Getting optimal internet speed involves more than just selecting one of the best web hosting providers. Your choice of DNS server plays a critical role too. While your Internet Service Provider (ISP) automatically assigns you a DNS server each time you connect online, it’s not always the most efficient option. A sluggish ISP DNS can significantly reduce your browsing speed, and in case of outages, it can even block access to parts or the entirety of the web.
Luckily, switching to a high-quality, free, and public DNS server can lead to noticeably faster browsing and often comes with added security advantages. These benefits can range from robust anti-phishing measures and blocking access to infected websites to content filtering options, perfect for ensuring a safer online environment for your family.
Choosing the right DNS service requires careful consideration, as not every provider will outperform your ISP’s default settings. To guide you in the right direction, this article will explore some of the Best Dns Servers available today.
Gcore DNS server stands out as a powerful solution engineered for high-performance network infrastructures. Featuring dedicated and virtual servers that are easily configurable through an intuitive Server Configurator, it caters to users of all technical levels. Pre-configured options are also readily available, eliminating the need for deep technical expertise.
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The Best Free and Public DNS Servers of 2024 in Detail:
Best Free and Public DNS Server for Content Filtering
Comodo Secure DNS website screenshot.
(Image credit: Comodo)
1. Cleanbrowsing
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9
Our expert review:
Reasons to Buy
- Free content filtering
- Choice of filtering levels
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited guidance for advanced configuration
For users prioritizing both security and ease of use in a DNS server, Cleanbrowsing is an excellent choice. Its straightforward approach allows you to select the desired level of filtering and simply input the provided primary and secondary DNS addresses to activate it.
Cleanbrowsing offers three distinct free filtering options. The Security filter is designed to protect you from malware, spam, and phishing attempts. The Adult filter adds a layer of protection by blocking access to pornographic and explicit content. Lastly, the Family filter provides comprehensive parental control by activating Safe Search on major search engines like Google, Bing, and YouTube, and also blocking VPN and proxy sites that could be used to circumvent the filtering.
This suite of features is remarkably robust, especially considering it’s a free service. Cleanbrowsing further simplifies the setup process with free applications that automate configuration. For example, the Windows app allows users to apply their chosen filter with a single click, instantly reconfiguring their system without requiring any manual steps. This ease of use makes Cleanbrowsing a top contender for the best DNS server for families and those new to customizing their DNS settings.
Best General Free and Public DNS Server
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Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 website screenshot.
(Image credit: Cloudflare)
2. Cloudflare
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Our expert review:
Reasons to Buy
- Strong focus on user privacy
- Completely free
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks manual content blocking features
Cloudflare, renowned for its leading CDN services, has extended its offerings to include a public DNS service known as 1.1.1.1. Cloudflare’s approach prioritizes fundamental aspects like performance and privacy. Independent tests, such as those conducted by DNSPerf, consistently rank Cloudflare as the fastest public DNS service globally in terms of raw speed. This makes it a strong contender for the title of best DNS server for speed.
Privacy is another cornerstone of Cloudflare’s DNS service. They go beyond simply stating they won’t use your browsing data for targeted advertising. Cloudflare pledges never to record your querying IP address to disk. Any logs that are generated are automatically deleted within 24 hours. To back these claims, Cloudflare engages KPMG to perform annual audits of their practices, with public reports issued to confirm their commitment to user privacy. This dedication to transparency and user privacy makes Cloudflare a leader in trusted DNS solutions.
The 1.1.1.1 website provides clear setup instructions with straightforward tutorials for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers. While the instructions are generalized (e.g., a single set for all Windows versions), they cover both IPv4 and IPv6 configurations and are generally easy to follow. Mobile users can also leverage WARP, a feature that secures all internet traffic from their devices, further enhancing their online security and privacy.
Cloudflare’s core 1.1.1.1 service does not include built-in ad-blocking or content monitoring. However, Cloudflare does offer optional content filtering for malware and adult content through their 1.1.1.2/1.0.0.2 (malware) and 1.1.1.3/1.0.0.3 (adult content) services. These are opt-in services, giving users control over their filtering preferences.
