Top 20 Best Open Source DNS Servers for (Linux / Windows). In this post, we will have a look at the top 20 best open source DNS servers for Linux and Windows. The fact that they are open source makes it easy to customize them depending on any network configuration.
What is DNS Server
Connecting with DNS Server is another way to connect online safely. Using one of these free and public servers quickens your internet speed and you’ll experience a much smaller chance of technical issues as well as much more responsive browsing.
A DNS server or name server manages a massive database that maps domain names to IP addresses. DNS servers or Domain Name System is a protocol or system that will take the domain names that you enter into a browser and translate or forward them into the IP addresses needed to access those particular websites. In geek terms, that’s called Resolution.
Below is the list of Top 20 Best Open Source DNS Servers.
Top 20 Best Open Source DNS Servers for (Linux / Windows)
1. Knot DNS
Knot DNS is a high performance authoritative DNS server. It supports all key features of modern domain name systems.
It provides essential DNS features like incremental zone transfers (IXFR), dynamic updates (DDNS), and response rate limiting (RRL). It also has more advanced features that include automatic Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) signing, dynamic A/AAAA/PTR records synthesis, and rapid on-the-fly reconfiguration.
This is a tool for users looking for performance, security, and stability on their networks.
2. PowerDNS
The PowerDNS nameserver consists of an authoritative server and a recursor which are offered separately.
The authoritative server answers questions about domains known to it. It doesn’t go out beyond its network to resolve queries about other domains. It stores discovery data in its database.
Meanwhile, the recursor, by default, does not know domains itself, but will always consult other authoritative servers to answer questions given to it.
PowerDNS was designed to serve both small and large domains. It is easy to set up and serves large query volumes on larger domains.
3. MaraDNS
With MaraDNS we have a small and lightweight cross platform open source DNS server. It is easy to configure as it only requires editing text configuration files.
It offers DNSSEC simple, comes with a long list of plug ins, and has tools that help improve the DNS server, as well as import data. It can store both IP records and corresponding reverse DNS lookup and PTR query records. It can be used as a master DNS server, and, with some caveats, as a slave DNS server.
This DNS server is secure and runs on both Windows and UNIX clones.
4. dnsmasq
dnsmasq is also a lightweight, easy to configure DNS forwarder with a small digital footprint. It is designed to provide DNS – as well as DHCP and TFTP – services to smaller networks or resource constrained routers and firewalls.
It can be configured to cache DNS queries to improve DNS lookup, Internet browsing and domain record resolution speeds to previously visited sites.
5. BIND 9
BIND is an abbreviation for “Berkeley Internet Name Domain.” This is because it was created in the early 1980s at the University of California at Berkeley.
This DNS server is used often in Linux servers and can effectively manage DNS cookies while also securing the server from DoS attacks.
Setup BIND DNS Server on Azure
Setup BIND DNS Server on AWS
Setup BIND DNS Server on GCP
6. NSD
Another choice of Top 20 Best Open Source DNS Servers for (Linux / Windows) is the NLnet Labs Name Server Daemon (NSD). It is an authoritative DNS name server. It was developed for networks where speed, reliability, stability, and security are of high importance.
It is ideal for Top Level Domain (TLD) implementations, DNS Root server, and networks that need a fast and optimized authoritative name server.
NSD consists of two programs: the zone compiler and the name server. The name server works with an intermediate database prepared by the zone compiler from standard zone files.
7. YADIFA
YADIFA was designed with the efficient management of large Internet zones in mind. It uses dynamic updates to automatically change domain name records and is capable of optimally handling multiple Internet zones.
It is small and light as well as RFC-compliant. It supports DNSSEC protocol and related operations which are carried out in real time.
YADIFA is a cross-platform solution that runs on Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Solaris.
8. pdnsd
pdnsd is a server designed for local caching of DNS information. It can significantly increase browsing speeds on broadband connections.
It was designed to be highly adaptable to situations where connectivity is slow, unreliable, unavailable or highly dynamic. This makes it ideal for use with Wi-Fi hotspots or dial-up internet.
pdnsd maintains a disk cache of queries that systems perform to ensure subsequent queries are served faster from the cache. It is can be used on personal Unix/Linux systems or at home with desktops or laptops.
9. Posadis
This powerful authoritative and caching DNS server supports IPv6 and is part of a suite of programs that supports graphical configuration and zone file management.
10. Pi-hole
Pi-hole is a Linux network level advertisement and Internet tracker blocking application. It acts as a DNS sinkhole and can be optionally configured as a DHCP server. It was intended for use on private networks.
As the name suggests, Pi-hole was designed for low-power embedded devices with network capability, like a Raspberry Pi, but can also be installed on Linux machines.
It can also block advertisements and trackers anywhere – on websites as well as on other devices like smart TVs and mobile devices. It uses lists of offending domains to compare DNS queries against and, when a match is found, refuses to resolve the requested domain.
11. djbdns
The djbdns DNS server is in fact software package consisting of 7 applications. It is a DNS implementation.
The server component includes solutions like a DNS resolver and cache, a black listing server and zone transfers.
The client component, meanwhile, includes the solutions for simple address from name lookup, simple text record from name lookup, and a mail exchanger lookup.
It was intentionally split during the design phase to reduce code size, eliminate complex daemon programs and easier debugging.
12. Eddie
Eddie Enhanced DNS server is an ideal tool for sites with distributed web servers. It is dynamic enough to cater to sites with complex and mixed architectures – including different operating systems.
It dynamically balances client domain name resolution requests across all sites, regardless of geographical locations.
