Comparison

DNSwitch 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

DNSwitch

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Key Features • One-tap DNS switching • Custom DNS: Add, edit, delete. Supports DoH, DoT, and DNS • DNS Speed Test (Pro): Shows average, minimum, and maximum latency • DNSwitch Pro: Unlock speed test and ad-free Disclaimer This app is not affiliated with any DNS providers. All services are provided by third parties. Please follow their terms and privacy policies.

About

DNS Forge

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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

DNSwitch4 screens
DNS Forge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: DNSwitch at Free against DNS Forge's $2.99. DNSwitch also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks). DNS Forge's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

DNSwitch is free to download; DNS Forge costs $2.99 up front. DNSwitch sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. DNS Forge asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DNSwitch ships an update weekly, DNS Forge every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences Ā· 1 level
DNSwitch versus DNS Forge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDNSwitchDNS Forge
PriceFree — better$2.99
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.018.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLEE HAN HSIANGBen Spears

In-app purchases

1 purchases

DNSwitch

One-time1
  • dnswitch pro$0.99
None

DNS Forge

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DNSwitch free?
DNSwitch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DNS Forge free?
DNS Forge costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do DNSwitch or DNS Forge have ads?
DNSwitch shows ads; DNS Forge does not.
Which is updated more often, DNSwitch or DNS Forge?
DNSwitch ships an update weekly, and DNS Forge every 6 weeks. Most recently, DNSwitch was updated on October 10, 2026 and DNS Forge on September 28, 2026.

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