DNS / Firewall
NextDNS
Privacy-focused resolver with customizable blocklists and encrypted
NextDNS offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the space, with a stronger focus on data protection than many mainstream tools.
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 implements DNS filtering and blocking using DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) protocols to encrypt DNS queries. The service uses threat intelligence from multiple security providers to block malicious domains, phishing sites, and malware. NextDNS provides granular control over filtering rules, custom blocklists, and logging options. The service operates servers in multiple locations worldwide. NextDNS does not log user IP addresses by default, though logging can be enabled for analytics. The service is based in Switzerland and operates under Swiss privacy laws. NextDNS uses standard TLS/SSL encryption for secure DNS connections.
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.
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