Comparison

Next Dash Dns 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

Next Dash Dns

Manage your NextDNS settings directly from your mobile device. Monitor connection status, inspect DNS queries, and adjust profiles with a clean, intuitive interface. Ideal for privacy-conscious users and IT professionals seeking enhanced internet control.

Highlights
  • Live server ping monitoring
  • View connected devices and ISPs
  • Track resolved, relayed, and blocked domains
  • Visualize encryption methods and IP versions
  • Full DNSSEC support
  • Secure and private data handling
Features
Read full description

Next Dash DNS – Fast, Secure, and Smarter DNS Control Take full control of your NextDNS settings, right from your phone. Next Dash DNS is the ultimate companion app for anyone using NextDNS. Instantly monitor connection status, view live server pings, inspect DNS queries, and quickly adjust your profile — all in a modern, easy-to-use interface. Key Features: •Live server ping monitoring (real-time NextDNS server status) •View connected devices, ISPs, blocked reasons, destinations, and more •Track resolved, relayed, and blocked domains •Visualize encryption methods and IP versions •Full support for DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) •Clean, fast, and mobile-friendly design •Secure — we never store or share your DNS data Perfect for privacy enthusiasts, IT professionals, or anyone who wants faster, safer, and smarter internet browsing.

About

DNS Forge

Encrypt your DNS queries to protect your online privacy from your ISP, carrier, and network administrators. Choose from multiple trusted providers or add your own, and utilize a suite of network diagnostic tools. Customize rules for when encrypted DNS is active and sync settings across devices.

Highlights
  • Encrypts DNS queries via HTTPS/TLS
  • Select from 6 trusted DNS providers
  • Add custom DoH/DoT endpoints
  • 10 built-in network diagnostic tools
  • Smart network rules for DNS application
  • iCloud sync for custom profiles
  • Home screen widgets and Shortcuts integration
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

Next Dash Dns4 screens
DNS Forge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Next Dash Dns at Free against DNS Forge's $2.99. Next Dash Dns also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 weeks). DNS Forge's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 3.0). On ratings volume, 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

Next Dash Dns is free to download; DNS Forge costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

DNS Forge holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Next Dash Dns ships an update every 5 days, DNS Forge every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Next Dash Dns versus DNS Forge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNext Dash DnsDNS Forge
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB3 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperJesther SilvestreBen Spears

In-app purchases

None

Next Dash Dns

No in-app purchases

None

DNS Forge

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Next Dash Dns free?
Next Dash Dns is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DNS Forge free?
DNS Forge costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Next Dash Dns or DNS Forge?
DNS Forge is rated higher. Next Dash Dns averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while DNS Forge averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Next Dash Dns or DNS Forge have ads?
Neither Next Dash Dns nor DNS Forge shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Next Dash Dns or DNS Forge?
Next Dash Dns ships an update every 5 days, and DNS Forge every 6 weeks. Most recently, Next Dash Dns was updated on October 24, 2026 and DNS Forge on October 28, 2026.

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