How to Block Ads, Malware & Stop ISP Tracking with NextDNS and AdGuard Home

Every time you visit a website, your device sends a DNS query that reveals exactly what you’re browsing. Your ISP logs these queries, advertisers track you across the web, and malicious domains can slip through unnoticed. In 2026, protecting your network at the DNS level isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to protect your entire network from:

• Intrusive advertisements that slow down your browsing and consume bandwidth
• Malware and phishing domains that threaten your security
• ISP tracking that monitors your online activity

We’ll explore two powerful solutions: NextDNS (a cloud-based service perfect for beginners) and AdGuard Home (a self-hosted solution for those who want complete control). By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully protected network with encrypted DNS that keeps your browsing private.

If you’re interested in other privacy-focused self-hosted solutions, check out How to Self-Host SearXNG — Privacy-Focused Metasearch Engine for a private search engine you can run yourself.

What is DNS and Why It Matters for Your Privacy

Understanding DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) is often called the “phonebook of the internet.” When you type google.com into your browser, DNS translates that human-readable domain into an IP address like 142.250.80.46 that computers understand.

Here’s the problem: traditional DNS is completely unencrypted. This means:

How DNS-Level Protection Works

DNS-level protection addresses these issues through two mechanisms:

1. Encrypted DNS Protocols:

   • DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH): Encrypts DNS queries using HTTPS on port 443
   • DNS-over-TLS (DoT): Encrypts DNS queries using TLS on port 853
   • DNS-over-QUIC (DoQ): The newest protocol, offering better performance

2. DNS Filtering: Instead of resolving requests to known ad servers, trackers, or malware domains, a filtering DNS server returns a null response—effectively blocking the content before it ever reaches your device.

Option 1: NextDNS (Cloud-Based Solution)

NextDNS is a cloud-based DNS service that combines the privacy of encrypted DNS with powerful filtering capabilities. It’s perfect for users who want robust protection without managing their own infrastructure.

What is NextDNS?

NextDNS acts as a customizable DNS resolver that sits between your devices and the internet. When your device makes a DNS query, NextDNS:

1. Receives the encrypted request
2. Checks it against your configured blocklists
3. Blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains
4. Returns the result (or blocks it) via encrypted connection

Your ISP only sees encrypted traffic to NextDNS servers—they cannot see which websites you’re visiting.

Key Features of NextDNS

NextDNS Pricing

300,000 queries sounds like a lot, but a busy household with multiple devices can easily exceed this. Monitor your usage in the dashboard.

Setting Up NextDNS

Step 1: Create Your NextDNS Account

1. Visit NextDNS and click Try it now
2. Create a free account with your email
3. You’ll receive a unique Configuration ID (looks like abc123)

Step 2: Configure Your Blocklists

Navigate to the Security tab and enable:

• Threat Intelligence Feeds: Blocks known malware domains
• Google Safe Browsing: Leverages Google’s threat database
• Cryptojacking Protection: Blocks cryptocurrency mining scripts
• DNS Rebinding Protection: Prevents DNS rebinding attacks
• IDN Homograph Attacks Protection: Blocks look-alike domains

Navigate to the Privacy tab and enable:

• Blocklists: Add popular lists like:
  • OISD (comprehensive)
  • AdGuard DNS filter
  • Steven Black’s Unified Hosts
• Native Tracking Protection: Block OS-level tracking (Apple, Windows, etc.)

Step 3: Configure Your Devices

Method 1: Per-Device Configuration

NextDNS provides apps for all major platforms:

• Windows/Mac: Download the official NextDNS app
• iOS: Download from App Store or use the DNS profile
• Android: Download from Play Store or configure Private DNS

Method 2: Router Configuration (Recommended)

For network-wide protection, configure NextDNS on your router:

1. Access your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1)
2. Find DNS settings (often under WAN or Internet settings)
3. Replace existing DNS servers with NextDNS addresses:

# NextDNS DNS-over-HTTPS endpoint (replace abc123 with your ID)
https://dns.nextdns.io/abc123

# Or use the dedicated IPv4 addresses from your dashboard

4. For DNS-over-TLS (if your router supports it):

# DoT hostname
abc123.dns.nextdns.io

Step 4: Verify Your Setup

1. Visit test.nextdns.io
2. It should show “Congratulations! You are using NextDNS”
3. Check the Logs tab in your dashboard to see queries

NextDNS Privacy Settings

For maximum privacy, configure these settings in the Settings tab:

NextDNS Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No server to manage or maintain
• Works immediately, minimal setup
• Excellent mobile app support
• Regular blocklist updates
• Generous free tier

Cons:

• Requires trusting a third party
• Free tier has query limits
• Less customization than self-hosted
• Dependent on NextDNS infrastructure

Option 2: Self-Hosted AdGuard Home

For those who prefer complete control over their DNS infrastructure, AdGuard Home is an open-source network-wide ad and tracker blocker that you can run on your own hardware.

