NS1 Managed DNS review
Mature DNS steering and query-log tools, starting at $99 per month.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
IBM NS1 Connect, formerly NS1 Managed DNS, is a managed authoritative DNS service for organizations directing traffic across endpoints, clouds, or content delivery networks. It suits teams that need geographic, performance, and availability-based steering, along with health monitoring and DNS query logs. The service is available through a web interface and API, with a global Anycast DNS network supporting its traffic direction capabilities.
Pricing starts with a 30-day Trial at $0 per month for DNS management and traffic steering; it is time-limited rather than a free plan. Essentials is $99 per month and includes authoritative DNS, health check monitors, and a traffic filter chain. Standard is $349 per month, adding spike protection and traffic filter chains. Premium pricing is available by quote, with scalable authoritative DNS, primary and secondary DNS support, and optional DNS Insights, Pulsar, and Dedicated DNS. Published prices may vary by country and exclude applicable taxes and duties.
The service combines automatic rerouting when endpoints fail with DNSSEC online signing and query-log export to a customer-defined S3 location. DNS Insights dashboards support traffic analysis, while Terraform, Ansible, and Amazon Route 53 are among its integrations. API-driven configuration is relevant for teams automating DNS changes. NS1 Connect is a fit for organizations that value mature steering and visibility and can justify the monthly entry price; teams seeking a free ongoing plan or a lower-cost starting point should consider alternatives. Support channels include documentation, and listed security options include SSO SAML and two-factor authentication.
NS1 Managed DNS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Steers traffic by performance, availability, and geography
- Health monitoring can trigger automatic traffic rerouting
- Exports DNS query logs to a customer-defined S3 location
- Where it doesn't
- Essentials starts at $99 per month, with no free plan
- Standard costs $349 per month for added spike protection
- Premium pricing is by quote
NS1 Managed DNS fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update