Ad And Stuff DNS Filter vs LocalNotes
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter
This app filters URLs using a local VPN or DNS server to block ads and adult content. Customize blocked hosts, change DNS providers, and protect against typo-squatting domains. It operates seamlessly across network changes and does not collect user data.
- Local VPN for URL filtering
- Optional ad and porn blocking
- Customizable hosts database
- Selectable DNS providers
- Typo-squatting domain protection
- Seamless network switching
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Ad And Stuff DNS Filter can operate as a local VPN or as a DNS server. It uses the VPN on the device to filter URLs, much like a hosts file, but better. It optionally blocks ads and adult content. Its settings allow you to do the following: -- set an internal IP address for the VPN in case the default one, 10.11.12.13, has a conflict on your LAN, -- restore the default internal IP address, -- optionally block ads and adult content, -- add ad and adult content hosts to be blocked or remove ones in its internal database to keep them from being blocked, -- change the DNS servers from OpenDNS to one of the several wired DNS providers or provide your own DNS servers, -- and restore the default DNS servers. It works by routing DNS calls only through the VPN. The VPN replies with Unknown if the requested host is in the app's internal database. Otherwise, it passes the request to the DNS provider selected for the VPN. The only external calls explicitly made by the app are to the DNS provider - the app does not call home or anywhere else and does not collect any data, personal or otherwise. The VPN also seemless works when changing wifi networks or going mobile. The DNS server uses the same database and like the VPN, optionally blocks ads and adult content. It shares the same settings except that the VPN address does not apply to it. The VPN and DNS server cannot run at the same time, and either of them can be started automatically when the app starts. Due to restrictions iOS apps have running in the background, it cannot be a DNS server for apps running on the device since it goes to sleep when another app comes to the foreground. However, it can put older devices, like iPhone 6's that are running iOS 12, to use as DNS servers that can be used by any other devices running on the same wifi network. To run as DNS servers, the devices must remain on with the DNS app running in the foreground and should be plugged in. The device's IP address is on the screen and is the one that should be used to make it a DNS server for specific devices. They should also be provided a static IP address so other devices using it as a DNS server do not have to be changed. The static IP address to use is the one displayed on the screen. As of version 3.0, it blocks domains for the VPN and DNS server that are one edit away or a single set of transposed characters (for instance appel.com) from hundreds of the most popular domains. A single edit means a single character substituted (aople.com), a single character deleted (aple.com), or a single character inserted (appple.com). In addition to protecting you from the simple mistyping of a URL, it will also protect you from going to links in emails and websites that are purposely crafted in this manner to deceive you. As of version 5.5.0, this app will block domains from these popular domains where an 'm' has been replaced with 'rn', like for instance apple.corn. It can be turned off with the Typo check in the Settings. In addition to protecting you from the simple mistyping of a URL, it will also protect you from going to links in emails and websites that are purposely crafted in this manner to deceive you. As of version 6.4.0, this app will block domains from these popular domains where an 'm' has been replaced with 'rn', like for instance apple.corn. It can be turned off with the Typo check in the Settings. In addition to protecting you from the simple mistyping of a URL, it will also protect you from going to links in emails and websites that are purposely crafted in this manner to deceive you. It can be turned off with the Typo check in the Settings. If by some chance, you encounter a URL you need with one of these characteristics, it can be whitelisted in the Settings. And it does not affect performance - you won't notice the difference in web browsers or other applications.
LocalNotes
Securely manage your notes with advanced encryption and local storage. This open-source app offers a user-friendly interface for creating, searching, and protecting your personal and professional information without cloud connections.
- AES 256 encryption
- Local storage only
- User-friendly interface
- Fast search functionality
- Open source
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Welcome to Local Notes, the ultimate solution for securely managing your notes. In a world where privacy and security are becoming increasingly important, Local Notes offers a reliable and trustworthy platform for your personal and professional notes. Highest security standards: Your data will always remain protected thanks to advanced AES 256 encryption and the use of PBKDF2/KDF. These security measures ensure that your notes are protected against unauthorized access. Local storage: With Local Notes, your data stays where it belongs - on your device. No cloud connection means nothing is transferred. This guarantees comprehensive data protection and gives you full control over your information. User-friendly design: The app features a clear, simple UI that is easily accessible for both tech-savvy and beginners. Create, manage and search your notes with ease and efficiency. Fast Search: Quickly find the information you need with our powerful search functionality, allowing you to navigate through your saved notes in seconds. Open source: As an open source app, Local Notes invites the community to experience the security and functionality of the application. Your contribution and feedback are valuable for continuous improvements and updates. Your confidential note app: Local Notes is more than just an app - it's a promise of security and privacy. Whether for work, study or personal thoughts – Local Notes is your safe companion in a digital world. Discover Local Notes now and experience how easy and secure managing notes can be.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Ad And Stuff DNS Filter at 5.0 against LocalNotes's 1.0. Ad And Stuff DNS Filter also leads on chart position (#195 vs unranked). LocalNotes's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter costs $0.99 and LocalNotes $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter ships an update monthly, LocalNotes every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Ad And Stuff DNS Filter | LocalNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 1.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 75.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #195 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | LPSCI Software Inc | Christian Scheub |
Customer experience
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter
LocalNotes
In-app purchases
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter
No in-app purchases
LocalNotes
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Ad And Stuff DNS Filter free?
Is LocalNotes free?
Which has better reviews, Ad And Stuff DNS Filter or LocalNotes?
Do Ad And Stuff DNS Filter or LocalNotes have ads?
Which is updated more often, Ad And Stuff DNS Filter or LocalNotes?
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