# NextDNS vs IP Protection

The clearest difference is monetization model: NextDNS at free against IP Protection's free with in-app purchases. NextDNS also leads on ratings volume (1.9K vs 11) and review sentiment (63% vs 50%). IP Protection's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, rating, 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 IP Protection 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 4.5 for IP Protection. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NextDNS has 1.9K ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 63% of NextDNS's written reviews are positive against 50% of IP Protection's.

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, IP Protection every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NextDNS | IP Protection |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498/reviews)** | [4.5 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ip-protection/id6761349510/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.9K** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | **63.2% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [nextdns Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463342497) | [Disconnect](https://appshunter.io/developer/671080658) |

## 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)


### IP Protection

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ip-protection/id6761349510)

This app safeguards your online privacy by blocking intrusive trackers and masking your IP address. It prevents data brokers and advertisers from building profiles and protects against AI-powered attacks. Enjoy faster browsing and enhanced security across your device.

**Highlights:** Blocks aggressive trackers before they load, Hides IP address from trackers, Device-wide protection (Premium), Blocks email tracking pixels, Faster page loading speeds, No user data logging

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Protection Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Full Protection Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Full Protection Day Pass | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextDNS free?

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

### Is IP Protection free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NextDNS or IP Protection?

NextDNS is rated higher. NextDNS averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while IP Protection averages 4.5 from 11 ratings.

### Do NextDNS or IP Protection have ads?

Neither NextDNS nor IP Protection shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NextDNS or IP Protection?

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, and IP Protection every 10 days. Most recently, NextDNS was updated on October 24, 2026 and IP Protection on October 24, 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.*