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CoreDNS vs PowerDNS Recursor: catalog facts
CoreDNS	PowerDNS Recursor
Free Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 licence.	Free Free and open source with no paid tier required.
Linux, Self-hosted, Command line	Linux, Self-hosted
Plugin chain handles rewriting, zone files, metrics and service discovery Custom builds can include only needed plugins	Long-running, actively developed project DNSSEC validation covered by dedicated regression tests
Ad or content blocking needs manual plugin setup rather than a ready interface No graphical dashboard	Server software configured by hand, with no built-in dashboard Suits administrators more than casual home users
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License: Apache-2.0	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.