If you’re wondering whether self-hosting is right for you, read Why You Need a Home Server in 2026 for a comprehensive overview of the benefits.

What is AdGuard Home?

AdGuard Home is a free, open-source DNS server with built-in ad blocking, tracker blocking, and parental controls. It runs on your own server (VPS, home server, or even a Raspberry Pi) and acts as your network’s DNS resolver.

Key Features of AdGuard Home

Prerequisites

Before installing AdGuard Home, you’ll need:

For a comprehensive list of applications you can run alongside AdGuard Home, check out Best 100+ Docker Containers for Home Server.

Setup Option 1: Docker Compose (Standalone)

This method is ideal for servers where you want direct access to AdGuard Home without a reverse proxy.

Step 1: Create Project Directory

Connect to your server via SSH and create a directory for AdGuard Home:

mkdir -p ~/adguard-home
cd ~/adguard-home

Step 2: Create Docker Compose Configuration

Create a docker-compose.yml file:

nano docker-compose.yml

Add the following configuration:

services:
  adguardhome:
    image: adguard/adguardhome:latest
    container_name: adguardhome
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      # DNS ports - required for DNS resolution
      - "53:53/tcp"
      - "53:53/udp"
      # Admin panel
      - "3000:3000/tcp"
      # DNS-over-HTTPS (optional)
      - "443:443/tcp"
      - "443:443/udp"
      # DNS-over-TLS (optional)
      - "853:853/tcp"
      # DNS-over-QUIC (optional)
      - "853:853/udp"
      - "8853:8853/udp"
      # DHCP server (optional, only if replacing router DHCP)
      # - "67:67/udp"
      # - "68:68/udp"
    volumes:
      - ./work:/opt/adguardhome/work
      - ./conf:/opt/adguardhome/conf
    cap_add:
      - NET_ADMIN

sudo systemctl stop systemd-resolved
sudo systemctl disable systemd-resolved
sudo rm /etc/resolv.conf
echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" | sudo tee /etc/resolv.conf

Step 3: Launch AdGuard Home

Start the container:

docker compose up -d

Check that it’s running:

docker compose ps

You should see the adguardhome container with status Up.

Step 4: Complete Initial Setup

1. Open your browser and navigate to http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:3000
2. Follow the setup wizard:
   • Set the Admin Web Interface to listen on all interfaces, port 3000
   • Set the DNS Server to listen on all interfaces, port 53
   • Create your admin username and password
3. Click Next to complete the setup

After setup, the admin panel will be available at http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:3000 (or port 80 if you configured it that way).

Setup Option 2: Dockge Deployment

Dockge provides a beautiful web interface for managing Docker Compose stacks. This method is perfect if you’re already using Dockge or want an easier way to manage your containers.

If you haven’t installed Dockge yet, follow our guide: Dockge Install - Portainer Alternative for Docker Management

Step 1: Access Dockge Dashboard

1. Open your Dockge web interface (typically http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:5001)
2. Click the + Compose button in the top right

Step 2: Create New Stack

1. Give your stack a name: adguardhome
2. In the compose editor, paste the following:

services:
  adguardhome:
    image: adguard/adguardhome:latest
    container_name: adguardhome
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "53:53/tcp"
      - "53:53/udp"
      - "3000:3000/tcp"
      - "443:443/tcp"
      - "443:443/udp"
      - "853:853/tcp"
      - "853:853/udp"
      - "8853:8853/udp"
    volumes:
      - ./work:/opt/adguardhome/work
      - ./conf:/opt/adguardhome/conf
    cap_add:
      - NET_ADMIN

Step 3: Deploy the Stack

1. Click the Deploy button
2. Dockge will pull the image and start the container
3. You can monitor the logs in real-time in the Dockge interface

Step 4: Complete Setup

Navigate to http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:3000 and complete the initial setup wizard as described in the standalone method above.

The advantage of using Dockge is that you can easily:

• View logs in real-time
• Stop, start, and restart the container
• Edit the compose file and redeploy
• Monitor resource usage

Configuring AdGuard Home

Once AdGuard Home is running, configure it for optimal protection.

