# Zen: Free Open Source Alternative to AdGuard, NextDNS

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/zen-privacy
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Zen (Open Source, Open Source) replaces AdGuard, NextDNS. Free, open-source desktop app that blocks ads, trackers, and surveillance scripts across all browsers and apps on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Zen
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://irbis.sh/zen
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/irbis-sh/zen-desktop
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 4.4k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/irbis-sh/zen-desktop or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Zen saves up to $50/mo ($600/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [AdGuard](https://caniforkit.com/adguard) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare AdGuard vs Zen](https://caniforkit.com/vs/adguard-vs-zen-privacy) |
| [NextDNS](https://caniforkit.com/nextdns) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare NextDNS vs Zen](https://caniforkit.com/vs/nextdns-vs-zen-privacy) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Zen free and open source?
Zen is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Free, open-source desktop app that blocks ads, trackers, and surveillance scripts across all browsers and apps on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Zen?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)