1zDNS vs NextDNS

Active Development & Long-Term Commitment

One of the most important — and often overlooked — factors when choosing a DNS provider is whether the product is actively developed and maintained. DNS is critical infrastructure; you want a provider that's shipping updates, fixing issues, and improving the product.

1zDNS is actively developed and maintained. New features, security updates, and infrastructure improvements are shipped regularly. The product roadmap is active, and the team behind it is committed to long-term development.

NextDNS, by contrast, has seen limited public development activity in recent years. While the service still functions, the pace of visible updates and new feature releases has slowed considerably. For users who want a DNS provider that will continue to evolve and improve, this is worth considering.

Query Privacy: Aggregated vs Detailed Logging

This is one of the most important differences between 1zDNS and NextDNS — and one that most comparison pages don't cover.

NextDNS logs every DNS query in full detail: the domain queried, the device that made the request, the timestamp, whether it was blocked, and why. This data is stored on NextDNS's servers and made available in their dashboard. While NextDNS offers configurable retention periods, the fundamental design is to capture and store detailed per-query logs.

1zDNS takes a fundamentally different approach. The edge DNS servers only collect aggregated metrics — top queried domains, total request counts, block counts, and block reasons. Individual queries are never logged or stored. The aggregated data is shipped to the control plane in periodic windows, and individual query details are discarded at the edge.

This means that even 1zDNS itself cannot see a detailed log of every DNS query you make. You get useful analytics (which domains are most queried, how many queries were blocked) without surrendering a complete record of your browsing activity to a third party.

Privacy & Data Handling

1zDNS is operated by a UK-registered company (OhMySMTP LTD) and is subject to UK and EU data protection law. The control plane and user data are hosted in Europe. Edge DNS nodes are deployed globally for low-latency resolution, but only ship aggregated analytics back to the control plane — never detailed per-query logs.

NextDNS is a US-based company that operates a global Anycast network. While NextDNS takes privacy seriously, it is a US entity subject to US law, and its detailed per-query logging means your complete DNS history is stored on their infrastructure.

1zDNS also provides a formal Data Processing Addendum (DPA) and maintains transparent data handling policies. No data is ever sold or shared with third parties.

Filtering & Control

Both 1zDNS and NextDNS offer robust DNS-level filtering. You can block ads, trackers, malware domains, and adult content on either service. NextDNS has built a large library of third-party filter lists you can toggle on or off, which gives it breadth.

1zDNS takes a different approach by focusing on user control. Rather than presenting hundreds of third-party lists, 1zDNS lets you build precise allow lists and block lists, define schedule-based rules (e.g. block social media during school hours), and create category-level filters — all from a clean, focused dashboard.

The philosophy is different: NextDNS gives you many switches to flip. 1zDNS gives you the tools to define your own rules, so you're in control of exactly what happens on your network.

Pricing & Simplicity

NextDNS offers a free tier limited to 300,000 queries per month. Beyond that, you need to subscribe to a paid plan. This model works well for light personal use, but families, teams, or anyone with multiple devices can hit the free limit quickly.

1zDNS offers a single flat annual plan with unlimited queries, unlimited servers, and no device caps. You start with a 7-day free trial, and then pay a simple annual subscription. No tiers to compare, no per-device pricing, no surprise overages.

For users who want predictable costs and no query counting, 1zDNS's model is simpler and more transparent.

Who Should Choose 1zDNS Over NextDNS?

• You want a DNS provider that's actively maintained and shipping updates
• You care about query privacy — only aggregated metrics, never detailed per-query logs
• You prefer simple, flat pricing with no query limits
• You want full control with custom rules and schedules, not just filter list toggles
• You value a focused product from an independent, UK-registered company

Who Might Prefer NextDNS?

• You want a free tier for very light personal use
• You prefer choosing from a large library of third-party filter lists
• You want detailed per-query logging with full query history
• You use NextDNS-specific device clients or integrations