What is a DNS and How Does It Work ?

DNS (Domain Name System) is like a phone book for the internet. It translates human-readable website addresses (like dumpinator.org) into IP addresses that computers use to locate each other on the internet. By handling DNS requests, NextDNS helps stop unwanted sites or tracking before they even load.

What is NextDNS ?

NextDNS is like a filter for your internet. It checks your DNS requests (the way your device finds websites) and lets you block or allow what you want. It’s useful for stopping unwanted tracking, annoying ads, and cyber threats.

Main Features of NextDNS

🛡️ Privacy Protection

  • Ad and Tracker Blocking: Stops most ads and tracking domains using popular blocklists you can choose from.
  • Encrypted DNS: Offers DNS-over-HTTPS DoH, DNS-over-TLS DoT, and DNS-over-QUIC DoQ, encrypting your DNS queries so your ISP and other network observers can’t see which websites you’re trying to access.

🔒 Security Features

  • Threat Blocking: Uses updated lists to block dangerous websites linked to phishing or malware.
  • Extra Protection: Protects against DNS attacks, fake websites (typosquatting and IDN homograph attacks), risky newly registered domains.
  • ISP Protection: Prevents ISPs from altering your DNS queries and redirecting you to unintended websites.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental Controls

  • Content Filters: Lets you block websites by category, like adult content, gambling, or violence.
  • SafeSearch and YouTube Restrictions: Automatically turns on safety features for Google and YouTube.
  • Scheduled Access: You can schedule internet access times for better control.

🌍 Works Everywhere

  • Universal Compatibility: Easy setup on all major devices—Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even routers.
  • Flexible Options: Guides are available for setting up DoH, DoT, and DoQ, making it easy for anyone to configure.
  • Preconfigured Apps: Some apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok are already configured internally to use encrypted DNS, making it even easier to stay protected. (Note: Some apps like TikTok may override DNS with their own, which can bypass DNS filters.)

🧩 Create Different Profiles

  • Profiles: Set up multiple profiles for different family members or devices, each with their own rules.

📊 Logs and Analytics

  • NextDNS shows real-time DNS logs. You decide the log retention (from 1 hour up to 2 years) or disable logging completely. You can also choose where your logs are physically stored, with options like the European Union, the United States, Switzerland, or Canada to match your local privacy requirements.

Free and Paid Versions

NextDNS offers a free plan that includes up to 300,000 DNS queries per month, which is enough for light or personal use. Once this limit is reached, it becomes a standard DNS resolver, with no filtering, no logging etc.

Easy Setup

You can set up NextDNS easily:

  • Directly on devices (through apps or system settings)
  • On your router (covering your whole network)
  • Directly in your browser (built-in DNS settings)

Detailed setup instructions are provided by NextDNS.

Conclusion

NextDNS is a simple and practical tool for improving your online privacy, protecting your devices, and managing internet use at home.
It gives you full control over your DNS queries, helping you block unwanted content and online threats easily.

While alternatives like AdGuard DNS and Pi-hole exist, NextDNS is easier to set up, works without extra hardware, and offers stronger encryption and customization out of the box.