# NetUtils vs CleanBrowsing.org DNS

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NetUtils at 100% against CleanBrowsing.org DNS's 38%. NetUtils also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.4). CleanBrowsing.org DNS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ratings volume (329 vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NetUtils sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. CleanBrowsing.org DNS asks for nothing beyond the download.

NetUtils holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CleanBrowsing.org DNS has 329 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of NetUtils's written reviews are positive against 38% of CleanBrowsing.org DNS's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NetUtils | CleanBrowsing.org DNS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netutils-network-utilities/id1434360325/reviews)** | [4.4 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cleanbrowsingorg-dns/id1495089176/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **329** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 38.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 40 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Zac Gorak](https://appshunter.io/developer/916419489) | [CleanBrowsing, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1412364311) |

## What reviewers say

### NetUtils

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netutils-network-utilities/id1434360325)

This app provides comprehensive network utility tools, including ping, WHOIS, and DNS lookups. It offers detailed host and device information, website reputation, and contact details, aiding cybersecurity professionals and website owners.

**Highlights:** Network connectivity status, Host and device information, WHOIS data lookup, DNS information retrieval, Domain and IP reputation, Website contact and categorization, Ping utility

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Whois XML API Data - Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| monapi.io Data - Monthly | $1.49 | per month |
| Whois XML API Data - Yearly | $10.49 | per year |
| monapi.io Data - Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Google Web Risk API Data | $0.99 | one-time |
| Whois XML API Data | $199.99 | one-time |
| monapi.io Data | $249.99 | one-time |


### CleanBrowsing.org DNS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cleanbrowsingorg-dns/id1495089176)

This service provides DNS-based content filtering to create a safer browsing experience. It blocks unwanted websites based on your chosen filters, including adult content and malicious sites. Advanced options allow for custom blocking and network visibility.

**Highlights:** DNS-based content filtering, Blocks adult content, Blocks malicious sites, Customizable filters, Network visibility, Safe Search enforcement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for fighting habits
- 👍 Great tool for families
- 👍 Forces safe search
- 👍 Simple and intuitive
- 👍 Easy setup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 VPN disconnects frequently
- 🐛 Blocks internet access
- 🐛 App can be deleted easily
- 🐛 VPN can be disabled easily
- 🐛 Settings page won't open

**Reported bugs**

- VPN disconnects for no reason
- App locks user out of account
- Cannot access settings to change password
- Blocks internet to all apps
- App keeps shutting off protection

**Requested features**

- Block disabling custom filter
- Require password to disable VPN
- Email notification on VPN change/app deletion
- Block custom websites
- More friction to not disable VPN


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NetUtils free?

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

### Is CleanBrowsing.org DNS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NetUtils or CleanBrowsing.org DNS?

NetUtils is rated higher. NetUtils averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while CleanBrowsing.org DNS averages 4.4 from 329 ratings.

### Do NetUtils or CleanBrowsing.org DNS have ads?

Neither NetUtils nor CleanBrowsing.org DNS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NetUtils or CleanBrowsing.org DNS?

NetUtils ships an update every 3 weeks, and CleanBrowsing.org DNS every 3 weeks. Most recently, NetUtils was updated on October 2, 2026 and CleanBrowsing.org DNS on October 8, 2026.

---

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