Host lists need to be refreshed manually, including before the service works correctly on first use.
Users must remember to update block data rather than rely on automatic list refresh.
Evidence source ↗D
DNS66
DNS66 is a free, open-source Android app that blocks selected hostnames through a local VPN interface. It does not require root access.
Editorial overview
Aggregated Overview
The project documents DNS-based host blocking, configurable lists, and custom DNS servers. Its latest listed release dates to 2021, the repository is archived, and no reliable public review evidence was found.
This profile combines documented product information and independent evidence where available. It is not a hands-on test unless TechZella explicitly identifies one.
DNS66 Decision Snapshot
A quick way to understand who this product may suit, where its limits matter, and which facts are most relevant before you compare alternatives.
Best suited to
Android users seeking no-root, local DNS-based blocking and willing to maintain host lists and settings themselves.
Look elsewhere if
Users who need active maintenance, IPv6 DNS servers, automated host-list refresh, cross-platform coverage, or vendor-backed support, and should evaluate alternatives such as AdAway instead.
Platforms
Android
TechZella assessment
6.0/10
Overview
DNS66 is a free, open-source Android app for DNS-based hostname blocking. It routes DNS traffic through a local VPN interface, allowing it to block selected hosts without root access.
Users can configure host lists and DNS servers. The developer documents manual list refreshes, manual VPN-service restarts after setting changes, and no IPv6 server support. The GitHub repository was archived on August 5, 2026; F-Droid lists version 0.6.8, added March 26, 2021.
DNS66 — What Sets It Apart?
These are the product-specific differences that may matter when deciding whether the software fits your workflow. They are based on documented evidence rather than a universal ranking.
- Runs a local VPN interface for DNS filtering without requiring root access.
- Lets users configure host rules and DNS servers in the same Android app.
5 key claims verifiedOur editorial team checked this profile against vendor documentation, product documentation, company information. Supported by 4 documented sources.
DNS66 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides DNS-based host blocking without requiring root access.
- Allows users to configure host lists and DNS servers.
- Free and open source under GPL-3.0 or later.
Cons
- Host lists require manual refresh.
- Changes to settings require manually restarting the VPN service.
- IPv6 DNS servers are unsupported.
- The GitHub repository is archived, and F-Droid's latest listed version is from 2021.
DNS66 Gotchas & Operational Limits
These are documented constraints or practical friction points that may matter before you adopt the product.
Changing a setting requires manually restarting the VPN service, and IPv6 DNS servers are unsupported.
Configuration changes may not take effect immediately, and users relying on IPv6 DNS need another solution.
Evidence source ↗The GitHub repository is archived, and F-Droid's latest listed version dates from March 2021.
Users should account for the lack of current upstream maintenance when choosing software that handles network traffic.
Evidence source ↗Security & Privacy
For security-sensitive software, TechZella focuses on documented architecture, authentication, data handling, deployment and privacy details that can affect a buying decision. This is product research, not an independent security audit.
Security posture at a glance
| Deployment | Android app using a local VPN interface |
|---|
Security claims are presented only when supported by documented sources. The presence of this section does not constitute a penetration test, certification or independent security audit.
DNS66 Pricing & Plans
Free
$0
one-time
Free and open-source Android software under GPL-3.0 or later. No paid plan or free trial is listed.
Check current pricing →Pricing may change. Verify current plans on the vendor's website.
Quick Comparison
Compare the product with documented alternatives across the factors that can change a buying decision. Each row is evidence-backed rather than a generic feature checklist.
DNS66 vs. DNSNet
Documented comparison| Decision factor | DNS66 | DNSNet |
|---|---|---|
| Core scope | DNS66 blocks configured hostnames through a local VPN interface. | DNSNet describes host-based ad and content blocking through a VPN service. Source ↗ |
| List and exception management | DNS66 supports allow, deny, and ignore host-list rules; later entries override earlier ones. | DNSNet documents host exemptions and the ability to exempt apps from filtering. Source ↗ |
| Android requirement | F-Droid lists Android 5.0 or newer for DNS66 version 0.6.8. | F-Droid lists Android 7.0 or newer for DNSNet version 1.3.16. Source ↗ |
| Pricing model | Free software distributed under the GPL; no paid plan is listed. | Free software distributed under the GPL; no paid plan is listed. Source ↗ |
Only factors supported by the available research are shown. The comparison is descriptive, not a ranking.
