# NextDNS vs Borbalo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Borbalo at none against NextDNS's 2. Borbalo also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). NextDNS's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and review sentiment (63% vs 43%). On price, update cadence, 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. Borbalo asks for nothing beyond the download.

NextDNS holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NextDNS has 1.8K ratings behind it against 312, 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 43% of Borbalo's.

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, Borbalo every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NextDNS | Borbalo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498/reviews)** | [4.2 (312 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/borbalo/id1611008125/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 312 |
| Positive reviews | **63.2% of reviews** | 43.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 5 MB | 361 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nextdns Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463342497) | [KJ Education Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1537433963) |

## 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)


### Borbalo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/borbalo/id1611008125)

Manage vehicle fines and parking permits effortlessly. Receive timely reminders for payment deadlines and discount expirations. Pay for zonal parking and long-term city passes with ease.

**Highlights:** Receive and manage vehicle fines, Notifications for payment deadlines, Discount period reminders, Pay for zonal parking, Purchase long-term parking passes, Automatic payment options, Payment history archive

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simplifies daily life
- 👍 Helps avoid extra fines
- 👍 Convenient for drivers
- 👍 Best application
- 👍 Comfortable to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Too many ads in notifications
- 👎 Support is unresponsive
- 👎 Notifications not received
- 👎 App is faulty
- 👎 Music turns off due to app malfunction

**Reported bugs**

- Ads in notifications
- Support ignored messages
- Notifications not received
- App malfunctions
- Music turns off

**Requested features**

- Add motorcycle number format
- Add ability to view fine video/photo
- Add Apple Pay payment option
- Add feedback channel (email/chat)
- Support for new tech passports


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextDNS free?

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

### Is Borbalo free?

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

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

NextDNS is rated higher. NextDNS averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Borbalo averages 4.2 from 312 ratings.

### Do NextDNS or Borbalo have ads?

Neither NextDNS nor Borbalo shows ads.

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

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, and Borbalo every 3 weeks. Most recently, NextDNS was updated on October 16, 2026 and Borbalo on October 15, 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.*