13. AdGuard
AdGuard is a tool that was meant to make it easy to set up. It is used for content filtering, blocking ads, and preventing analytics systems from harvesting user data as they surf the Internet. It is powered by over 50 DNS servers that are spread across 15 locations on the globe.
It can even be implemented in a home to restrict access to children and underage users from accessing harmful websites or those with adult content.
AdGuard has reports on online activities – grouped by device or user – that are easy to understand.
14. Acrylic DNS Proxy
Another recommendation of Top 20 Best Open Source DNS Servers for (Linux / Windows) is Acrylic DNS Proxy. It is is an open source local DNS proxy that is designed for Windows operating systems. It helps improve computers’ performance by caching responses from DNS servers. It also helps fight unwanted ads with the help of custom HOSTS files that support wildcards as well as regular expressions.
Additional features that come with this tool include DNS caching, custom HOSTS files, support for DNS-over-HTTPS, as well as support for SOCKS 5 proxies.
Download Acrylic DNS Proxy here.
15. CoreDNS
CoreDNS is a DNS server written in Go and is flexible enough to be used in a multitude of environments. It has a selection of plugins to perform various DNS functions like Kubernetes service discovery, Prometheus metrics, rewriting queries, and serving from zone files.
It also has plugins for all major cloud providers including Microsoft Azure DNS, GCP Cloud DNS, and AWS Route53.
16. Technitium DNS Server
Technitium DNS Server is an open source authoritative as well as recursive DNS server. It is used for self hosting a DNS server for privacy and security. It works out-of-the-box with no or minimal configuration and provides a user-friendly web UI that is accessible using any modern web browser.
It can be used to configure Block List URLs that get daily updates automatically to block ads. It also supports DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-HTTPS protocols for forwarders which allows for the use of popular public DNS resolvers like Cloudflare, Google, and Quad9 for privacy by encrypting DNS traffic and protection from man-in-the-middle attacks.
Download Technitium DNS Server here.
17. Dual DHCP DNS Server
Dual DHCP DNS Server is a self-integrated service that automatically adds DHCP shared hosts to a DNS server.
The DHCP server is useful when maintaining IP addresses manually is not feasible – in larger networks, for example. The DNS server, meanwhile, takes care of resolving hostnames to their corresponding IP addresses.
It runs on both Windows and Linux.
Download Dual DHCP DNS Server here.
18. Erl-DNS
The name Erl-DNS comes from the fact that it was written in Erlang. It is a complete open source name server solution.
This DNS solution is known for its fast query response times – gauged at 30-65 µs/response – and can be used as an authoritative name server. It comes with several storage methods for its zone data. Users can extend it easily using the Erlang module system.
19. Unbound
Unbound is a lean and fast recursive DNS resolver that can be used for validation and caching. It also incorporates modern features based on open standards.
Unbound supports DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-HTTPS for communication encryption. It supports various modern standards that limit the amount of data exchanged with authoritative servers to make it more robust.
It runs on FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows.
20. Trust-DNS
Trust-DNS is a DNS client, server, and resolver. It is written in Rust and was built to be safe and secure from the ground up.
This resolver supports many common query patterns which can be configured when creating the resolver. It is capable of using system configuration on Unix and Windows operating systems.
Top 20 Best Open Source DNS Servers for (Linux / Windows)
There is few reasons why we prepared the list of 20 open source DNS servers. One reason could be that you might want to change the DNS servers assigned by your ISP is if you suspect there’s a problem with the ones you’re using now. Another reason to change DNS servers is if you’re looking for better performing service. Other common reason to use DNS servers is to prevent logging of your web activity so that you can have a more private browsing experience. Lastly maybe you wan to consider Domain Forwarding, then consider GoDaddy.
Although almost all of the top 20 best open source DNS servers we have seen come with detailed instructions I would welcome you do to individual and professional research with regards to installation, configuration and monitoring of your chosen solution.
After all, we wouldn’t want to lower the security of the network or make it worse than the original one.
Getting the best speeds isn’t as simple as using one of the best web hosting providers. It’s also got something to do with your ISP. You’re automatically assigned a DNS server by your ISP every time you go online, but it may not always be the best choice. If your ISP’s DNS is slow, that will cut your browsing speeds, and if it goes down, you may be unable to access some (or maybe all) of the web.
Fortunately, switching to a quality free and public DNS server can deliver more responsive browsing, often with a bunch of security benefits thrown in: anti-phishing, blocking of infected websites, and maybe content filtering to keep your children away from unsavory web content.
You need to choose your service with care — not all providers will necessarily be better than your ISP — but to help point you in the right direction, this article will highlight six of the best DNS servers around.
The best free and public DNS servers of 2025 in full:
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Best free and public DNS server for filtering
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9
Reasons to buy
+
Free filtering of content
+
Choice of filtering plan
Reasons to avoid
—
Not much direction for configuration
For those looking for a DNS to provide security, but also simplicity, Cleanbrowsing can fit the need. We like that you just need to choose the type of filtering that you want to do, and then insert the primary and secondary DNS’ that accomplishes that goal.
There are three free filters to choose from. The Security filter keeps you safe from malware, spam and phishing domains. An Adult filter also protects users from pornographic or explicit sites. Finally, a Family filter extends Cleanbrowsing’s parental controls reach by also setting Google, Bing and YouTube to Safe search mode, and blocks VPN and proxy sites which allow smarter kids to bypass its protection.
That’s a very capable range of features, especially for a free service, but Cleanbrowsing hasn’t finished yet. If you’re put off by some of the technical setup procedures you’ll see elsewhere, Cleanbrowsing has some free apps to do this for you. We downloaded the Windows app, clicked the button for our preferred filter, and it reconfigured our system immediately, nothing else to do.