Adding Blocklists

1. Go to Filters → DNS blocklists
2. Click Add blocklist → Choose from list
3. Recommended blocklists to enable:

4. Click Apply after adding lists

Configuring Upstream DNS (Privacy)

To prevent your queries from being visible to your ISP, configure encrypted upstream DNS:

1. Go to Settings → DNS settings
2. In Upstream DNS servers, add encrypted resolvers:

# Cloudflare DoH
https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query

# Quad9 DoH (with malware blocking)
https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query

# Google DoH
https://dns.google/dns-query

3. Enable Parallel requests for faster resolution
4. Under Bootstrap DNS servers, add:

9.9.9.9
1.1.1.1
8.8.8.8

5. Click Apply

Enabling AdGuard Home’s Own Encrypted DNS Server

To protect devices outside your home network, you can enable DoH/DoT on AdGuard Home itself:

1. Go to Settings → Encryption settings
2. Enable encryption
3. Enter your domain name (requires valid SSL certificate)
4. Configure certificate paths or use Let’s Encrypt

This allows you to use your own AdGuard Home instance as an encrypted DNS server from anywhere in the world.

Additional Security Settings

Navigate to Settings → General settings and enable:

• Use AdGuard browsing security web service: Blocks malware and phishing
• Use AdGuard parental control web service: Optional, for family protection
• Safe search: Forces safe search on popular search engines

Connecting Devices to AdGuard Home

Option 1: Router Configuration (Recommended)

Configure your router to use AdGuard Home as the DNS server:

1. Access your router’s admin panel
2. Find DNS settings (usually under DHCP or LAN settings)
3. Set the primary DNS to your AdGuard Home server’s IP address
4. Set secondary DNS to the same IP (or leave blank)
5. Save and reboot the router

Now all devices on your network automatically use AdGuard Home.

Option 2: Per-Device Configuration

For individual devices, change DNS settings to point to your AdGuard Home server:

Windows:

1. Open Network & Internet settings
2. Click on your network → Properties
3. Under DNS server assignment, click Edit
4. Set to Manual and enter your AdGuard Home IP

macOS:

1. System Preferences → Network
2. Select your connection → Advanced → DNS
3. Add your AdGuard Home IP address

iOS:

1. Settings → Wi-Fi → tap your network
2. Scroll down to DNS → Configure DNS → Manual
3. Add your AdGuard Home IP

Android:

1. Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS
2. Select “Private DNS provider hostname”
3. Enter your AdGuard Home DoT hostname (requires encryption setup)

AdGuard Home Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Complete control over your data
• No query limits
• No subscription fees
• Highly customizable
• Can serve as encrypted DNS server
• Local processing = faster responses
• Open source and auditable

Cons:

• Requires server maintenance
• Initial setup more complex
• You’re responsible for updates
• Requires reliable hardware/hosting
• Need to handle security yourself

For additional server security, consider implementing CrowdSec to Secure Your VPS alongside AdGuard Home.

NextDNS vs AdGuard Home: Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

Choose NextDNS if:

• You want quick, easy setup
• You don’t want to manage infrastructure
• You need protection on mobile devices outside home
• You’re comfortable with a managed service

Choose AdGuard Home if:

• You want complete control over your DNS
• You already have a home server or VPS
• You don’t want any third-party involvement
• You enjoy self-hosting and learning

Or use both! Many users run AdGuard Home at home and use NextDNS as the upstream encrypted DNS, getting the best of both worlds.

Best Practices for DNS Security

If you’re running Docker containers, make sure to also read How to Fix Docker Bypassing Firewall to ensure your security configurations aren’t being circumvented.

Conclusion

Protecting your network at the DNS level is one of the most effective ways to block ads, prevent malware infections, and stop ISP tracking. Both NextDNS and AdGuard Home offer excellent solutions:

• NextDNS provides a hassle-free, cloud-based approach that works great for beginners and mobile users
• AdGuard Home gives you complete control and privacy for those who prefer self-hosting

The key benefits you’ll experience:

• Faster browsing: No more loading ads and trackers
• Improved security: Malware and phishing domains blocked before they load
• Enhanced privacy: Your ISP can no longer see your DNS queries
• Network-wide protection: Every device benefits, including smart TVs and IoT devices

Whether you choose the simplicity of NextDNS or the control of AdGuard Home, you’re taking a significant step toward a more private and secure internet experience.

Related Articles:

• Best 100+ Docker Containers for Home Server
• Dockge Install - Portainer Alternative for Docker Management
• How to Use Traefik as A Reverse Proxy in Docker
• How to Self-Host SearXNG — Privacy-Focused Metasearch Engine
• How To Secure a VPS Server with CrowdSec