NextDNS is a cloud-based DNS resolver and filtering platform that lets you control what queries get resolved, block trackers/malware/phishing, enforce parental controls, and monitor DNS traffic. Technically, it’s like running a tiny cybersecurity command center in front of your devices but without having to manage actual hardware.
NextDNS resolves DNS requests and lets you apply filtering profiles (privacy, security, content categories) with reporting dashboards.
It supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for encrypted DNS.
People choose it because it’s very customizable and more privacy-focused than the default DNS you get from your ISP.
Table of comparable vendors and details:
| Feature / Service | DNS Resolution | Encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT) | Content Filtering / Categories | Malware/Threat Blocking | Parental Controls | Identity / Enterprise Integration | Logging & Analytics |
| NextDNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Detailed |
| Cisco Umbrella | Yes | Yes | Yes (enterprise) | Yes (Talos) | Optional | Yes (AD/SSO) | Enterprise SIEM logs |
| OpenDNS (Home) | Yes | Yes (partial) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Basic logs |
| Quad9 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (threat intel) | No | No | Minimal |
| Cloudflare Gateway | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes (Cloudflare Zero Trust) | Reports |
| Google Public DNS | Yes | Yes | No | Optional protection | No | No | Minimal |
| AdGuard DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Logs Vary |
| CleanBrowsing | Yes | Yes | Yes (family profiles) | Yes (security) | Yes | No | Basic logs |
| ControlD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Basic / Paid |
| SafeDNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional | Standard logs |
| DNSFilter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes (enterprise) | Analytics |