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.