In today’s fast-paced digital world, internet browsing has become essential to our daily lives. However, slow internet speed and security concerns often hinder our online experience. This is where Domain Name System servers come into play. Public DNS servers act as the backbone of the internet and help translate website names into IP addresses, allowing our devices to connect to the internet and access various websites.
Many users rely on their internet service provider’s default DNS server, but these servers can often be slow and insecure. Luckily, there are several free public DNS servers available that offer faster and safer browsing experiences. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 free public DNS servers.
These servers offer a range of benefits, including faster internet speeds, improved security against malware and phishing attacks, and increased privacy protections. Some popular free public DNS servers include Cloudflare DNS, Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, and Quad9. Each server has unique features and advantages; users can choose the one that best fits their needs and preferences.
What are Public DNS Servers?
A Public DNS server is a network of servers on the internet that translate domain names into IP addresses. When you enter a web address into your browser, your computer sends a request to your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) DNS server, which looks up the IP address of the website’s server and returns it to your computer, allowing your browser to connect to the website.
However, sometimes ISP’s DNS providers can be slow or unreliable, leading to slow browsing speeds or DNS errors. On the other hand, public DNS servers are maintained by third-party organizations and can offer faster, more reliable DNS resolution. In addition, some Public DNS servers offer additional security and privacy features, such as protection against malware and phishing and support for encryption protocols like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT).
Changing your DNS settings to use a Public DNS server can improve your browsing experience and enhance online security and privacy. Many different Public DNS servers are available, each with its features and benefits. Some gaming servers are dedicated to gamers. This article will explore the top 10 free Public DNS servers for faster and safer browsing.
How does a Public DNS server work?
A public DNS server works by resolving domain names into IP addresses. When a user types in a website address, their device sends a DNS request to the server to translate the domain name into an IP address. The DNS server then looks up the IP address associated with the domain name and sends it back to the user’s device, allowing it to connect to the desired website.
Various organizations maintain public servers and are open to the general public for free. Public DNS servers provide a faster and more reliable DNS resolution service than the DNS server provided by users’ internet service providers. DNS servers often use advanced caching techniques to speed up the resolution process and may also offer additional security features, such as blocking known malicious websites.
Public DNS Servers for Faster and Safer Browsing
Users can enjoy a faster, safer, and more secure browsing experience using these free public servers. They can also take control of their online privacy and reduce the risk of cyber threats. In the following sections, we will explore the features and benefits of each of the top 10 free public DNS servers.
1. Google Public DNS
In 2009, Google launched a global DNS resolution service called Google Public DNS, which offers two IP addresses – 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 – and is completely free to use.
Features: Google Public DNS offers a fast and reliable resolution of domain names and is designed to be secure and easy to use. It supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for enhanced privacy and security and allows users to block certain domains or websites if desired.
Benefits: Google Public DNS is a popular choice and boasts a vast infrastructure that ensures speedy and dependable domain name resolution. It offers support for DoH and DoT, which enhances privacy and security. It also utilizes anycast routing to reduce latency and boost performance.
Potential Drawbacks: Despite its benefits, Google Public DNS may not be suitable for some users concerned about using a DNS service provided by a large tech company known for collecting user data. Furthermore, some users may prefer a DNS service offered by a smaller, independent provider for various reasons.
2. Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS is a free, fast, and private DNS resolution service launched by Cloudflare in 2018. Its two IP addresses are 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
Features: Cloudflare DNS offers a fast resolution of domain names and is designed to be private and secure. It supports DoH and DoT for enhanced privacy and security and uses DNSSEC to prevent DNS spoofing and other attacks. It also includes additional security features such as malware blocking and parental controls.
Benefits: Cloudflare DNS is a fast and secure DNS resolution service that provides strong privacy protections. It uses DNSSEC and other security features to protect against DNS attacks and supports DoH and DoT for improved privacy and security. The service is provided by a company known for its focus on security and privacy. It is a reliable option for users looking for a secure and fast DNS resolution service.
Potential drawbacks: Some users may have concerns about using a commercial company like Cloudflare for DNS resolution, as it may collect user data for advertising or other purposes. While Cloudflare DNS offers privacy protections and does not sell user data, some users may still prefer a non-commercial DNS service to avoid potential data privacy issues.
