Free and open first
Best DNS Server Software in 2026
- 23 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
- 2
Blocky
Free plan APILinuxMac+1Blocky offers network-level DNS filtering with configurable policies, logging, and monitoring integrations.
- 3
BIND 9
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted - 4
Acrylic DNS Proxy
Free plan Self-hostedWindows - 5
dnsmasq
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1 - 6
CoreDNS
Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted - 7
NSD (Name Server Daemon)
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1 - 8
Knot DNS
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted - 9
Knot Resolver
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted - 10
Pi-hole
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1Pi-hole combines network-wide blocking with filtering controls, query reporting, and API access.
- 11
djbdns
Free plan Self-hosted - 12
MaraDNS
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWindows - 13
PowerDNS Recursor
Free plan APILinuxMac+1 - 14
Technitium DNS Server
Free plan APILinuxMac+3Technitium DNS Server offers extensive self-hosted DNS, authentication, and network management capabilities at no cost. Raspberry Pi arm6 users should note the platform limitation.
- 15
PowerDNS Authoritative Server
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted - 16
YADIFA
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted - 17
haneWIN DNS Server
Free trial Windows5.8 Visit site - 18
Simple DNS Plus
Free trial APISelf-hostedWindows - 19
Unbound
Free plan LinuxMacWindows - 20
EfficientIP SOLIDserver DDI
Paid APISelf-hostedWebSOLIDserver DDI brings network addressing and DNS and DHCP management together, with APIs and automation integrations. Buyers need to request pricing for the hardware or virtual appliance offering.
- 21
BlueCat Integrity
Paid Web - 22
Infoblox NIOS
Paid Web - 23
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price