1zDNS vs AdGuard DNS

Ad Blocking: Different Philosophies

Both 1zDNS and AdGuard DNS excel at blocking ads at the DNS level. When your device queries a domain known to serve ads (like ad.doubleclick.net), both services return a null response, preventing the ad from loading. This works across all apps and browsers without any software installation.

AdGuard approaches ad blocking from its roots as an ad-blocking company. Their DNS service uses proprietary filter lists maintained by the AdGuard team, refined over years of experience in the ad-blocking space. They also offer a separate product, AdGuard Home, which is a self-hosted DNS filtering solution.

1zDNS focuses on giving you control over what gets blocked. Rather than relying solely on curated lists, you can build precise rules: block specific domains, allow others, and create time-based schedules. If AdGuard's default list blocks something you need, you'd have to work around their list. With 1zDNS, you write the rules yourself.

Privacy & Query Logging

AdGuard DNS is operated by AdGuard Software Limited, registered in Cyprus (an EU member state). This provides a strong legal foundation for GDPR compliance. However, AdGuard logs detailed per-query data — every domain queried, every device, every timestamp — and makes this data available in their dashboard.

1zDNS is operated by OhMySMTP LTD, registered in the United Kingdom. The control plane is hosted in Europe, and edge DNS nodes are deployed globally for low-latency resolution. Crucially, 1zDNS only collects aggregated metrics at the edge — top queried domains, total counts, and block reasons. Individual DNS queries are never logged or stored. Your browsing history stays private, even from 1zDNS.

For users who care about minimising the data their DNS provider holds, this is a fundamental advantage. With AdGuard DNS, you're handing over a complete record of every domain you visit. With 1zDNS, you get useful analytics without the detailed query trail.

Pricing: Simplicity vs Tiers

AdGuard DNS offers multiple pricing tiers. The free tier includes 300,000 queries per month and limited features. Paid plans add custom rules, more queries, and additional devices, with pricing starting at approximately $2.99/month.

1zDNS offers one plan. One price. Unlimited queries. Unlimited devices. No tiers to compare, no feature matrices to decode. You start with a 7-day free trial, then pay a flat annual subscription.

This simplicity is intentional. Many DNS users find tiered pricing confusing — will 300,000 queries be enough? Do I need the "Team" plan or the "Enterprise" plan? With 1zDNS, you don't have to think about it.

Self-Hosting: AdGuard Home vs 1zDNS

AdGuard also offers AdGuard Home, an open-source, self-hosted DNS filter you can run on a Raspberry Pi, NAS, or server. It's a powerful tool for technical users who want full local control.

1zDNS is a cloud-hosted service — no hardware, no self-hosting, no maintenance. Your DNS server runs on managed infrastructure with global edge nodes for fast resolution. You get the convenience of a managed service with aggregated-only analytics that respect your privacy.

If you enjoy running your own hardware and don't mind the maintenance, AdGuard Home is a strong choice. If you want the same level of DNS control without managing infrastructure, 1zDNS is the better fit.

Who Should Choose 1zDNS Over AdGuard DNS?

• You care about query privacy — only aggregated metrics, not detailed per-query logs
• You prefer schedule-based filtering rules (time-of-day controls)
• You want simple, flat pricing with no query limits or device caps
• You want cloud-hosted DNS control without self-hosting headaches
• You want a provider backed by a UK-registered company with GDPR by design

Who Might Prefer AdGuard DNS?

• You want a free tier for light personal use
• You prefer AdGuard's curated ad-blocking filter lists
• You want DNS-over-QUIC (DoQ) support
• You want a self-hosted option (AdGuard Home) alongside the cloud service
• You're already using other AdGuard products and prefer an integrated ecosystem