The Best DNS Servers

The DNS (Domain Name System) servers are important in the functionality and speed of the internet. They convert human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling you to access websites without hurdles.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever thought of how a DNS server could affect your browsing. Selecting an appropriate DNS server can greatly increase your speed and internet security. This article reviews the best DNS servers and explains how they help optimize internet performance.

Best DNS Servers

Security is the number one concern when selecting a DNS server. Some providers include advanced security features to prevent access to malicious content. The last thing you want to worry about is a DNS Leak.

Speed is another factor, as a DNS server can help speed up your browsing experience.

Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS is a free Domain Name System (DNS). It works as a substitute for the default internet service provider’s DNS servers. Google Public DNS is a global free domain name system (DNS) resolution service. It operates as a recursive name server that provides public internet users with domain names. It has servers worldwide, so queries are answered from the nearest location possible.

The DNS service has features like DNS caching, pre-fetching most visited sites, and IP address equalization.

Pros:

• High-speed, reliable DNS query performance
• Redundancy improved via globally distributed DNS servers
• Blocking of well-known malicious domains for improved security

Cons:

• Privacy concerns arising from queries passing through Google
• Limited configuration options compared to alternatives
• LAN hostnames not resolved

OpenDNS

OpenDNS is a widely used alternative DNS server that offers additional security, filtering, and performance advantages. As one of the largest DNS providers in the world, OpenDNS processes over 70 billion daily DNS requests. This DNS resolver service has become popular because it offers not only the main DNS server features but also its brand of parental controls.

Furthermore, OpenDNS can be set up easily on most devices and routers. Also, it makes web browsing faster by caching DNS requests. For instance, the parental control feature filters adult content and denies access to specific sites.

Pros:

• Free of charge
• Easy installation
• Improves Internet performance

Cons:

• Minimal parental control availability
• Might be bypassed by young hackers
• No user-specific settings or time management

Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare is a popular DNS server service known for its speed, security, and reliability. It operates data centers worldwide as one of the biggest DNS providers to ensure rapid DNS resolution, regardless of where a user is geographically located.

With rapidity and safety measures ensuring a user’s privacy, Cloudflare DNS tops all other alternatives at zero cost. With this option, you could make your performance better than with your current DNS service.

Pros:

• The company has data centers in over 250 cities
• Users’ browsing data will never be sold
• Cyberattacks on websites are prevented
• It never goes down
• There is a possibility of redundancy due to Anycast routing

Cons:

• Basic analytics and controls
• No ability to do it geographically
• It cannot be customized as much as self-hosted DNS solutions.

Quad9

The Quad9 free DNS resolver service targets security and privacy. A non-profit organization, the Quad9 Foundation, operates it. It blocks domains that are harmful or contain adult content. Launched by the Global Cyber Alliance, IBM, and Packet Clearing House in 2017, Quad9 is a popular DNS service focusing on privacy and security. It was

Quad9’s main aim is to prevent users from threats such as malware, phishing, and spyware by blocking access to known malicious domains. Reassuringly. it doesn’t collect any personal information about its users.

Pros:

• Effectively blocks malicious sites
• No user data logging
• Fast and reliable DNS resolution
• Present in over 150 locations around the globe

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced controls of other services
• No ad blocking
• Limited countries supported
• can cause geo-location issues

CleanBrowsing

CleanBrowsing is a DNS service that offers adult content blocking, malicious software protection, and global filtering. There are free and paid levels of service available. Configuring settings on the simple dashboard and apps for iOS and Android devices is possible with CleanBrowsing.

The system is protected from adult content; it can detect whether proxy servers or VPNs are used and block phishing/malware domains. For a reasonable price, CleanBrowsing provides good parental controls and security protections.

Pros:

• Offers good malware and phishing defense
• Filters adult content
• It can be configured through applications
• Affordable paid tier with additional features

Cons:

• Some basic parental control features are missing in the free tier
• No HTTPS inspection on the free tier
• Less configurable than some competitors

DNS.WATCH

DNS.WATCH is a free ad-blocking DNS resolver that provides a censorship-free fast DNS resolution service. It blocks malicious activities such as phishing, malware, or unwanted ads in emails and websites by preventing them from getting through on the DNS level.

DNS.WATCH has servers all around the world for optimal performance. Besides, it supports protocols such as DNS over TLS and DNS over HTTPS to enable encrypted DNS queries. The service is extremely straightforward to set up. You change your DNS server settings to point them at the servers of DNS.WATCH.

Pros:

• Ad-blocker
• No malware through non-resolving malicious domains
• Speeds quickly via servers across North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Anti-malware
• Not logging users’ requests

Cons:

• Fewer configuration options when compared with others.
• Small server fleet with just 11 countries.

AdGuard DNS

AdGuard develops the service as an open DNS server that provides ad blocking and privacy protection. It filters ads and tracking on all devices connected to the network. The technology behind AdGuard DNS is Anycast, which facilitates speed and locations across the globe.

Besides filtering ads, this service protects users from phishing sites, malware, and adult content. Users can adjust filtering settings. Setting up AdGuard DNS on devices and routers is a breeze. It features encrypted DNS protocols such as DNS over TLS and DNS over HTTPS for privacy purposes. Note that apps for all popular platforms are available.

Pros:

• Filters ads and trackers on all devices
• Fast performance with Anycast servers
• Encrypted protocols like DNS over TLS
• Customizable filtering options
• Easy setup and free to use

Cons:

• Requires changing DNS settings manually
• It doesn’t work with some restrictive networks
• This can cause issues on some sites

Fastest DNS Servers

When it comes to speed, there can be a large variation among DNS servers. Selecting a fast DNS resolver would reduce latency and improve internet speeds. Here are some of the most secure DNS servers:

• Cloudflare DNS – Cloudflare has a worldwide content delivery network backed by extremely fast DNS servers. Multiple independent speed tests suggest that Cloudflare’s DNS is often one of the fastest-performing in the industry.
• Google Public DNS – This is also a common option regarding DNS rate tests. A leading technological giant, Google offers low latency, performance-oriented global distribution for its DNS servers.
• Quad9 – Quad9 DNS boasts great speeds and security, with about 150 global data centers.
• OpenDNS – Cisco Systems owns OpenDNS and provides reliable domain name resolution from various countries through multiple server points.

The time a DNS takes to look up a domain name is influenced by several factors such as location, network connectivity, caching, and the number of hops between the nameserver and its authoritative server. That said, this isn’t a problem for leading providers who have fast infrastructure. Picking any of the primary public DNS services will most likely give you a noticeable increase over your default ISP.

Decoding the Hidden Language of the Internet

If you have the right tools for internet browsing, your journey will be much easier. In that respect, DNS servers are silent magicians in their own right, facilitating seamless integration with requests and ensuring they become a part of our online experiences. The different options give different users customized solutions.

If you’re having trouble connecting to your DNS, check out our article explaining what to do if your DNS server is unavailable!

FAQs

What should you consider when choosing a good DNS server?

Consider speed, security privacy, proximity, and gaming optimization. Evaluate your own requirements for selecting a suitable DSN server.

What makes Cloudflare and Google Public DNS the most utilized DNS servers?

Cloudflare and Google Public DNS are well known for providing free, high-performance, reliable DNS resolution. They have servers spread across the globe, thus improving speed. Moreover, they are embraced by users from various sectors as top-notch tech brands.

How do fast DNS resolvers help improve internet speeds and reduce latency?

Fast DNS servers such as Cloudflare and Google Public DNS can improve internet speeds and reduce latency. The reason is that they quickly convert domain names into IP addresses, saving time when finding the address.