1
Quad9
quad9.netAlso covers network tools and privacy
Route DNS queries through Quad9, a free public recursive resolver focused on security and privacy.
Alternatives
The Best Unbound Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives1 free · 17 open source
Looking for something like Unbound? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 1 are free or have a free plan and 17 are open source.
Run Unbound as a validating, recursive, caching DNS resolver for network domain lookups.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionQuad9Route DNS queries through Quad9, a free public recursive…Free or freemium optionNsupdate.infoRun nsupdate.info as a free dynamic DNS service or use its…Open source optionHaGeZi DNSExplore HaGeZi DNS free, non-commercial public DNS servers…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quad9 | — | Not stated | Web |
| 2 | HaGeZi DNS | — | Yes | — |
| 3 | Nsupdate.info | Free | Yes | — |
| 4 | Awesome Tunneling | — | Not stated | — |
| 5 | Meshtastic | — | Not stated | Android, iOS, macOS |
| 6 | Unbound | — | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 7 | Free Domain | — | Yes | — |
| 8 | nsupdate | — | Not stated | Web |
| 9 | Speed Test | — | Yes | — |
| 10 | RustCat | — | Yes | Linux, macOS, Windows |
All Unbound alternatives
2
Also covers network tools, open source, and python · same kind of open-source project
Explore HaGeZi DNS free, non-commercial public DNS servers operated in Europe.
3
Also covers network tools and python · same kind of open-source project · free
Run nsupdate.info as a free dynamic DNS service or use its software to host your own service.
4
Awesome Tunneling
github.com/anderspitman/awesome-tunnelingAlso covers network tools and python · same kind of open-source project
Compare self-hosted alternatives to ngrok, Cloudflare Tunnel, Tailscale, and ZeroTier in this tunneling tools list.
5
Meshtastic
meshtastic.orgAlso covers network tools and python
Meshtastic is open-source mesh networking software for low-power devices used off-grid.
6
Unbound
nlnetlabs.nl/projects/unboundAlso covers network tools
Resolve and cache DNS queries with Unbound, a validating resolver that supports encrypted DNS protocols.
7
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Register a free domain, connect a DNS provider, and follow practical DNS learning resources through DigitalPlat FreeDomain.
8
nsupdate
nsupdate.infoAlso covers network tools and python
Update dynamic DNS records with nsupdate.info, a free service that provides a memorable hostname.
9
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Measure network performance with OpenSpeedTest, an open-source HTML5 speed test built with browser APIs.
10
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Listen on network ports or open a reverse shell with Rustcat, a cross-platform command-line tool.
11
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Expose a local server behind NAT or a firewall using frp, a reverse proxy for network tunneling.
12
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Trace network latency by continuously pinging each host between a computer and its destination.
13
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Test download and upload speeds from the command line using fast.com with fast-cli.
14
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Use the AdGuard DNS filter, which combines filters for ads, tracking protection, and mobile ads.
15
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Run a self-hosted HTML5 internet speed test with LibreSpeed, which supports multiple server configurations.
16
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Benchmark HTTP and HTTPS endpoints with Plow, which displays results in a web UI or terminal.
17
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
High-performance HTTP reverse proxy applications can be developed with YARP, a toolkit.
18
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Connect local services through Cloudflare Tunnel with cloudflared, the command-line tunnel client.
19
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Run Cloudflare’s internet speed test from a terminal and view results in a text interface.
20
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
HTTP requests can be sent from the command line using xh, a fast tool inspired by HTTPie.
21
Also covers network tools and open source · same kind of open-source project
Switch between host file configurations on macOS, Linux, and Windows with SwitchHosts.
22
Also covers network tools and open source
Troubleshoot network problems with NETworkManager, an open-source application with built-in diagnostic tools.
23
BGP.he.net
bgp.he.netAlso covers network tools
Hurricane Electric’s BGP Toolkit provides routing lookup pages, including prefix and network reports.
24
Tiarap
tiar.appAlso covers network tools
Use Tiarap’s DNS resolver to block ads, trackers, malware, scam, and phishing domains.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
Awesome Tunneling24 alternativesCLI24 alternativesNsupdate.info24 alternativesAdguard Sdnsfilter24 alternativesSpeed Test24 alternativesCloudflared24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Unbound?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Unbound are Quad9, HaGeZi DNS, and Nsupdate.info.
Is there a free alternative to Unbound?
Yes. Nsupdate.info is free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Unbound?
Yes: HaGeZi DNS, Nsupdate.info, Free Domain, and Speed Test.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative