PowerDNS Authoritative Server vs PowerDNS Recursor
PowerDNS Authoritative Server
powerdns.comPowerDNS Recursor
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| Figure | PowerDNS Authoritative Server | PowerDNS Recursor |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $816.67/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · DNS Server Software | 8.0 (#6) | 7.6 (#14) |
| API | A built-in web server exposes a JSON/REST API for operations including statistics and changes to zones, metadata, and DNSSEC key material. | The product annex lists REST-based APIs, SQL-based APIs, and password-protected TCP/IP text-based control among PowerDNS platform interfaces. |
| Intended users | The product is presented for providers hosting domain names, including large-scale hosting deployments. | PowerDNS describes Recursor as a DNS service for internet service providers and their subscribers, and says it is used in large-scale DNS deployments. |
| Purpose | The Authoritative Server hosts domain names and answers DNS queries for records it serves. | PowerDNS Recursor is a recursive DNS resolver and caching server that resolves client queries through the global DNS system. |
| Scripting | DNS answers can be scripted using languages including Lua, Java, Perl, Python, Ruby, C, and C++. | Lua scripts can modify resolving behavior, including load balancing, blocking dangerous domains, and overriding problematic responses. |
| Security | The API uses a configured static API key sent in the X-API-Key header. | The Recursor supports DNSSEC processing and validation, with configurable validation modes. |
| Support | Commercial support is available under SLAs, with service levels ranging from office hours to 24/7 and assistance with deployment and configuration. | Commercial support offers multiple SLA-defined service levels, including office-hours and 24/7 availability; community users have separate support resources. |
Plans
PowerDNS Authoritative Server
- Basic (PowerDNS Authoritative Essentials)$9,800 a year
- Advanced (PowerDNS Authoritative Essentials)$13,600 a year
- Pro (PowerDNS Authoritative Essentials)$17,400 a year
In their own words
PowerDNS Authoritative Server
PowerDNS Authoritative Server has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
PowerDNS Recursor
PowerDNS Recursor has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.