RethinkDNS
RethinkDNS is an open source DNS server that focuses on security, privacy, and performance. It blocks ads and trackers while providing a fast and reliable DNS resolution.
RethinkDNS: Secure, Private & Fast DNSs
Open source DNS server prioritizing security, privacy, and performance, blocking ads and trackers for a faster DNS resolution experience.
What is RethinkDNS?
RethinkDNS is an open source recursive DNS server that puts privacy first. It is designed to protect users from various online threats like ads, tracking, malware, and phishing. Some key features of RethinkDNS:
- Blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level to enhance privacy.
- Cryptographically verifies DNS data to prevent spoofing and manipulation.
- Cached locally to deliver fast DNS resolutions.
- Supports the latest DNS protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS for encrypted transport.
- Easy to deploy with Docker images and configuration wizards.
- customizable blocklists that are regularly updated.
- Lightweight and optimized to run smoothly on resource constrained devices like routers or single board computers.
By running a privacy focused DNS server like RethinkDNS at home or using a public instance, users can protect all their internet connected devices from online threats. It also reduces bandwidth usage by preventing devices from contacting ad and tracking domains. For individuals and businesses that care about security, Rethink DNS is an essential online privacy tool.
RethinkDNS Features
Features
- Built-in ad blocking and anti-tracking
- Supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS
- Cache optimization for faster performance
- Supports DNSSEC validation
- Blocklists for malware domains
- Custom block and allow lists
- Graphical user interface for configuration
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Improves privacy by blocking ads and trackers
Faster DNS resolution than default DNS servers
Easy to install and configure
Open source and transparent codebase
Actively developed and maintained
Cons
Requires more system resources than basic DNS servers
Blocking features may break some sites
Advanced configuration requires technical knowledge
Official Links
Reviews & Ratings
Login to ReviewThe Best RethinkDNS Alternatives
View all RethinkDNS alternatives with detailed comparison →
Top Security & Privacy and Dns & Network Security and other similar apps like RethinkDNS
Pi-hole
Pi-hole is an open source DNS sinkhole and ad blocker that works at the network level. It utilizes DNS query-blocking technology to act as a DHCP and DNS server that filters out undesirable content before it reaches your network. Typically run on a Raspberry Pi, Pi-hole allows users to block...
AdGuard
AdGuard is an ad blocking and privacy protection software and browser extension available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It utilizes multiple filtering engines and custom filters to block ads, tracking scripts, malware, and phishing websites across all browsers and devices.Key features of AdGuard include:Blocks all types of ads including...
Blokada
Blokada is a free and open source ad blocker and privacy protection app for Android devices. It works by creating a VPN to filter out advertising, tracking, malware and other unwanted content from websites, apps and more.One of the key benefits of Blokada is that it is highly configurable. Users...
NetGuard
NetGuard is a free and open source firewall app for Android. It allows users to block access to the internet on a per-app basis, giving greater control over privacy and security.Some key features of NetGuard include:Blocks access to the internet for user-selected appsPrevents apps from tracking your online activityNo root...
AdAway
AdAway is an open source ad blocker and hosts file editor application for devices running the Android operating system. It blocks ads and tracking by manipulating the hosts file on your Android device.The hosts file acts as an internal DNS, mapping hostnames to IP addresses. AdAway works by redirecting requests...
NextDNS
NextDNS is a customizable DNS service that focuses on improving privacy, security, performance, and parental controls when browsing the internet. Unlike your standard ISP DNS server that just converts domain names to IP addresses, NextDNS acts as a middleman between your device and websites you visit.Some key features of NextDNS...
Portmaster
Portmaster is a free, open source application firewall and HTTPS proxy for Windows designed to protect your privacy and security when browsing the web. It functions like an antivirus for your internet connection by analyzing network traffic in real-time and blocking malicious content before it reaches your computer.Some of the...
DNSCloak
DNSCloak is a user-friendly DNS encryption and privacy tool for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It secures DNS requests and prevents DNS spoofing, surveillance, and censorship. Key features include:Encrypts DNS requests using DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS protocolsReroutes DNS traffic through a secure VPN tunnel for enhanced privacy protectionBlocks ads, trackers, malware,...
DNS66
DNS66 is an open-source ad blocking application for Android devices. It works by setting up a local VPN service on the device that filters domain name requests and blocks connections to advertising, tracking, and malware domains.Some key features of DNS66 include:Blocks ads in browsers and apps without needing to root...
AdGuard Home
AdGuard Home is an open-source network-wide ad blocking and privacy protection software. It runs on your own hardware as a DNS and DHCP server, without relying on third-party services. AdGuard Home blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites with customizable blocklists, protects devices across your entire home network.Key features of AdGuard...
NextDNS Manager
NextDNS Manager is a cloud-based DNS management service that provides extensive control and visibility over all DNS traffic on your network. It acts as a recursive DNS resolver that filters, blocks, caches, and analyzes domain name requests before forwarding them to upstream DNS servers.Some key features of NextDNS Manager include:Custom...
Ufw KDE
ufw KDE is a graphical front-end for managing the Uncomplicated Firewall (ufw) on Linux systems that use the KDE Plasma desktop environment. It provides an intuitive way to configure your firewall without needing to use command line options.Some key features of ufw KDE include:Enabling/disabling the firewallAllowing/denying specific ports and port...
Firewalld
Firewalld is a complete firewall solution that provides a dynamically managed firewall with support for network zones to define the trust level of network connections and interfaces. It is the default firewall management tool shipping with the latest Red Hat based Linux distributions including Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Fedora.Some...
TrackerControl
TrackerControl is an open-source web browser extension available for Firefox and Chrome that focuses on protecting user privacy online. It blocks various tracking techniques used by advertising companies, data brokers, and other third-party services to monitor people's browsing histories and build profiles about them.The extension uses several advanced technical methods...
PersonalDNSfilter
personalDNSfilter is an open-source ad-blocking DNS server designed for home networks. It works by intercepting all DNS requests from devices on your network and filtering out known advertising, tracking, and malware domains. This allows you to block unwanted content at the network level, protecting all connected devices without needing to...
BLOCK THIS!
BLOCK THIS! is an ad blocking extension available for major web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. It works by removing ads, popups, and tracking scripts that clutter websites and compromise privacy. Once installed, BLOCK THIS! automatically blocks ads on all sites you visit without any configuration needed.Key features of...
AdClear
AdClear is a popular ad blocking and privacy protection browser extension available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other major web browsers. It goes beyond basic ad blocking by also detecting and blocking trackers, analytics scripts, device fingerprinting, cookie notices, and more.Key features of AdClear include:Blocks all ads including banner, pop-up,...
Upribox
Upribox is an open-source personal server device and software package aimed at providing increased privacy and control over user data. It functions as a private cloud server that allows individuals to store files, share data selectively, host web apps, automate tasks, and more - all within a small, low-power device...
NetGenius
NetGenius is a comprehensive network management and monitoring solution designed to provide centralized visibility and control of complex, multi-vendor networks. It features:Automated discovery, mapping, and inventory of all network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and morePerformance monitoring, tracking availability, utilization, errors, and other critical metricsCustomizable dashboards for visualized network...
DnsAdBlock
DnsAdBlock is an open-source network-level ad blocking software that blocks ads, tracking and malware domains by filtering DNS requests. It works by intercepting DNS requests from devices on your home network and checking them against blocklists of advertising, tracking and malware domains. If a request matches a domain on the...
