Configure DNS filtering with DNSWarden, a resolver that supports allow and block lists and encrypted DNS protocols.
Rethink DNS
Configure private DNS and firewall rules on Android with Rethink DNS, including blocklists and request analytics.
About Rethink DNS
Rethink DNS provides a configurable DNS resolver and a companion Android firewall app. It lets users control DNS translation to block malware, spyware, ads, and trackers, with support for custom rules, time-based temporary blocks, and 190+ pre-defined blocklists. It can show real-time DNS request analysis and aggregated reports.
The service encrypts DNS queries using DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS and is described as using servers in over 300 locations. The companion Android app adds a firewall that monitors and controls Internet access for apps installed on the device and, according to the site, can help bypass Internet censorship in most countries. Firewall and app-level control require that companion Android app.
Key features
- Blocks malware, spyware, ads, and trackers via DNS.
- Supports 190+ pre-defined blocklists, including lists used by uBlock Origin.
- Allows custom DNS rules and temporary time-based website blocks.
- Provides real-time DNS request analysis and aggregated reports.
- Encrypts DNS queries with DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS.
- Companion Android app firewall monitors and controls app Internet access.
Best for: Android users who want to configure DNS-level blocking, inspect DNS requests, and control app Internet access through a companion firewall.
Good for
- Combines DNS filtering, blocklists, request analytics, and an Android firewall in one product.
- Supports custom rules, time-based blocks, and 190+ pre-defined blocklists.
- Encrypts DNS queries with DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS and uses servers in over 300 locations.
Watch out for
- Firewall and app-level Internet control require the companion Android app.
- Censorship circumvention is described as working in most countries, not all.
- Pricing details for the cloud content-blocking DNS service are not provided.
Rethink DNS at a glance
- Website
- rethinkdns.com
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Ad & Tracker Blockers
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Android, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Rethink DNS alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Block threats, ads, and trackers across devices and networks with NextDNS, a configurable DNS service.
Choose from 1Hosts blocklists that filter ads, trackers, and malware for devices.
Browse blocklists for ads, trackers, and malicious content in Firebog’s blocklist collection.
Filter ads, trackers, and malware using 1Hosts, a DNS blocklist collection with variants for different needs.
This curated blocklist identifies sites with AI-generated imagery for use with uBlock Origin or uBlacklist, including search-engine filtering.
Open source
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Rethink DNS FAQ
How does Rethink DNS block ads and trackers?
It controls the DNS translation layer and uses custom rules and blocklists to block domains associated with ads, trackers, malware, and spyware.
Does Rethink DNS encrypt DNS queries?
It uses DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS to encrypt and secure DNS queries.
Who develops RethinkDNS?
Engineers who previously worked at AWS, IBM, and Scientific Games.
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