DNS over HTTPS vs DNSCrypt

Developers should learn and use DNS over HTTPS when building applications that require enhanced privacy, such as secure messaging apps, VPN services, or any system handling sensitive user data meets developers should learn and use dnscrypt when building or maintaining applications that require secure dns resolution, such as privacy-focused tools, vpn services, or systems operating in untrusted networks. Here's our take.

DNS over HTTPS

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use DNS over HTTPS when building applications that require enhanced privacy, such as secure messaging apps, VPN services, or any system handling sensitive user data

Pros

• It is particularly useful in environments with restrictive network policies or where DNS censorship is a concern, as it helps bypass traditional DNS blocks and ensures reliable, encrypted name resolution
• Related to: dns, https

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

DNSCrypt

Developers should learn and use DNSCrypt when building or maintaining applications that require secure DNS resolution, such as privacy-focused tools, VPN services, or systems operating in untrusted networks

Pros

• It is particularly useful for preventing DNS-based censorship, tracking, and attacks in scenarios like public Wi-Fi usage or in regions with restrictive internet policies
• Related to: dns-over-https, dns-over-tls

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. DNS over HTTPS is a protocol while DNSCrypt is a tool. We picked DNS over HTTPS based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

DNS over HTTPS wins

Based on overall popularity. DNS over HTTPS is more widely used, but DNSCrypt excels in its own space.