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NextDNS vs Tailscale
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
NextDNS
7.0Encrypted DNS client with ad and tracker blocking
Tailscale
9.0Mesh VPN based on WireGuard
| Metric | NextDNS | Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Security & Privacy | Security & Privacy |
| AI Score | 7.0 | 9.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 48 | 17.5K |
| 90-day Installs | 48 | 46.4K |
| 365-day Installs | 48 | 156.1K |
| Version | 2.1.5 | 1.104.1 |
| Auto-updates | Yes | Yes |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | — | 29.3K |
| GitHub Forks | — | 2.3K |
| Open Issues | — | 4.1K |
| License | — | BSD-3-Clause |
| Language | — | Go |
| Last GitHub Commit | — | 7mo ago |
| First Seen | Oct 12, 2026 | Aug 9, 2023 |
Reviews
NextDNS
NextDNS is an encrypted DNS client that blocks ads and trackers, enhancing privacy and security. It's ideal for users concerned about online tracking and content filtering.
Provides encrypted DNS service with ad and tracker blocking capabilities.
Pros
- + Encrypted DNS for enhanced privacy
- + Blocks ads and trackers effectively
- + Integration with Firefox's trusted resolver
Cons
- - Limited feature set compared to other DNS services
- - No active community discussion on Reddit
Tailscale
Tailscale is a mesh VPN built on WireGuard, offering secure and easy-to-use networking for developers and remote teams. It provides features like 2FA and seamless device-to-device communication, making it ideal for those needing secure network setups.
Creates a secure, encrypted network allowing devices to communicate as if on the same local network.
Pros
- + Ease of use and setup for secure networking
- + Integration with WireGuard and support for 2FA
- + Strong community and developer support
Cons
- - Learning curve for networking concepts
- - Occasional compatibility issues with specific applications like Safari