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Best general free and public DNS server
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Reasons to buy
+
Focus on privacy
+
Free
Reasons to avoid
—
No manual blocking
Best known for its top-rated CDN, Cloudflare has extended its range to include a new public DNS service, the catchily-named 1.1.1.1.
Cloudflare has focused much more on the fundamentals. These start with performance, and independent testing from sites like DNSPerf shows Cloudflare is the fastest public DNS service around for raw worldwide speeds.
Privacy is another major highlight. Cloudflare doesn’t just promise that it won’t use your browsing data to serve ads; it commits that it will never write the querying IP address (yours) to disk. Any logs that do exist will be deleted within 24 hours. And these claims aren’t just reassuring words on a website. Cloudflare has retained KPMG to audit its practices annually and produce a public report to confirm the company is delivering on its promises.
The 1.1.1.1 website has some setup guidance, with simple tutorials covering Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux and routers. These are very generic—you get one set of instructions for all versions of Windows, for instance—but there are some pluses (IPv6 as well as IPv4 details) and you should be able to figure it out. Additionally, mobile users can use WARP which secures all of the phone’s internet traffic.
The product doesn’t offer ad-blocking or attempt to monitor what you can access, and what you can’t. The one caveat is that Cloudflare has introduced content filtering for malware and adult content blocking, with their 1.1.1.2/1.0.0.2 and 1.1.1.3/1.0.0.3 services respectively, but this is an option a user can choose rather than have forced on them.
If you have any problems, Cloudflare offers a community forum where you can ask questions or see what others are doing, a nice extra touch which we’d like to see followed by other providers.
Read our full Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 review.
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Best free and public DNS server for experienced users
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Reasons to buy
+
Reliable (Large database)
+
Free to use
+
Very secure
Reasons to avoid
—
Little customer support
—
Complex user interface
—
Privacy concerns
Google Public DNS is a simple and effective replacement for your own ISP’s nameservers.
Privacy can’t quite match the ‘we don’t keep anything’ promises of Cloudflare, but it’s not bad. The service logs the full IP address information of the querying device for around 24 to 48 hours for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes. ‘Permanent’ logs drop any personally identifiable information and reduce location details to the city level, and all but a small random sample of these are deleted after two weeks.
There’s a further benefit for experienced users in Google’s detailed description of the service. If you’d like to be able to assess the significance of Google’s privacy policy, for instance, you can read up on absolutely everything the service logs contain to find out for yourself.
Google’s support site offers only very basic guidance targeted at experienced users, warning that «only users who are proficient with configuring operating system settings [should] make these changes.» If you’re unsure what you’re doing, check the tutorials from a provider such as OpenDNS, remembering to replace its nameservers with Google’s: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Read our full Google Public DNS review.
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Best free and public DNS server for tech enthusiasts
Best for tech enthusiasts
Reasons to buy
+
Large network includes 20+ PoPs in Europe and 35+ PoPs in CIS
+
Well-designed web console
+
Loads of features
+
Generous free plan
Reasons to avoid
—
Mixed speed results at CDNPerf
—
Support site lacks detail in some areas
Gcore, previously known as G-Core Labs, stands as a globally recognized internet infrastructure enterprise known for setting records. It primarily offers robust cloud and edge computing solutions tailored to the entertainment and media sectors. The company itself acknowledges that its services are particularly geared towards those with a strong interest in technology.
This does not mean that you shouldn’t consider Gcore if you’re not a technophile. The platform offers dedicated and virtual servers that can be easily configured via the intuitive and easy-to-use Server Configurator function. If, however, you would like to have a pre-configured dedicated or virtual server, Gcore offers that as well, thus removing the need for in-depth technical knowledge.
The offering is OS-agnostic and supports IPv4 and IPv6 coupled with SSL certificates from leading providers.
Pricing is where things get a bit complicated. Namely, there are Pre-priced dedicated or virtual servers are bare servers with potentially a lot of additional costs. On the other hand, if you’re looking to configure the server yourself, the costs are delivered to you through additional tables of information, plus extra you need to pay if you exceed the allowance. All in all, the cost structure needs to be simplified and more transparent.
If you’re looking for virtual or dedicated servers supported by a solid international infrastructure and are comfortable with the associated costs, Gcore might be the ideal provider for your needs.
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Best free and public DNS server for performance
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
Reasons to buy
+
Free to use
+
Enhances web security
+
Easy to setup
Reasons to avoid
—
Lacks manual filtering
—
Slower than competing services
Quad9 is an experienced DNS outfit which has been providing a fast and free DNS service since August 2016.
The company sells itself on its ability to block malicious domains by collecting intelligence from ‘around 20’ public and private sources. We’re not necessarily convinced that using a large number of providers will help (the quality of the intelligence is more important than the quantity), but as your ISP probably offers no DNS threat protection at all, you’re still safer overall.
Quad9 delivers very capable performance, too, with DNSPerf currently rating the service seventh out of 12 Public DNS resolvers for average worldwide query times. That’s lagging a little behind market leaders such as Google and Cloudflare, but it competes well with the likes of NextDNS and G-Core, and speeds overall are well above average.
Setup guidance isn’t quite as comprehensive as we elsewhere, and some of the tutorials look a little outdated (the Windows guidance covers Windows 8 and 10, there’s games console advice for the PS4.) But overall, it’s well presented, and it’s not difficult to figure out what you need to do.
Read our full Quad9 review.
