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How to configure NextDNS with NordVPN

Hello

Should I just add nextDNS server IP's in the custom DNS fields of NordVPN settings? If I do it this way, does that mean that all of the filtering settings I've setup in my account are not being used?

Alternatively I have the following optons:

- Set them manually in windows 11 settings

- Set them in my browser (Librewolf),

- Use the NextDNS app.

I'm confused which is the best method to use NextDNS filtering / security alongside the VPN service.

Any tips would be greatly received.

HJ

5 replies

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    • Blackstone230.1
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Hello HacksawJim,

    VPN services routes under their default servers to ensure privacy and guarantee stable connections.

    In spite of that you can choose your own stable DNS server by installing NextDNS app that force the connection and/or setting  it up in your VPN provider options if possible. 

    Then you can test your DNS connection: DNS leak test

    Regards!

    • HacksawJim
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi Blackstone230,

    Thanks so much for your reply.

    If I install the NextDNS app and set it to enable, does that mean I'd be using the VPN with the NextDNS servers (and the filtering options that I've set up in the account), without needing to add any IP's into the NordVPN application? ...Or would I need to install the app AND add the IP's into the Custom DNS fields in Nord VPN settings?

    Also, if I use the app, does this mean that I don't need to add it in any of the other places, i.e browser, windows?

    In general would you recommend changing to a different DNS rather than the VPN's own? What are the pro's and con's?

    And lastly, what's a good way of comparing the performance of my VPN's DNS vs NextDNS at my location?

    Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for the help.

    Many Thanks

    HJ

      • Blackstone230.1
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      HacksawJim 

       

      If I install the NextDNS application and activate it, does that mean I will be using the VPN with the NextDNS servers (and the filtering options I have configured in the account), without needing to add any IPs in the NordVPN application? ...Or would I have to install the application And add the IPs in the custom DNS fields in the Nord VPN configuration?                     -->Yes. No additional configuration is needed for the Nextdns software. You will be forcing the VPN service to use NextDNS without exposing your ISP's real IP..

      Also, if I use the application, does this mean I don't need to add it in any of the other places, i.e. browser, windows?                                                                                                                                                                        --> Yes, you should not set it up on all services. You can do it to secure/reinforce NextDNS but it is not necessary of course..

      In general, would you recommend switching to a different DNS instead of the VPN's own? What are the pros and cons?                                                                                                                                                  --> Nextdns will use the nearby location of your VPN service so performance will have less latency (increases throughput) and you will also have all custom settings. However, if you need total anonymity, you must close the NextDNS application to use the VPN servers (avoid the VPN service to register your own DNS).

      What is a good way to compare DNS VPN vs NextDNS performance in my location?                       --> Good question! Latency may be lower than DNS VPN and you can check this using "Speedtest" or "Fast" website tests, but I think you will find the difference when you'll be surfing on the Internet.

       

      Regards!

    • HacksawJim
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Here's another few links to similar discussions:

    https://malwaretips.com/threads/nord-vpn-says-this-about-next-dns.112899/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/lppove/nextdns_over_nordvpn/

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