Comparison

DNS Security vs PetDNS

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

PetDNS

Manage your NextDNS profiles from your mobile device. Monitor network activity, block trackers, and fine-tune settings with a user-friendly interface and powerful features.

Highlights
  • DNS query log analysis
  • Allowlist/denylist management
  • Query analytics
  • Advanced settings configuration
  • Configurable dashboard widgets
  • Siri and Shortcuts support (Pro)
Features
Read full description

Manage every NextDNS profile from one app with live logs, deep analytics, dynamic widgets, and instant settings management. Full control of your network: - Powerful DNS log search with extensive filtering - Update your allowlists and denylists from anywhere - Deep query analytics to see exactly what's happening on your network over time - Complete control over all profile settings, including advanced configurations like DNS Rewrites and Parental Controls - Customizable dashboard and widgets on the Home Screen and Lock Screen Elevate your experience with PetDNS Pro to manage multiple accounts or automate changes: - Manage multiple NextDNS accounts from a single app - Build custom workflows to edit your profiles with Siri and Shortcuts - Search and compare logs across all profiles simultaneously - Update the allowlists and denylists on all profiles with a single tap - View combined, cross-profile analytics - See aggregated profile data in the dashboard and widgets The PetDNS Promise: Managing your privacy should be easy and accessible. PetDNS promises to provide all profile management features available on the NextDNS website, including data retrieval, viewing logs, and managing settings for all of your individual profiles, in the app at no cost. No paywall will ever prevent you from seeing your data. PetDNS is an independent third-party app for NextDNS account management. A NextDNS account is required to use this app. PetDNS is not affiliated with or endorsed by NextDNS. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

DNS Security4 screens
PetDNS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: DNS Security at every 2 days against PetDNS's every 3 weeks. DNS Security also leads on ratings volume (72 vs 2) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). PetDNS's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. DNS Security sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and PetDNS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PetDNS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DNS Security has 72 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DNS Security ships an update every 2 days, PetDNS every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
DNS Security versus PetDNS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDNS SecurityPetDNS
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (72 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings72 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB12 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperCHUNG-HO LEELuke Edwards

Customer experience

DNS Security

All ratings72 ratings
Positive93.1%
Neutral4.2%
Negative2.8%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral6.7%
Negative26.7%

PetDNS

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

DNS Security

One-time1
  • Unlock Pro features$1.99
2 purchases

PetDNS

Subscriptions2
  • PetDNS Pro - Monthly7 Days trial$0.991 Month
  • PetDNS Pro - Yearly1 Month trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is DNS Security free?
DNS Security is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PetDNS free?
PetDNS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, DNS Security or PetDNS?
PetDNS is rated higher. DNS Security averages 4.8 out of 5 from 72 ratings, while PetDNS averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do DNS Security or PetDNS have ads?
Neither DNS Security nor PetDNS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DNS Security or PetDNS?
DNS Security ships an update every 2 days, and PetDNS every 3 weeks. Most recently, DNS Security was updated on October 19, 2026 and PetDNS on October 20, 2026.

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