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Best free and public DNS server for ease-of-use
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Reasons to buy
+
Free tier available
+
Allows manual filtering
+
Effectively blocks malicious sites
+
Website caching
Reasons to avoid
—
Limited free tier
—
Relatively slow connection
—
Limited ad blocking
Founded in 2005 and now owned by Cisco, OpenDNS is one of the biggest names among public DNS providers, resolving a massive 620 billion DNS queries each day.
The free OpenDNS service (with a claimed 100% uptime since 2006) includes anti-phishing and configurable content filtering. If you’re after simplicity, OpenDNS Family Shield (also free) comes preconfigured to block adult content, no manual tweaking required.
Paid plans deliver a little more parental controls-type features from $19.95 a year, including the ability to view a history of your internet activity, or lock down your system by allowing access to specific websites only. That’s welcome, but we think the best parental control apps deliver better child protection for only a little more cash.
If you’re an old hand at swapping DNS, you can get started immediately by reconfiguring your device to use the OpenDNS nameservers.
If you’re a newbie, that’s okay too, as OpenDNS has setup instructions for PCs, Macs, mobile devices, routers and much, much more.
Read our full OpenDNS review.
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Best free and public DNS server for security
Primary, secondary DNS servers: 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20
Reasons to buy
+
Web filtering
+
Protects off-network devices
+
Cloud-based administration
Reasons to avoid
—
Feature-restricted Free edition
Comodo Group is the power behind a host of excellent security products, so it’s no surprise that the company also offers its own public DNS service.
Just as you’d expect, Comodo Secure DNS has a strong focus on safety. It doesn’t just block phishing sites, but also warns if you try to visit sites with malware, spyware, even parked domains which might overload you with advertising (pop-ups, pop-unders and more). Furthermore, you can try out the Comodo Dome Shield service, which adds additional features to Comodo Secure DNS.
Comodo claims its service is smarter than average, too, detecting attempts to visit parked or ‘not in use’ domains and automatically forwarding you to where you really want to go. We also like the available iOS and Android apps.
Performance is key, of course, and the company suggests its worldwide network of servers and smart routing technology give it an advantage. Unfortunately, Comodo stats weren’t that impressive, and in our tests, we got an average query time of around 72ms. Furthermore, we did not find it ranked on DNSPerf for either worldwide, nor North America.
That said, Comodo may still be interesting if you’re looking for an extra layer of web filtering, and the support website has some short but useful instructions on setting the service up on Windows PCs, Macs, routers and Chromebooks.
Read our full Comodo Secure DNS review.
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Best free and public DNS server for Asia
Best for Asia
Reasons to buy
+
Huge network in and near China
+
Good speeds, especially in Asia
+
NGINX scripting delivers ultra-configurable Edge logic
+
Low bandwidth costs with no hidden charges
Reasons to avoid
—
Configuration can be tricky for newbies
—
Web knowledgebase doesn’t have much beginner-level help
—
Complex charging scheme makes it tricky to figure out your costs
First and foremost CDNetworks is a powerful CDN service, with a huge network and a strong presence in Asia. The company does provide a DNS service as well, called CDNetworks’ Cloud DNS+.
Cloud DNS+ provides a managed cloud-based authoritative DNS service with high performance. The service has several features of interest, the first one being Cloud Load Balancer (CLB). CLB enables organizations to integrate various delivery approaches, enhancing alignment with both business and technical requirements. When Cloud DNS becomes authoritative for a zone, CLB is capable of implementing load-balancing rules for DNS queries. This allows for the real-time management of user traffic, improving both performance and operational efficiency.
Also, the service supports IPv6 DNS queries from end-users, and DNS records can be managed through their web UI or API. In addition, zones can be moved from a primary name server to CDNetworks’ Cloud DNS+ nameservers, and IP anycast can be used to enhance performance and availability by directing requests to the nearest available DNS name server, with failover protection in place.
CDNetworks does have pricing plans for their CDN Pro service, however, if you’re only interested in Cloud DNS+ you’ll have to contact the company via their form.
Read our full CDNetworks review.
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Best free and public DNS server FAQs
What is DNS?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a phone book for the internet, a framework which translates domain names, like facebook.com or twitter.com, into the IP addresses necessary for devices to load those internet resources (e.g. 126.125.4.4). In geek terms, that’s called Resolution.
The mechanics of DNS can be quite complicated, as information isn’t held in a single database, but rather distributed in a worldwide directory including a vast number of DNS servers.
Fortunately, the average internet user doesn’t have to get involved in the low-level technical details. Your ISP automatically provides you with a DNS server whenever you go online, and when you enter a URL into your browser, this finds the relevant IP address for you.
How can I find the fastest DNS service?
DNS speed depends on many factors, including your location, the distance to your nearest server, and that server having enough power and bandwidth to handle all the queries it receives.
DNS Jumper is a portable freeware tool which tests multiple public DNS services to find out which delivers the best performance for you.
The program has a lot of options, but isn’t difficult to use. Launch it, click Fastest DNS > Start DNS Test, and within a few seconds you’ll be looking at a list of DNS services sorted by speed.
DNS Jumper can be useful, in particular because it’s checking how servers perform from your location, but it doesn’t run enough tests over a long enough period to give you a definitive answer.
DNSPerf tests multiple DNS services every minute from 200+ locations around the world and makes the results freely available on its own website. This gives a very good general idea of performance, and also enables seeing how services compare on different continents, as well as assessing their uptime.
How can I switch DNS servers?
The steps involved in changing your DNS service vary according to your hardware and possibly your operating system version.
Generally, you must start by finding the primary and secondary nameservers for the DNS service you’d like to use. These IP addresses are normally displayed very clearly on the service website, so, for example, Cloudflare DNS uses 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
The simplest approach for home users is to update their router to use the new addresses. Most other devices will then pick up the new DNS settings automatically, with no further work required.
