NextDNS is a simple way to filter traffic and protect your network: site and category blocking, analytics, parental controls, and 300,000 queries per month for free.
There are many ways to create a safe online environment for yourself and your family. Usually this involves complicated router settings or parental control apps. But there are easier options.
How It Works
To access any site, a DNS server must translate its name into an IP address.
That means to restrict access, you can simply configure your own DNS with your own rules. NextDNS lets you do this with minimal effort.
Features
You don’t even have to sign up or start a trial to try it. You can configure and test most options right on the homepage—though those settings last only a week and work in a single browser.
Connecting to DNS
To enforce any restrictions, you first need to connect your device to NextDNS. Settings can be split into profiles, making it easy to apply them across devices.
The setup page includes step-by-step instructions for connecting from any device, including routers, with guidance for both built-in system tools and optional software.
If everything is set up correctly, you’ll see a confirmation message.
Security
These settings improve overall online safety for both kids and adults.
For example, you can enable automatic blocking of malicious sites, force SafeSearch in Google, block cryptojacking, DNS spoofing, and much more.
Privacy
This section is more limited, aimed mainly at blocking ads and trackers.
Parental Controls
Arguably the most interesting part of NextDNS. Here you decide what a device can and cannot access.
The service offers a large preset list of sites like VK, Twitter, and Discord. Just add a site to the blocklist, and it becomes inaccessible.
In practice, some server addresses may be outdated: I blocked VK but could still open it, while Twitch was effectively blocked.
You can also block whole categories instead of individual sites and even set schedules for when blocking applies.
Custom Blocklists
Naturally, NextDNS lets you create your own allowlists and blocklists. Add a root domain, and the service will automatically apply the rule to its subdomains.
Analytics & Logs
These sections display detailed stats on how NextDNS is performing. You can also see which devices are visiting which sites and take further action if needed.
Pricing
Surprisingly, NextDNS offers a free plan with no feature restrictions, limited only to 300,000 queries per month.
A paid home plan with no query limit costs about $1,8 per month.
Conclusion
Similar blocking can be configured through built-in tools or other services.
What I like about NextDNS is how simple it is. You can change DNS parameters on any device, and the changes apply across all devices using the same profile.
The free tier may fall short for heavy internet use, but it’s enough to fully evaluate NextDNS.