# CleanBrowsing.org DNS vs Unhook

The clearest difference is ads: CleanBrowsing.org DNS at none against Unhook's shown. CleanBrowsing.org DNS also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Unhook's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs freemium) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for CleanBrowsing.org DNS against 4.3 for Unhook. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 329 and 128 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 38% and 37% positive.

CleanBrowsing.org DNS ships an update every 3 weeks, Unhook every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 3, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CleanBrowsing.org DNS | Unhook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cleanbrowsingorg-dns/id1495089176/reviews)** | [4.3 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unhook/id6480299793/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **329** | 128 |
| Positive reviews | **38.2% of reviews** | 37.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 36 MB | 162 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [CleanBrowsing, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1412364311) | [Be Timeful Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1576212134) |

## What reviewers say

### CleanBrowsing.org DNS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cleanbrowsingorg-dns/id1495089176)

This service provides DNS-based content filtering to create a safer browsing experience. It blocks unwanted websites based on your chosen filters, including adult content and malicious sites. Advanced options allow for custom blocking and network visibility.

**Highlights:** DNS-based content filtering, Blocks adult content, Blocks malicious sites, Customizable filters, Network visibility, Safe Search enforcement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for fighting habits
- 👍 Great tool for families
- 👍 Forces safe search
- 👍 Simple and intuitive
- 👍 Easy setup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 VPN disconnects frequently
- 🐛 Blocks internet access
- 🐛 App can be deleted easily
- 🐛 VPN can be disabled easily
- 🐛 Settings page won't open

**Reported bugs**

- VPN disconnects for no reason
- App locks user out of account
- Cannot access settings to change password
- Blocks internet to all apps
- App keeps shutting off protection

**Requested features**

- Block disabling custom filter
- Require password to disable VPN
- Email notification on VPN change/app deletion
- Block custom websites
- More friction to not disable VPN


### Unhook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unhook/id6480299793)

This app blocks the YouTube news feed, preventing endless scrolling and distracting content. It allows users to access YouTube for specific videos without falling down rabbit holes of unrelated content. Enjoy a more focused viewing experience.

**Highlights:** Blocks YouTube news feed, Eliminates distractions, Focused YouTube usage, No ads

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helps stop doomscrolling
- 👍 Great for avoiding distractions
- 👍 Good for limiting shorts use
- 👍 Helps curb YouTube addiction
- 👍 Blocks addictive ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Scam, keeps billing
- 💸 Unusable without subscription
- 💸 Forced to unlock pro
- 💸 Dark patterns, scammy design
- 💸 Money grab

**Reported bugs**

- Videos don't open
- Cancel subscription button doesn't work
- Constant error code 152-4
- Daily progress resets
- App is glitchy

**Requested features**

- Extension for Safari on iPhone
- Allow free version use without forced pro
- Clearer instructions for screen time permission
- Option to sign out of YouTube account
- Ad-free use without review manipulation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CleanBrowsing.org DNS free?

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

### Is Unhook free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CleanBrowsing.org DNS or Unhook?

CleanBrowsing.org DNS is rated higher. CleanBrowsing.org DNS averages 4.4 out of 5 from 329 ratings, while Unhook averages 4.3 from 128 ratings.

### Do CleanBrowsing.org DNS or Unhook have ads?

Unhook shows ads; CleanBrowsing.org DNS does not.

### Which is updated more often, CleanBrowsing.org DNS or Unhook?

CleanBrowsing.org DNS ships an update every 3 weeks, and Unhook every 2 weeks. Most recently, CleanBrowsing.org DNS was updated on September 3, 2026 and Unhook on September 21, 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.*