Head-to-head · DNS Filtering Services
AdGuard DNS vs ArmorDNS
AdGuard DNS leads on 1 check, ArmorDNS on 6, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAdGuard DNS · 9.4/10
- Free planonly AdGuard DNS
- Most featuresArmorDNS · 7 of 7
AdGuard DNS scores higher on our rubric for dns filtering services: 9.4 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #10.
AdGuard DNS offers free plan; ArmorDNS doesn't. ArmorDNS offers malware blocking; AdGuard DNS doesn't publish it. ArmorDNS offers ad blocking; AdGuard DNS doesn't publish it. ArmorDNS offers adult content filtering; AdGuard DNS doesn't publish it. ArmorDNS offers per-device policies; AdGuard DNS doesn't publish it.
AdGuard DNS is the better fit for broad consumer and family DNS protection. ArmorDNS is the better fit for families wanting paid per-device DNS policies.
- AdGuard DNS fits best
Broad consumer and family DNS protection
- ArmorDNS fits best
Families wanting paid per-device DNS policies
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Side by side
| Feature | AdGuard DNS 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | ArmorDNS 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in DNS Filtering Services | #10 in DNS Filtering Services |
| Best for | Broad consumer and family DNS protection | Families wanting paid per-device DNS policies |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 7 days · no card needed |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features AdGuard DNS 1/7 · ArmorDNS 7/7 | ||
| Malware blocking | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Ad blocking | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Adult content filtering | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Per-device policies | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Activity logs | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Analytics dashboard | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Custom blocklists | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | AdGuard DNS is a DNS resolver and network-level filtering service for individuals, families, organizations, and connected devices. It blocks ads, trackers, phishing, malware, and adult content at the DNS level, while adding parental… Read the review → |
ArmorDNS is a DNS-based filtering service for families, churches, ministries, and small organizations. It blocks ads, trackers, malware, phishing, adult content, gambling, and other domain categories before connections are established.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
AdGuard DNS — where it wins
- Free Starter plan includes filtering, controls, schedules, logs, and encrypted DNS.
- Supports computers, mobile devices, routers, smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices.
- REST API, custom rules, and multiple encrypted DNS protocols support advanced setups.
Where it doesn't
- Paid plan prices are not shown here.
- Advanced controls may exceed the needs of simple ad blocking.
- Enterprise administration is reserved for the Enterprise offering.
ArmorDNS — where it wins
- Per-device policies with managed and unmanaged device modes
- Real-time query logs with search and device filtering
- Encrypted DNS over TLS, DNS over HTTPS, and DNSSEC validation
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- The Organization tier costs $20 per month or $200 per year
- No AI features are included
- AdGuard DNS9.4/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
Broad DNS protection with strong family controls, encrypted protocols, and wide device coverage.
Visit AdGuard DNSFull verdict → - ArmorDNS8.5/10 · From $5/mo · 7-day trial
Paid DNS filtering with per-device controls, logs, schedules, and encrypted DNS.
Visit ArmorDNSFull verdict →
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- AdGuard DNS vs CleanBrowsing
All DNS filtering services comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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