AdGuard DNS
Ad-blocking DNS that filters ads, trackers and adult content on all devices
Own AdGuard DNS? Claim it, free to correct the facts and get the verified badge.
Pricing
Freemium
Open source
Yes
Company
AdGuard
Platforms
What is AdGuard DNS?
AdGuard DNS is a DNS resolver that blocks ads, trackers, analytics systems, malware and phishing domains at the network level. When a device asks for the IP address of a blocked domain, the server sends back a null response, using a frequently updated domain database.
The public servers are free and have three modes. Default blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites. Family protection also blocks adult content and enforces Safe Search. Non-filtering resolves queries without blocking anything. Paid private servers add a dashboard that shows per-device request stats, custom block and allow lists, parental controls with screen-time schedules, and filtering rules you can change at any time.
It supports DNSCrypt, DoH, DoT, DoQ and DNSSEC, and runs on 100+ servers in 15+ locations. It fits households, parents and small offices that want filtering on every device, including routers, without installing apps.
Key features
- 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
Use cases
Who it's for
Household ad blocking
Point the router at AdGuard DNS so every device on the home network has ads and trackers filtered.
Protecting children
Use Family protection or a private server to block adult content and limit social media during homework hours.
Encrypted DNS
Send DNS queries over DoH, DoT, DoQ or DNSCrypt so they can't be intercepted or changed.
Monitoring device traffic
Look at which domains each device requests and block unwanted ones from the dashboard.
AdGuard DNS pricing
From the vendor's site, checked Nov 8, 2026. Prices change — confirm on their pricing page.
Public DNS
Free
- Default, Family protection and Non-filtering modes
- Encrypted DNS protocols
Private DNS server
Paid
- Per-device stats and custom filtering
- Parental control and scheduling
Enterprise DNS
Custom
- For business use
Get an email when AdGuard DNS changes its prices
One mail per change, a stop link in each. Nothing else.
AdGuard DNS in numbers
The 30-day money-back guarantee covers yearly plans only; monthly plans are non-refundable, and AdGuard VPN customers get the Personal plan free. From AdGuard DNS's own pages, checked Nov 8, 2026. Each figure links to the page it is from; fields the vendor doesn't state are left out.
How AdGuard DNS compares
- AdGuard DNS has the best money-back (days) of the 3 services here: 30.
| Tool | Cost over 2 years | Best intro price | Renewal per year | Latest no-logs audit | Server countries | Devices at once | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAdGuard DNS | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
N NextDNS | $39.82 | $1.66 | $19.90 | — | — | Unlimited | AdGuard DNS vs NextDNS |
C Control D | $60 | $2.50 | $30 | — | 69 | Unlimited | AdGuard DNS vs Control D |
P Pi-hole | — | — | — | — | — | — | AdGuard DNS vs Pi-hole |
Q Quad9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | AdGuard DNS vs Quad9 |
Figures from each vendor's own pages; — means the vendor doesn't state it. The closest alternatives in our directory by category. “Starts at” is the cheapest paid plan per month, as each vendor lists it.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Public servers are free
- Supports DNSCrypt, DoH, DoT, DoQ and DNSSEC
- Works with any device, including routers
- Code published on GitHub
Limitations
- DNS-level blocking works only on whole domains
- Dashboard, stats and custom filtering need a paid private server
AdGuard DNS FAQ
Is AdGuard DNS free?
Yes, the public servers are free. Paid private servers with more options are also available.
What modes are available?
There are three: Default (blocks ads, trackers and malware), Family protection (also blocks adult content and enforces Safe Search) and Non-filtering.
Which devices does it work with?
Any device. Setup guides cover the main operating systems and routers.
Which encrypted protocols does it support?
DNSCrypt, DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-QUIC, plus DNSSEC.
What ports does it use?
Port 53 by default, or port 5353 if 53 is blocked.
Used AdGuard DNS? Rate it
Sign in to rate this tool and share how you use it.
AdGuard DNS
Freemium
Tools similar to AdGuard DNS
Ad, tracker and phishing blocker for desktop, mobile, browsers and networks