16.9
AdGuard is a collection of apps and services for filtering unwanted content across desktop and mobile devices.
AndroidiOSExtension
Best DNS Server Software in 2026
DNS server software handles name lookups for networks and services. Options in this category include self-hosted programs and web-managed products, with features such as authoritative or recursive DNS, DNSSEC and encrypted DNS. Compare the DNS roles you need, management interface, license model and supported platforms. If you plan to manage DNS from a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone or tablet, check whether the product…
26.6
Technitium DNS Server is a free, open-source server for self-hosting authoritative and recursive DNS.
Free planWebAPILinux
36.3
Free planAndroidLinuxmacOS
- 4
Pi-hole
Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that blocks unwanted content across a network without installing client software on each device.
Free planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted6.3Free plan - 5
PowerDNS Authoritative Server
APILinuxSelf-hosted6.3From $9,800 a year - 6
Simple DNS Plus
APISelf-hostedWindows6.2$69 one-time - 7
BIND 9
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.1Free plan - 8
Blocky
Blocky is a free, open-source DNS proxy and ad blocker for local networks, written in Go.
Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.1Free plan - 9
NSD (Name Server Daemon)
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.1Free plan - 10
Knot DNS
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 11
Knot Resolver
Free planAPILinuxSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 12
MaraDNS
Free planLinuxSelf-hostedWindows6.0Free plan - 13
PowerDNS Recursor
Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 14
YADIFA
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 15
Acrylic DNS Proxy
Free planSelf-hostedWindows5.9Free plan - 16
CoreDNS
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted5.7Free plan - 17
djbdns
Free planSelf-hosted5.7Free plan - 18
EfficientIP SOLIDserver DDI
EfficientIP SOLIDserver DDI combines DNS, DHCP and IP address management in a platform for on-premises and cloud environments.
WebAPISelf-hosted5.7 - 19
haneWIN DNS Server
Windows5.5 - 205.0
- 215.0
- 22
Unbound
LinuxmacOSWindows4.7 - 234.6
Choosing well
Match the DNS role
Check whether you need authoritative DNS, recursive DNS or both. DNSSEC support and encrypted DNS can affect the setup you choose.
Check platforms and access
The category includes self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, web and API options. Match the platform to the system that will run the server and the interface used to manage it.
For phone-based administration, verify Android support directly before choosing.
Review cost and licensing
A free plan is available from products in this category, and a free trial is available from at least one paid product. Compare the free-plan terms with the paid-from details.
Check the license model if you need to read, change or redistribute source code.
Choose a management interface
Compare how a product is managed, such as through a web interface, API or self-hosted setup. Pick the approach that fits your network workflow and technical skills.
Questions people ask
What DNS features should I compare?
Compare authoritative DNS, recursive DNS, DNSSEC support and encrypted DNS, along with the management interface and supported platforms.
Are free DNS server tools available?
Yes. Products in this category offer free plans, while paid products may use pricing on request or provide a free trial.
Which platforms can run these tools?
Listed platform options include self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, web and API. Confirm the exact support for the product you plan to use.
Why does the license model matter?
The license model explains how you may use, modify or share the software. Review it when source access or redistribution is important.