# NextDNS vs Cyclope

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NextDNS at 64% against Cyclope's 0%. NextDNS also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (2K vs 1). Cyclope's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, 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. Cyclope asks for nothing beyond the download.

NextDNS holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NextDNS has 2K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of NextDNS's written reviews are positive against 0% of Cyclope's.

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, Cyclope every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NextDNS | Cyclope |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498/reviews)** | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclope-ios/id6794725297/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **63.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 6 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nextdns Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463342497) | [Privateer](https://appshunter.io/developer/6794714317) |

## What reviewers say

### NextDNS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextdns/id1463342498)

This app provides system-wide protection against ads, trackers, malware, and malicious domains. It encrypts DNS traffic to ensure privacy and offers features like parental controls and content filtering. Manage your security and privacy settings easily through a native dashboard and the mobile app.

**Highlights:** System-wide ad and tracker blocking, Malware and phishing protection, Parental controls and content filtering, Encrypted DNS traffic, Native dashboard for analytics and logs, Easy setup and profile management, Device-specific control and unblocking

**Features:** Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo 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)


### Cyclope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclope-ios/id6794725297)

This utility app uses your iPhone's front camera to detect when someone is looking at your screen. It automatically dims the display to protect your privacy, then brightens it when you're alone. It works in real-time with all your apps, ensuring complete on-device privacy.

**Highlights:** Real-time gaze detection, Automatic screen dimming, Works with all apps, On-device processing, One-tap on/off, Intuitive interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextDNS free?

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

### Is Cyclope free?

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

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

NextDNS is rated higher. NextDNS averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2K ratings, while Cyclope averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do NextDNS or Cyclope have ads?

Neither NextDNS nor Cyclope shows ads.

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

NextDNS ships an update every 6 weeks, and Cyclope every 4 days. Most recently, NextDNS was updated on November 13, 2026 and Cyclope on October 31, 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.*