Here's a table listing some of the most popular free public DNS servers:
Provider |
IP Type |
Primary DNS |
Secondary DNS |
Notable Features |
Google Public DNS |
IPv4 |
8.8.8.8 |
8.8.4.4 |
High performance, security features |
IPv6 |
2001:4860:4860::8888 |
2001:4860:4860::8844 |
OpenDNS |
IPv4 |
208.67.222.222 |
208.67.220.220 |
Content filtering, phishing protection |
IPv6 |
2620:119:35::35 |
2620:119:53::53 |
Cloudflare DNS |
IPv4 |
1.1.1.1 |
1.0.0.1 |
Fast and privacy-focused, DNS over HTTPS |
IPv6 |
2606:4700:4700::1111 |
2606:4700:4700::1001 |
Quad9 |
IPv4 |
9.9.9.9 |
149.112.112.112 |
Security-focused, blocks malicious sites |
IPv6 |
2620:fe::fe |
2620:fe::9 |
Level3 (CenturyLink) |
IPv4 |
4.2.2.1 |
4.2.2.2 |
High-performance, widely used |
IPv6 |
2001:428::1 |
2001:428::2 |
Norton ConnectSafe |
IPv4 |
199.85.126.10 |
199.85.127.10 |
Security features, content filtering |
IPv6 |
2620:74:1b::1:1 |
2620:74:1c::2:2 |
Comodo Secure DNS |
IPv4 |
8.26.56.26 |
8.20.247.20 |
Security features, malware blocking |
IPv6 |
2606:4700:4700::1111 |
2606:4700:4700::1001 |
DNS.Watch |
IPv4 |
84.200.69.80 |
84.200.70.40 |
Privacy-focused, no logging |
IPv6 |
2001:1608:10:25::1c04:b12f |
2001:1608:10:25::9249:d69b |
Yandex.DNS |
IPv4 |
77.88.8.8 |
77.88.8.1 |
Security features, content filtering |
IPv6 |
2a02:6b8::feed:ff |
2a02:6b8:0:1::feed:ff |
UncensoredDNS |
IPv4 |
91.239.100.100 |
89.233.43.71 |
No censorship, privacy-focused |
IPv6 |
2a01:3a0:53:53:: |
2a01:3a0:53:54:: |
Freenom World |
IPv4 |
80.80.80.80 |
80.80.81.81 |
Fast and secure |
IPv6 |
80.80.80.80 |
80.80.81.81 |
Alternate DNS |
IPv4 |
76.76.2.2 |
76.76.2.3 |
Privacy-focused, no logs |
IPv6 |
2001:67c:28a4 |
2001:67c:28a4 |
Neustar DNS Advantage |
IPv4 |
156.154.70.1 |
156.154.71.1 |
Fast and reliable |
IPv6 |
2001:500:60::2 |
2001:500:60::3 |
Choosing the right DNS (Domain Name System) server is
crucial for a smooth and secure internet experience. Several
factors should be considered when making this decision:
Speed and Performance:
- Response Time: Opt for DNS servers with low
response times. Faster response times reduce latency, leading
to quicker website loading and better overall internet
performance.
- Global Distribution: Consider the global
distribution of DNS server locations to ensure optimal
performance for users across different geographical regions.
Reliability and Uptime:
- Uptime Percentage: Choose DNS servers with
high uptime percentages to ensure that the servers are
consistently available. Reliability is critical for
uninterrupted internet access.
Security Features:
- DNSSEC Support: Ensure that the DNS server
supports DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), enhancing the
security of DNS responses by validating their authenticity.
- Malware and Phishing Protection: Some DNS
servers offer additional security features, such as blocking
known malicious domains and phishing sites. Consider servers
with robust security measures.
Privacy Considerations:
- Logging Policies: Evaluate the logging
policies of DNS providers. Opt for DNS servers that prioritize
user privacy by minimizing or avoiding the collection of user
data through logging.
- Encryption: Choose DNS servers that support
encrypted connections, such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS
over TLS (DoT), to protect DNS queries from potential
eavesdropping.
Content Filtering and Parental Controls:
- Content Filtering: For family or organization
use, consider DNS servers with content filtering options to
block access to inappropriate or harmful websites.
- Parental Controls: Look for DNS servers that
offer parental control features, allowing users to restrict
access to specific types of content.
Ease of Configuration:
- User-Friendly Setup: Choose DNS servers with
straightforward setup processes. Some providers offer
easy-to-follow instructions or applications that simplify the
configuration of DNS settings on devices.
Compatibility and Integration:
- Device Compatibility: Ensure compatibility
with the devices and operating systems you use. Some DNS
services may offer better integration with specific platforms.
- Router Support: Check if the DNS server can
be easily configured at the router level, allowing all devices
connected to the network to benefit from the chosen DNS
settings.
Additional Features and Services:
- Anycast Support: Anycast routing can enhance
reliability by directing DNS queries to the nearest server.
Look for DNS servers that support Anycast.
- IPv6 Support: Ensure that the DNS server
supports IPv6, especially as the internet transitions to IPv6
addressing.
Scalability:
- Scalability for Networks: If you are managing
a network, consider DNS servers that can scale effectively to
handle increasing numbers of devices and queries without
compromising performance.
Community and Industry Reputation:
- Reviews and Recommendations: Research and
consider the reputation of DNS providers. Reviews and
recommendations from the community can provide insights into
the performance, reliability, and security of a DNS service.
Cost and Licensing:
- Free vs. Paid Services: Determine whether you
prefer a free DNS service or are willing to pay for additional
features or premium support. Some organizations offer both
free and premium versions of their DNS services.
To try out a different DNS server, you'll need to change the DNS settings on your device. The specific instructions will vary depending on your device and operating system.