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ctrld vs AdGuard DNS CLI: catalog facts
ctrld	AdGuard DNS CLI
Free The proxy is free; Control D's filtering service is a separate product.	Free The client is free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted, Command line	Windows, Command line
Forwards queries to encrypted DNS upstreams Split-horizon and policy-based routing of queries	Lightweight local DNS server forwarding to AdGuard DNS YAML configuration file
Configuration is file-based and aimed at technical users Most documented use centres on Control D's own service	Built around the AdGuard DNS service Command-line and config file only, with no graphical interface
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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