Free Public DNS For Speedy Connections

It may be useful to switch from your ISP’s DNS server to a custom DNS server. As many people have discovered, Google and Cisco produce some of the greatest DNS servers. In terms of latency and features, these public DNS servers can deliver significantly superior results.

DNS servers have come a long way, and they now do much more than just spit out a website’s name after receiving an IP address from a client device. Advanced security measures on modern DNS servers secure your queries while they’re in transit.

So, if you’re seeking some solid custom DNS servers, we’ve gathered a list of the most popular and trustworthy public DNS servers available.

Quad9

The name of this public DNS server is 9.9.9.9, which is the same as its IP address. The Global Cyber Alliance, IBM, and Packet Clearing House collaborated on the free DNS service. Quad9 is designed to block fraudulent websites, phishing attempts, and other online threats as you browse the web.

Quad9 supplies its systems with updated data from numerous suppliers and public sources to achieve this security feature. The public DNS service claims not to store any personal information about its users. Quad9 supports the DNSCrypt protocol, which protects against MITM attacks by encrypting the connection between the client device and the DNS server.

Quad9 offers an unsecured DNS server address in addition to a primary DNS server that enables domain blocklist and DNSSEC validation. This can be used to see if the Quad9 threat feed has flagged a legitimate domain as insecure.

Quad9 offers public DNS servers that support both IPv4 and IPv6. Furthermore, it supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) security capabilities, the same as Google DNS.

Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS is, without a doubt, the most popular custom DNS service available today. Some of the advanced features available to users are sufficient to warrant its popularity. However, some customers may be compelled to utilize alternate DNS providers due to Google’s well-known habit of tracking practically everything.

The service was first introduced in 2009, and it has since been upgraded to comply with industry requirements. In a single day, Google DNS servers handle more than a trillion DNS requests from devices.

Security technologies such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), both of which are used on numerous platforms to safeguard user requests, are supported by Google Public DNS.

It also supports the IPv6 protocol, which is the successor to the IPv4 standard. Google Public DNS can provide the much-needed latency boost that your ISP lacks, allowing your website to load faster. Oh, and don’t mix that with improving your internet speed.

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)

Cloudflare is one of the most widely utilized content delivery networks (CDNs). Cloudflare released 1.1.1.1, a free DNS service that enables consumers with one-tap access, in 2018.

When it comes to latency, 1.1.1.1 is one of the quickest DNS servers on the internet, which is an important consideration in domain name resolution. DoH, DoT, and DNSSEC are all supported.

The 1.1.1.1 app was initially only accessible for Android and iOS devices. Cloudflare’s free DNS apps for Windows 10 and macOS are now available. You can, however, configure Cloudflare DNS directly in the system settings using its IP address, much like the other popular DNS services on our list.

The public DNS resolver provides a version named 1.1.1.1 For Families that includes built-in parental control capabilities to restrict adult content, among other things.

OpenDNS

OpenDNS was founded in 2005 and was purchased by Cisco in 2015. When it comes to the top DNS servers for 2021, it’s another well-known name.

The free DNS service comes with a number of security features, including phishing protection and content filtering, making it an excellent choice for home and personal use. OpenDNS supports IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and includes DoH but not DoT functionality. The DNSCrypt protocol is also supported, and OpenDNS was the first service to implement it.

OpenDNS serves over 90 million users worldwide and processes over 140 billion DNS requests per day. The free DNS service began as an ad-supported service that was eventually discontinued.

It has over 30 fast DNS servers spread around the globe to deliver smooth and faster DNS resolution in different parts of the world.

CleanBrowsing

The public DNS resolver is primarily concerned with providing filters that allow for parental controls and the blocking of pornographic content. In other words, it aims to protect children when they browse the internet. CleanBrowsing is a modest service compared to Quad9 or Cloudflare, which explains why it takes such a targeted approach.

All common security features, such as DNSCrypt, DoH, DoT, and DNSCrypt, are supported by the free version of the DNS service. Free IP addresses for families, adults, and security filters are provided by the DNS resolver.

However, it primarily sells subscription plans for a more dedicated DNS service, which is also its major source of revenue. The Basic package costs $59.99 per year and includes 19 custom filters and blocks, as well as active monitoring.

CleanBrowsing is a separate program for Windows and macOS devices that allows users to enable DNS filters with only one click. However, it’s odd that CleanBrowsing doesn’t have a more necessary Android app.