# DNS TOOLS vs NextDNS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DNS TOOLS at none against NextDNS's 2. DNS TOOLS also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NextDNS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. DNS TOOLS asks for nothing beyond the download.

DNS TOOLS ships an update every 10 days, NextDNS every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DNS TOOLS | NextDNS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1.8K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 63.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 5 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [英江 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/524505813) | [nextdns Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463342497) |

## What reviewers say

### DNS TOOLS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dns-tools/id1107503417)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### NextDNS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498)

Encrypt all your DNS queries across all networks with this app. It leverages native iOS settings to bring your custom blocking policies and traffic analytics directly to your phone. Easily set up your configuration ID to enhance your online privacy and security.

**Highlights:** Encrypts all DNS queries, Uses native iOS Encrypted DNS settings, Apply custom blocking policies, View traffic analytics and logs, Configure with your NextDNS account ID

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient DNS service
- 🔒 Robust security and privacy features
- 👍 Simple and user-friendly setup
- 💡 Highly configurable with advanced options
- 🚀 Improves internet speed and performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🐛 Inability to disable on specific Wi-Fi networks
- 🐛 Inconsistent ad blocking performance
- 🔋 High battery drain on mobile devices
- 🐛 Lack of transparency on service status and outages

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch for older iOS devices
- Profiles not working correctly after iOS 15 update
- Inability to remove the DNS profile from the device
- Connectivity issues when used in conjunction with a VPN

**Requested features**

- Add a quick toggle to enable/disable the service
- Integrate the web dashboard functionality into the app
- Provide more granular control over blocked content
- Implement a timed mode to temporarily disable the service
- Add support for DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DNS TOOLS free?

DNS TOOLS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NextDNS free?

NextDNS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do DNS TOOLS or NextDNS have ads?

Neither DNS TOOLS nor NextDNS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DNS TOOLS or NextDNS?

DNS TOOLS ships an update every 10 days, and NextDNS every 6 weeks. Most recently, DNS TOOLS was updated on September 17, 2026 and NextDNS on September 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*