# NextDNS vs DNS Security

The clearest difference is monetization model: NextDNS at free against DNS Security's free with in-app purchases. NextDNS also leads on ratings volume (1.8K vs 72). DNS Security's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NextDNS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and DNS Security sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DNS Security holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NextDNS has 1.8K ratings behind it against 72, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of NextDNS's written reviews are positive against 67% of DNS Security's.

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, DNS Security every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NextDNS | DNS Security |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498/reviews) | **[4.8 (72 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dns-security/id1537782072/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 72 |
| Positive reviews | 63.1% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nextdns Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463342497) | [CHUNG-HO LEE](https://appshunter.io/developer/502429481) |

## 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)


### DNS Security

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dns-security/id1537782072)

This app encrypts your DNS queries using DoH and DoT protocols to enhance online privacy and security. It prevents eavesdropping and data manipulation by securing the translation of domain names to IP addresses. Choose from trusted providers or configure your own server for a safer browsing experience.

**Highlights:** DNS over HTTPS (DoH) support, DNS over TLS (DoT) support, No VPN configuration needed, Configurable custom DNS servers, Privacy-focused, no user data collection, Choice of trusted DNS providers, Supports custom URL schemes for automation

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Pro features | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextDNS free?

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

### Is DNS Security free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NextDNS or DNS Security?

DNS Security is rated higher. NextDNS averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while DNS Security averages 4.8 from 72 ratings.

### Do NextDNS or DNS Security have ads?

Neither NextDNS nor DNS Security shows ads.

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

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, and DNS Security every 3 weeks. Most recently, NextDNS was updated on September 23, 2026 and DNS Security on September 23, 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.*