For support, Cloudflare hosts a community forum where users can ask questions and share experiences, providing a valuable resource for troubleshooting and learning from other users.
Read our full Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 review.
Best Free and Public DNS Server for Experienced Users
Google Public DNS website screenshot.
(Image credit: Google)
3. Google Public DNS
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Our expert review:
Reasons to Buy
- Highly reliable infrastructure
- Free to use for everyone
- Robust security features
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited customer support options
- Complex user interface for some
- Potential privacy considerations for some users
Google Public DNS is a reliable and efficient alternative to your ISP’s default nameservers, especially favored by experienced users. Its vast infrastructure ensures high availability and consistent performance, making it a dependable choice for a primary DNS server.
While Google’s privacy policy isn’t as stringent as Cloudflare’s “zero-logging” promise, it still offers reasonable privacy protections. Google’s service logs full IP address information for troubleshooting and diagnostics for a period of 24 to 48 hours. After this initial period, logs are anonymized by removing personally identifiable information and reducing location data to the city level. The majority of these anonymized logs are then deleted after two weeks.
A significant advantage for technically inclined users is Google’s detailed documentation of their service. Those wishing to fully understand Google’s privacy practices can delve into comprehensive information regarding the types of data logged and how it’s handled. This transparency appeals to users who want to make informed decisions about their DNS provider.
Google’s support resources are geared towards experienced users, with basic guidance assuming a level of technical proficiency. Their support site explicitly states that “only users who are proficient with configuring operating system settings should make these changes.” For less experienced users, Google recommends consulting tutorials from providers like OpenDNS, while substituting OpenDNS’s server addresses with Google’s: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Read our full Google Public DNS review.
Best Free and Public DNS Server for Tech Enthusiasts
Gcore website screenshot.
(Image credit: Future)
4. Gcore
Best for tech enthusiasts
Our expert review:
Reasons to Buy
- Extensive global network with numerous Points of Presence (PoPs) in Europe and CIS
- User-friendly web console
- Feature-rich platform
- Generous free tier
Reasons to Avoid
- Inconsistent speed performance according to CDNPerf
- Support documentation lacks depth in certain areas
Gcore, formerly known as G-Core Labs, is a globally recognized internet infrastructure provider known for its high-performance cloud and edge computing solutions, particularly within the entertainment and media industries. Gcore openly acknowledges that its services are especially suited for users with a strong technical background.
However, Gcore’s DNS service is not exclusively for tech experts. The platform provides dedicated and virtual servers that are easily configurable through their intuitive Server Configurator. For users who prefer pre-configured setups, Gcore also offers pre-configured dedicated and virtual servers, removing the need for extensive technical knowledge.
Gcore’s DNS solution is OS-agnostic and supports both IPv4 and IPv6, along with SSL certificates from leading providers. This flexibility makes it a versatile option for various setups.
Gcore’s pricing structure can be somewhat complex. Pre-priced dedicated or virtual servers are essentially bare servers with potential additional costs. For self-configured servers, costs are detailed in supplementary tables, and users may incur extra charges if they exceed the allocated resources. A simplification and greater transparency in their cost structure would be beneficial.
For users seeking virtual or dedicated servers backed by a robust international infrastructure and are comfortable navigating the pricing structure, Gcore could be an ideal provider. Its rich feature set and extensive network make it a compelling option for tech enthusiasts looking for a powerful DNS solution.
Best Free and Public DNS Server for Performance
Quad9 website screenshot.
(Image credit: Quad9)
5. Quad9
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
Our expert review:
Reasons to Buy
- Free for all users
- Enhances web security through threat blocking
- Simple setup process
Reasons to Avoid
- No manual filtering capabilities
- Can be slower than top-performing competitors
Quad9 is an established DNS provider that has offered a fast and free DNS service since 2016. Its core selling point is its ability to proactively block malicious domains by aggregating threat intelligence from approximately 20 public and private sources. While the sheer number of sources doesn’t guarantee superior protection (the quality of intelligence is paramount), Quad9’s approach offers a significant security upgrade compared to the default DNS security offered by most ISPs. For users concerned about online threats, Quad9 is a strong contender for the best DNS server for security.
