Comparison

Ghost Guard 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

Ghost Guard

Features
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Revolutionize your Safari browsing. Block invasive ads, reclaim your privacy, and unlock a faster, cleaner web experience tailored to your preferences. Intelligent Content Blocking • 20,000+ precision-tuned blocking rules • Eliminate ads from major networks seamlessly • Neutralize tracking ecosystems and data harvesters • Intelligent cookie consent handling • Strip away social media distractions Advanced Privacy Layer • Sensitive Data Shield - Intelligent obfuscation of personal identifiers • Threat Detection - Real-time suspicious site warnings • Trace Elimination - Smart removal of tracking cookies and pixels • URL Parameter Scrubbing - Clean links before sharing Enhanced Browsing Experience • Floating Playback - Watch videos in resizable overlays • Adaptive Playback Control - 0.5x to 4x speed adjustment • Continuous Audio - Audio persists beyond screen lock • Web Bookmark Manager - Organize your favorite pages Content Intelligence • Annotation Framework - Rich multi-layer markup system for text articles • Continuous Feed Mode - Seamless content stream navigation • Multilingual Support - Context-aware translation layer • Reading Highlights - Mark and organize important passages Adaptive Protection Levels • Balanced Mode - Optimal ad/functionality equilibrium • Concentrated Mode - Maximum content restriction • Guardian Mode - Age-appropriate filtering • Accessibility Mode - Enhanced readability and scale Rules Engine & Extensibility • Precision Element Targeting - Granular DOM manipulation • Unbounded Rule Creation - Build your filtering universe • Configuration Portability - Export and sync rulesets • Script Ecosystem Integration - Native automation support Interface & Architecture Contemporary design language with intuitive workflows Comprehensive night mode for all lighting conditions Dashboard widget for activity overview Edge Processing Architecture - Everything stays on your device Zero Telemetry - Absolute privacy by design Registration-Free - Immediate functionality Take Control Reclaim ownership of your browsing environment. Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/surfsentry-privacy Terms of Service: https://sites.google.com/view/surfsentry-terms

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
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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

Ghost Guard4 screens
DNS Forge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Ghost Guard at Free against DNS Forge's $2.99. Ghost Guard also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). DNS Forge's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On 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

Ghost Guard is free to download; DNS Forge costs $2.99 up front. Ghost Guard sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. DNS Forge asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ghost Guard ships an update every 3 months, DNS Forge every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Ghost Guard versus DNS Forge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGhost GuardDNS Forge
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer燕娜 秦Ben Spears

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Ghost Guard

Subscriptions1
  • Unlimited Access$9.997 Days
None

DNS Forge

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ghost Guard free?
Ghost Guard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DNS Forge free?
DNS Forge costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Ghost Guard or DNS Forge have ads?
Neither Ghost Guard nor DNS Forge shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ghost Guard or DNS Forge?
Ghost Guard ships an update every 3 months, and DNS Forge every 6 weeks. Most recently, Ghost Guard was updated on November 9, 2026 and DNS Forge on November 10, 2026.

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