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MXToolbox Alternatives: DNS & Email Toolbox

Key idea:

MXToolbox has led DNS/MX/blacklist checking since 2006, but since 2024 its free tier is capped at 3 checks per day without login and full API is Pro-only ($99/month). Alternatives: Enterno.io DNS (A, AAAA, MX, TXT, DKIM, SPF, DMARC free, API on Pro), intoDNS (DNS-only), DNSChecker.org (propagation focus), Google Digdug.

Below: competitor overview, feature-by-feature comparison, when Enterno.io wins, FAQ.

Check your domain's DNS →

About the Competitor

MXToolbox launched in 2006. Core feature: blacklist monitoring (100+ RBLs), MX lookup, SPF/DKIM/DMARC analyzer. Pro plan ($99+/mo) adds: API, 30+ server monitoring, blacklist alerts. Free tier is heavily rate-limited in 2026.

Enterno.io vs Competitor — Feature Comparison

FeatureEnterno.ioCompetitor
All DNS record types (A/AAAA/MX/TXT/CAA/CNAME)
Free unlimited checks✅ (30/min)❌ (3/day)
Blacklist check (RBL)⚠️ Partial✅ (100+)
SPF/DKIM/DMARC validator
DNS propagation check✅ (global)
API without Pro❌ Pro only
Uptime monitoring✅ (built-in)
Pro price₽490/mo$129/mo

When to Pick Enterno.io

  • You need frequent automated DNS checks — MXToolbox caps at 3/day, Enterno gives 30/min free
  • You serve Runet — Enterno.io has Moscow vantage points, MXToolbox is sometimes throttled
  • You have a ruble budget — Enterno Pro ₽490 vs MXToolbox Pro $129
  • If you need deep RBL monitoring — MXToolbox specialises in that

TL;DR: Top MXToolbox Alternatives for DNS & Email Tools in 2026

In 2026, top alternatives to MXToolbox for DNS and email tools include DNSstuff, IntoDNS, and GlockApps, offering comprehensive features like DNS diagnostics, email deliverability checks, and server monitoring. Each tool provides unique functionalities tailored for different needs, such as dig commands for DNS lookups and SPF record analysis to improve email security and deliverability.

Comprehensive Overview of DNSstuff: A Robust MXToolbox Alternative

DNSstuff stands out as a formidable alternative to MXToolbox, particularly for professionals seeking detailed DNS analysis and troubleshooting tools. The platform offers a suite of services including DNS lookup, WHOIS lookup, and email diagnostics.

One of the key features of DNSstuff is its DNS Lookup tool, which allows users to perform various queries, such as:

  • nslookup for obtaining domain names and IP addresses.
  • dig for querying DNS nameservers directly.

For example, to check the A record of a domain, you can use:

dig example.com A

This command will return the IP address associated with example.com, providing immediate insight into DNS configurations.

DNSstuff also includes features like:

  • Email Testing: Check SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to enhance email deliverability.
  • Network Monitoring: Real-time alerts for downtime and performance issues.
  • WHOIS Lookup: Access ownership and registration details of domains.

In contrast to MXToolbox, DNSstuff offers more granular control over DNS settings and a user-friendly interface that appeals to both novices and experienced users alike. The pricing structure is competitive, with plans starting at around $10/month, making it accessible for small businesses and individuals.

Exploring GlockApps: Elevating Email Deliverability Beyond MXToolbox

GlockApps is a powerful alternative specifically designed for email marketers and IT professionals focused on enhancing email deliverability. Unlike MXToolbox, which offers a broader range of DNS tools, GlockApps specializes in optimizing email campaigns and ensuring that messages land in the inbox rather than the spam folder.

One of GlockApps' standout features is its Inbox Placement Test, which allows users to see how their emails perform across various email providers. This tool evaluates whether emails reach the inbox or get filtered to spam, providing actionable insights.

To utilize GlockApps effectively, users can perform the following:

  1. Create an email campaign.
  2. Send test emails to GlockApps' dedicated test addresses.
  3. Analyze the results across major providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook.

GlockApps also provides:

  • Spam Testing: Identify potential spam triggers and improve email content.
  • Sender Reputation Monitoring: Track and improve your sender score to boost deliverability.
  • Real-time Analytics: Monitor engagement metrics to optimize future campaigns.

For example, by sending a test email with the subject line “Exciting Offer Just for You!”, users can assess how it performs with various filters and adjust content based on the feedback received. GlockApps pricing starts at approximately $29/month, making it a cost-effective tool for businesses serious about email marketing.

A / AAAAIPv4 and IPv6 host addresses
MX RecordsDomain mail servers
TXT / SPFVerification & anti-spoofing
NS / SOAName servers & zone authority

Why teams trust us

12
DNS record types
SPF+DKIM
email protection
<1s
DNS response
3
check regions

How it works

1

Enter domain

2

Select record type

3

Get DNS response

What are DNS Records?

DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses. DNS records are instructions that define where to route traffic, email, and how to verify domainownership.

Complete Lookup

Query all record types — A, AAAA, MX, NS, TXT, CNAME, SOA — in a single request.

Instant Results

Direct queries to authoritative servers. Results in milliseconds, no caching.

Security Checks

SPF, DKIM, and DMARC analysis to evaluate email protection against spoofing and phishing.

Export & History

Save check results. Compare DNS records before and after registrar changes.

Who uses this

DevOps

DNS check after deploy

Email marketers

SPF/DKIM/DMARC audit

SEO

DNS config audit

Sysadmins

DNS zone control

Common Mistakes

Missing SPF recordWithout SPF, emails may land in spam. Add a v=spf1 TXT record.
Single NS serverIf the only NS fails, the domain becomes unreachable. Use at least 2 NS servers.
CNAME conflicting with other recordsCNAME cannot coexist with MX or TXT on the same name — this violates RFC.
TTL set too highWith 86400s TTL, DNS changes take a full day. Lower TTL to 300 before migrations.
Missing PTR recordMail servers check PTR. Without it, emails may be rejected.

Best Practices

Set up SPF + DKIM + DMARCThe trio of records that protects your email from spoofing and improves deliverability.
Use 2+ NS serversDistribute NS servers across different networks for redundancy.
Lower TTL before migrationSet TTL to 300 at least 24-48 hours before an IP change for fast propagation.
Verify DNS after changesAfter updating records, confirm changes propagated correctly and no errors remain.
Add a CAA recordCAA restricts which Certificate Authorities can issue SSL certificates for your domain.

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DNS check history, API keys and DNS change monitoring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Enterno.io fully replace MXToolbox?

For most tasks — yes (DNS, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, uptime). Exception: blacklist monitoring across 100+ RBLs — Enterno covers only the top 20. For deep antispam auditing MXToolbox is stronger.

Does MXToolbox have a free API?

No. API is Pro-only ($99/mo). Enterno.io exposes the API on Pro (₽490/mo) + a free tier at 10 req/min.

What is DNS propagation?

The process of pushing DNS changes through resolver caches worldwide. Usually 24-48 hours (per TTL). <a href="/en/s/research-dns-propagation-benchmark-2026">Our benchmark</a> showed a 4.5 h median.

How do I monitor blacklists with Enterno?

Dashboard → Monitors → New → choose type "Blacklist". Checks every 30 min across top-20 RBLs (Spamhaus, SORBS, Barracuda, etc.).

Try the live tool that powered this guide

Free plan — 10 monitors, checks every 5 min, no card required. Upgrade for 1-minute interval and multi-region monitoring.