NextDNS AlternativesTop Ad Blockers & DNS Resolvers like NextDNS

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 Web-based, Android, Linux, Mac 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.

filter to find the best alternatives

NextDNS alternatives are mainly Ad Blockers, but if you're looking for DNS Resolvers or Privacy Tools you can filter on that. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to NextDNS.
NextDNS iconNextDNS
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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.

More about NextDNS
More about NextDNS
NextDNS alternatives page was last updated Jun 6, 2025
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  1. Pi-hole icon

    Pi-hole

     150 likes
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    Block ads for all your devices without the need to install client-side software. The Pi-hole blocks ads at the DNS-level, so all your devices are protected.

    42 Pi-hole alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • CentOS
    • Fedora
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • Raspberry Pi OS
    • Raspberry Pi
    The Web interface shows how many ads were blocked, a query log, and more.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Network-wide blocking
    2.  Adblocking via DNS
    3.  DNS Server
    4.  Self-hosted
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Dockerized
    8.  DNS Proxy
    9.  Custom DNS

    Pi-hole VS NextDNS

     
    Comments about Pi-hole as an Alternative to NextDNS
    Eriko
    Positive Dec 9, 2022
    1

    Basically a Self Hosted NextDNS. Its meant for more advanced users.

    Guest
    Positive Jul 31, 2020
    4

    The same in both purpose and method

    NextDNS Icon
    Pi-hole icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Pi-hole is a great NextDNS alternative.

    • Pi-hole is the most popular Linux & Self-Hosted alternative to NextDNS.

    • Pi-hole is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to NextDNS.

    • Pi-hole is Free and Open SourceNextDNS is Freemium and Open Source
    • Pi-hole is Privacy focused and LightweightNextDNS is not according to our users
  2. Portmaster icon

    Portmaster

     140 likes
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    Portmaster is a free and open-source privacy suite that puts you back in charge of your computer.

    31 Portmaster alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    Dashboard PMv1.4

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Firewall
    2.  Network Tools
    3.  Application Firewall
    4.  Block Trackers
    5.  DNS Resolver
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  DNS over HTTPS
    11.  Spam Filter
    12.  Built-in VPN

    Portmaster VS NextDNS

     

    • Portmaster is the most popular Windows alternative to NextDNS.

    • Portmaster is Freemium and Open SourceNextDNS is also Freemium and Open Source
    • Portmaster is Privacy focusedNextDNS is not according to our users
  4. AdGuard icon

    AdGuard

     256 likes
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    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.

    123 AdGuard alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CY flagCyprus
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Vivaldi
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Yandex Browser
    • Opera
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Android TV
    AdGuard screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Built-in Ad-blocker
    2.  DNS over HTTPS
    3.  Pop up blocker
    4.  DNS-over-TLS
    5.  Custom DNS
    6.  Block Trackers
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  No Logs
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  No registration required
    12.  Anonymous Proxy

    AdGuard VS NextDNS

     
    Comments about AdGuard as an Alternative to NextDNS
    smed79
    Negative Sep 4, 2022
    -7

    AdGuard is an Adblock browser extension not a DNS service.

    NextDNS Icon
    AdGuard icon

    • Most users think AdGuard is a great NextDNS alternative.

    • AdGuard is the most popular Android, Mac, iPhone, iPad & Android Tablet alternative to NextDNS.

    • AdGuard is Freemium and Open SourceNextDNS is also Freemium and Open Source
    • AdGuard is Privacy focused and LightweightNextDNS is not according to our users
  5. Ad
  6. Adblock Plus icon

    Adblock Plus

     1738 likes
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    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.

    124 Adblock Plus alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • iPad
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Internet Explorer
    • Vivaldi Browser
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Yandex.Browser
    • Opera
    • Firefox
    Adding a filter

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Browser extension
    2.  Microsoft Edge extension
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Block Trackers
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Element blocker
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  No registration required
    9. Google Drive icon  Google Drive integration
    10.  Safari extension
    11.  Pop up blocker
    12.  Internet Explorer extension

    Adblock Plus VS NextDNS

     
    Comments about Adblock Plus as an Alternative to NextDNS
    Most Recent Comment
    xoloitzcuintli
    Negative Mar 4, 2023
    3

    Adblock Plus is a browser extension, not a DNS.

    Alwyn-van-Deventer
    Positive Jun 16, 2024
    1

    Just an extension, not system-wide filtering at DNS level

    Guest
    Negative Jun 13, 2020
    7

    adblock is not a DNS service itself, it only uses DNS

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    3 of 4 comments
    NextDNS Icon
    Adblock Plus icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Adblock Plus is a legitimate NextDNS alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Adblock Plus is Free and Open SourceNextDNS is Freemium and Open Source
    • Adblock Plus is Privacy focused and LightweightNextDNS is not according to our users
  7. SponsorBlock icon

    SponsorBlock

     97 likes
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    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...

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Opera
    • Mozilla Firefox
    SponsorBlock screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1. YouTube icon  Youtube integration
    2.  Community-based
    3.  Browser extension
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Block Trackers
    8.  No Tracking

    SponsorBlock VS NextDNS

     
    Comments about SponsorBlock as an Alternative to NextDNS
    Alwyn-van-Deventer
    Positive Jun 16, 2024
    0

    Not a DNS-level filtering tool - just an adblocker

    NextDNS Icon
    SponsorBlock icon

    • Most users think SponsorBlock is a great NextDNS alternative.

    • SponsorBlock is the most popular Web-based alternative to NextDNS.

