- NextDNS provides more security layers (AI, CNAME, IT) and a wider network with a presence in Spain.
- AdGuard DNS shines in native ad blocking and agile support, with fewer false positives.
- Pricing and limits: NextDNS is usually cheaper and more flexible; AdGuard imposes practical limits.
In a world where every website, app, and gadget tries to sneak ads and tracking into our lives, a good filtering DNS is like a doorman who doesn't let anyone in without a guest list. For many users, the dilemma is this: AdGuard DNS vs NextDNSBoth options are popular and effective. But which one is better?
In this guide We compared both services.This includes factors such as server availability, EDNS Client Subnet (ECS) support, stability, ad-blocking quality, advanced security features, control panels, limits and pricing, support, language, and development pace. Real pros, cons, and nuances to help you make the right choice.
What do AdGuard DNS and NextDNS actually do?
Both operate as DNS-level blockersWhen your device requests a domain's IP address, the DNS decides whether to respond or block it if it's advertising, tracking, malware, or phishing. Block “before loading” Save data, speed up websites, and reduce risks. You can enhance it with apps or extensions (AdGuard in browsers or iOS, for example), but DNS already does the heavy lifting.
- NextDNS It stands out for offering fine controls by category, custom rules, "rewrites" and several extra protections.
- AdGuard DNS It stands out for its highly refined advertising lists from the very first minute, with a "set it and forget it" experience that many love.
Network, latency, and server presence
Here are some practical differences. According to tests and comparisons, NextDNS It boasts a very extensive network. (around 132 locations) and the ability to integrate with carriers to improve routing. AdGuard DNS It offers more than 50 pointsWhile less than NextDNS, it's sufficient for solid global coverage. In peak traffic scenarios, there are reports that NextDNS handled massive outages (like the crash of Facebook / Instagram), while AdGuard DNS had some tense moments.
If you care about Spain: NextDNS It has servers in Madrid and Barcelona.. For its part, AdGuard DNS It does not yet have a local presence.However, it performs very well from London (Movistar) or Frankfurt (Orange, Vodafone), depending on the operator. On Android, where latency is very noticeable, this proximity can make subtle differences in loading times.
Routing stability is also important. In broader comparative tests, both AdGuard and NextDNS performed well, without any noticeable interruptions. Even so, the general feeling is that NextDNS's infrastructure handles spikes better and that its network is more extensive, giving it a statistical advantage in availability.
EDNS Client Subnet (ECS) and geolocation
El ECS This helps CDNs (Akamai, etc.) serve content from the optimal node based on your location. In this field, it is reported that AdGuard DNS and NextDNS Yes, they do support it, providing very finely tuned resolutions.
Pay attention to the nuances: there are user experiences that suggest that in some contexts AdGuard It appears that EDNS is not being applied as expected. This may be due to network conditions, plan or point of presenceThe overall picture, however, places NextDNS and AdGuard with functional ECS, with the exception that NextDNS tends to offer greater consistency through its larger network.
Advertising, tracking, and listings
Regarding native ad blocking, many agree: AdGuard DNS It has an advantage due to the quality of its serial listsIts ad filter usually causes less trouble with complex websites and starts performing very well without much tweaking. In all three services you can add third-party lists to enhance blockingBut there is a greater risk of false positives if you are too aggressive.
With NextDNS you can add the same lists (including AdGuard's) and other popular ones like those from Hageziachieving a comparable or even superior level of blocking in sophisticated tracking scenarios. AdGuard DNS also supports Hagezi list loading, so if you're coming from that GitHub guide and configuration replication, you'll feel right at home.
There is a NextDNS's distinguishing feature: blocking disguised third-party trackers through inspection of CNAMEThis cuts off advertising/analytics domains disguised as "first-party" subdomains before the lists detect them. It is especially useful against newly created domains that copy known crawling patterns.
NextDNS also offers an option for allow essential affiliate and tracking links (e.g., Google Shopping Ads, Amazon Ads) through a controlled proxy, which maintains key functionalities without opening the door to other invasive tracking. This balance appeals to those who don't want to disrupt e-commerce or comparison sites.
Security: malware, phishing, and extra layers
Both services offer protection against malware and phishing, but each has its own personality. AdGuard DNS tends to minimize false positives: Its "default" mode is conservative and comfortable for those who prioritize not over-blocking, although it sometimes lets through some very recent threats.
NextDNS adds advanced layersThreat Intelligence Feeds, AI detection of emerging malicious domains, blocking of Dynamic DNS hostnames used in campaigns, protection against homograph IDNs (domains with characters that impersonate others), and blocking of cryptojacking. In tests, users have observed that NextDNS blocks recent phishing attacks very well, often ahead of them.
Control panels and management experience
The AdGuard It is often described as the most balanced between clarity and powerModern, organized, and easy to use. It allows for solid adjustments without being overwhelming, and it's a great fit for those who want a quick setup but with room for tweaking.
