AdGuard vs NextDNS
A detailed comparison to help you choose between AdGuard and NextDNS.
AdGuard Ad blocker with DNS-level protection. | NextDNS DNS-based privacy and security | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 (180 reviews) | 4.5 (12000 reviews) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starting Price | From $0/mo | From $0/mo |
| Best For | Best for users wanting to block ads and trackers across the web | Best DNS-based ad blocking |
| Free Tier | ||
| API Access | ||
| Team Features | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Tags | — | — |
| Visit AdGuard → |
AdGuard
Pros
- + Free, open-source browser extension
- + No “acceptable ads” monetization program
- + Powerful filter lists and manual rules
- + Android app includes DNS protection and firewall
- + AdGuard Home enables network-wide DNS blocking
- + Refund window guidance published (60 days)
Cons
- - Feature set varies by platform and browser limits
- - Advanced setup can require troubleshooting
- - Not all AdGuard products are open source
- - Some privacy controls are global, not per-site
NextDNS
Pros
- + Supports DoH, DoT, DoQ, and DoH3
- + Configurable logging, retention, and data residency
- + Open-source MIT-licensed CLI client
- + Free tier up to 300,000 queries/month
- + Graceful fallback to basic DNS after quota
Cons
- - Free tier filtering stops after 300k queries
- - No independent no-logs audit found in sources
- - Not a VPN; doesn’t hide your IP address
- - GUI apps not confirmed open-source
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