    • SponsorBlock is Free and Open SourceNextDNS is Freemium and Open Source
    • SponsorBlock is Privacy focused and LightweightNextDNS is not according to our users
  8. RethinkDNS icon

    RethinkDNS

     46 likes
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    An OpenSnitch-inspired firewall and network monitor + a pi-hole-inspired DNS over HTTPS client with blocklists.

    45 RethinkDNS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    RethinkDNS screenshot 1
    RethinkDNS screenshot 2
    RethinkDNS screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  No Root Required
    2.  Block Trackers
    3.  DNS over HTTPS
    4.  Firewall
    5.  Dns
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Bypass Censorship
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  No registration required
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  No Logs

    RethinkDNS VS NextDNS

     
    Comments about RethinkDNS as an Alternative to NextDNS
    Shaz Shah
    Positive Jun 25, 2024
    3

    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.

    NextDNS Icon
    RethinkDNS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks RethinkDNS is a great NextDNS alternative.

    • RethinkDNS is Free and Open SourceNextDNS is Freemium and Open Source
    • RethinkDNS is Privacy focused and LightweightNextDNS is not according to our users
  10. 1.1.1.1 icon

    1.1.1.1

     88 likes
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    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.

    68 1.1.1.1 alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    1.1.1.1 screenshot 1
    1.1.1.1 screenshot 2
    1.1.1.1 screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  DNS Server
    2.  Built-in VPN
    3.  Dns
    4.  Encrypted VPN
    5.  DNS Proxy
    6.  Block Trackers
    7.  Web filter
    8.  DNS over HTTPS
    9.  DNS-over-TLS
    10.  Built-in routing

    1.1.1.1 VS NextDNS

     
    Comments about 1.1.1.1 as an Alternative to NextDNS
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Jun 13, 2020
    1

    A dns service - nothing else listed is

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Jul 31, 2020
    6

    Doesn't block tracking or ads

    Most Recent Comment
    Shaz Shah
    Mar 10, 2025
    0

    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.

    Show more comments
    3 of 5 comments
    NextDNS Icon
    1.1.1.1 icon

    • Some users think 1.1.1.1 is a great NextDNS alternative, some don't.

    • 1.1.1.1 is Freemium and ProprietaryNextDNS is Freemium and Open Source
    • 1.1.1.1 is Privacy focused and LightweightNextDNS is not according to our users
  11. AdAway icon

    AdAway

     134 likes
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    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.

    97 AdAway alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    AdAway screenshot 1
    AdAway screenshot 2
    AdAway screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Block Trackers
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    6.  AES-256 Encryption
    7.  No registration required
    8.  No Logs
    9.  Traffic Monitoring
    10.  File Hosting

    AdAway VS NextDNS

     
  12. AdGuard DNS icon

    AdGuard DNS

     32 likes
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    Control all web traffic on your devices, block ads, trackers, and malicious domains. Make the Internet safe for everyone at home or at work.

    33 AdGuard DNS alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CY flagCyprus
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    AdGuard DNS screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  DNS Server
    2.  DNS Resolver
    3.  Block Trackers
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  No Logs
    7.  Dark Mode

    AdGuard DNS VS NextDNS

     
  13. DNS4EU icon

    DNS4EU

     14 likes
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    Join DNS4EU, an EU initiative providing secure, private, and reliable DNS services for users across Europe.

    49 DNS4EU alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • CZ flagCzechia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Online
    DNS4EU screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  DNS Server
    4.  European data privacy
    5.  GDPR Compliant
    6.  Dns

    DNS4EU VS NextDNS

     
  14. Blokada icon

    Blokada

     104 likes
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    Blokada is the popular ad blocker and privacy app for Android and iOS. It's being supported and actively developed by the amazing open source community.

    97 Blokada alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • SE flagSweden
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Blokada screenshot 1
    Blokada screenshot 2
    Blokada screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  No Root Required
    2.  Switch DNS servers
    3.  Custom DNS
    4.  Block Trackers
    5.  No registration required
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Dark Mode

    Blokada VS NextDNS

     
    Comments about Blokada as an Alternative to NextDNS
    thebenmix11
    Positive Oct 21, 2022
    0

    NextDNS is a cloud-based DNS blocker, while Blokada is local and works by establishing a vpn connection.

    Blokada 6 is now a cloud-based alternative, but Blokada 5 is sitll maintained and it works wonderfully.

    NextDNS Icon
    Blokada icon

    • Some users think Blokada is a great NextDNS alternative, some don't.

    • Blokada is Freemium and Open SourceNextDNS is also Freemium and Open Source
    • Blokada is Lightweight and Privacy focusedNextDNS is not according to our users
  15. uMatrix icon

    uMatrix

     174 likes
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    Point & click to forbid/allow any class of requests made by your browser. Use it to block scripts, iframes, ads, facebook, etc.

    84 uMatrix alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Google Chrome
    • Opera
    • Brave
    • Firefox
    uMatrix screenshot 1
    Discontinued

    The repository has been archived and the development has been stopped. https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uMatrix-issues/issues/291

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Granular control
    2.  Request filter
    3.  Block Trackers
    4.  Browser extension
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Opera extension
    9.  Browser-based
    10.  Outbound firewall
    11.  Using public domain lists

    uMatrix VS NextDNS

     
    Comments about uMatrix as an Alternative to NextDNS
    Guest
    Negative Jun 13, 2020
    6

    uMatrix is Not a DNS service

    NextDNS Icon
    uMatrix icon

    • This alternative is disputed. uMatrix is a legitimate NextDNS alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • uMatrix is Free and Open SourceNextDNS is Freemium and Open Source
    • uMatrix is Privacy focused and LightweightNextDNS is not according to our users
12 of 141 NextDNS alternatives