NextDNS vs RethinkDNS vs AdGuard Home: DNS Privacy Comparison
Compare NextDNS, RethinkDNS, and AdGuard Home for DNS privacy and ad blocking. Learn which DNS service best protects your queries.
Summary
NextDNS offers cloud-based DNS with extensive filtering and privacy features. RethinkDNS provides mobile-first DNS with firewall features. AdGuard Home is self-hosted DNS with ad blocking. Choose based on your needs: cloud convenience (NextDNS), mobile features (RethinkDNS), or self-hosting (AdGuard Home).
Why DNS Privacy Matters
Your DNS queries reveal: - Every website you visit - Every app you use - Your browsing patterns - Your interests and behavior
ISPs and DNS providers can see all of this, making DNS privacy essential.
Detailed Comparison
NextDNS
Type: Cloud-based DNS service
Features: - DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) - DNS-over-TLS (DoT) - Extensive blocklists - Logging control - Custom filtering rules - Analytics dashboard
Privacy: - Optional logging (can disable) - No data selling - Privacy-focused - GDPR compliant
Pricing: Free (300k queries/month), $2/month (unlimited)
Pros: - Easy setup - Extensive features - Good privacy options - Cloud-based (no self-hosting) - Excellent filtering
Cons: - Requires account (free tier) - Cloud-based (trust required) - Paid for heavy use
RethinkDNS
Type: Mobile-first DNS + Firewall
Features: - DNS-over-HTTPS - Firewall features - App-level blocking - No account needed - Open source - Android-focused
Privacy: - No logging by default - Local processing - Privacy-focused - Open source
Pricing: Free (with limitations), paid app available
Pros: - Mobile-first design - Firewall features - No account required - Open source - Good privacy
Cons: - Primarily mobile - Less features than NextDNS - Smaller user base
AdGuard Home
Type: Self-hosted DNS
Features: - Self-hosted (your server) - DNS-over-HTTPS - Extensive ad blocking - Custom rules - Parental controls - Full control
Privacy: - Your server, your data - No third-party trust - Complete control - Can be air-gapped
Pricing: Free (self-hosted)
Pros: - Complete control - No third-party trust - Free (self-hosted) - Extensive features - Privacy-focused
Cons: - Requires self-hosting - Technical setup - Maintenance required - Server costs
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NextDNS | RethinkDNS | AdGuard Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Privacy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ad Blocking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Self-Hosted | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Mobile Focus | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Cost | Free/Paid | Free/Paid | Free (hosting) |
Privacy Analysis
What Gets Logged
NextDNS: - Optional logging (can disable) - Query logs if enabled - Analytics if enabled - Can be completely disabled
RethinkDNS: - No logging by default - Local processing - Privacy-focused - No data collection
AdGuard Home: - Your server, your control - Can disable all logging - Complete privacy - No third-party access
Jurisdiction
NextDNS: Switzerland (privacy-friendly) RethinkDNS: Varies (open source) AdGuard Home: Your server location
Which Should You Choose?
Choose NextDNS If:
- You want easy cloud setup
- You need extensive features
- You prefer cloud convenience
- You want good filtering
- You’re okay with cloud service
Choose RethinkDNS If:
- You’re primarily mobile
- You want firewall features
- You prefer no account
- You want open source
- You’re Android-focused
Choose AdGuard Home If:
- You want maximum control
- You can self-host
- You want no third-party trust
- You have technical knowledge
- You want complete privacy
Setup Guide
NextDNS
- Create account at nextdns.io
- Get configuration ID
- Configure device/router
- Choose blocklists
- Customize settings
RethinkDNS
- Download RethinkDNS app
- Enable DNS
- Configure blocklists
- Set up firewall rules
- No account needed
AdGuard Home
- Install on server (Raspberry Pi, VPS, etc.)
- Configure DNS settings
- Set up blocklists
- Configure devices to use it
- Maintain server
Best Practices
For All DNS Services:
- Use DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS
- Disable logging if possible
- Use strong blocklists
- Test DNS leaks
- Keep configuration updated
Additional Privacy:
- Combine with VPN for extra protection
- Use privacy-focused browser
- Clear DNS cache regularly
- Monitor for leaks
- Use encrypted DNS protocols
Common Questions
Q: Do DNS services see my traffic? A: DNS services see domain names you visit, not full traffic. Use DNS-over-HTTPS to encrypt queries.
Q: Is self-hosting better for privacy? A: Yes, self-hosting gives you complete control and no third-party trust, but requires technical knowledge.
Q: Can DNS block all ads? A: DNS can block many ads at the network level, but browser extensions provide more comprehensive blocking.
Q: Do I need a paid DNS service? A: Free tiers work for most users. Paid services offer more queries and features.
Q: Which is most private? A: AdGuard Home (self-hosted) offers maximum privacy, followed by RethinkDNS and NextDNS with logging disabled.
Conclusion
All three DNS services offer good privacy protection. NextDNS provides cloud convenience with extensive features. RethinkDNS offers mobile-first privacy with firewall features. AdGuard Home provides maximum control through self-hosting.
For most users, NextDNS offers the best balance of features, privacy, and ease of use. RethinkDNS is excellent for mobile users. AdGuard Home is best for users who can self-host and want maximum control.
Choose based on your needs: convenience (NextDNS), mobile features (RethinkDNS), or self-hosting (AdGuard Home). All three protect your DNS queries better than default ISP DNS.