To make this happen you must log in to your router (the default password may be printed on its base) and look for the current DNS primary and secondary nameservers. Make a note of the current values in case of problems, then replace them with the nameservers you’d like to use.
If you run into problems, check out your DNS service website for any setup guidance. Keep in mind that you can also use the tutorials of other DNS providers, as long as you remember to replace their nameserver IPs with your preferred options. OpenDNS, for instance, has specific guidance for many different router types on its support site.
If router tweaks aren’t right for your situation, you may have to change the DNS configuration of each individual device. Cloudflare has short and simple guidance here, while the OpenDNS website goes into more depth.
How can I find my current DNS servers?
If you’re troubleshooting your internet connection, or maybe thinking of switching DNS servers, it might be useful to check which DNS servers you’re using at the moment.
The simplest way to do this is to visit DNSLeakTest.com and tap the Standard Test button. Within a few seconds the website will usually display your DNS server IP addresses, host names, and sometimes (if appropriate) the name of your ISP.
After that, life gets more complicated as there are several potential options. Your device could be set up to use specific DNS servers; it might ask your router to give it the best DNS servers every time it boots; or it might not know anything about DNS servers, and default to the router to handle everything.
On Windows, you could get started by entering IPCONFIG/ALL in a command line window. Look for your network adapter and then you’ll see its DNS servers specified in the list.
If there’s a single DNS IP address which points at your router – 192.168.x.x – that suggests the router is handling all DNS queries. Enter that IP address into your browser, log in to the router if necessary and your DNS servers will be listed amongst the settings.
Why paid DNS is better than free
If your browser is telling you a website’s ‘Server IP address could not be found,’ even though you’re sure it’s up and available, then this could be due to a problem with your DNS. However, keep in mind that you might not want to go to the trouble of changing your DNS service to find out.
Windows users can use the command line tool nslookup.exe to look at the results of any DNS server- without even touching their system settings. Here’s how to do this:
Run cmd.exe to open a command line window, then type:
nslookup website.com
Then press Enter (replace website.com with the address of whatever website you’re trying to reach).
Nslookup uses your default DNS server to look for the IP address of website.com. If it tells you it ‘Can’t find website.com,’ this means your DNS server doesn’t have a record for that domain.
Next, tell the tool to use another DNS service by entering a command like:
nslookup website.com 8.8.8.8
The 8.8.8.8 address uses Google DNS – replace that with any DNS service you like, such as 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare.
If nslookup returns errors using multiple servers, this doesn’t look like a DNS issue. If one server returns an IP address and another doesn’t, you might want to try setting up your system to use the working DNS, and see if it makes any difference.
How to choose the best DNS server for you
DNS servers can vary hugely in speed, particularly in areas which don’t always have the best internet coverage (Africa, South America, Oceania.) To take an example of a single day when we tested, DNSPerf.com reported Cloudflare achieved an average 4.43ms query time for Oceania, while Yandex was left trailing at 350.24ms. That’s potentially more than a third of a second in extra waiting time before your browser can access any new website.
This is an extreme example, to be fair. European or US lookups may see less than 30ms variation between most DNS services, and as your device or router will probably cache the address for reuse later, even this delay will only occur very occasionally. Still, a sluggish DNS server can noticeably slow down your browsing in some situations, and trying an alternative – especially as there are multiple options that are all free is often a good idea.
There’s a second possible benefit in terms of uptime. If and when your ISP DNS server fails, you will encounter some difficulty accessing some or all of your favorite sites. Big-name providers such as OpenDNS claim they’ve had 100% uptime going back years. These are the factors we take into consideration when choosing the best DNS servers.
How we tested the best free and public DNS server
Is a free DNS service worth it?
As with every service, you get what you pay for and it’s really no different here. Free DNS can be good but it’s nothing compared to a Premium paid version. Granted, not everyone wants to pay and depending on their needs they might not need to, but paid DNS can be the better choice depending on your needs. Apart from the increased website performance and security, you also get additional features.
For instance, Dynamic DNS and Secondary DNS are a staple of the premium DNS service. The Dynamic DNS works with dynamic IP addresses and it allows users to access their home computer from anywhere in the world. The Secondary DNS works as a backup of sorts which is always a plus. This is just a small fraction of what a premium DNS can do and the exact number of features will depend on the service provider, which is one of the features we look for when testing a DNS service.
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Mike is a lead security reviewer at Future, where he stress-tests VPNs, antivirus and more to find out which services are sure to keep you safe, and which are best avoided. Mike began his career as a lead software developer in the engineering world, where his creations were used by big-name companies from Rolls Royce to British Nuclear Fuels and British Aerospace. The early PC viruses caught Mike’s attention, and he developed an interest in analyzing malware, and learning the low-level technical details of how Windows and network security work under the hood.
What is a DNS server?
A DNS, or Domain Name System, is what helps translate human-friendly URLs into computer-friendly IP addresses. Instead of remembering a site’s long DNS IP address like Google’s 8.8.8.8, for example, we can just type in “Google” to find it.
When people change their DNS, it’s usually to enhance performance, security or both. We’ll look at what to consider when switching your DNS and the best free DNS servers to do it with.
Why use different DNS servers?
There are several reasons to try out different DNS servers. For example, you may want faster or more reliable service, which different DNS servers can offer.
Some DNS servers also have specific features that may appeal to you. If you’re a parent, using a different DNS to block specific content so your kids can’t access it is a major plus. On the other hand, some DNS servers can also enable you to access blocked content.
