Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DNSCrypt Protocol VS DNSCrypt Proxy Client

Compare DNSCrypt Protocol VS DNSCrypt Proxy Client and see what are their differences

DNSCrypt Protocol logo DNSCrypt Protocol

A protocol to improve DNS security

DNSCrypt Proxy Client logo DNSCrypt Proxy Client

Windows client for managing the DNSCrypt proxy.
  • DNSCrypt Protocol Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-25
  • DNSCrypt Proxy Client Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-01

DNSCrypt Protocol features and specs

  • Enhanced Privacy
    DNSCrypt encrypts DNS requests, which prevents ISPs and other intermediaries from snooping on the queries made by users, protecting privacy.
  • Integrity Verification
    It provides integrity verification to ensure that the responses received from DNS servers haven't been tampered with, safeguarding users from data manipulation attacks.
  • Resistance to DNS Spoofing
    By encrypting DNS requests and responses, DNSCrypt helps prevent DNS spoofing attacks, where attackers redirect users to malicious sites.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source protocol, DNSCrypt allows for community-driven improvements and audits, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness.

Possible disadvantages of DNSCrypt Protocol

  • Limited Adoption
    Despite its benefits, DNSCrypt has limited adoption compared to other DNS security measures, which may affect its widespread utility and support.
  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up DNSCrypt can be complex, particularly for non-technical users, as it requires installation and configuration of additional software components.
  • Performance Overhead
    The encryption process can introduce additional latency to DNS queries, which might affect the speed of browsing experiences for some users.
  • Not a Comprehensive Solution
    DNSCrypt focuses only on encrypting DNS traffic. It does not provide encryption for actual web traffic, leaving other aspects of online activity unprotected.

DNSCrypt Proxy Client features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    DNSCrypt Proxy Client encrypts DNS traffic, mitigating DNS spoofing attacks and other vulnerabilities by ensuring that DNS data is secured between the client and the resolver.
  • Privacy Protection
    By encrypting DNS queries, DNSCrypt helps prevent third parties from snooping on internet activity and collecting personal data, enhancing user privacy.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source software, DNSCrypt Proxy Client allows users to audit the code for security vulnerabilities and contribute to its development.
  • Flexibility
    The client supports multiple DNSCrypt protocol versions and also allows users to choose from various DNS resolvers, giving users control over their DNS configurations.
  • Cross-Platform
    DNSCrypt Proxy Client can be used on various operating systems, including Windows, which allows users to have a consistent DNS security solution across devices.

Possible disadvantages of DNSCrypt Proxy Client

  • Complex Setup
    The setup process can be complex for non-technical users, as it requires manual configuration, which can be challenging and time-consuming.
  • Limited Support
    There may be limited support or documentation available for this specific client, potentially making troubleshooting difficult for users encountering issues.
  • Performance Overhead
    Encrypting DNS traffic can introduce additional latency, which may affect browsing performance slightly due to the increased computation required for encryption and decryption.
  • Dependency on Resolvers
    While DNSCrypt encrypts traffic, the actual privacy and security benefits heavily depend on the chosen DNS resolver's policies and reliability.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Some applications or networks may not be fully compatible with DNSCrypt, leading to potential connectivity or functionality issues, especially in tightly controlled network environments.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DNSCrypt Protocol and DNSCrypt Proxy Client)
Security & Privacy
68 68%
32% 32
DNS
73 73%
27% 27
Ad Blockers
57 57%
43% 43
DNS Tools
82 82%
18% 18

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DNSCrypt Protocol seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 12 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

DNSCrypt Protocol mentions (12)

  • Use Portmaster with DNSCrypt
    Up until recently, I've used it with quad9 DNS, which is fine, but as people found out, we can make it work with dnscrypt-proxy, which allows us to use DNSCrypt, which basically is a protocol that encrypts, authenticates and optionally anonymizes communications between a DNS client and a DNS resolver. It prevents DNS spoofing. It uses cryptographic signatures to verify that responses originate from the chosen DNS... Source: about 2 years ago
  • Dns filter on windows
    DNSCrypt (open source) can use a blacklist https://dnscrypt.info/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • DNS privacy is a bit complicated... but here's what I did
    If I wasn't doing all that, I would probably just stick with something like DNScrypt. Source: over 2 years ago
  • What is DNS?
    Https://dnscrypt.info/ - Totally free and fun but intense bunch of programs. If you are willing to learn, its ready and waiting, unrestricted and free. The guides are easy and after a good sitting you will have the confidence needed to surf. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • Is there a perfect DNS solution?
    Running your own local recursive caching DNS resolver is always good. Something like a Pihole for home networks works well. You can also host your own DNS resolver on a VPS, and then connect to it using DNSCrypt. Source: over 2 years ago
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DNSCrypt Proxy Client mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of DNSCrypt Proxy Client yet. Tracking of DNSCrypt Proxy Client recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing DNSCrypt Protocol and DNSCrypt Proxy Client, you can also consider the following products

OpenDNS - OpenDNS provides faster and safer Internet access for your home or Business.

YogaDNS - YogaDNS automatically intercepts DNS requests at the system level and allows you to process them...

1.1.1.1 - The free app that makes your Internet safer.

AdGuard - Surf the Web Ad-Free and Safely. Shield up!

Quad9 - Quad9 is a free, recursive, anycast DNS platform that provides end users robust security protections, high-performance, and privacy.

Simple DNSCrypt - A simple management tool for dnscrypt-proxy.