Compare software

Hickory DNS vs Unbound: catalog facts
Hickory DNSUnbound
Free

Free to use from its GitHub repository.

Free

Free and open source under the BSD licence.

Linux, Self-hosted, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted
  • Written in memory-safe Rust
  • Server and resolver in one project
  • DNSSEC validation and encrypted transports in a small, audited resolver
  • Runs recursively, so no upstream resolver sees your queries
  • Configured by file with no graphical interface
  • Renamed from Trust-DNS, so older guides use the previous name
  • Configuration is a text file with many options
  • No filtering or blocklists of its own; that needs another layer
Self-hosted Self-hosted
Closed source Open source
License not stated License: BSD-3-Clause
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 2, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

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