# NextDNS vs AdGuard DNS

The clearest difference is rating: NextDNS at 4.5 against AdGuard DNS's 3.7. NextDNS also leads on review sentiment (63% vs 36%) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 35). AdGuard DNS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, monetization model 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. AdGuard DNS asks for nothing beyond the download.

NextDNS holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NextDNS has 1.8K ratings behind it against 35, 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 36% of AdGuard DNS's.

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, AdGuard DNS every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NextDNS | AdGuard DNS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498/reviews)** | [3.7 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/adguard-dns/id6754605049/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 35 |
| Positive reviews | **63.2% of reviews** | 36.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 5 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nextdns Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463342497) | [Adguard Software Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1440147258) |

## 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)


### AdGuard DNS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/adguard-dns/id6754605049)

This utility app connects your devices to a secure DNS server that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It offers enhanced privacy and protection across your entire network without collecting user data. Ideal for individuals and organizations seeking a cleaner, safer online experience.

**Highlights:** Blocks ads and trackers, Protects against malicious domains, Works across all devices, Privacy-focused, no data collection, Easy network-wide protection

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextDNS free?

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

### Is AdGuard DNS free?

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

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

NextDNS is rated higher. NextDNS averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while AdGuard DNS averages 3.7 from 35 ratings.

### Do NextDNS or AdGuard DNS have ads?

Neither NextDNS nor AdGuard DNS shows ads.

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

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, and AdGuard DNS every 2 weeks. Most recently, NextDNS was updated on October 1, 2026 and AdGuard DNS on October 1, 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.*