Best free DNS servers

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.

Best free DNS servers of 2024

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.

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