Comparison

Ad And Stuff DNS Filter vs DNS Chat

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Local VPN for URL filtering
  • Optional ad and porn blocking
  • Customizable hosts database
  • Selectable DNS providers
  • Typo-squatting domain protection
  • Seamless network switching
Features
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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.

About

DNS Chat

Features
Read full description

DNS Chat is a mobile chat app that sends short prompts as DNS TXT queries and renders AI-style responses from compatible DNS servers. DNS-BASED TRANSPORT Chat through DNS TXT queries instead of traditional HTTPS API calls. Use the default compatible DNS service or configure supported servers from the app settings. NATIVE PERFORMANCE - Native iOS implementation using Apple Network Framework - Fast DNS queries with automatic transport fallback - Works on cellular and WiFi networks worldwide - Production-ready with comprehensive error handling MODERN CHAT EXPERIENCE - ChatGPT-style interface with beautiful message bubbles - Persistent conversation history stored locally - Dark/Light theme follows your device settings - Smooth animations and intuitive navigation LOCAL DATA & TRANSPARENCY - Conversation history is stored locally on your device - No account required, no data tracking - Network-resilient with multiple fallback methods - Open-source and fully transparent - DNS queries are observable by DNS infrastructure, so do not send secrets or personal data CUSTOMIZABLE Choose from supported DNS servers or use the default service. Perfect for developers, local-first app enthusiasts, and anyone curious about protocol-level experimentation.

Screenshots

Ad And Stuff DNS Filter4 screens
DNS Chat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: DNS Chat at Free against Ad And Stuff DNS Filter's $0.99. Ad And Stuff DNS Filter's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

DNS Chat is free to download; Ad And Stuff DNS Filter costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ad And Stuff DNS Filter ships an update monthly, DNS Chat every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter versus DNS Chat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAd And Stuff DNS FilterDNS Chat
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLPSCI Software IncMarcus Neves

In-app purchases

None

Ad And Stuff DNS Filter

No in-app purchases

None

DNS Chat

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ad And Stuff DNS Filter free?
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is DNS Chat free?
DNS Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Ad And Stuff DNS Filter or DNS Chat have ads?
Neither Ad And Stuff DNS Filter nor DNS Chat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ad And Stuff DNS Filter or DNS Chat?
Ad And Stuff DNS Filter ships an update monthly, and DNS Chat every 3 weeks. Most recently, Ad And Stuff DNS Filter was updated on November 3, 2026 and DNS Chat on October 25, 2026.

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