Switching DNS servers can also offer you more security. Some DNS servers specifically offer extra security features, like blocking known phishing websites that could compromise your personal data.
Below, we’ve listed eight free public DNS servers that can speed up your browsing experience and improve your security. The main differences between the DNS servers listed below are the query times and security features. You can always upgrade your free DNS to a premium version for enhanced features.
Query time is the speed at which the DNS server receives the request from your IP address, processes it and loads the browser (e.g., how fast you can get to a website after typing it in). A server with the lowest query time will give you the fastest browsing experience. Cloudflare and Quad9 are great free DNS servers for gaming.
*Measured in milliseconds, query times are from testing by DNS Performance Analytics and are the time it takes a DNS to get a request for a domain name’s IP address, process it and return that address to the user’s browser. The lower the time, the better — and faster — it is for the user.
1. Google Public DNS
Google’s own DNS product is also a free DNS server. It focuses on “speed, security, and validity of results.” It only offers DNS resolution and caching — there is no site-blocking with Public DNS.
2. OpenDNS
Owned by Cisco, OpenDNS has two free options: Family Shield and Home. Family Shield is good for parents who want to ensure their kids can’t access inappropriate content. Home focuses on internet safety and performance.
3. Quad9
Quad9 emphasizes security, privacy and performance — the company was founded on the goal to make the internet safer for everyone. It blocks malicious domains, phishing and malware while maintaining your anonymity. Quad9 is constantly expanding to new regions.
4. Cloudflare
Cloudflare’s free DNS service has unmetered DDoS Protection for Layers 3 – 7, Global CDN, a shared SSL certificate, three-page rules and unlimited bandwidth. Currently, DNSPerf ranks Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS the third-fastest DNS server in the world.
5. NextDNS
Specializing in malware and phishing attacks, cryptojacking and more, NextDNS offers one free plan that includes unlimited devices, unlimited configurations, access to all features and community support. There are also three paid plans to pick from.
6. Comodo Secure DNS
The Comodo Secure DNS cloud-based Secure Internet Gateway Gold package is free (up to 300,000 monthly DNS requests). This gets you protection from advanced threats, phishing, malware and C&C callbacks, web filtering for 80+ content categories, web access policy protection on- and off-network and real-time visibility for all connected devices
7. OpenNIC
At its core, the nonprofit, volunteer-run OpenNIC is an attempt to combat censorship. This free DNS server provider makes the entire web accessible to everyone. They also prevent “DNS hijacking” which is when an ISP takes over commonly mistyped URLs.
8. CleanBrowsing
This DNS-based content filtering service has free and paid options. CleanBrowsing focuses on privacy, especially for households with children and can block adult content. Users of the free service are never tracked and paid users can opt to not be tracked.
How to set up DNS servers
Features to look for in a good DNS server
The world of DNS servers can be confusing, but there are a few things to check before you sign up:
- Pricing: Go for free options whenever possible.
- Privacy: Does the DNS provider collect your data and your ISP address?
- Speed: How-To Geek recommends “you run a DNS benchmark to find what’s best for your connection.”
- Safety: If you have children accessing your internet, check for adult-content blocking.
- Security: Does the DNS provider you’re considering block malware, offer web content filtering and other security benefits?
Free vs. premium DNS servers
The main difference between free DNS servers and premium (paid) DNS servers is the level of security, performance, customization and resources you receive. Premium DNS servers essentially offer a more extensive scope of resources, more robust security, faster performance and are well-equipped to handle larger commercial websites.
Most DNS servers, like the ones we’ve listed above, have a free version with options to upgrade to a premium DNS with more features.
Free DNS servers
-
Free
-
Includes basic DNS requirements
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Less security features
-
Slower performance
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Not equipped to handle commercial sites
Premium DNS servers
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Better performance
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Premium security features
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Larger pool of resources
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Not free
My DNS server isn’t responding
When visiting a website, you may encounter an error message like “DNS server not responding.” This error means the server failed to convert your requested website into an IP address. Usually, this error is caused by an issue with your network, internet connection, outdated browser, etc.
So, how do you fix it? Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do, like switching browsers, restarting your internet equipment, connecting with a different device or clearing your DNS cache. Switching DNS servers is another option if these quick fixes don’t work.
FAQs
How do I change my DNS server?
How you change your DNS server depends on what type of computer system you have, but essentially involves going into your computer settings and entering in the new DNS server address.
For Apple devices, go to system preferences > Network, select a connection and click on ‘Advanced.’ Then, click the DNS tab and the ‘+’ sign, enter your new DNS server address and click ‘Apply.’
What is DNS caching?
DNS cache is the temporary storage of information about DNS searches on your web browser. Think of it like your laptop’s search history where you can access all the websites you’ve been on since you last cleared your cache. It allows you to access a certain website by selecting it from the cache.
Can DNS servers fail?
Yes, your DNS could stop working because of errors on either your network or the DNS server itself. If this happens, you won’t be able to access any web browser services. Usually, DNS failures are due to errors on the user’s end, like losing your internet connection or other problems with your network.
What is my DNS server?
There are a few ways to find your DNS server depending on your device. For Macs, type scutil –dns | grep ‘nameserver\[[0-9]*\]’ and press Enter in your command terminal. For Windows, type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
As one of Allconnect’s writers, Camryn Smith helps consumers navigate complex home internet services and broadband technology through her helpful content. Using her expertise in the broadband space, Camryn edu…
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An effective DNS server can significantly impact the safety and quality of your browsing experience, making it an exciting topic for most.
Accordingly, a Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical part of the Internet, responsible for turning domain names into IP addresses.
The best DNS servers provide faster response times, higher availability, and better security features to optimize web performance.
