YogaDNS

Active

Country: Russia (RU)
Founded: 2015
Developer: YogaDNS.com (Russia)
Pricing: Freemium (Basic free, Pro trial then purchase)
Open source: No
Platforms: Windows

Indexes

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Overview

YogaDNS is a DNS client for Windows that intercepts DNS requests at the system level, allowing processing via user-defined servers using DNSCrypt, DNS over HTTPS (DoH), standard DNS, and DNSSEC validation. It supports multiple DNS servers, hostname-based rules for routing or blocking, and integration with services like NextDNS, without requiring manual DNS configuration changes. Designed for users seeking advanced DNS control, privacy, and ad-blocking via custom DNS.

Key Features

System-level DNS interception - Captures all DNS requests from the system and apps without changing network settings.
Multiple DNS protocols - Supports DNSCrypt (with relays), DoH, standard DNS, and DNSSEC validation.
Rule-based routing - Defines rules by hostname mask to select servers, block resolves, or choose interfaces.
Network/VPN triggers - Activates rules only for specific networks or VPN connections.
Built-in NextDNS support - Direct integration for using NextDNS configurations.
Detailed logging - Real-time logs with four verbosity levels for screen and file output.
DNS server pools - Manages multiple DNS servers and pools simultaneously.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Basic	Free	Limited features after Pro trial expires.
Pro	Purchase required (details on site)	Full features including advanced rules and protocols; 31-day free trial.

Platforms & Requirements

Runs on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and Servers 2012, 2016, 2019. Installs as a downloadable package with system-level integration binding to localhost port 53. No support for other platforms mentioned.

Integrations & Ecosystem

NextDNS (built-in support)
DNSCrypt relays
DNS over HTTPS servers
AdGuard DNS-over-TLS (user setups)
Quad9 (via nslookup verification)
Custom DNS server pools

Alternatives

App	Difference
Portmaster	Similar system-level DNS interception; binds to port 53 like YogaDNS.
NextDNS app	Official client with TAP device; some installation issues reported unlike YogaDNS.
AdGuard	Broader ad-blocking but potential DNS leaks fixed by pairing with YogaDNS.

Reputation

YogaDNS is regarded as an advanced DNS client for Windows, valued for system-wide interception and support for encrypted protocols without manual config changes. Users on privacy forums confirm it forces DNS through chosen resolvers like NextDNS, verifiable via nslookup and resource monitor. Some reports note setup issues or incorrect functioning when paired with certain services, but it serves as a reliable workaround for DNS leaks in tools like AdGuard.

Sources (8)