Free and open first
Best DNS Server Software in 2026
DNS server software handles DNS services for networks and applications. This list compares authoritative DNS, recursive DNS, DNSSEC support, encrypted DNS, management interfaces and supported platforms.
- 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
Compare free plans, paid pricing, free trials and licence models before choosing. Check whether the software runs on your platform, offers the management interface you need, and provides the DNS security features required for your setup.
Questions
What does DNS server software do?
It provides DNS services, with listings compared on authoritative DNS, recursive DNS, DNSSEC, encrypted DNS, management interface and supported platforms.
Can I use DNS server software for free?
Yes. Software in this category offers free plans, and some entries are marked open source. Check the pricing note and licence model for the product you are considering.
Are free trials available?
A free trial is available from software in this category. Review the trial terms and what access remains after the trial period.
Which platforms are supported?
Listed platform options include self-hosted, Linux, macOS, API, Windows and web. Check the supported-platform details for the product you choose.
How should I compare paid products?
Check the paid-from information, licence model, DNS capabilities, management interface and platform support. Some paid entries list pricing on request.