RethinkDNS review
A free, open-source Android privacy tool with filtering, firewall rules, and network activity reports.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
RethinkDNS combines a DNS resolver with an Android firewall for users who want device-level control over ads, trackers, malware, phishing domains, and other unwanted connections. It is free and open source, with an Android application focused on privacy controls, application network access, and activity visibility. Users can also configure generated DNS endpoints in compatible browsers and devices, making it relevant beyond a single Android installation.
The product’s filtering depth comes from more than 190 predefined blocklists organized into parental, security, and privacy categories. Custom policies, per-application rules, and domain-level allow or deny controls let users tune blocking rather than rely only on broad categories. DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS provide encrypted DNS options, while searchable DNS and network activity logs add visibility into data use. Automated reports identify unknown or suspicious connections, giving the product a monitoring layer alongside its filtering functions.
RethinkDNS follows a freemium model. Its Android application is free, and the cloud DNS service has free and paid tiers. The product can connect with configurable DNS endpoints and is associated with Cloudflare, Fly.io, Google Play, and F-Droid. Its clearest fit is privacy-conscious Android users who want app-level firewall controls and detailed network inspection in one tool. Users primarily seeking a broad enterprise DNS platform, extensive business integrations, or capabilities centered equally across many operating systems may want an alternative with a wider organizational focus.
RethinkDNS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- More than 190 blocklists across parental, security, and privacy categories
- Android firewall with per-app and domain-level allow or deny rules
- Searchable logs, suspicious-connection reports, and encrypted DNS support
- Where it doesn't
- Its strongest capabilities are concentrated on Android
- Cloud DNS pricing tiers do not provide a verified DNS-filtering price
- Enterprise integration breadth is narrower than its Android controls
RethinkDNS fact sheet, pricing and score →
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