Technitium DNS Server review: control your network’s DNS

Technitium DNS Server is a free open-source DNS server with a browser-based control panel.⁸ It suits households and small offices ready to manage their own network settings. It lets you block unwanted domains and send DNS lookups through encrypted connections.¹ DNS lookups translate website names into the addresses computers need.

Last checked October 28, 2026.

At a glance

• What it is: A DNS server you run yourself, managed through a web console.²
• Works on: Windows, Linux, macOS and supported Raspberry Pi models; Docker is also available.¹
• Price: Free software.⁸ Budget separately for the computer, electricity or rented server.
• Licence: GNU GPL version 3.³
• Best for: People who want network-wide DNS control and are comfortable maintaining a server.
• Official site: technitium.com/dns

What Technitium DNS Server does and how it protects your privacy

Technitium can find DNS answers itself as a recursive resolver, or pass requests to another resolver using encrypted forwarding.² A resolver is the service that finds an address for a name. Choose the second approach if your priority is an encrypted connection between your server and a chosen DNS provider; treat that provider’s privacy policy as part of the decision.

Blocklists let Technitium refuse lookups for listed advertising or malware domains, with lists updated daily.¹ Think of this as a filter for names, rather than a guarantee that every advert or tracker disappears. Start with a modest list and make exceptions when something you need stops working.

For a clearer explanation of the privacy goal, read the Academy’s beginner’s guide to encrypted DNS. Decide whether you want filtering, encrypted lookups, or both before changing settings. That makes troubleshooting much easier.

Technitium DNS Server key features

• Browser administration: Manage the server through a web console instead of editing everything by hand.²
• Encrypted DNS: Supports DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-QUIC forwarding.¹
• DNSSEC validation: Supports checking digitally signed DNS answers.² Use this alongside encryption rather than as a substitute for it.
• Local names: Host your own domain records, such as names for home services.²
• Query visibility: Includes logging tools for investigating DNS requests.²
• Saved cache: Can preserve cached answers on disk across server restarts.²

Technitium DNS Server pros and cons

Pros

• One server can apply the same blocking rules to every device that uses it.
• Settings, logs and block lists are managed in the web console.
• Encrypted forwarding is available when you want the path to a chosen resolver protected.
• You can add local names for devices and services on your own network.

Cons

• Plan to keep a server available whenever devices rely on it.
• Allow time to learn DNS settings and recover from mistakes.
• Budget for maintenance and security updates.
• Expect to tune filtering rather than treating a blocklist as perfect.

Is Technitium DNS Server safe and private?

Technitium is developed under the TechnitiumSoftware project, with source code published on GitHub.² The latest release is version 15.6.2, dated October 17, 2026.⁴ Install current updates before making the service part of your household’s routine.

Researchers publishing at NDSS 2026 reported a DNS cache-poisoning attack and wrote that Technitium acknowledged their report and that patched versions were released.⁷ Cache poisoning means slipping false answers into a resolver’s saved results. This research is evidence about particular problems and fixes, rather than a comprehensive security certification.

Technitium’s privacy policy says it collects no user information beyond web-server logs.⁵ Update checks and DNS App Store requests use HTTPS, but Technitium’s web servers can log the server’s IP address.⁵ Third-party blocklist hosts may also log that address.⁵ Do not read this as a promise of no external connections.

The documented Linux setup stores configuration and logs on the host running the server.⁶ Treat query histories as sensitive household information: restrict access and retain only what you need. Keep administration on a trusted network, use a strong password, and arrange updates. Encrypted forwarding is one privacy layer; do not treat it as anonymous browsing.

How to get started with Technitium DNS Server

1. Choose a reliable host. Prefer a computer you can leave running. Write down your current DNS settings so you can restore them.
2. Download from the official site. Choose the Windows installer, portable package or official Docker image.¹ The portable app needs the ASP.NET Core 10 runtime.⁶ Follow the linked installation guide for your system.
3. Open the console. The Linux instructions use http://<server-ip-address>:5380/.⁶ A new install signs in as admin with the password admin until you change it.¹ Set a strong administrator password and keep access private.
4. Choose your privacy settings. Select encrypted forwarding if that matches your goal, then add a small blocklist. Change one setting at a time.
5. Try one device first. Point its DNS setting to your server’s local address. Check everyday browsing, calls and apps before changing the whole network.
6. Keep a recovery plan. Save a configuration backup, record how to undo the change, and set a reminder to review updates.

Who should use Technitium DNS Server?

Choose Technitium if you want to learn how your network resolves names and prefer making those decisions through a web console. It fits when someone in the household is willing to own maintenance. Start on one device before making everyone depend on it.

If you are still comparing options, consider Unbound and dnscrypt-proxy. Compare their setup guides with Technitium’s and choose the approach you feel able to maintain. For a single device, first consider whether its existing encrypted-DNS setting meets your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is Technitium DNS Server free?

Yes, the software is free and open source.⁸ This is a server you operate; include hardware and hosting in your budget rather than expecting a managed service.

Does Technitium DNS Server work on a Raspberry Pi?

Yes, but Raspberry Pi 1 and the original Pi Zero are not supported because they use ARM6 processors.¹ Check your exact model before planning an installation.

Is Technitium DNS Server still maintained?

Yes: the October 2026 change log includes releases 15.6, 15.6.1 and 15.6.2.⁴ Use the current release rather than following an old tutorial’s version number.

Sources

1. Technitium: DNS Server official website
2. TechnitiumSoftware: DNS Server repository and documentation
3. TechnitiumSoftware: GNU General Public License
4. TechnitiumSoftware: DNS Server change log
5. Technitium: DNS Server privacy policy
6. Technitium Blog: Running Technitium DNS Server on Ubuntu Linux
7. NDSS Symposium: Should I Trust You? Rethinking the Principle of Zone-Based Isolation DNS Bailiwick Checking
8. Technitium Blog: Technitium DNS Server v15 Released!