Comparison

GlassDNS 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

GlassDNS

Manage your DNS records directly from your iPhone with this tool. It supports multiple DNS providers and offers full record management, including viewing, editing, and deleting various record types. The app prioritizes security and features a clean, intuitive interface.

Highlights
  • Multi-provider DNS support
  • Full DNS record management
  • Support for A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, SRV records
  • Secure API credential storage
  • Intuitive dark glassmorphism UI
  • Bilingual support (English & Chinese)
Read full description

GlassDNS is a mobile DNS configuration tool that lets you manage DNS records right from your iPhone. MULTI-PROVIDER SUPPORT Connect multiple DNS providers in one app. Currently supports Cloudflare and Alibaba Cloud DNS, with more coming soon. FULL DNS RECORD MANAGEMENT - View, add, edit, and delete DNS records - Support for A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, and SRV record types - Filter and search records by type or name - Pull to refresh for real-time updates SECURE BY DESIGN - API credentials stored in iOS Keychain - All data stays on your device - No tracking or analytics BEAUTIFUL UI - Dark glassmorphism interface - Clean, intuitive design - Bilingual support (English & Chinese)

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

DNS Forge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GlassDNS at Free against DNS Forge's $2.99. DNS Forge's advantage is device support and iOS requirement (18.6 vs 26.4). On rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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

GlassDNS 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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for GlassDNS against 5.0 for DNS Forge. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
GlassDNS versus DNS Forge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGlassDNSDNS Forge
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings11
Update frequency—Every 6 weeks
Ads—No
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Devices—iPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS26.418.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB3 MB
Age rating4++4
Developer良瑀 童Ben Spears

In-app purchases

None

GlassDNS

No in-app purchases

None

DNS Forge

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GlassDNS free?
GlassDNS 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, GlassDNS or DNS Forge?
GlassDNS and DNS Forge are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

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