Next Dash Dns vs DNS Forge
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Next Dash Dns | DNS Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | Jesther Silvestre | Ben Spears |
In-app purchases
Next Dash Dns
No in-app purchases
DNS Forge
No in-app purchases









