NextDNS alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave NextDNS: free plan stops blocking after 300,000 queries a month, and DNS queries are handled by a third party. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces NextDNS, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. AdGuard DNS currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best NextDNS alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best NextDNS alternative for most people
AdGuard DNSComparable hosted DNS filtering with parental screen-time schedules.
Best NextDNS alternative for a free option
Pi-holeSelf-host it for free and keep all query data at home.
Best NextDNS alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
AdGuard DNSComparable hosted DNS filtering with parental screen-time schedules.
Best NextDNS alternative for open source
AdGuard HomeFree self-hosted equivalent with a polished dashboard.
Best NextDNS alternative for self-hosting
Pi-holeSelf-host it for free and keep all query data at home.
Best NextDNS alternative for Mac
Control DHosted DNS filtering with more emphasis on business device management.
Best NextDNS alternative for Windows
AdGuard DNSComparable hosted DNS filtering with parental screen-time schedules.
Best NextDNS alternative for Linux
AdGuard DNSComparable hosted DNS filtering with parental screen-time schedules.
Best NextDNS alternative for iPhone and Android
AdGuard DNSComparable hosted DNS filtering with parental screen-time schedules.
Best NextDNS alternative for working in the browser
Rethink DNSFree open-source DNS blocking plus a firewall on Android.
NextDNS alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to NextDNS?
AdGuard DNS ranks first right now. Comparable hosted DNS filtering with parental screen-time schedules. Control D and Pi-hole follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to NextDNS?
Yes. AdGuard DNS (free plan + paid), Pi-hole (open source), AdGuard Home (open source) and Rethink DNS (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to NextDNS?
Yes: Pi-hole, AdGuard Home and Rethink DNS. Pi-hole and AdGuard Home can also be self-hosted.
Which NextDNS alternatives work on Linux?
AdGuard DNS, Control D, Pi-hole and AdGuard Home run on Linux.
Why do people switch from NextDNS?
The complaints we hear most: free plan stops blocking after 300,000 queries a month; DNS queries are handled by a third party; can't remove ads served from the same domain as content.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces NextDNS, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.