DNS66 Features
DNS filtering
- Uses Android's VPN interface to intercept DNS requests.
- Blocks configured hostnames through host lists.
- Supports host-list allow, deny, and ignore rules.
DNS configuration
- Allows custom DNS server entries.
- Prefers the first server in the configured list.
- Does not support IPv6 DNS servers according to the project README.
Operation
- Does not require root access.
- Requires manual host-list refresh.
- Requires a manual VPN-service restart after settings changes.
Alternatives
DNSNet is a related Android host blocker that documents app exemptions and host exceptions. Its F-Droid listing shows a newer release history than DNS66. AdAway is another Android ad blocker that supports hosts-file filtering and a local VPN mode. The choice depends on supported Android versions, exception controls, and whether active upstream development matters.
DNS66 Specifications
| Platform | Android 5.0 or newer, according to the version 0.6.8 F-Droid listing |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Android app using a local VPN interface |
| License | GNU GPL version 3 or later |
| Latest listed version | 0.6.8, added to F-Droid March 26, 2021 |
| API | No public API documented |
| Integrations | No formal third-party integrations documented |
| Free trial | Not applicable; the software is free |
| IPv6 DNS support | Not supported, according to the project README |
Deployment & System Footprint
Verified installation, hosting, administration, or environment details that can affect implementation.
| Installation or hosting | Installed as an Android app. It creates a local VPN interface and does not require root access. Source ↗ |
|---|
Our evidence-based assessment
TechZella Score
A proprietary editorial score based on product capabilities, usability, value, performance, support and user sentiment evidence.
6.0/10Low confidence
The project documents DNS-based host blocking, configurable lists, and custom DNS servers. Its latest listed release dates to 2021, the repository is archived, and no reliable public review evidence was found.
Methodology v1.0. The assessment weighs feature coverage (25%), ease of use (15%), value for money (20%), performance (15%), support (10%) and user sentiment (15%), using researched product evidence and verified review evidence where available. It is a TechZella editorial assessment, not a direct user-review average.
Editorial transparency
Our Review Methodology
Key claims are linked to the sources used to verify them. This evidence record is separate from third-party user ratings.
TechZella evaluates software using documented product capabilities, pricing information, usability and value considerations, independent user evidence where available, and competitive context. The assessment is an editorial review, not a hands-on test unless one is explicitly identified. Our editorial assessment is based on 4 documented sources.
What TechZella adds
- Runs a local VPN interface for DNS filtering without requiring root access.
- Lets users configure host rules and DNS servers in the same Android app.
Important limitations
- The latest version listed by F-Droid is 0.6.8, added March 26, 2021.
- The project repository was archived on August 5, 2026.
- The project README documents manual host-list refresh, manual VPN-service restart after settings changes, and lack of IPv6 server support.
Evidence-backed claimsDNS66 filters domain lookups through an Android VPN interface. The app does not require root access. The latest F-Droid version shown is 0.6.8, added March 26, 2021. DNS66 supports configurable host lists and DNS servers. The project's GitHub repository is archived.
The developer describes DNS66 as intercepting DNS requests through Android's VPN layer and blocking requests for blacklisted hosts.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05The F-Droid description explains that DNS66 establishes a VPN interface rather than requiring root.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05The F-Droid package page identifies version 0.6.8 as the suggested version and gives its addition date.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05The project README describes host and DNS server lists, ordering behavior, and manual refresh requirements.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05The GitHub repository page marks the project archived on August 5, 2026.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-05Community feedback
Reviews
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FAQ
Does DNS66 require root?
No. It uses Android’s VPN interface for DNS filtering.
What platforms does DNS66 support?
The available listing documents Android only. F-Droid specifies Android 5.0 or newer for version 0.6.8.
Does DNS66 have a public API or documented integrations?
No public API or formal third-party integrations are documented in the sources reviewed.
Is DNS66 free?
Yes. It is distributed as free, open-source software under GPL-3.0 or later.
Is DNS66 actively maintained?
The GitHub repository was archived on August 5, 2026, and F-Droid lists version 0.6.8 from 2021.
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