Best Open Source NextDNS Alternative
A curated collection of the 1 best open source and self-hosted alternatives to NextDNS in 2026.
Looking for a free, privacy-friendly, or self-hosted replacement for NextDNS in 2026? The top open-source alternative is Zen — Minimal Markdown note-taking app with local storage.
Minimal Markdown note-taking app with local storage
Zen is a minimalist note-taking application designed for clarity and ownership. Your notes are stored as standard Markdown files in a local SQLite database, ensuring no vendor lock-in and complete control over your data. - Local-First Storage: Notes stored as Markdown files in a local SQLite database with no cloud dependency - Instant Search: Full-text search with BM25 ranking across all notes, including archived content - Flexible Organization: Tag-based system with custom "Focus Modes" for dynamic organization - Rich Markdown Support: Complete Markdown formatting including tables, code blocks, task lists, and highlights - Multiple Views: List, card, and gallery layouts optimized for different content types - Offline Access: Full functionality without internet connection - Import/Export: Seamless migration via Markdown, JSON, and image exports - Keyboard Shortcuts: Efficient navigation and formatting without mouse dependency - Dark Mode: Comfortable reading in low-light environments - PWA Support: Installable on mobile devices for quick access - Templates: Reusable note templates with customizable placeholders - Canvas (Experimental): Spatial organization for visual thinkers - MCP Server (Experimental): Connect AI applications to interact with your notes Zen is available as a single Go binary or Docker Compose deployment. The application requires minimal resources (~20MB memory) and runs on any system with Go 1.20+ or Docker. All data remains local, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users who want complete control over their information.
About NextDNS
DNS-based security and privacy service that blocks malware, ads, and trackers while providing parental controls and detailed network insights across all devices.