Comparison

DNS Optimizer vs AdGuard DNS

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

Head to head
About

DNS Optimizer

Optimize your internet connection by easily switching DNS servers. Benchmark performance, block unwanted content, and enhance online gaming with secure and private browsing. Supports Wi-Fi and cellular networks on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Highlights
  • Switch system-wide DNS configurations
  • Benchmark DNS server performance
  • Pre-configured trusted DNS servers
  • Add custom encrypted DNS servers (DoH/DoT)
  • Block ads and unwanted content
  • Improve online gaming latency
Features
Read full description

Experience faster, safer, and more private internet browsing with DNS Optimizer—the ultimate DNS changer and benchmark app for your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. With this app, you can effortlessly switch between DNS servers, benchmark their performance, and customize your DNS settings to optimize your internet connection. Change DNS Server Enhance your browsing experience by easily changing system-wide DNS configurations. DNS Optimizer seamlessly integrates with your iPhone (iOS), iPad (iPadOS), and Mac (macOS), allowing you to configure DNS for both Wi‑Fi and cellular networks using your device’s built-in network settings—no VPN required. Pre-configured DNS Servers Quickly connect to fast, secure, and reliable pre-configured servers. Choose from trusted providers such as Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8), Quad9 (9.9.9.9), Cisco OpenDNS, AdGuard, CleanBrowsing, Control D, and dns0.eu. Add Custom DNS Servers Go beyond the defaults by setting up your own advanced, encrypted configurations. Enjoy integrated support for DNS over HTTPS (DoH), DNS over TLS (DoT), IPv4, and IPv6—giving you complete control over your DNS settings. (Available in the Pro version) Run DNS Benchmark Find the fastest DNS server for your network and location with advanced latency tests. You can easily measure and compare performance across multiple servers, including those that support encrypted protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS. Block Unwanted Content Take control of your browsing experience by choosing DNS servers designed for ad blocking, malicious content filtering, or parental controls (adult content filtering). Easily block unwanted content, protect your family, and keep your online activities secure and private. Improve Your Online Gaming Experience When every millisecond counts, your DNS configuration can be a game-changer. If your default or ISP-provided DNS server isn’t up to the task, you could experience lag, high ping, and other latency issues. Use this app to connect to the best DNS server for your connection and enjoy a smoother, more responsive gaming experience. Privacy: https://dnsoptimizer.app/privacy/ Terms: https://dnsoptimizer.app/terms/

About

AdGuard DNS

This utility app connects your devices to a secure DNS server that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It offers enhanced privacy and protection across your entire network without collecting user data. Ideal for individuals and organizations seeking a cleaner, safer online experience.

Highlights
  • Blocks ads and trackers
  • Protects against malicious domains
  • Works across all devices
  • Privacy-focused, no data collection
  • Easy network-wide protection
Features
Read full description

This app works in tandem with AdGuard DNS. To use it, you need an AdGuard DNS account. Sign up or log in at https://adguard-dns.io. AdGuard DNS lets you connect to a secure, privacy-oriented DNS server that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains. It works on all devices — phones, tablets, laptops, and routers — with no restrictions. It is perfect for protecting your home network and convenient for schools, universities, or companies that need to manage multiple devices consistently. Privacy first: we do not track users, collect personal data, or embed third-party analytics or advertising SDKs. Learn more in our Privacy policy: https://adguard-dns.io/privacy.html. Need help or have questions? Visit our support center: https://adguard-dns.io/support.html. Learn more about AdGuard DNS on our website: https://adguard-dns.io.

Screenshots

DNS Optimizer4 screens
AdGuard DNS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: DNS Optimizer at 5.0 against AdGuard DNS's 3.7. AdGuard DNS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (36% vs 25%). On price, update cadence, ads 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

Both are free to download. DNS Optimizer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. AdGuard DNS asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

DNS Optimizer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AdGuard DNS has 35 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 25% of DNS Optimizer's written reviews are positive against 36% of AdGuard DNS's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DNS Optimizer ships an update every 11 days, AdGuard DNS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
DNS Optimizer versus AdGuard DNS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDNS OptimizerAdGuard DNS
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (7 ratings) — better3.7 (35 ratings)
Positive reviews25.0% of reviews36.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings735 — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.015.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB87 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperATAKAN YILDIRIMAdguard Software Limited

Customer experience

DNS Optimizer

All ratings7 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

AdGuard DNS

All ratings35 ratings
Positive65.7%
Neutral5.7%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews44 reviews
Positive36.4%
Neutral9.1%
Negative54.5%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

DNS Optimizer

One-time2
  • DNS Optimizer Pro$9.99
  • DNS Optimizer Pro$19.99
None

AdGuard DNS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DNS Optimizer free?
DNS Optimizer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AdGuard DNS free?
AdGuard DNS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, DNS Optimizer or AdGuard DNS?
DNS Optimizer is rated higher. DNS Optimizer averages 5.0 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while AdGuard DNS averages 3.7 from 35 ratings.
Do DNS Optimizer or AdGuard DNS have ads?
Neither DNS Optimizer nor AdGuard DNS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DNS Optimizer or AdGuard DNS?
DNS Optimizer ships an update every 11 days, and AdGuard DNS every 2 weeks. Most recently, DNS Optimizer was updated on September 11, 2026 and AdGuard DNS on September 14, 2026.

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