Control D alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Control D: main plans are now aimed at businesses, and full service needs a paid plan after the trial. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Control D, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. NextDNS currently ranks first.
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Show all 4 alternativesThe best Control D alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Control D alternative for most people
NextDNSSimpler hosted DNS filtering with a generous free tier for individuals.
Best Control D alternative for a free option
Quad9Free non-profit resolver blocking malicious domains, no account needed.
Best Control D alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
AdGuard DNSHosted DNS filtering with family features and a free Starter plan.
Best Control D alternative for Mac
NextDNSSimpler hosted DNS filtering with a generous free tier for individuals.
Best Control D alternative for Windows
NextDNSSimpler hosted DNS filtering with a generous free tier for individuals.
Best Control D alternative for Linux
NextDNSSimpler hosted DNS filtering with a generous free tier for individuals.
Best Control D alternative for iPhone and Android
NextDNSSimpler hosted DNS filtering with a generous free tier for individuals.
Best Control D alternative for working in the browser
NextDNSSimpler hosted DNS filtering with a generous free tier for individuals.
Control D alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Control D?
NextDNS ranks first right now. Simpler hosted DNS filtering with a generous free tier for individuals. AdGuard DNS and Quad9 follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Control D?
Yes. NextDNS (free plan + paid), AdGuard DNS (free plan + paid), Quad9 (free) and AdGuard Home (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Control D?
Yes: AdGuard Home. AdGuard Home can also be self-hosted.
Which Control D alternatives work on Linux?
NextDNS, AdGuard DNS, Quad9 and AdGuard Home run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Control D?
The complaints we hear most: main plans are now aimed at businesses; full service needs a paid plan after the trial; DNS-level blocking can't catch same-domain ads.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Control D, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.