s FormProtector handles junk leads and CRM spam. ClickCease provides visual fraud evidence via session recordings. Clixtell tracks which clicks become phone calls. TrafficGuard covers mobile install fraud. Fraud0 cleanses analytics data from bot contamination. Match the tool to your specific pain point.
Scale and growth
Solo advertisers can start with Clixtell or Fraud Blocker. Mid-market teams should look at ClickPatrol or Lunio. Agencies managing multiple clients benefit from ClickGuard (unlimited clicks, forensic data) or ClickPatrol (unlimited brands on Agency plan). If you expect growth beyond Google Ads into TikTok, LinkedIn, or programmatic, Lunio’s platform breadth becomes more valuable.
Conclusion: which PPC Protect alternative is right for you?
If you landed here searching for PPC Protect, the first step is understanding that PPC Protect is now Lunio. The product has evolved and improved since the rebrand, but it may not be the best fit for every advertiser.
There is no single “best” alternative. The right tool depends on your priorities:
- Best overall value: ClickPatrol offers four protection modules (ads, audiences, data, forms) at EUR 59/mo with transparent billing, EU-native GDPR compliance, and the highest independent score (9.3/10). It is the strongest all-round alternative for most advertisers.
- Best for competitive intelligence: ClickCease adds session recordings and AdSpy competitor monitoring on top of solid fraud detection. Choose ClickCease if visual fraud proof and competitor ad tracking matter to you.
- Best for mobile campaigns: TrafficGuard is the only tool with deep MMP integrations for mobile app fraud. Choose TrafficGuard if mobile install fraud is your primary concern.
- Best for customization: ClickGuard gives data-driven teams 50+ configurable features and forensic-level click data. Choose ClickGuard if you want maximum control over detection rules.
- Best for data quality and privacy: Fraud0 analyzes 4,000+ data points per visitor with cookieless, privacy-first detection. Choose Fraud0 if analytics cleansing and strict GDPR compliance are top priorities.
- Best for tight budgets: Fraud Blocker provides proven protection at $69/mo with the most transparent pricing and no contracts.
- Best for local businesses with phone leads: Clixtell bundles click fraud protection, call tracking, and session recordings in one affordable tool at $50/month.
Every tool on this list offers a free trial or free tier. The most effective approach is to run trials with 2-3 tools that match your priorities and compare the invalid traffic data side by side. That data will tell you which tool is catching the most fraud on your specific campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What happened to PPC Protect?
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Is Lunio the same product as PPC Protect?
Yes and no. Lunio is the same company and core technology, but it has expanded significantly since the rebrand. PPC Protect primarily covered Google Ads. Lunio now covers 15+ ad platforms with AI-powered behavioral fingerprinting, cross-channel intelligence, and Performance Max optimization. The product is more capable than PPC Protect was, but the brand and pricing model have changed.
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Why did PPC Protect change its name to Lunio?
The company said the rebrand reflected its evolution beyond PPC-only protection. “PPC Protect” implied Google Ads-focused click fraud blocking. “Lunio” (derived from the Latin word for moon) was chosen to represent the company’s broader mission of protecting all digital advertising from invalid traffic across multiple platforms. The GBP 14M Series A funding enabled this expansion.
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Is Lunio worth the money in 2026?
Lunio is a capable tool with strong multi-platform detection (15+ platforms) and a 4.6/5 G2 rating from 140 reviews. For advertisers spending $10K+ across many channels, the cross-channel intelligence provides genuine value. The main concerns are opaque pricing, no automated Microsoft Ads blocking, and reported billing/cancellation friction. Smaller advertisers may find better value with ClickPatrol (EUR 59/mo published) or Fraud Blocker ($69/mo).
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What is the cheapest PPC Protect alternative?
Clixtell starts at $15/month for monitoring and $50/month for full protection. Fraud Blocker starts at $55/month (annual). Fraud0 starts at EUR 40/month (annual). ClickPatrol starts at EUR 59/month. TrafficGuard offers a free monitoring tier for up to $2,500/month in ad spend. All of these have published pricing, unlike Lunio which requires a sales call.
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Does Lunio still support Google Ads like PPC Protect did?
Yes. Google Ads remains Lunio’s core platform. Lunio provides automated IP blocking on Google Ads, Performance Max Signal Optimization, and claims to protect 35,000+ Google Ads accounts. The expansion to 15+ platforms was in addition to, not a replacement of, Google Ads protection.
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Which PPC Protect alternative is best for agencies?
ClickGuard offers the deepest customization with multi-domain support, unlimited clicks, and forensic data for client reporting. ClickPatrol offers an Agency/Brand plan with unlimited brands and four protection modules. ClickCease Pro supports up to 5 websites with white-label reporting and AdSpy for competitor monitoring. The right choice depends on whether your priority is control (ClickGuard), value and simplicity (ClickPatrol), or competitive intelligence (ClickCease).
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Can I switch from Lunio to another tool easily?
Switching is technically straightforward. Most click fraud tools require a JavaScript snippet on your website and a Google Ads API connection. You can remove Lunio’s script and install a new tool in minutes. The potential complication is Lunio’s billing terms, which are not publicly documented. If you are under a contract, check cancellation terms before switching. ClickPatrol, ClickGuard, and Fraud Blocker all offer month-to-month billing with no lock-in, making them easier to adopt and cancel.
