Quad9 alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Quad9: does not block ads or most trackers, and no custom blocklists or dashboard. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Quad9, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. NextDNS currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best Quad9 alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Quad9 alternative for most people
NextDNSAdds ad and tracker blocking, custom lists and analytics on top of security filtering.
Best Quad9 alternative for a free option
Pi-holeAdd ad blocking locally while keeping Quad9 as the upstream resolver.
Best Quad9 alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
AdGuard DNSHosted DNS that blocks ads and trackers as well as threats.
Best Quad9 alternative for open source
Pi-holeAdd ad blocking locally while keeping Quad9 as the upstream resolver.
Best Quad9 alternative for self-hosting
Pi-holeAdd ad blocking locally while keeping Quad9 as the upstream resolver.
Best Quad9 alternative for Mac
Control DConfigurable DNS filtering with category blocking and device management.
Best Quad9 alternative for Windows
NextDNSAdds ad and tracker blocking, custom lists and analytics on top of security filtering.
Best Quad9 alternative for Linux
NextDNSAdds ad and tracker blocking, custom lists and analytics on top of security filtering.
Best Quad9 alternative for iPhone and Android
NextDNSAdds ad and tracker blocking, custom lists and analytics on top of security filtering.
Best Quad9 alternative for working in the browser
NextDNSAdds ad and tracker blocking, custom lists and analytics on top of security filtering.
Quad9 alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Quad9?
NextDNS ranks first right now. Adds ad and tracker blocking, custom lists and analytics on top of security filtering. AdGuard DNS and Control D follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Quad9?
Yes. NextDNS (free plan + paid), AdGuard DNS (free plan + paid) and Pi-hole (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Quad9?
Yes: Pi-hole. Pi-hole can also be self-hosted.
Which Quad9 alternatives work on Linux?
NextDNS, AdGuard DNS, Control D and Pi-hole run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Quad9?
The complaints we hear most: does not block ads or most trackers; no custom blocklists or dashboard; protection depends on threat feeds catching new domains.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Quad9, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.