Need Nextdns because you are struggling to manage screen time or break free from digital addictions (social media, gaming, adult content)?
Procrastinating because you can’t focus or be productive enough to achieve the results you deserve? With endless distractions from our devices, staying on track can feel nearly impossible.
In this Screen Management Tool Series, we explore and test the best free and paid tools for Android, iOS, computers, and phones—including apps, software, extensions, and more—so you can take back control, reclaim your time, and unlock your full potential.
Nextdns
⭐️ Our Experts Score: 73/100
⭐️ Community Score: 74/100
🥇Rank: 43th/160
🔒 Potential Impact: 4.5/5
💰 Free + premium plans
👍 Best use for: DNS & Network Filtering
📊 Estimated Users: 1M+
Summary
- About Nextdns
- Functionalities & Features
- What Nextdns can help you with
- How to use Nextdns
- Prices & Plans: Free vs PRO [2025]
- Paid Functionalities (paywall)
- Plans & Prices
- Money-back guarantee?
- Test & Review of Nextdns
- Pros & Cons
- Does Nextdns actually work?
- User tests & community sentiment
- Comparison with competitors
- Our opinion
- To Go Further
- Test your screen habits
About Nextdns
NextDNS, launched in 2019 by Olivier Poitrey and Romain Cointepas, is a privacy-focused DNS service that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It operates by routing your internet queries through its servers, enhancing security and privacy. Users can customize settings to filter content and monitor analytics, ensuring a safer browsing experience across devices.
Nextdns Functionalities & Features
Certainly! Here’s a list of the main functionalities and features of NextDNS, each starting with an emoji:
🔒 Privacy Protection: Blocks trackers and ads, ensuring your online activities remain private.
🛡️ Security Enhancement: Protects against phishing, malware, and other online threats.
🌍 Content Filtering: Offers customizable filters to block unwanted content, including adult sites and social media.
📊 Analytics and Logs: Provides detailed analytics and logs to monitor DNS queries and network activity.
⚙️ Custom Configuration: Allows you to create personalized blocklists and whitelists for tailored browsing experiences.
🚀 Performance Optimization: Reduces latency and improves browsing speed with global server coverage.
📱 Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and routers.
🔗 Parental Controls: Enables parents to manage and restrict children’s internet access with ease.
🔍 DNS-over-HTTPS/TLS: Ensures secure and encrypted DNS queries to protect against eavesdropping.
🔄 Easy Setup and Management: Offers user-friendly interfaces and guides for quick setup and management.
🆓 Free and Premium Plans: Provides both free and premium options to suit different user needs and preferences.
These features make NextDNS a comprehensive solution for enhancing online privacy, security, and performance.
What Nextdns can help you with

Improving your technology relationship
Certainly! Here are some problems and pain points that NextDNS can help address:
The psychology of Nextdns
NextDNS provides users with control over their internet experience by blocking unwanted content and enhancing privacy. The psychology behind its use lies in the desire for security, customization, and a clutter-free digital environment, offering peace of mind and a sense of empowerment online.
How to download and install Nextdns
Availability
Windows, Macos, Android, Ios, Linux, Router
Download
Windows / Macos / Android / Ios / Linux / Router: Download Nextdns
Or visit£µ£official page.
Installation
Nextdns – PRO vs Free: Prices & Plans [2025]
Paid Functionalities (paywall)
The pro version of NextDNS offers several advantages for enhanced internet security and privacy. Subscribers gain access to unlimited query logs and extended data retention, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of online activities. The pro version also supports more devices, catering to families or businesses with multiple users. Advanced customization features, such as tailored blocklists and privacy settings, provide users with greater control over their browsing experience.
Additionally, the pro version offers priority customer support, ensuring prompt assistance when needed. These functionalities, behind a paywall, make NextDNS Pro an attractive option for those seeking robust, personalized internet security solutions.
Plans & Prices
Free + premium plans | Premium plans include unlimited soundscapes and advanced features. $10/month or $50/year
Money-back guarantee?
NextDNS does not explicitly offer a money-back guarantee. Always check their terms or contact support for the latest refund policies.
Test & Review of Nextdns
Pros & Cons
Pros & Advantages
Cons & Limits
Using NextDNS can have several disadvantages. It may introduce latency, affecting browsing speed. Users might face configuration complexity, especially non-tech-savvy individuals. Privacy concerns could arise if users distrust the service’s data handling. Free-tier limitations may restrict features or bandwidth.
