ClearDNS vs NextDNS

ClearDNS is a DNS filtering service that blocks ads, trackers, malware, phishing, cryptojacking, and other unwanted content at network level. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, across Wi-Fi and mobile data networks. Thirteen filtering categories can be configured independently, with custom allow and block lists and SafeSearch enforcement. DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS provide encrypted DNS connections. Setup can use a unique link or QR code without a conventional account, email address, or password. ClearDNS says it runs on Cloudflare’s edge network across more than 335 locations. Family policies allow unlimited users, with up to five devices per user. Essential and Stream keep no DNS query history; Analyze and Full retain history for up to 90 days. Stream and Full add instant logs and a live traffic map. Plans are Essential at $5.99 a month, Analyze at $9.99 a month, Stream at $10.99 a month, and Full at $14.99 a month. A one-day trial is listed.

NextDNS filters internet traffic to block security threats, ads, and trackers, and offers controls for supervising children's access across devices and networks. Its listed threat protections include malware, phishing, cryptojacking, DNS rebinding, lookalike domains, typosquatting, domain generation algorithms, and newly registered domains. Parental controls include category blocking, SafeSearch, YouTube Restricted Mode, and blocks for specific sites, apps, and games, plus scheduled Recreation Time. DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS provide encrypted DNS connections. Users can disable logging or choose retention from one hour to two years and select storage in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, or Switzerland. The free plan costs nothing and includes 300,000 queries per month; after the limit, it continues answering as a non-blocking DNS service. Pro costs £1.79 a month. Business and Education each cost £17.90 a month, for every 50 employees or 250 students respectively. Free and Pro list community support; Business and Education list email support.