NextDNS
DNS security solutions
Network security software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
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$1.99 per month
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Free version
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What is NextDNS
NextDNS is a cloud-managed DNS resolver service that provides DNS-layer security, content filtering, and privacy controls. It is used by individuals, families, and organizations to block malicious domains, enforce acceptable-use policies, and gain visibility into DNS activity across devices and networks. The product is typically deployed by configuring device, router, or network DNS settings and managing policies through a web console and APIs. It emphasizes policy-based filtering, analytics, and support for encrypted DNS protocols (DoH/DoT).
DNS-layer threat blocking
NextDNS blocks access to known malicious and unwanted domains at the DNS layer, which helps reduce exposure to phishing, malware, and command-and-control infrastructure. Because it operates via DNS resolution, it can protect many device types without installing endpoint agents. Policies can be applied consistently across roaming users and home/branch networks by using the same resolver configuration. This approach complements, rather than replaces, deeper network inspection controls.
Granular policy and filtering
The service supports category-based filtering, allow/deny lists, and per-profile configurations that can map to different users, devices, or locations. Administrators can tune controls to balance security and usability (for example, allowing specific domains while blocking a broader category). This granularity is useful for mixed environments such as small businesses and households with multiple device types. Policy changes propagate quickly because enforcement happens at the resolver.
Encrypted DNS and analytics
NextDNS supports encrypted DNS transports such as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which can reduce exposure to on-path DNS interception. It provides DNS query logs and analytics that help identify unusual destinations and troubleshoot access issues. Reporting is centered on DNS activity, which is often easier to operationalize than full packet capture. Data can be used to refine policies and investigate incidents at the domain level.
Limited beyond DNS visibility
DNS-layer controls cannot inspect URLs beyond the domain, file contents, or application-layer behavior. If a threat uses direct IP connections, encrypted channels without DNS lookups, or benign-looking domains, DNS filtering may not detect it. Organizations needing deep inspection, advanced threat detection, or data loss prevention typically require additional security layers. This makes NextDNS best suited as a component in a broader security stack.
Cloud dependency and routing
As a cloud resolver, availability and performance depend on internet connectivity and the provider’s global infrastructure. Some environments require strict control over where DNS data is processed or stored, which can complicate adoption. Latency-sensitive networks may need testing to ensure resolver selection and routing meet requirements. Outages or misconfigurations can have broad impact because DNS is a foundational service.
Enterprise DDI feature gaps
NextDNS focuses on DNS security and filtering rather than full DDI (DNS, DHCP, IP address management) capabilities. Enterprises that need authoritative DNS management, integrated DHCP, IPAM workflows, and complex multi-site governance may find the feature set insufficient. Integration requirements (for example, SIEM/SOAR depth, role-based administration at scale, and compliance reporting) can exceed what DNS-focused services provide. Larger organizations may need additional tooling for centralized network services management.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | 300,000 DNS queries/month; unlimited devices; unlimited configurations; access to all features; community support. (When exceeding the free monthly quota, NextDNS will continue to answer DNS queries in a non-blocking mode.) |
| Pro (Personal / Families) | $1.99/month or $19.90/year (17% discount) | Unlimited queries; unlimited devices; unlimited configurations; access to all features; community support. |
| Business | $19.90/month* or $199/year* (17% discount) | For small and medium businesses; unlimited queries/devices/configurations; access to all features; email support. *Price applies per 50 employees. |
| Education | $19.90/month* or $199/year* (17% discount) | For schools and universities; unlimited queries/devices/configurations; access to all features; email support. *Price applies per 250 students. |
All prices shown on the official pricing page are in USD and NextDNS accepts cards, PayPal and cryptocurrencies.
