DNS / Firewall
NextDNS
Privacy-focused resolver with customizable blocklists and encrypted
NextDNS is a service with blocking for trackers and . It helps you keep more control over your data.
Who is this for?
✓ Good for you if:
- • You want to block ads, trackers, and at the level
- • You need customizable blocklists for different blocking needs
- • You want encrypted (DoH/DoT) to protect queries
- • You need native protection for Windows, Apple, Samsung
- • You want CNAME cloaking protection
⚠ Think twice if:
- • You want completely free service (free tier has limits)
- • You need self-hosted blocking solution
- • You want the simplest setup (requires account configuration)
- • You need offline blocking
- • You want zero (NextDNS may log queries)
Overview
NextDNS is a smart DNS service that protects all your devices from ads, trackers, and malicious websites. Think of it like a filter for your entire internet connection - instead of blocking ads only in your browser, NextDNS blocks them for every device on your network, including your phone, smart TV, and other connected devices. NextDNS encrypts your DNS queries so your internet provider can't see what websites you're visiting. The service blocks known malicious websites, phishing attempts, and malware before they can harm your devices. You can customize what gets blocked by choosing from different blocklists or creating your own rules. NextDNS provides detailed statistics showing what's being blocked on your network. The service is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws, and doesn't log your IP address by default. You can use NextDNS for free with some limitations, or pay for more features and higher query limits.
Privacy highlight
Privacy-focused resolver with encrypted queries, Swiss , and no by default.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Router, Desktop, Mobile
- Technical:
- Intermediate
- :
- No
- :
- Minimal telemetry
- :
- No
- Open-source status:
- Closed source
- :
- No
- :
- Yes
Key features
- service with blocking for trackers and .
Security & encryption Click to expand
- No
- Encryption protocols
- DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), DNS-over-TLS (DoT)
- NextDNS uses -over- (DoH) and -over- (DoT) to encrypt queries in transit. The service uses standard / for secure connections. NextDNS does not require keys from users - the service handles automatically. User is handled via API keys or configuration IDs. The service uses standard certificate validation and for all connections.
- Offline support
- No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
- Minimal telemetry
- No
- Ip no
- NextDNS collects query logs if is enabled by the user. The service collects query data including domain names, timestamps, and block status for and filtering. NextDNS does not log user IP addresses by default, though can be enabled for advanced features. The service uses query data to improve filtering and threat detection. Users can disable entirely. NextDNS provides detailed and statistics based on logged queries.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- NextDNS is based in Switzerland. DNS query data (if logging is enabled) is stored on NextDNS servers. The service does not log IP addresses by default. NextDNS operates under Swiss privacy laws, which provide strong data protection.
- NextDNS retains query logs if is enabled by the user. Log retention periods depend on the plan (free plans have limited retention, paid plans have longer retention). The service retains account information for account management. NextDNS does not log IP addresses by default. Users can delete logs and account data at any time. The service retains configuration data for service operation.
- Legal frameworks
- GDPR (where applicable). NextDNS is based in Switzerland and operates under Swiss privacy laws.
- Revenue sources
- Subscription, Freemium
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 85
- Trust score
- 82
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 90, Audits: 75, Open source: 60, Telemetry: 70, Jurisdiction: 90, Transparency: 80, Trackers: 95
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 85, Performance: 90, Family friendly: 80
User experience Click to expand
- Signup requirements
- Email address required for account creation (free accounts available). Configuration ID or API key required for service use. No phone number or other personal information required for basic accounts.
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 2
- Accessibility features
- NextDNS is primarily a DNS service accessed via configuration. Web interface includes basic accessibility features. Configuration can be done via API or configuration files.
Backup & portability Click to expand
- Yes
- Migration tools
- NextDNS supports configuration export and import. Users can export blocklists, whitelists, and settings. Configuration can be migrated between accounts.
- Account recovery is handled through email-based password reset. Configuration can be exported as backup. Users should save their configuration IDs and API keys securely.
Similar privacy apps
Same categoryAdGuard Home
Score 88AdGuard Home is a dns service with blocking for trackers and malware. It helps you keep more control over your data.
AdGuard DNS
Score 66Privacy-oriented DNS resolver / DNS filtering service designed to reduce tracking compared to mainstream options.
ISP DNS
Score 66Default DNS resolution provided by your ISP—useful baseline for comparison.