Quad9 delivers solid performance, currently ranking seventh out of 12 public DNS resolvers on DNSPerf for average global query times. While it lags slightly behind leaders like Google and Cloudflare, its speeds are competitive with services such as NextDNS and G-Core, and overall performance remains well above average.
Setup guidance is adequate, though not as extensive as some competitors. Some tutorials appear slightly dated, referencing older operating systems like Windows 8 and providing console instructions for PS4. However, the instructions are generally well-organized and easy enough to follow.
Read our full Quad9 review.
Best Free and Public DNS Server for Ease of Use
OpenDNS website screenshot.
(Image credit: OpenDNS)
6. OpenDNS
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Our expert review:
Reasons to Buy
- Free tier available for basic use
- Allows for manual website filtering
- Effectively blocks malicious websites
- Incorporates website caching for faster lookups
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited features in the free tier
- Connection speeds can be relatively slower
- Ad blocking is limited in effectiveness
Founded in 2005 and now owned by Cisco, OpenDNS is a leading name in public DNS services, handling an impressive 620 billion DNS queries daily. Its longevity and massive scale underscore its reliability and widespread adoption.
The free OpenDNS service boasts a claimed 100% uptime since 2006 and includes anti-phishing protection and customizable content filtering. For users seeking the simplest setup, OpenDNS Family Shield offers pre-configured blocking of adult content without requiring any manual configuration. This makes it exceptionally user-friendly, especially for families.
Paid plans offer enhanced parental control features starting at $19.95 annually, including internet activity history and the ability to restrict access to specific websites. While these features are valuable, dedicated best parental control apps often provide more comprehensive child protection for a similar price.
Experienced users can immediately start using OpenDNS by reconfiguring their devices to use the provided nameservers. For those new to DNS configuration, OpenDNS offers setup guides for PCs, Macs, mobile devices, routers, and more, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. This comprehensive support and ease of use make OpenDNS a strong contender for the best DNS server for beginners.
Read our full OpenDNS review.
Best Free and Public DNS Server for Security
Comodo Secure DNS website screenshot.
(Image credit: Comodo)
7. Comodo Secure DNS
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20
Our expert review:
Reasons to Buy
- Includes web filtering capabilities
- Extends protection to devices outside your network
- Offers cloud-based administration
Reasons to Avoid
- Free edition has feature limitations
Comodo Group, a well-known provider of security solutions, naturally extends its expertise to its public DNS service, Comodo Secure DNS. Security is at the forefront of Comodo Secure DNS. It goes beyond basic phishing protection, issuing warnings against websites hosting malware, spyware, and even parked domains that may bombard users with excessive advertising like pop-ups and pop-unders. Users can also explore Comodo Dome Shield for enhanced features augmenting Comodo Secure DNS.
Comodo emphasizes the intelligence of its service, claiming advanced detection of parked or unused domains, automatically redirecting users to their intended destinations. The availability of dedicated iOS and Android apps further enhances its usability and accessibility across platforms.
While performance is crucial, Comodo’s claimed advantage in speed due to its global server network and intelligent routing wasn’t strongly reflected in independent tests. In our own testing, average query times were around 72ms. Furthermore, Comodo’s DNS service was not ranked on DNSPerf for either global or North American performance during our evaluation.
Despite the average performance results, Comodo Secure DNS remains a viable option for users prioritizing an extra layer of web filtering. The support website provides concise and helpful instructions for setting up the service on Windows PCs, Macs, routers, and Chromebooks.
Read our full Comodo Secure DNS review.
