# NextDNS vs Net Optimizer

The clearest difference is ads: NextDNS at none against Net Optimizer's shown. NextDNS also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Net Optimizer's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NextDNS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Net Optimizer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for NextDNS against 4.6 for Net Optimizer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 3.1K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 63% of NextDNS's written reviews are positive against 70% of Net Optimizer's.

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, Net Optimizer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NextDNS | Net Optimizer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498/reviews) | **[4.6 (3.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/net-optimizer-optimize-ping/id1568708059/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.8K | **3.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 63.2% of reviews | **70.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nextdns Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463342497) | [Ali Burak Goncu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896771128) |

## 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)


### Net Optimizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/net-optimizer-optimize-ping/id1568708059)

This app optimizes your internet connection by finding and connecting to the fastest DNS server available. It helps improve web surfing speeds and reduces lag and latency for online gaming.

**Highlights:** Find fastest DNS server, Improve web surfing speed, Reduce gaming lag and latency, Automatic network optimization, Supports mobile data and WiFi, Wide range of DNS server support

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Net Optimizer 1 Month Premium | $5.99 | per month |
| Net Optimizer 3 Day Free Trial | $39.99 | per year |
| Net Optimizer 1 Year Premium | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Boosts internet speed
- 👍 Improves gaming performance
- 🚀 Increased download/upload speeds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Causes disconnections and freezing
- 🔋 Slows down device performance
- 🐛 Unreliable and inconsistent

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Frequent crashes
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- More customization options
- Better server selection
- Improved compatibility with different devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextDNS free?

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

### Is Net Optimizer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NextDNS or Net Optimizer?

Net Optimizer is rated higher. NextDNS averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Net Optimizer averages 4.6 from 3.1K ratings.

### Do NextDNS or Net Optimizer have ads?

Net Optimizer shows ads; NextDNS does not.

### Which is updated more often, NextDNS or Net Optimizer?

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, and Net Optimizer every 3 weeks. Most recently, NextDNS was updated on September 29, 2026 and Net Optimizer 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.*