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PowerDNS Recursor vs Hickory DNS: catalog facts
PowerDNS Recursor	Hickory DNS
Free Free and open source with no paid tier required.	Free Free to use from its GitHub repository.
Linux, Self-hosted	Linux, Self-hosted, Command line
Long-running, actively developed project DNSSEC validation covered by dedicated regression tests	Written in memory-safe Rust Server and resolver in one project
Server software configured by hand, with no built-in dashboard Suits administrators more than casual home users	Configured by file with no graphical interface Renamed from Trust-DNS, so older guides use the previous name
Self-hosted	Self-hosted
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	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 October 2, 2026

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