Side by side
NetGuard vs RethinkDNS
Both stand on personal firewalls. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Android
Visit NetGuard 
Free plan AndroidWeb
RethinkDNS combines DNS filtering with Android firewall controls and connection reporting. Its blocking is not universal, and RPN is a separate paid offering.
Visit RethinkDNSThe facts
| NetGuard | RethinkDNS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android | Android, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Rethink Proxy Network (RPN): $1.75 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Marcel Bokhorst | Not published |
| Website | github.com | rethinkdns.com |
| On personal firewalls | #13 of 17 | #9 of 17 |
NetGuard: what it does well
RethinkDNS: 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
Alternatives to NetGuard Alternatives to RethinkDNS The whole list