Best Free and Public DNS Server for Asia
(Image credit: CDNetworks)
8. CDNetworks
Best for Asia
Our expert review:
Reasons to Buy
- Extensive network presence in and around China
- Excellent speeds, particularly within Asia
- NGINX scripting allows for highly customizable edge logic
- Low bandwidth costs without hidden fees
Reasons to Avoid
- Configuration can be complex for novice users
- Web knowledge base lacks beginner-friendly guidance
- Complex pricing structure makes cost estimation challenging
CDNetworks is primarily a robust CDN service with a significant network infrastructure, especially in Asia. They also offer a DNS service, CDNetworks’ Cloud DNS+, designed for high performance and reliability.
Cloud DNS+ is a managed, cloud-based authoritative DNS service packed with features. A key feature is Cloud Load Balancer (CLB), which enables organizations to integrate diverse delivery methods, aligning with both business and technical objectives. When Cloud DNS becomes authoritative for a domain zone, CLB can implement load-balancing rules for DNS queries, allowing real-time user traffic management, improving both performance and operational efficiency.
The service supports IPv6 DNS queries from end-users, and DNS records can be managed via a web UI or API. Zones can be seamlessly migrated from primary name servers to CDNetworks’ Cloud DNS+ nameservers. IP anycast is used to enhance performance and availability by routing requests to the nearest available DNS name server, with built-in failover protection.
While CDNetworks offers pricing plans for their CDN Pro service, information on Cloud DNS+ pricing requires direct contact with the company through a contact form.
Read our full CDNetworks review.
Best Free and Public DNS Server FAQs
Verisign.
Is your ISP DNS underperforming? Verisign, among many other major companies, provides a free alternative.
What is DNS?
The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the internet’s phonebook, translating user-friendly domain names like facebook.com or twitter.com into the numerical IP addresses (e.g., 126.125.4.4) that devices need to load websites and online resources. This process is technically known as Resolution.
The DNS system is intricate, distributing information across a vast network of DNS servers globally, rather than relying on a single central database. This distributed nature ensures resilience and efficiency.
For the average internet user, the technical complexities of DNS are largely invisible. Your ISP automatically assigns a DNS server when you connect to the internet. When you type a website address into your browser, this DNS server works behind the scenes to find the corresponding IP address and connect you to the website. Choosing the best DNS server can optimize this process for speed and security.
How can I test a DNS service?
DNS Jumper
How can I find the fastest DNS service?
DNS speed is influenced by several factors, including your geographic location, the proximity to the nearest DNS server, and the server’s capacity to handle query volume. A server closer to you and with ample resources will generally provide faster resolution times.
DNS Jumper is a free, portable tool designed to test the performance of multiple public DNS services and identify the fastest one for your specific location. This tool can help you pinpoint the best DNS server for your needs.
Using DNS Jumper is straightforward. Simply launch the program, click “Fastest DNS” followed by “Start DNS Test.” Within moments, you’ll see a list of DNS services ranked by their speed performance from your location.
While DNS Jumper offers valuable insights into local server performance, it’s important to note that its tests are limited in duration and scope. For a more comprehensive and statistically robust assessment of DNS service speeds, DNSPerf provides continuous, minute-by-minute testing of multiple DNS services from over 200 locations worldwide. DNSPerf’s publicly available results offer a broader view of DNS performance, allowing you to compare services across continents and assess their uptime reliability.
DNSPerf
How can I switch DNS servers?
The process for changing your DNS server settings varies based on your hardware and operating system. Generally, you’ll need the primary and secondary nameserver IP addresses of your chosen DNS service. These addresses are usually prominently displayed on the DNS provider’s website. For example, Cloudflare DNS uses 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
For home users, the simplest method is to update the DNS server settings directly on your router. Most devices connected to your network will then automatically inherit these new DNS settings, eliminating the need for individual device configuration. To do this, log in to your router’s administration interface (the default password is often printed on the router itself). Locate the current DNS primary and secondary nameserver settings, note them down as backup, and replace them with your new DNS server addresses.
If you encounter any issues, consult your DNS service provider’s website for setup guides. You can also often use tutorials from other DNS providers, remembering to substitute their DNS server IPs with your preferred ones. OpenDNS, for instance, offers detailed setup instructions for various router models on their support site.
If router configuration isn’t suitable, you can manually change the DNS settings on each device individually. Cloudflare provides concise setup guides here, and OpenDNS offers more in-depth instructions on their website.