NextDNS This is where opinions are divided. Its interface is clear and very intuitiveWith an extra feature many love: live logs and very useful traffic analytics for fine-tuning. In addition, features like Rewrites offer possibilities for advanced use cases. However, Their profile-based management model is not entirely convincing.Sometimes it's difficult to move a device from one policy to another without affecting its local DoH/DoT/DoQ configuration. There are recurring requests for dark mode and the ability to allow blocking/allow from logs, which users miss.
On the customer side: some users point out that AdGuard pushes to Use the full app on Windows As a customer, this isn't ideal if you just want DNS without "bundling". For purely DNS use And without embellishments, NextDNS tends to generate less mental friction in that sense.
Prices, limits, and plans
“How much will it cost me and what are the limitations?” is the big question when comparing cAdGuard DNS vs NextDNS. To begin with, NextDNS It's cheaper to pay monthly and annually. and stands out for not imposing strict limits on devices, queries, or settings within its personal use payment plan.
Instead, AdGuard DNS imposes a limit of 20 devices, up to 3 million queries, and a maximum of 5 configurations.This isn't a problem in standard households, but if you plan to deploy on many computers, NextDNS is a better option. In both cases (AdGuard and NextDNS), you can try the service with all features up to approximately 300.000 queries per month; beyond that limit, the DNS resolves without filters or statistics.
Support, language, and development pace
In terms of support, the difference is noticeable: AdGuard It stands out with responses in under 24 hours. in common practice. NextDNS It does not offer support for personal plans beyond its communityIf you want formal assistance, AdGuard scores higher here.
In language, both AdGuard and NextDNS has a panel in SpanishThis facilitates adoption and fine-tuning for Spanish-speaking users who don't want to struggle with technical terminology in another language.
About service evolutionMany users perceive that AdGuard continues to release new features, while NextDNS seems somewhat stagnant with its dashboard/functionalities that have remained unchanged for some time. For some, it's a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"; for others, seeing continuous iteration provides confidence that the service won't fall behind.
User profiles: which one is right for me?
- If you want something as close to "install and play" as possible, with very fine ad blocking as standard, few false positives, and a pleasant dashboardAdGuard DNS is a great choice. In homes with fewer than 20 devices and normal usage, its limits aren't an issue, and the quick support is appreciated when something goes wrong.
- If you're into comprehensive controls, layered security (AI, IT feeds), blocking disguised trackers with CNAMEs, live logs, and want to forget about device/query limitsNextDNS is hard to beat in terms of performance/price ratio. Furthermore, its more extensive network and local presence in Spain give it an advantage in latency and resilience.
Practical configuration recommendations
For a balanced start in NextDNS, activates the protections of to maximise security and your enjoyment. (Threat Intelligence, AI, IDN homograph, cryptojacking and DDNS blocking) and adds reputable anti-tracking lists (for example, Hagezi (in its Pro or TIF variant if you dare to try something more challenging). If you break somethingUse the live logs to view the specific domain and enter a surgical allowlist.
En AdGuard DNS, begins with its native ad filter And add third-party lists sparingly. If you go all out with Hagezi TIF or other very aggressive lists, expect there will be some false positive Sporadic. It's best to proceed in stages and test critical apps (banking, shopping, streaming) before extending your configuration to the entire network.
En Android, prioritizes DoH/DoT Choose the provider that gives you the lowest real-world latency (try both). If you live in Spain, NextDNS usually resolves within Madrid/Barcelona and can shave milliseconds off your performance; if your carrier performs very well with the output to London/FrankfurtAdGuard will be more than enough. Test for 48-72 hours Each person in your network is the most reliable way to decide.
If you complement with browser block (AdGuard in extensions or iOS), remember that DNS cuts at the source and the extension cleans up residual HTML/CSS/JS. The combination It provides the best experience without visual artifacts or gaps in the page.
Support, community, and short absences
If you value to have someone on the other side When something breaks, AdGuard has the advantage with its agile support. NextDNS It has a very active community with guides and presets, but if you need formal ticket If you're on a "business" plan, you'll get the corresponding plan.
Among the "nice-to-have" items, NextDNS has long been in demand. dark mode and power manage from the logs (allow/block directly). AdGuard, for its part, would benefit from live logs up to par for fine debugging. Both are doing wellHowever, there's room to refine UX details that power users would appreciate.
For those looking to maintain a fully Spanish-language ecosystem, both AdGuard and NextDNS are good options. meetIf you also care about where you store them logsNextDNS lets you set Switzerland, a plus for profiles that are very sensitive to privacy.
With all this information on the table, the choice depends on whether you value power and performance more. NextDNS security layers or the Native ad blocking and AdGuard support. In real-world scenarios, small nuances such as your carrier's latency, the need for live logs, or a preference for fine-tuning can tip the scales, and spending a weekend testing both profiles on your devices usually clears up any doubts without committing you to a single solution.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.