NextDNS CLI is a DNS53 to DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) proxy with advanced capabilities to get the most out of the NextDNS service.
Although the most advanced features will only work with NextDNS, this program can work as a client for any DoH provider or a mix of NextDNS + another DNS (split horizon).
The CLI is mostly aimed at routers and UNIX based systems, but it is also a great client for windows and macOS for people who prefer a fully open-source clients and don't mind the lack of GUI.
Publisher’s description
What is NextDNS CLI?
NextDNS CLI by NextDNS is open-source Windows software in the vpn & proxy category. It ranks 24th by popularity among vpn & proxy in this catalogue. It is written in Go.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides Portable installers for 64-bit and 32-bit Windows. It runs without installation (portable).
Updates and version history
The current version is 1.47.3, released on June 3, 2026. The version history goes back to March 2, 2023: 10 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 3.1 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 6,979 times. The source code on GitHub (nextdns/nextdns) has 4,222 stars. Similar programs include OpenVPN, nginx and Proton VPN.
Project description on GitHub: “NextDNS CLI client (DoH Proxy)”
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- Portable: runs without installation
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
In short: NextDNS CLI is an open-source vpn & proxy tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs.
Is NextDNS CLI safe to download?
- The file is served by github.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
B9EA2C3B2286D62AFF63C48356C06EE75BF9FB775B7D9800B3C0D9FEBAEDCBFC· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link has not been checked yet
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Security practices (OpenSSF Scorecard)
Automated checks of the nextdns/nextdns repository on GitHub by the Open Source Security Foundation, last run on October 19, 2026.
- No binaries in the repository10
- No dangerous workflows10
- Fuzzing10
- Licence declared10
- Static code analysis9
- Actively maintained8
- Code review3
- Branch protection3
- Restricted token permissions0
- OpenSSF Best Practices badge0
- Security policy0
- Pinned dependencies0
- Signed releases0
The score rates how the project is developed and released, not whether the program is safe to install. scorecard.dev
Recent versions
All 10 versions ›10 versions over 3 years · about 3.1 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.47.3Latest | June 3, 2026 | — | 64-bit ZIP32-bit ZIP |
| 1.46.0 | July 1, 2025 | — | 64-bit ZIP32-bit ZIP |
| 1.45.0 | February 17, 2025 | — | 64-bit ZIP32-bit ZIP |
| 1.43.5 | May 24, 2024 | — | 64-bit ZIP32-bit ZIP |
| 1.43.3 | April 29, 2024 | — | 32-bit ZIP64-bit ZIP |
| 1.43.1 | April 28, 2024 | — | 64-bit ZIP32-bit ZIP |
| 1.43.0 | April 28, 2024 | — | 32-bit ZIP64-bit ZIP |
| 1.42.0 | February 4, 2024 | — | 32-bit ZIP64-bit ZIP |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id NextDNS.NextDNS.CLI -echoco install nextdns-cli -yRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- NextDNS
- Category
- VPN & proxy
- Licence
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- github.com/nextdns/nextdns
- Written in
- Go
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- Portable
- Version
- 1.47.3
- Released
- June 3, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- March 2, 2023
- Versions listed
- 10
- Updates / year
- 3.1
- Chocolatey downloads
- 6,979
- GitHub stars
- 4,222
- GitHub forks
- 246
- Website
- github.com
- winget ID
- NextDNS.NextDNS.CLI
- Chocolatey package
- nextdns-cli
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to NextDNS CLI
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Frequently asked questions
Is NextDNS CLI free?
Yes. NextDNS CLI is open-source software under the MIT licence.
Is NextDNS CLI safe to download?
The download comes from github.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install NextDNS CLI with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Does NextDNS CLI run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of NextDNS CLI?
The versions page lists all 10 versions with links to their official installer files, back to March 2, 2023.
Can I use NextDNS CLI without administrator rights?
Yes, it is portable: unpack and run it.
What are alternatives to NextDNS CLI?
OpenVPN, nginx, Proton VPN, Tailscale and Netbird. The alternatives page compares them.
