RethinkDNS

Free plan AndroidWeb

What RethinkDNS is

RethinkDNS combines a configurable DNS resolver with an Android firewall to block ads, trackers, malware, and other selected domains. Users can choose from more than 190 blocklists in parental, security, and privacy categories. On Android, app-specific firewall rules can prevent apps from connecting over Wi-Fi or mobile data. The resolver supports DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS, and the app encrypts DNS requests to help prevent censorship through DNS manipulation. It also shows per-app connection activity and data use, including reports that flag known or suspicious connections. DNS requests are not logged by default; users who opt into stored logs can have them encrypted at rest in Cloudflare R2. RPN is an optional WireGuard-based VPN with servers in 89 countries and connections to as many as five remote locations at once. It starts at $1.75 a month, with no bandwidth caps subject to fair use. The Android app is free and open source. DNS-based blocking may not stop ads in some services, including Instagram and YouTube.

Who it suits

RethinkDNS suits Android users who want configurable DNS filtering, app-level firewall rules, and connection reports. Its proxy and VPN integrations may also suit users with varied networking setups.

What it does well

More than 190 predefined blocklists
App-specific rules can block Wi-Fi or mobile data
Supports DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS
Free, open-source Android app
DNS requests are not logged by default

What to know first

DNS blocking may not stop ads on Instagram or YouTube
RPN starts at $1.75 a month
App-specific firewall is an Android feature

Limits

The free Android app provides DNS and firewall features, while the RPN plan starts at $1.75 a month and is subject to fair use. DNS-based blocking may not block ads in some services, including Instagram and YouTube.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Rethink DNS + Firewall app	Android app · free and open source	Free
Rethink Proxy Network (RPN)	Starting at $1.75 per month · WireGuard-based VPN · connect to 5 locations at once · multi-hop on demand · no bandwidth caps, subject to fair use	$1.75 a month

As rethinkdns.com lists them, read 5 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the RethinkDNS website.
Get the free Android app.
Choose blocklists and domain policies for filtering.
Set app-specific firewall rules for Wi-Fi or mobile data as needed.
Add the RPN plan for WireGuard-based VPN connections if desired.

Verdict

RethinkDNS combines DNS filtering with Android firewall controls and connection reporting. Its blocking is not universal, and RPN is a separate paid offering.

Questions

Is RethinkDNS free?

The Android DNS and firewall app is free and costs nothing. The RPN plan starts at $1.75 a month.

Which platforms are listed?

RethinkDNS lists Android and web platforms.

Is the Android app open source?

Yes. The Android app is free and open source, and the site links to its source code on GitHub.

Does RethinkDNS support encrypted DNS?

Yes. It supports DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS, and its resolver responds over TLS.

What does the RPN plan include?

RPN is a WireGuard-based VPN with servers in 89 countries and connections to as many as five remote locations at once. It starts at $1.75 a month, with no bandwidth caps subject to fair use.

Can DNS blocking stop ads in every app or service?

No. RethinkDNS says DNS-based blocking may not block ads in some services, including Instagram and YouTube.

Facts from RethinkDNS's own pages

Android firewall: The Android app can block apps from connecting over Wi-Fi or mobile data and offers app-specific firewall rules. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Blocklists: The service offers more than 190 predefined blocklists across parental, security, and privacy categories. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Censorship circumvention: The Android app encrypts DNS requests to help prevent censorship through DNS manipulation. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
DNS and firewall: RethinkDNS provides a configurable DNS resolver and firewall for blocking ads, trackers, malware, and other selected domains. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
DNS logging: DNS requests are not logged by default; the FAQ says users who opt in to stored logs can have them encrypted at rest in Cloudflare R2. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Encrypted DNS: RethinkDNS says its resolver responds over TLS, and its site describes DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS support. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · rethinkdns.com, 20 Sept 2026
Integrations: The app supports WireGuard, SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies, and Orbot; it can also automate start and stop actions with apps such as Tasker. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Maker background: The site says RethinkDNS was developed by engineers who previously worked at AWS, IBM, and Scientific Games. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Notable limit: The FAQ says DNS-based blocking may not block ads in some services, including Instagram and YouTube. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Open source: The Android app is free and open source, and the site links to its source code on GitHub. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Privacy: The privacy policy says the Android app does not collect, sell, license, or share data, and that the F-Droid build has no trackers, ads, spyware, or loggers. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
RPN locations: RPN is described as a WireGuard-based VPN with servers in 89 countries and connections to as many as five remote locations at once. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Support: The FAQ directs users to email, Telegram, or Matrix for support questions. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026
Traffic monitoring: The Android app shows per-app connection activity and data use, with reports that flag known or suspicious connections. · rethinkdns.com, 5 Oct 2026