And some of the most popular DNS servers include Google, Cloudflare, Control D, Quad9, OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing, Alternate DNS, etc.
Such servers are highly reliable and drastically affect your web experience, making them excellent for individuals and businesses.
But what are the best free and public DNS servers of 2023? Keep reading to learn more, and start opting for one today!
What Are DNS Servers?
As briefly mentioned before, a DNS server is an essential part of the Internet, responsible for turning domains into IP addresses.
They translate a friendly domain name (like maketecheasier.com) into a string of numbers required for your device to communicate with the site.
Think of DNS servers as the phone book for the Internet; it allows users to access websites using names rather than long IP addresses.
Accordingly, when you look up a domain on your browser, the DNS servers identify the corresponding IP address and redirect the user.
As a result, without DNS servers, you’d have to memorize giant numbers, making it quite hard to surf the web and access your favorite websites.
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) automatically assigns DNS servers when your device (router, computer, etc.) connects to the Internet.
However, many of the assigned DNS servers are laggy, leading to a slower overall browsing experience and a world of agony.
Note: Depending on the provider, “Primary” DNS servers are called “Preferred” at times, and “Secondary” DNS servers are sometimes described as “Alternate.”
Let’s not beat around the bush any longer and learn about the best free and public DNS servers of 2023:
1. Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4
The Google Public DNS offers improved security and fast connections as the servers are in data centers all over the globe.
Accordingly, when you attempt to access a website using Google Public DNS IP addresses, you’ll get directed to a server closest to you.
Finally, Google Public DNS offers DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and TLS (DoT) in addition to the traditional DNS over UDP/TCP.
Google Public DNS IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS:8.8.8
- Secondary DNS:8.4.4
Google Public DNS IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888
- Secondary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844
2. Control D: 76.76.2.0 & 76.76.10.0
Control D is another fascinating public DNS server with multiple standard configurations, each offering unique benefits to the users.
Accordingly, you can pick from “Unfiltered,” “Malware,” “Ads & Tracking,” “Social,” “Family Friendly,” and “Uncensored” DNS servers.
Finally, Control D allows users to customize the standard public DNS resolvers, but you must opt for an additional $2 monthly payment.
Control D IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS:76.2.0
- Secondary DNS:76.10.0
Control D IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2606:1a40::
- Secondary DNS: 2606:1a40:1::
3. Quad9: 9.9.9.9 & 149.112.112.112
Third on the list, Quad9 is an open DNS recursive service that offers free security and high privacy capabilities.
Accordingly, Quad9 automatically detects and blocks access to unsafe websites to protect your computer and other devices from cyber threats.
Finally, the DNS servers work without storing personal data; as the website clearly states, no data gets logged when you connect to Quad9.
Quad9 IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS:9.9.9
- Secondary DNS:112.112.112
Quad9 IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2620:fe::fe
- Secondary DNS: 2620:fe::9
4. OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220
OpenDNS is a DNS veteran on the list, offering 100% reliability and uptime with millions of users worldwide since 2006.
The company offers three standard configurations; OpenDNS Home, FamilyShield, and a premium DNS called OpenDNS VIP.
OpenDNS Home allows you to set up custom settings to block or redirect websites, and OpenDNS FamilyShield can block adult content.
OpenDNS Home IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS:67.222.222
- Secondary DNS:67.220.220
OpenDNS Home IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2620:119:35::35
- Secondary DNS: 2620:119:53::53
OpenDNS FamilyShield IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS:67.222.123
- Secondary DNS:67.220.123
5. Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1
Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS server claims to be the fastest DNS directory that will never log your IP, and it doesn’t disappoint.
In addition to the privacy commitment, the company offers a “1.1.1.1” app for a quick DNS setup on mobile/desktop devices with a VPN built-in.
Finally, Cloudflare “1.1.1.1 for Families” can block malware and adult content and supports DNS over HTTPS and TLS.
Cloudflare IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
Cloudflare IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111
- Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1001
6. CleanBrowsing: 185.228.168.9 & 185.228.169.9
The following public DNS is CleanBrowsing, which provides the filtering technology required for a safe browsing experience on your network.
The company offers three public DNS resolvers; The “Security Filter,” “Adult Filter,” and “Family Filter,” each offering unique benefits.
The security filter blocks malware and phishing sites, the adult filter prevents access to adult domains, and the family filter blocks VPNs.
CleanBrowsing Security Filter IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 185.228.168.9
- Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.9
CleanBrowsing Security Filter IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:1::2
- Secondary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:2::2
CleanBrowsing Adult Filter IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 185.228.168.10
- Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.11
CleanBrowsing Adult Filter IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:1::1
- Secondary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:2::1
CleanBrowsing Family Filter IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 185.228.168.168
- Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.168
CleanBrowsing Family Filter IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:1::
- Secondary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:2::
7. Alternate DNS: 76.76.19.19 & 76.223.122.150
Alternate DNS is a worthy global DNS resolution service, which is an excellent alternative to your DNS provider.
The company consistently updates its database of known ad-serving domain names to maintain an optimal online experience.
Finally, you can sign up for an Alternate DNS account for free or opt for a Family Premium DNS option that blocks adult content.
Alternate DNS IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 76.76.19.19
- Secondary DNS: 76.223.122.150
Alternate DNS IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2602:fcbc::ad
- Secondary DNS: 2602:fcbc:2::ad
8. AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 & 94.140.15.15
Another popular public DNS server, AdGuard DNS, utilizes robust filters to eliminate ads and trackers on all your devices in a matter of clicks.
You can decide which content should get blocked and when, and keep your kids safe online by shielding them from adult content.
