compare
CoreDNS vs PowerDNS
The same facts for both, read from GitHub every night, and the relation a person reviewed.
| Fact | CoreDNS | PowerDNS |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Go | C++ |
| Licence | Apache-2.0 | GPL-2.0 |
| Stars | 14k | 4.5k |
| Latest | v1.14.7 | rec-5.4.7 |
| Last push | 2026-10-05 | 2026-10-06 |
| Release cadence | about 35 days between releases | too few releases |
| Active contributors | 37 commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days | 13+ commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days |
| Flags | none | none |
How they relate
Both replace Amazon Route 53. Alternatives to Amazon Route 53 →
PartialCoreDNSServes zones from files, etcd or Kubernetes through plugins, without domain registration or health-checked routing.
PartialPowerDNSAuthoritative server with an HTTP API and database backends, without domain registration.
CoreDNS
- v1.14.72026-08-19This release strengthens DNS caching, forwarding, and transport reliability, with
- v1.14.62026-07-10This patch release focuses on fixing ARM and MIPS build issues introduced in
- v1.14.52026-07-10This release improves DNS transport security and operational reliability, with
- v1.14.42026-06-09This release improves transport security and operational flexibility, with
- v1.14.32026-04-22This release introduces Windows service support, along with full TSIG verification
PowerDNS
This repository publishes tags, not GitHub releases.
CoreDNS
✓ signed The latest release, v1.14.7, carries a signature GitHub verified.
Loading the security report
PowerDNS
✓ signed The latest release, rec-5.4.7, carries a signature GitHub verified.
Loading the security report