# NextDNS vs MinimalLauncher

The clearest difference is rating: NextDNS at 4.5 against MinimalLauncher's 1.0. NextDNS also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). MinimalLauncher's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases 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 and MinimalLauncher sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NextDNS holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NextDNS has 1.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of NextDNS's written reviews are positive against 67% of MinimalLauncher's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, MinimalLauncher fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NextDNS | MinimalLauncher |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimallauncher/id1501076764/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 63.1% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nextdns Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463342497) | [Akihiro Usui](https://appshunter.io/developer/1387267485) |

## What reviewers say

### 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)


### MinimalLauncher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimallauncher/id1501076764)

This app offers a streamlined way to launch applications by displaying only their names, eliminating the need for icon grids and scrolling. It allows for extensive customization of app name appearance and offers advanced features like clipboard integration and URL scheme support.

**Highlights:** App names displayed instead of icons, Customizable app name colors, Insert line breaks and separators, Clipboard content display and URL setting, Change app icons, Home widget support, URL scheme support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Snack-Sized Tip | $0.49 | one-time |
| Restriction Removal | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coffee-Sized Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Lunch-Sized Tip | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextDNS free?

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

### Is MinimalLauncher free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NextDNS or MinimalLauncher?

NextDNS is rated higher. NextDNS averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while MinimalLauncher averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do NextDNS or MinimalLauncher have ads?

MinimalLauncher shows ads; NextDNS does not.

### Which is updated more often, NextDNS or MinimalLauncher?

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, and MinimalLauncher fortnightly. Most recently, NextDNS was updated on September 26, 2026 and MinimalLauncher on September 25, 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.*