dnsmasq Alternatives for Windows

dnsmasq is not available for Windows but there are some alternatives that runs on Windows with similar functionality. The best Windows alternative is AdGuard, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 10 alternatives to dnsmasq and nine of them are available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to dnsmasq are NextDNS, Acrylic DNS Proxy, Technitium DNS Server and YogaDNS.

dnsmasq alternatives are mainly Ad Blockers but may also be VPN Services or DNS Resolvers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of dnsmasq.

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dnsmasq

Free • Open Source
Linux

Dnsmasq is a lightweight, easy to configure DNS forwarder and DHCP server. It is designed to provide DNS and, optionally,...

Learn more about dnsmasq

AdGuard
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Ad Blocker
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Vivaldi Browser
Google Chrome
Safari
Yandex.Browser
Opera
Firefox
101 alternatives to AdGuard
AdGuard is the best way to get rid of intrusive ads and online tracking, and to protect your computer from malware. Make your web surfing faster, safer and more comfortable with AdGuard!.
Suggest and vote on features
AdGuard Features
1. Block TrackersAdGuard has a feature to block trackers from tracking you.
2. Dark ModeAdGuard supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in AdGuard without registration.
Built-in Ad-blocker
DNS over HTTPS
Pop up blocker
DNS-over-TLS
Custom DNS
AdGuard vs dnsmasq opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
Taurolyon
dnsmasq is a configurable DNS forwarder, DHCP, and BOOTP/TFTP server. AdGuard is an adblocking service.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
Dnsmasq is a DNS service, and AdGuard is an adblocker. Completely different things
Negative comment•
0

Guest
One is a DNS server, the other is SPYWARE / REMOVER. Not even close.
Negative comment•
1

Guest
dnsmasq is far more configurable and supports custom DNS servers and host based blocklists.
Negative comment•
-1
NextDNS
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Ad Blocker
DNS Resolver
Anti-Malware App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
BSD
iPad
UC Browser
Vivaldi Browser
Google Chrome
Ubiquiti UniFi
Safari
Yandex.Browser
Software as a Service (SaaS)
OpenWrt
Opera
Alpine Linux
pfSense
Firefox
DD-WRT
124 alternatives to NextDNS
NextDNS protects you from all kinds of security threats, blocks ads and trackers on websites and in apps and provides a safe and supervised Internet for kids — on all devices and on all networks.
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NextDNS Features
1. No LogsNextDNS doesn't keep any logs of your activities.
2. Privacy focusedNextDNS is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Block TrackersNextDNS has a feature to block trackers from tracking you.
4. Malware AnalysisNextDNS can inspect a suspicious file or URL to detect potential threats.
5. Distraction-freeNextDNS has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
6. Ad-freeNextDNS doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
DNS Server
DNS over HTTPS
DNS-over-TLS
Real-time analytics
Data analytics
DNSSEC
Customizable
Dns
Acrylic DNS Proxy
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Windows
10 alternatives to Acrylic DNS Proxy
Acrylic is a local DNS proxy for Windows which improves the performance of your computer by caching the responses coming from your DNS servers and helps you fight unwanted ads through a custom HOSTS file.
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Acrylic DNS Proxy Features
DNS Proxy
DNS Server
Custom DNS
Dns leak blockage
DNS Caching
DNS over HTTPS
Acrylic DNS Proxy vs dnsmasq opinions
Most users think Acrylic DNS Proxy is a great alternative to dnsmasq.
Technitium DNS Server
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Ad Blocker
Mac
Windows
Linux
19 alternatives to Technitium DNS Server
Technitium DNS Server is an open source tool that can be used as a personal local DNS server for privacy & security. It includes Ad blocking feature combined with DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-HTTPS support.
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Technitium DNS Server Features
1. PortableTechnitium DNS Server can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
DHCP Server
Configurable
DNS Server
Custom DNS
Graphical User Interface
DNS Proxy
Website testing
Technitium DNS Server vs dnsmasq opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
onyo
dnsmasq can only forward DNS queries, Technitium also has the option to resolve them itself

Both offer a built-in DHCP Server. Even if you use an external DHCP server, you can tell the Technitium authoritative DNS server about the LAN hostnames, provided that your external DHCP server supports "Dynamic DNS Updates [RFC 2136]".
Positive comment•
0
YogaDNS
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
DNS Resolver
Windows
9 alternatives to YogaDNS
YogaDNS automatically intercepts DNS requests at the system level and allows you to process them over user-defined DNS servers using modern protocols and flexible rules.
Suggest and vote on features
YogaDNS Features
Dns leak blockage
DNS Caching
Encrypted Connection
DNS over HTTPS
DNSSEC
Dns
DNS Proxy
DNS Server
DNS filter
Anti Tampering
AdGuard Home
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Ad Blocker
Mac
Windows
Linux
Self-Hosted
FreeBSD
Raspberry Pi
Cloudron
8 alternatives to AdGuard Home
AdGuard Home is a network-wide software for blocking ads & tracking. After you set it up, it'll cover ALL your home devices, and you don't need any client-side software for that.
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AdGuard Home Features
DNS Proxy
Customizable
DNS Server
AdGuard Home vs dnsmasq opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
dnsmasq is a service for confiruing DNS requests. ADGuard is a browser tool for blocking ads. One is a low level protocol, the other is a client-facing application. Not remotely the same. Seems like spam / advertising
Negative comment•
3

Taurolyon
AdGuard is closer in comparison to Pihole. dnsmasq is a completely different animal.
Negative comment•
0
MaraDNS
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
11 alternatives to MaraDNS
MaraDNS implements the Domain Name System (DNS), an essential internet service. MaraDNS is open source software: This means that anyone is free to download, use, and modify the program free of charge, as per its license.
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MaraDNS Features
DNS Server
dns2socks
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
6 alternatives to dns2socks
DNS2SOCKS is a command line utility running to forward DNS requests to a DNS server via a SOCKS tunnel.
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dns2socks Features
DNS Proxy
Add a screenshot
PaladinVPN
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
VPN Service
VPN Client
Windows
189 alternatives to PaladinVPN
PaladinVPN - 100% Unlimited Free VPN Proxy.
Suggest and vote on features
PaladinVPN Features
1. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in PaladinVPN without registration.
2. End-to-End EncryptionPaladinVPN has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedPaladinVPN is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. OpenVPNPaladinVPN supports OpenVPN, one of the most secure and reliable VPN protocols.
5. AES-256 EncryptionPaladinVPN has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
6. Anonymous ProxyPaladinVPN protects your personal information by hiding your device identifying information.
7. No LogsPaladinVPN doesn't keep any logs of your activities.
8. No TrackingPaladinVPN will not track you or use your personal data.
9. LightweightPaladinVPN consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
WireGuard
Ad-free