Best MullvadDNS Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

✅ Update queued — the AI is re-ranking this list. The page will refresh shortly.

This page is already up to date.

Mullvad DNS is a privacy-focused public DNS service with encrypted DNS endpoints and optional blocking for ads, trackers, and malware. It is aimed at users who want resolver privacy without creating an account or configuring a full VPN connection.

Developer: Mullvad VPN AB Price: Free 🎯 mullvad.net/en/help/dns-over-https-and-dns-over-tls

🔒 Security 🔒 Privacy DNS ad blocking

Top 6 MullvadDNS alternatives

NextDNS

💡 Pick it for detailed filtering, per-device profiles, and analytics beyond Mullvad DNS's simpler resolver setup.

NextDNS is a cloud-based DNS filtering service that blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level.

Pros

Simple setup process
Works on various platforms and devices
Offers detailed analytics

Cons

Some advanced features are paid
Dependent on NextDNS servers for filtering

Free/Paid

Alternatives to NextDNS →

AdGuard DNS

AdGuard

💡 Choose it for stronger ad blocking and more household controls than Mullvad DNS provides.

AdGuard DNS is a managed DNS service that blocks advertising, tracking, and malicious domains across connected devices. It serves users who want...

Pros

Simple setup through DNS settings or device applications
Blocks unwanted domains across browsers and many apps
Offers encrypted DNS and family-protection servers

Cons

Custom filtering and detailed controls vary by plan
Less locally controlled than Pi-hole or AdGuard Home
DNS blocking cannot hide cosmetic ad placeholders

Freemium, paid plans available

Alternatives to AdGuard DNS → Visit site

Quad9

💡 Pick it for free malware blocking and strong privacy without Mullvad DNS's optional filtering configuration.

Quad9 is a free, recursive, anycast DNS platform that provides end-users robust security protections, high-performance, and privacy.

Free

Alternatives to Quad9 → Visit site

1.1.1.1

Cloudflare

💡 Choose it for a fast, free general-purpose resolver when Mullvad-style ad blocking is not required.

1.1.1.1 is an Android DNS and VPN-style connection app for users who want faster or more private name resolution. Its standout capability...

Pros

More reliable non-root operation than low-level system tweak apps
Combines private DNS with optional encrypted traffic routing
Backed by Cloudflare's global network and public DNS infrastructure

Cons

Provides fewer manual TCP and kernel-level controls than Internet Optimizations
WARP can increase latency for some games or region-sensitive services
Some advanced WARP features require a subscription

Free; WARP+ from $5/mo

Alternatives to 1.1.1.1 → Visit site

Control D

Windscribe

💡 Pick it for advanced DNS policies, redirects, and routing controls that Mullvad DNS does not expose.

Control D is a managed DNS service for blocking ads, trackers, malware, and selected content categories. It targets privacy-focused households and teams...

Pros

Provides granular service and category controls
Supports encrypted DNS and multiple device profiles
Can redirect selected services through configurable network locations

Cons

Paid plans are required for the full feature set
More complex than a static hosts file for basic blocking
Relies on a third-party DNS provider and account

From $2/mo

Alternatives to Control D → Visit site

RethinkDNS

💡 Choose it for an open-source Android firewall and deeper per-app controls than Mullvad DNS offers.

RethinkDNS is a free and open-source Android firewall, DNS client, and tracker blocker. It gives technical users granular per-app network controls, custom...