NextDNS review
A flexible DNS filter with unusually broad controls, logs, and platform support.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
NextDNS is a DNS-based Internet filtering and security service for individuals, families, schools, and businesses. It blocks malware, phishing domains, advertisements, trackers, explicit content, selected websites, apps, and games across devices and networks. Administrators can apply policies across computers, mobile devices, routers, and other supported environments, making it suitable for households and organizations that want centralized filtering rather than device-by-device controls.
The Free plan includes 300,000 queries per month, unlimited devices, unlimited configurations, access to all features, and community support. Pro adds unlimited queries while keeping unlimited devices, unlimited configurations, and access to all features. Business is designed for small and medium businesses and adds email support; its price applies for every 50 employees. Education is intended for schools and universities, also includes email support, and applies pricing for every 250 students. This structure makes the free tier broad for personal use, while the paid tiers mainly remove query limits or align billing with organizational size.
Its standout strength is control depth: malware and phishing protection, parental categories, SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode enforcement, custom denylist and allowlist entries, time-based Recreation Time rules, analytics, real-time DNS logs, configurable retention and data residency, DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS response rewrites. The service supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and an API. It is a strong choice for users who want detailed DNS policy management and visibility across varied platforms. Those needing uploaded custom blocklists should consider a different filtering product.
NextDNS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan includes all features, unlimited devices, and unlimited configurations
- Advanced analytics, real-time DNS logs, retention controls, and data residency options
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and API access
- Where it doesn't
- Free usage is limited to 300,000 queries per month
- Custom blocklists cannot be uploaded; domains must be entered manually
- Business and Education pricing applies by employee or student groups
NextDNS fact sheet, pricing and score →
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