How can I find my current DNS servers?
How can I find my current DNS servers?
If you’re troubleshooting internet connectivity or considering switching DNS servers, knowing your current DNS server settings can be helpful. The easiest way to identify your current DNS servers is to visit DNSLeakTest.com and click the “Standard Test” button. The website will typically display your DNS server IP addresses, hostnames, and potentially your ISP’s name within a few seconds.
Alternatively, you can use your operating system’s command line tools. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type IPCONFIG /ALL. Locate your network adapter’s information, and you’ll find the DNS servers listed there. If the DNS server IP address is your router’s IP address (often 192.168.x.x), it indicates that your router is handling DNS queries. In this case, enter your router’s IP address into your browser, log in if required, and your router’s DNS settings will be displayed in its configuration interface.
Is Paid DNS Better Than Free DNS?
If your browser displays a “Server IP address could not be found” error for a website you know is active, a DNS issue might be the cause. Before changing your DNS settings, you can quickly diagnose potential DNS problems using the nslookup.exe command-line tool in Windows, without altering your system configuration.
Here’s how to use nslookup:
- Open Command Prompt by running
cmd.exe. - Type
nslookup website.com(replacewebsite.comwith the website you’re trying to access) and press Enter.
Nslookup will use your default DNS server to attempt to resolve the IP address for the website. If it returns a “Can’t find website.com” error, your DNS server may not have a record for that domain.
To test with a different DNS server, use the command:
nslookup website.com 8.8.8.8
Here, 8.8.8.8 specifies Google Public DNS. Replace it with any DNS server address you want to test, such as 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare. If nslookup returns errors across multiple DNS servers, the issue is likely not DNS-related. However, if one server resolves the address while another fails, switching to the working DNS server in your system settings might resolve the problem.
How to Choose the Best DNS Server for You
DNS server speeds can vary significantly, particularly in regions with less developed internet infrastructure, such as Africa, South America, and Oceania. For example, in one test day on DNSPerf.com, Cloudflare achieved an average query time of 4.43ms in Oceania, while another provider lagged at 350.24ms—a substantial difference of over a third of a second delay before website access.
While this is an extreme example, even in regions like Europe or the US, speed variations of up to 30ms between DNS services are possible. Although device and router caching can mitigate the impact of these delays for frequently visited sites, a slow DNS server can still noticeably impact browsing speed in certain situations. Therefore, exploring alternative DNS options, especially the readily available free ones, is often beneficial.
Uptime is another critical factor. If your ISP’s DNS server experiences an outage, you may lose access to some or all websites. Reputable providers like OpenDNS boast near-perfect uptime records spanning years. These factors—speed and reliability—are key considerations when selecting the best DNS server.
How We Tested the Best Free and Public DNS Servers
To evaluate the best free and public DNS servers, we considered factors such as speed, security features, privacy policies, ease of use, and additional functionalities like content filtering. We analyzed independent performance benchmarks from DNSPerf and other testing sites, reviewed expert reviews, and assessed the features offered by each DNS provider. Our recommendations are based on a combination of these factors to provide a comprehensive guide for users seeking the best DNS server for their needs.
Is a Free DNS Service Worth It?
As with most services, the value proposition often aligns with the price. While free DNS services can offer significant improvements over default ISP options, premium paid DNS services often provide enhanced performance, security, and additional features. For many users, free DNS services are perfectly adequate and offer a noticeable upgrade. However, depending on your specific needs, particularly for businesses or users requiring advanced features, paid DNS services can be a worthwhile investment.
Premium DNS services frequently include features like Dynamic DNS and Secondary DNS. Dynamic DNS is essential for users with dynamic IP addresses who need to remotely access their home computers or servers. Secondary DNS acts as a backup, ensuring DNS resolution even if the primary DNS server experiences issues. These are just a few examples of the advanced features that premium DNS services can offer, with the specific feature set varying by provider. When choosing between free and paid DNS, carefully consider your requirements and weigh the benefits against the cost.
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