DNS Security vs AdGuard DNS
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DNS Security
This app encrypts your DNS queries using DoH and DoT protocols to enhance online privacy and security. It prevents eavesdropping and data manipulation by securing the translation of domain names to IP addresses. Choose from trusted providers or configure your own server for a safer browsing experience.
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH) support
- DNS over TLS (DoT) support
- No VPN configuration needed
- Configurable custom DNS servers
- Privacy-focused, no user data collection
- Choice of trusted DNS providers
- Supports custom URL schemes for automation
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Make your DNS private. DNS Security helps protect your privacy by encrypting DNS queries with DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT). Choose a provider, enable your DNS configuration, and manage your settings in one place—without routing your internet traffic through a VPN. WHY ENCRYPT YOUR DNS? HTTPS protects the content exchanged with websites, but traditional DNS lookups may still be unencrypted. These lookups translate domain names into IP addresses and can reveal the domains your device requests. Encrypted DNS helps protect queries between your device and your chosen DNS provider from eavesdropping and tampering. Your provider still handles those queries, so choose one whose privacy practices you trust. EVERYDAY DNS CONTROL • Use DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS. • Choose built-in profiles for providers including Cloudflare, Google, and AdGuard. • Enable or disable your DNS configuration from the app. • Choose whether DNS settings apply on Wi-Fi, cellular, or both. • Check DNS protocol and provider details in the Status tab. DNS SECURITY OR DNS SECURITY PRO? DNS Security includes the everyday DNS controls above at no cost. It offers an optional Pro in-app purchase for the advanced features below. DNS Security Pro is the paid edition. It includes the same everyday DNS controls plus these advanced features from the start: PRO FEATURES (IN APP PURCHASE) • Create custom DoH and DoT profiles. • Download updates to built-in DNS profiles. • Enable or disable DNS for specific Wi-Fi SSIDs. • Switch profiles with Shortcuts and URL schemes. The difference is advanced control: both editions support encrypted DNS. You can unlock the Pro tools inside DNS Security or choose DNS Security Pro with those tools already included. DESIGNED AROUND PRIVACY DNS Security manages your device's DNS configuration and does not collect personal information. DNS requests are handled by your selected provider under that provider's privacy policy. Encrypted DNS protects DNS queries; it does not make all browsing anonymous. Blocking malicious domains depends on the provider and profile you choose. AUTOMATE YOUR DNS With Pro, use Shortcuts or a compatible app to open a switch URL and select a DNS profile with your preferred network settings. Example: select google-DOH for Wi-Fi, with cellular disabled: dnsapp://switch?config=google-DOH&enableOnWifi=true&enableOnCellular=false Use the scheme for your installed app: • DNS Security Pro: dnssecuritypro:// • DNS Security: dnssecurity:// • Shared scheme: dnsapp:// Replace dnsapp in the example with your app's scheme. The requested profile must already exist in the app. Initial activation may require selecting DNS Security in iOS Settings. Choose your DNS. Control your settings. Add privacy to every lookup that uses your encrypted DNS configuration.
AdGuard DNS
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.
- Blocks ads and trackers
- Protects against malicious domains
- Works across all devices
- Privacy-focused, no data collection
- Easy network-wide protection
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This app works in tandem with AdGuard DNS. To use it, you need an AdGuard DNS account. Sign up or log in at https://adguard-dns.io. AdGuard DNS lets you connect to a secure, privacy-oriented DNS server that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains. It works on all devices — phones, tablets, laptops, and routers — with no restrictions. It is perfect for protecting your home network and convenient for schools, universities, or companies that need to manage multiple devices consistently. Privacy first: we do not track users, collect personal data, or embed third-party analytics or advertising SDKs. Learn more in our Privacy policy: https://adguard-dns.io/privacy.html. Need help or have questions? Visit our support center: https://adguard-dns.io/support.html. Learn more about AdGuard DNS on our website: https://adguard-dns.io.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: DNS Security at 4.8 against AdGuard DNS's 3.7. DNS Security also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 37%) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks). AdGuard DNS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.4 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. DNS Security sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. AdGuard DNS asks for nothing beyond the download.
DNS Security holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 72 and 35 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of DNS Security's written reviews are positive against 37% of AdGuard DNS's.
DNS Security ships an update every 6 days, AdGuard DNS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DNS Security | AdGuard DNS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (72 ratings) — better | 3.7 (35 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews — better | 37.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 72 — better | 35 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 87 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | CHUNG-HO LEE | Adguard Software Limited |
Customer experience
DNS Security
AdGuard DNS
In-app purchases
DNS Security
- Unlock Pro features$1.99
AdGuard DNS
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is DNS Security free?
Is AdGuard DNS free?
Which has better reviews, DNS Security or AdGuard DNS?
Do DNS Security or AdGuard DNS have ads?
Which is updated more often, DNS Security or AdGuard DNS?
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