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PowerDNS Recursor vs Knot Resolver: catalog facts
PowerDNS Recursor	Knot Resolver
Free Free and open source with no paid tier required.	Free Free to download and use under the GPL.
Linux, Self-hosted	Linux, Self-hosted
Long-running, actively developed project DNSSEC validation covered by dedicated regression tests	Small core with features in optional C and Lua modules Scales from home routers to large deployments
Server software configured by hand, with no built-in dashboard Suits administrators more than casual home users	Configured by hand, with no graphical dashboard Some newer features, such as unencrypted DoH mode, are still alpha
Self-hosted	Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL
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.