NextDNS is described as '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' and is a very popular Ad Blocker in the security & privacy category. There are more than 100 alternatives to NextDNS for a variety of platforms, including iPhone, Mac, Web-based, iPad and Windows apps. The best NextDNS alternative is Pi-hole, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like NextDNS are Portmaster, AdGuard, Adblock Plus and SponsorBlock.
Blocks ads for all connected devices at the DNS layer without client setup. Provides web control, in-app ad and tracker blocking, DHCP and API support, regex filtering, privacy modes, audit logs, and long-term query analytics for network management.
The same in both purpose and method
Free, open-source privacy suite monitoring all network activity, blocking unwanted connections, using trusted filter lists for ads and malware, enforcing DNS-over-TLS, providing custom app and global rules, and supporting advanced privacy management.
Ad-blocking solution eliminating intrusive ads and preventing tracking, with malware protection. Filters pop-ups, banners, and more for clean browsing. Works in the background for ad-free surfing, protects data privacy with Spyware filter, and controls ad display in apps.
AdGuard is a good alternative but NextDNS seems more trustworthy.
AdGuard is an Adblock browser extension not a DNS service.
Adblock Plus is a free extension that allows you to - among other things - block annoying ads, disable tracking and block domains known to spread malware.
Adblock Plus is a browser extension, not a DNS.
adblock is not a DNS service itself, it only uses DNS
Just an extension, not system-wide filtering at DNS level
SponsorBlock is a browser extension and open API via crowdsource for skipping sponsor segments in YouTube videos. It's open-source. Users submit when a sponsor happens from the extension, and the extension automatically skips sponsors it knows about using a privacy...
Not a DNS-level filtering tool - just an adblocker
An OpenSnitch-inspired firewall and network monitor + a pi-hole-inspired DNS over HTTPS client with blocklists.
Like NextDNS, RethinkDNS is a DNS resolver that aim to provide a safer and more private browsing experience by offering ad-blocking and tracking protection. On the plus side it is open source and the free tier with unlimited queries. The free tier of NextDNS is limited to (I think) 300,000 queries. If you want a free and open source alternative this is it. At the time of writing, their website does state that paid plans are on their way.
RethinkDNS allows you to check if a domain is blocked or not in the lists you choose, but it doesn't allow for personalized allowlists or blocklists, nor does it have a comprehensive log (besides using the app).
Designed by CloudFlare, this DNS resolver focuses on speed and privacy, ensuring no user data is sold. Mobile apps extend protections with WARP VPN, enhancing browsing security, performance, and offering anti-malware features. Aimed at tech-savvy and general audiences alike.
A dns service - nothing else listed is
Doesn't block tracking or ads
When comparing RethinkDNS with NextDNS, I made a mistake by saying they're DNS resolvers, when I should've said DNS filters. Having said that 1.1.1.1 from CloudFlare intends to be a faster resolver. The only similarity it has with NextDNS is is to be privacy friendly, but 1.1.1.1 protections are much basic in comparison to NextDNS. However, this DNS service is very easy to get up and running, but if you want finer controls NextDNS still wins.
Cloud DNS blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains for all devices, provides real-time request stats, customizable filtering, parental controls, and a web dashboard. Compatible with routers, enables safer browsing, and ensures a privacy-focused internet experience.
Join DNS4EU, an EU initiative providing secure, private, and reliable DNS services for users across Europe.
Control D is a modern and customizable DNS service that blocks threats, unwanted content and ads - on all devices. Onboard in minutes, and forget about it.
An ad blocker that uses the hosts file. The hosts file contains a list of mappings between hostnames and IP addresses. When an app requests an ad, that request is directed to 127.0.0.1 which does nothing.
Our public DNS service offers DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), with QNAME minimization and basic ad blocking.
Several levels of blocking available, but not user-customisable like nextDNS
United States
Austria
EU
Cyprus
Germany
Canada
Czechia
Sweden
Basically a Self Hosted NextDNS. Its meant for more advanced users.