Comparison

DNS Shield vs DNS Forge

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

Head to head
About

DNS Shield

Encrypt your DNS queries and use no-logging servers to safeguard your online presence across all your Apple devices. Easily configure settings, switch servers, and benefit from system-wide protection without needing a VPN. It helps minimize contact with harmful sites and updates DNS providers automatically.

Highlights
  • Encrypts DNS queries
  • No-logging DNS servers
  • Ease of configuration
  • Effortless DNS server switching
  • System-wide protection
  • Minimizes harmful site contact
  • Automatic DNS provider updates
Read full description

Protect yourself on all your Apple devices by encrypting DNS queries and using no-logging DNS servers. Safeguard your online presence. Key features: - Ease of configuration. - Effortlessly switch DNS servers. - No vendor lock in. - No need for VPN. - Minimise or completely eliminate, in some cases, the amount of harmful sites contacted by your device. - Works System wide (not only in the browser). - Extensive In-App Help system. - We don't collect any data and we don't track your activities. - Automatic updates of the DNS providers collection. Your feedback and reviews will be highly appreciated!

About

DNS Forge

Read full description

DNS Forge encrypts every DNS query on your iPhone, stopping your ISP, carrier, and network admin from seeing what you look up. No VPN required. No monthly fees. One tap to activate. PRIVATE BY DEFAULT Every site you visit starts with a DNS query. Normally, those queries leave your device in plain text, fully visible to whoever runs your network. DNS Forge routes them over HTTPS or TLS so your browsing stays private. 6 TRUSTED PROVIDERS Six privacy-focused resolvers, pre-configured and ready: • Cloudflare: Fast, no-log DNS • Cloudflare Family: Blocks malware and adult content • AdGuard DNS: Blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level • AdGuard Family: Adds parental controls and Safe Search • Mullvad DNS: From the makers of Mullvad VPN, zero logs • Quad9: Blocks malicious domains, non-profit operated Or add your own — NextDNS, ControlD, or any DoH or DoT endpoint, including self-hosted resolvers. 10 DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS A full network toolkit, built in: • DNS Resolver Test: Confirm your resolver is active • Hijack Detector: 5-step canary check for MITM and hijacking • Benchmark: Real round-trip latency, ranked fastest to slowest • DNS Lookup: Query any domain, any record type • My IP: Public IP address and geolocation • Reverse DNS: Host lookup for any IP address • WHOIS / RDAP: Domain registration and ownership data • Domain Certificate: TLS certificate details for any site • Cert Inspector: Verify your resolver's own TLS certificate chain • HTTP Headers: Inspect response headers for any URL SMART NETWORK RULES Apply encrypted DNS exactly where you want it - always on, Wi-Fi only, cellular only, or specific SSIDs. Exclude trusted home or work networks. Rules take effect instantly. ICLOUD SYNC Custom DNS profiles sync automatically across all your devices. WIDGET + SHORTCUTS See your active resolver and whether DNS is currently applied on your home screen or lock screen. Build automations in the Shortcuts app to change resolvers by network, time, or any trigger. DNS Forge uses Apple's Network Extension framework to apply DNS settings at the OS level. Your queries go directly to your chosen resolver. DNS Forge never sees them. DNS Forge is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cloudflare, AdGuard, Mullvad, Quad9, NextDNS, or ControlD.

Screenshots

DNS Shield4 screens
DNS Forge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: DNS Shield at $1.99 against DNS Forge's $2.99. 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 Shield costs $1.99 and DNS Forge $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DNS Shield ships an update monthly, DNS Forge every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
DNS Shield versus DNS Forge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDNS ShieldDNS Forge
Price$1.99 — better$2.99
Rating4.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.4 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperARETORI SOLUTIONS LTDBen Spears

In-app purchases

None

DNS Shield

No in-app purchases

None

DNS Forge

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DNS Shield free?
DNS Shield costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is DNS Forge free?
DNS Forge costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do DNS Shield or DNS Forge have ads?
Neither DNS Shield nor DNS Forge shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DNS Shield or DNS Forge?
DNS Shield ships an update monthly, and DNS Forge every 6 weeks. Most recently, DNS Shield was updated on September 21, 2026 and DNS Forge on September 28, 2026.

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