Finally, pick “Default” or “Family Protection” DNS servers to block ads in games, videos, apps, and websites and block adult content ASAP.
AdGuard DNS Default IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 94.140.14.14
- Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.15
AdGuard DNS Default IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff
- Secondary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff
AdGuard DNS Family Protection IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 94.140.14.15
- Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.16
AdGuard DNS Family Protection IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2a10:50c0::bad1:ff
- Secondary DNS: 2a10:50c0::bad2:ff
9. Comodo Secure DNS: 8.26.56.26 & 8.20.247.20
Comodo Secure is a mighty DNS server from a company with high-end security products that can offer excellent protection capabilities.
Comodo Secure DNS strongly emphasizes user security by blocking shady websites and detecting malware, spyware, and parked domains.
Finally, Comodo Secure DNS also offers a premium Dome Shield service, which adds additional qualities to Comodo Secure DNS for savvy users.
Comodo Secure DNS IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 8.26.56.26
- Secondary DNS: 8.20.247.20
10. OpenNIC: 192.95.54.3 & 192.95.54.1
Finally, OpenNIC is a nonprofit public DNS server that aims to combat content censorship and make the entire web accessible to everyone.
The company also prevents DNS Hijacking to improve the users’ web security and stop ISPs from taking over commonly misused URLs.
So, OpenNIC is an excellent choice to overcome content blocks, improve web performance, and secure your connection ASAP.
OpenNIC DNS IPv4 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 192.95.54.3
- Secondary DNS: 192.95.54.1
OpenNIC DNS IPv6 IP addresses:
- Primary DNS: 2a00:f826:8:2::195
- Secondary DNS: 2001:41d0:404:200:0:0:0:976
Additional DNS Servers
Although the DNS providers mentioned in previous paragraphs are more than enough to boost your connection, you might wish for more!
If so, then here’s a list of some other public DNS servers:
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS |
| DNS.WATCH | 84.200.69.80 | 84.200.70.40 |
| CenturyLink (Level3) | 205.171.3.66 | 205.171.202.166 |
| CIRA Canadian Shield | 149.112.121.10 | 149.112.122.10 |
| Dyn | 216.146.35.35 | 216.146.36.36 |
| Yandex DNS | 77.88.8.8 | 77.88.8.1 |
| Hurricane Electric | 74.82.42.42 | |
| Neustar | 64.6.64.6 | 64.6.65.6 |
| DNS for Family | 94.130.180.225 | 78.47.64.161 |
| FlashStart | 185.236.104.104 | 185.236.105.105 |
| Freenom World | 80.80.80.80 | 80.80.81.81 |
Note: Many DNS server providers offer multiple servers worldwide, and it’s best to opt for the one closest to your location for the best performance capabilities.
Why Use Different DNS Servers?
DNS servers come in handy in a handful of circumstances, and you can conveniently decide when to opt for one by studying such factors.
Here’s why you should use a different DNS server:
- Faulty DNS servers: If you have internet connectivity issues due to an incorrect DNS setup, you can conveniently replace the servers with a fast and secure public DNS to resolve the problems. Accordingly, you could test your suspicion by typing a website’s IP address into your browser. If you can reach it with the IP address but not the domain name, then the DNS server is having issues.
- Better performance: When you purchase an Internet subscription, your provider assigns you a default DNS server. However, many complain that the ISP-provided DNS servers are laggy, leading to a slower overall browsing experience. Accordingly, you can overcome the troubles by changing to a faster DNS server.
- Prevent activity logs: Many websites and third-party apps keep constant records of your web activity and sell them to advertising agencies for a benefit. Accordingly, if you value your privacy and wish to prevent such services from logging your actions, you can opt for a DNS provider exclusively designed to circumvent these scenarios.
Although changing your DNS servers doesn’t fix all your internet issues, they are for sure worth a shot!
Wrap Up
Now you know them all! Public DNS servers are a convenient solution for fixing a laggy internet connection and enhancing web performance.
So, next time you get frustrated with your Internet speed, try some of the top DNS servers to work around the issue in a few clicks.
Finally, if you’re still dealing with a slow connection, contact your ISP and ask for further technical assistance.
FAQs
How do I change my DNS server?
Changing the DNS servers varies from one device to another. Regardless, you can change your DNS servers on any Windows device in a matter of seconds; Right-click on your “Start menu” and open “Settings.” Then move to the “Network & Internet” section and pick “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi,” depending on your connection. Under the “DNS server assignment” tab, choose “Edit.” Finally, click the “Manual” option, turn on “IPv4,” and add the desired DNS servers.
How can I fix a DNS server that isn’t responding?
You could fail to connect to a DNS server for many reasons, whether on a computer or smartphone. Accordingly, to resolve a broken DNS connection, check your internet status, turn off the antivirus software active on your device, and run a network troubleshooter. Finally, if neither helped, restart/reset your modem/router.
How do I find the fastest DNS service?
DNS servers’ speed relies on many factors, including your geo-location, the distance from the closest server, and the bandwidth and resources of the server you’re connecting to handle your queries. Finally, you can utilize tools like the DNS Jumper to test public DNS services and discover the best performance.
How do I find my current DNS servers?
It’s often helpful to find your current DNS servers when troubleshooting the Internet connection or considering switching DNS providers. Accordingly, the quickest approach is to visit DNSLeakTest and click the “Standard Test” button.
Farhad Pashaei
Content Strategist
Tech virtuoso and software engineer, Farhad Pashaei has dedicated over a decade to OS troubleshooting and tech reviewing, with an impressive portfolio of 5000+ gadgets, crafting comprehensive how-to guides across OS, cybersecurity, and more.