Lava Security vs DNS Forge
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Lava Security
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Lava Security helps block known scam and phishing websites, plus trackers, on your iPhone and iPad. Choose what to block, allow sites you trust, and switch filters with Focus or Shortcuts. See what Lava blocks in Activity. Filtering happens on your device. Your activity history stays there. Website lookups use your chosen DNS provider. Core protection is free, with no account needed. Lava Security Plus adds more filters, custom blocklists and custom DNS. Download Lava Security and turn on free protection today. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
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: Lava Security at Free against DNS Forge's $2.99. Lava Security also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). DNS Forge's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
Lava Security is free to download; DNS Forge costs $2.99 up front. Lava Security sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. DNS Forge asks for nothing beyond the download.
Lava Security ships an update fortnightly, DNS Forge every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.
| Parameter | Lava Security | DNS Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 86 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | Lava Security LLC | Ben Spears |
In-app purchases
Lava Security
- Lava Security Plus$3.991 Month
- Lava Security Plus$29.991 Year
DNS Forge
No in-app purchases