Additionally, reliance on a third-party DNS service could lead to potential service disruptions or outages, impacting internet access.
Does Nextdns actually work?
How reliable is it?
One of the most important questions when it comes to screen time management tools or website blockers: how reliable are they?
As we know, when cravings hit, our brain pushes us to access it, and the trickier it is to do so, the less chance we have of yielding and wasting time. So here comes the question: How easy is it to bypass, avoid, forget, remove, or uninstall Nextdns?
Using NextDNS is a fantastic way to enhance your online experience by improving privacy and security. It’s highly reliable because it operates at the DNS level, making it harder to bypass without advanced technical know-how. Once set up on your devices or router, it runs seamlessly in the background, reducing the chance of forgetting to use it.
Additionally, NextDNS offers user-friendly apps and settings that make it easy to stick with, even if you’re not tech-savvy. While no tool is 100% foolproof, NextDNS is designed to be robust against removal or bypass attempts. With regular updates and strong community support, it’s a dependable choice to improve your digital life.
What results can you realistically expect from using Nextdns?
Using NextDNS Web, you can expect improved online privacy by blocking trackers and ads. It speeds up your browsing by filtering unwanted content and lets you customize settings to fit your preferences. You’ll also gain insights with detailed analytics on your internet usage. Plus, it secures your connection across multiple devices, ensuring a safer and smoother web experience overall.
What users & the community think about it
Here is what the community (app reviews, Reddit, Trustpilot…) thinks about Nextdns.
NextDNS has garnered positive feedback globally for its robust privacy features and user-friendly interface. Users appreciate its ability to block ads and trackers effectively, enhancing online security. The customizable settings and detailed analytics are praised, though some users mention occasional connectivity issues. Overall, the community views NextDNS as a reliable and efficient DNS service, particularly valued for its focus on privacy and security.
Best Nextdns alternatives compared
🏆 RANK | 🛠️ TOOL | 🎯 BEST FOR | 📱 AVAILABLE | 👥 ~USERS | 💲 PRICE | ⬇️ DOWNLOAD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | NextDNS | Advanced DNS filtering for blocking harmful content. | Windows macOS Android iOS Linux Router | 1M+ | Free | Download |
2 | OpenDNS | Network-level web filtering for safer browsing. | Windows macOS Router | 10M+ | Free | Download |
3 | Pi-hole | Network-wide ad and tracker blocker. | Linux Raspberry Pi | 1M+ | Free | Download |
4 | DNSFilter | Cloud-based DNS filtering for blocking harmful content. | Windows macOS Android iOS Router | 500K+ | $5/month (Basic), $10/month (Pro) | Download |
5 | NetLimiter | Controls and monitors internet bandwidth usage. | Windows | 200K+ | $19.95 (Home), $29.95 (Pro) | Download |
6 | CleanBrowsing | Filters unsafe content at the DNS level. | Windows macOS Android iOS Router | 1M+ | Free | Download |
7 | NetGuard | Firewall app that blocks unwanted internet access. | Android | 2M+ | Free | Download |
8 | Eero Secure | Network-level content filtering and security. | Router | 500K+ | $2.99/month, $29.99/year | Download |
9 | OpenDNS Family Shield | Pre-configured web filtering for family-safe browsing. | Windows macOS Router | 10M+ | Free | Download |
10 | Safe Surfer | Blocks inappropriate content on the web. | Android iOS | 500K+ | $4.99/month, $49.99/year | Download |
11 | InternetOff | Disables internet access for focus sessions. | Android | 50K+ | Free | Download |
12 | Google WiFi Parental Controls | Network-level content filtering and time restrictions. | Router | 10M+ | Free | Download |
13 | TP-Link HomeCare | Router-based parental controls and security. | Router | 1M+ | Free | Download |
To discover more DNS & Network Filtering tools, check our DNS & Network Filtering ranking:
Our opinion on Nextdns
As a tech and digital wellness expert, we highly recommend NextDNS Web. It offers robust privacy protection by blocking malicious sites and trackers, enhancing your online safety. The customizable filters help manage screen time by limiting access to distracting content. Its user-friendly interface makes setup easy across devices, supporting a healthier digital lifestyle.
Additionally, real-time analytics provide insights into your browsing habits, empowering better control over your digital usage. Overall, NextDNS is a powerful tool for securing your online experience and promoting mindful internet use.
To Go Further
Test your screen habits
Try our digital habit & screen addiction test:
Quit any toxic screen habit
To go further, please check our courseThe Digital Purge.Here is the trailer: