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NextDNS

Cloud DNS firewall that blocks ads, trackers and threats on every device, with a generous free tier.

Free plan + paidAd and tracker blockers
Visit NextDNSSee 5 alternatives
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About NextDNS

NextDNS is a hosted DNS service that works like a Pi-hole in the cloud. You create a configuration, choose blocklists, security protections and parental controls, and point your devices or router at it; ads, trackers and malicious domains are then blocked in browsers and apps everywhere, including on mobile networks. Features include native tracking protection for operating-system telemetry, detection of trackers disguised as first-party domains, analytics and logs you can turn off, and per-device identification. Setup works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, routers and browsers through encrypted DNS. The free plan includes all features up to 300,000 queries a month, after which it keeps resolving without blocking; paid plans for individuals, businesses and schools remove the limit. It cannot block same-domain ads, and you are trusting NextDNS with your query data.

Best for: People who want Pi-hole-style blocking on all devices without running a server.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Works everywhere, including on mobile data
  • All features available on the free plan
  • Very cheap paid plan with unlimited queries

Why people leave

  • 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

Top NextDNS alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1AdGuard DNS logo
    AdGuard DNS

    Comparable hosted DNS filtering with parental screen-time schedules.

    66.5
  2. 2Control D logo
    Control D

    Hosted DNS filtering with more emphasis on business device management.

    62.6
  3. 3Pi-hole logo
    Pi-hole

    Self-host it for free and keep all query data at home.

    59.6
  4. 4AdGuard Home logo
    AdGuard Home

    Free self-hosted equivalent with a polished dashboard.

    57.2
  5. 5Rethink DNS logo
    Rethink DNS

    Free open-source DNS blocking plus a firewall on Android.

    55.3

Why people left NextDNS

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from NextDNS, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

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NextDNS: common questions

Is NextDNS free?

NextDNS has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: 300,000 queries/month (checked on NextDNS's own site).

Is NextDNS open source?

No, NextDNS is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Pi-hole, AdGuard Home and Rethink DNS.

What platforms does NextDNS run on?

NextDNS is available for Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

What are the best alternatives to NextDNS?

The highest-ranked NextDNS alternatives right now are AdGuard DNS, Control D and Pi-hole. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 NextDNS alternatives