N
AdGuard DNS vs Bark
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
A
Choose AdGuard DNS if…
- you want a free plan to start with
- you want open source you can self-host or audit
- you work on Windows, macOS, Linux
- you're in its core audience: privacy-minded individuals, parents
B
Choose Bark if…
- you want to trial it before paying
- you're in its core audience: parents of children aged 5–17, families with multiple kids and devices
Side by side
Feature AdGuard DNS Bark
Pricing modelFreemiumFree trial
Starting price—$6/mo
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
PlatformsWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Web
CategorySmart DNS & DNS privacyParental controls
CompanyAdGuardBark Technologies
Full feature lists
A AdGuard DNS
- Network-level blocking of ads, trackers, malware and phishing
- Family protection mode with adult-content blocking and Safe Search
- Parental control with screen-time scheduling
- Real-time DNS request stats by device, date and country
- Custom per-device block and allow lists
- DNSCrypt, DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-QUIC support
- DNSSEC validation
- 100+ servers in 15+ locations
B Bark
- AI scanning of texts, email, browsers and 30+ social apps
- Safety alerts in over 29 categories
- Custom screen time schedules and one-tap pause
- Website and app blocking
- GPS location tracking and alerts
- Scans up to 60 days of text history on connect
- Adjustable alert sensitivity per category
- Kids' phones and smartwatch with controls built in
Their home pages
What each vendor shows first: the pitch, the plans and the sign-up.
AdGuard DNS · adguard-dns.io
Bark · bark.usWhat you'd pay
The cheapest plan that fits, per month, billed yearly where the plan offers it.
AdGuard DNS
Public DNSFree
Private DNS serverPaid
Enterprise DNSCustom
Bark
Bark App (iOS/Android)$14/mo or $99/year
Bark Sync$6/mo or $49/year
Bark Home$6/mo or $79 one-time
Bark Watch$288 device + $15/mo
Bark Phone Starter$360 device + $29/mo
Bark Phone Advanced$39–$79/mo + device
Strengths and limitations
AdGuard DNS
- Public servers are free
- Supports DNSCrypt, DoH, DoT, DoQ and DNSSEC
- Works with any device, including routers
- Code published on GitHub
- DNS-level blocking works only on whole domains
- Dashboard, stats and custom filtering need a paid private server
Bark
- One app subscription covers unlimited kids and devices
- 7-day free trial for the Bark App
- AI looks at context rather than only keywords
- Bark Watch plan includes the app for the whole family
- Full monitoring on iOS needs the separate Bark Sync charger or desktop app
- Bark Phone available only in the U.S.
- Some social platforms require the child's login credentials
- Phones and watch require a monthly plan on top of the device price
More comparisons
Other options to consider
N
Free, from $1.99/mo
N
Cloud DNS firewall that blocks threats, ads, trackers and adult content
Smart DNS & DNS privacyFree plan
C
CC
From $2/mo
C
Encrypted DNS filtering for businesses, MSPs and schools on every OS
Smart DNS & DNS privacyAPI
P
PP
Free
P
Self-hosted DNS sinkhole that blocks ads and trackers for your whole network
Ad & tracker blockersFree planAPIOpen source
Q
QQ
Free
Q
Free public DNS resolver that blocks malicious domains and logs no IP addresses
Smart DNS & DNS privacyFree plan
A
AA
Free trial
A
Ad, tracker and phishing blocker for desktop, mobile, browsers and networks
Ad & tracker blockers
Q
QParental control app for filtering content, limiting screen time and tracking kids
Free, from $5/mo
Q
Free, from $5/mo
Q
Parental control app for filtering content, limiting screen time and tracking kids
Parental controlsFree plan
Facts from each vendor's public pages, prices checked Nov 8, 2026. Editorial policy