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RethinkDNS
What it is
RethinkDNS combines a configurable DNS resolver with an Android firewall for blocking ads, trackers, malware, and other selected domains. Users can choose from more than 190 blocklists covering parental, security, and privacy categories. On Android, app-specific rules can block connections over Wi-Fi or mobile data. The resolver supports DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS, and the app encrypts DNS requests to help prevent censorship through DNS manipulation. It also displays per-app connection activity and data use, including known or suspicious connections. DNS requests are not logged by default; users who opt in to stored logs can have them encrypted at rest in Cloudflare R2. The Android app is free and open source, with source code linked on GitHub. RPN is an optional WireGuard-based VPN with servers in 89 countries and the ability to connect to as many as five remote locations at once. The app also supports WireGuard, SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies, Orbot, and automated start and stop actions with apps such as Tasker. DNS-based blocking may not stop ads in some services, including Instagram and YouTube. The app is available for Android, with a web presence listed.
For and against
For
- More than 190 blocklists across three categories
- App-specific firewall rules for Wi-Fi and mobile data
- Supports DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS
- Free, open-source Android app
- DNS requests are not logged by default
Against
- DNS blocking may not stop ads in Instagram or YouTube
- RPN starts at $1.75 per month
- RPN use is subject to fair use
- Android app is the only listed app platform
The verdict
RethinkDNS offers domain blocking, app-level firewall controls, and network activity reports in a free, open-source Android app. Its DNS filtering has stated service-specific limits, while RPN is a separate paid option.
Who it suits
RethinkDNS suits Android users who want configurable DNS blocking, app-level firewall rules, and per-app network reports. Its proxy and RPN options may also suit users who need those connection tools.
Plans and prices
Rethink DNS + Firewall app
Android app · free and open source
Read 5 Oct 2026 · rethinkdns.com
Rethink Proxy Network (RPN)
WireGuard-based VPN · connect to 5 locations at once · multi-hop on demand · no bandwidth caps, subject to fair use
Read 5 Oct 2026 · rethinkdns.com
On the record
- Android firewall
- The Android app can block apps from connecting over Wi-Fi or mobile data and offers app-specific firewall rules.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Blocklists
- The service offers more than 190 predefined blocklists across parental, security, and privacy categories.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Censorship circumvention
- The Android app encrypts DNS requests to help prevent censorship through DNS manipulation.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- DNS and firewall
- RethinkDNS provides a configurable DNS resolver and firewall for blocking ads, trackers, malware, and other selected domains.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- DNS logging
- DNS requests are not logged by default; the FAQ says users who opt in to stored logs can have them encrypted at rest in Cloudflare R2.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Encrypted DNS
- RethinkDNS says its resolver responds over TLS, and its site describes DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS support.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The app supports WireGuard, SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies, and Orbot; it can also automate start and stop actions with apps such as Tasker.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Maker background
- The site says RethinkDNS was developed by engineers who previously worked at AWS, IBM, and Scientific Games.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Notable limit
- The FAQ says DNS-based blocking may not block ads in some services, including Instagram and YouTube.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The Android app is free and open source, and the site links to its source code on GitHub.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the Android app does not collect, sell, license, or share data, and that the F-Droid build has no trackers, ads, spyware, or loggers.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- RPN locations
- RPN is described as a WireGuard-based VPN with servers in 89 countries and connections to as many as five remote locations at once.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- The FAQ directs users to email, Telegram, or Matrix for support questions.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Traffic monitoring
- The Android app shows per-app connection activity and data use, with reports that flag known or suspicious connections.rethinkdns.com · read 5 Oct 2026
