Side by side
Checkmate vs DNSai
Both stand on dns monitoring software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
Checkmate brings service checks, server metrics, PageSpeed tracking, and incident alerts into a self-hosted dashboard. It includes all features without monitor limits, but users give up managed cloud and must handle deployment themselves.
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Free plan APIMacWeb+1
DNSai turns public DNS records into domain profiles and change alerts, with plans that differ in quotas and access to integrations. Vendor records provide evidence of published records, not proof of seats, spending, or an active contract.
Visit DNSaiThe facts
| Checkmate | DNSai | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro: $79 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Checkmate | Not published |
| Website | checkmate.so | app.dnsai.com |
| On dns monitoring software | #1 of 37 | #2 of 37 |
Checkmate: what it does well
- No monitor limits on the free plan
- Checks many service and game server types
- Tracks server hardware metrics
- Public status dashboards support custom branding
- Metrics and accounts stay in the configured database
What to know first
- Self-hosting is required
- No one-click migration import
- No paid support tier
- Free plan lists 12 alert channels
DNSai: what it does well
- Scans more than 50 DNS record types
- Tracks DNS history and alerts on record changes
- Free plan includes 100 domains and 100 scans daily
- Desktop processing keeps domain data on the user's machine
What to know first
- Free plan has no API or MCP
- Pro plan has no API or MCP
- REST API starts with Enterprise plans and above
- DNS Explorer lacks traditional technical assistance
Alternatives to Checkmate Alternatives to DNSai The whole list