ddclient
ddclient: A configurable DDNS client for multi-provider, IPv4/IPv6, router, and self-hosted DNS updates. Ranked #8 of 24 in Dynamic DNS Services by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Open source; best for open-source multi-provider DDNS updates.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forOpen-source multi-provider DDNS updates
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports many providers, including Cloudflare, DuckDNS, No-IP, and GoDaddy
- Handles IPv4, IPv6, router discovery, and recurring daemon updates
- Supports RFC 2136 DNS UPDATE for self-hosted DNS servers
Where it doesn't
- Requires configuration files or command-line setup rather than a hosted dashboard
- Provider-specific protocol configuration may require technical administration
- Designed for Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like systems
Our verdict on ddclient
ddclient is an open-source, Perl-based dynamic DNS update client for systems with regularly changing IP addresses. It is intended for administrators and technically inclined users who need to keep DNS records current across supported services or self-hosted DNS infrastructure. The client can discover addresses through web services, network interfaces, commands, and supported broadband routers, then update dynamic DNS entries using configured protocols. It supports Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like systems, and is distributed under the GNU GPL.
Its strongest fit is breadth within a client-based workflow. ddclient supports providers such as 1984.is, Cloudflare, DuckDNS, DynDNS.com, DynV6, Gandi, GoDaddy, Hetzner, NameCheap, No-IP, OVH, and Porkbun. Separate IPv4 and IPv6 update strategies help with dual-stack environments, while multiple protocols can be defined in one configuration file. Category capabilities include custom domains, router support, wildcard records, and IPv6 support. Sensitive configuration values can also be read from environment variables, which gives administrators another way to manage credentials and settings.
The trade-off is that ddclient is not a hosted dynamic DNS provider with a consumer-facing plan structure. It runs as a configurable daemon and accepts configuration files or command-line arguments, so setup and ongoing administration sit with the operator. Its RFC 2136 DNS UPDATE support makes it suitable for self-hosted DNS servers, but users seeking a managed dashboard, provider-operated infrastructure, or a simpler point-and-click workflow should choose a hosted DDNS service instead. Pick ddclient when control, open-source licensing, and multi-provider support matter most.
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ddclient pricing
ddclient fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Hostname limit | Not verified |
| IPv6 support | Yes |
| Custom domains | Yes |
| Router support | Yes |
| API access | Not verified |
| Wildcard records | Yes |
| Update interval | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 30+ integrations: 1984.is, All-inkl.com, Cloudflare, DDNS.fm, DuckDNS, DynDNS.com … See all → |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | ddclient.net |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
ddclient integrations
ddclient lists 30+ integrations on its own site — the 17 named here are the ones its pages call out.
- 1984.is
- All-inkl.com
- Cloudflare
- DDNS.fm
- DuckDNS
- DynDNS.com
- DynV6
- EasyDNS
- Gandi
- GoDaddy
- Hetzner
- NameCheap
- No-IP
- OVH
- Porkbun
- PowerDNS
- Zoneedit
See all ddclient integrations →
Alternatives to ddclient
- Dynu Dynamic DNSA feature-rich free DDNS service with broad client, DNS, and API support.9.4
- ApertoDNSA capable free DDNS service for automated updates across routers, cloud tools and containers.9.2
- DynIPA flexible DDNS service with broad integrations, APIs, IPv6, and custom domains.9.0
See all ddclient alternatives →
ddclient vs the competition
- ddclient vs Dynu Dynamic DNS
- ddclient vs ApertoDNS
- ddclient vs DynIP
- ddclient vs No-IP Dynamic DNS
- ddclient vs DNS Exit
- ddclient vs DDNSS
Compare ddclient with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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