Free SkipNS alternative: skipdns.dev vs SkipNS
SkipNS (skipns.com) and skipdns.dev are both free tools that give you a temporary link to a site on a new server, under its real domain, before DNS changes. The main difference is how long that link lasts: 60 minutes on SkipNS, 7 days on skipdns.dev.
skipdns.dev is an independent project, not affiliated with SkipNS. We build skipdns.dev, so read this with that in mind. Everything about SkipNS comes from its public website as of October 2026; check skipns.com for current details.
skipdns.dev vs SkipNS at a glance
| Feature | skipdns.dev | SkipNS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Pro $5/mo | Free |
| Account | None | Not listed |
| Link lifetime | 7 days free; permanent or custom with Pro | 60 minutes |
| Usage limit | 10 new links per day per IP (free); Pro uncapped by that limit | None stated |
| Password protection | Pro | Not listed |
| Custom subdomain | Pro | Not listed |
| Bulk creation | Pro, 50 at once | Not listed |
| HTTPS | Yes | Not listed |
| Works with | Any site on a public IP | WordPress or any site |
Pros and cons
skipdns.dev
Pros
- Free links last 7 days, long enough to share and come back to
- Optional Pro: permanent links, passwords, custom subdomains, bulk
- No account needed
Cons
- Free is capped at 10 new links per day per IP
- Extra features cost $5/month
- Public IPs only
SkipNS
Pros
- Free, with no stated usage limit
- Says it works with WordPress or any site
- Links clean themselves up after an hour
Cons
- Links expire after 60 minutes
- No paid plan listed for longer or protected links
Which should you pick?
- Pick SkipNS if you only need a quick look at the new server and an hour is plenty.
- Pick skipdns.dev if you want to send the link to a client, check it again tomorrow, or need a password or permanent link.
See what Pro includes on the pricing page, or compare all five tools on the comparison hub.
FAQ
Is skipdns.dev affiliated with SkipNS?
No. skipdns.dev is an independent project, not affiliated with SkipNS.
How long do SkipNS links last?
As of October 2026, SkipNS says its links expire after 60 minutes. skipdns.dev's free links last 7 days.
Are both tools free?
Yes. As of October 2026, SkipNS is free with no stated usage limit. skipdns.dev is free with up to 10 new links per day per IP, and offers an optional Pro plan for $5/month.
Does skipdns.dev work with WordPress?
Yes, it forwards requests to your server with the real domain in the Host header, so WordPress serves the right site. Absolute URLs in the page still point at the live domain, so some assets may load from the old server.
Can I password-protect a preview link?
On skipdns.dev Pro, yes. SkipNS doesn't list password protection on its site as of October 2026.