3. OpenDNS
In 2006, OpenDNS launched a free DNS resolution service that provides users with two IP addresses: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220.
Features: OpenDNS offers a fast and reliable resolution of domain names and includes additional security features such as malware blocking and parental controls. It also allows users to block certain domains or websites if desired.
Benefits: OpenDNS is known for its fast response times and strong security protections. Its additional security features can help protect against malware and other threats. Its ability to block certain domains or websites can be useful for parental control or other purposes.
Potential drawbacks: While OpenDNS offers a range of features and benefits, some users may prefer to use a non-commercial DNS service to avoid any potential data privacy concerns. Additionally, OpenDNS may have a different infrastructure than other providers, impacting its speed and reliability.
4. Quad9 Public DNS Servers
Quad9 is one of the best free Public DNS servers launched by Quad9 in 2016. Its two IP addresses are 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112.
Features: Quad9 is a DNS resolution service that offers a fast and secure resolution of domain names. Using threat intelligence from various sources, Quad9 DNS is designed to identify and block malicious domains, protecting against malware and other threats. Quad9 also supports DoH and DoT to help protect user privacy and security while using the service.
Benefits: Quad9 is known for its strong security protections and ability to protect against malware and other threats. Its use of threat intelligence can help block known malicious domains and prevent users from inadvertently visiting them.
Potential drawbacks: While Quad9 offers robust security features, some users may be concerned about the potential for false positives, where legitimate domains are mistakenly identified as malicious and blocked. Additionally, as a relatively new service, Quad9 may have a different level of infrastructure and global reach compared to some of the other DNS providers on this list, which could impact its speed and reliability in certain regions.
5. Level3 Public DNS Servers
Level3 DNS is a free DNS resolution service launched by Level3 Communications in 2003. Its two IP addresses are 209.244.0.3 and 209.244.0.4.
Features: Level3 DNS offers a fast and reliable resolution of domain names and is designed to be easy to use. It includes some security features, such as DNSSEC support.
Benefits: Level3 DNS is a Public DNS Server known for its reliability and fast response times. Its extensive infrastructure and global reach help ensure the fast and efficient resolution of domain names, which is particularly useful for users who need quick access to online resources. Level3 DNS also supports DNSSEC, which can help improve security and protect against DNS attacks.
Potential drawbacks: Level3 DNS is a relatively basic service that may not include some of other DNS providers’ advanced security and privacy features.
6. DNS.Watch
DNS.Watch is a free DNS resolution service that DNS launched.Watch in 2009. Its two IP addresses are 84.200.69.80 and 84.200.70.40.
Features: DNS.Watch offers a fast and reliable resolution of domain names and is designed to be private and secure. It supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for enhanced privacy and security.
Benefits: DNS.Watch is a DNS resolution service known for its strong focus on privacy and security. Its support for DoH and DoT can help protect against eavesdropping and other forms of surveillance, which can give users peace of mind when using the service. Moreover, DNS.Watch uses open-source software, which provides additional assurance of its security and transparency.
Potential drawbacks: DNS.Watch is a relatively small provider that may have a different infrastructure level and global reach than some other DNS providers. Additionally, some users may find its privacy protections excessive, as it blocks certain domains by default.
7. Comodo Secure Public DNS
Comodo launched a free DNS resolution service named Comodo Secure DNS in 2010. Its two IP addresses are 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20.
Features: Comodo Secure DNS offers a fast and reliable resolution of domain names and includes additional security features such as malware blocking and phishing protection. It also allows users to block certain domains or websites if desired.
Benefits: Comodo Secure DNS is known for its strong security protections and ability to protect against malware and other threats. Its additional security features can help protect against phishing and other online scams. Its ability to block certain types of domains or websites can be helpful for parental control or other purposes.
Potential drawbacks: While Comodo DNS offers various security features, some users may have concerns about using a commercial company for DNS resolution. Comodo may collect user data for advertising or other purposes as a commercial company, raising potential data privacy concerns. While Comodo offers privacy protections and allows users to opt out of data sharing, some users may prefer a non-commercial DNS service to avoid such issues.
8. Norton ConnectSafe
Norton ConnectSafe is some of the reliable and free Public DNS Servers launched by Norton in 2010. Its two IP addresses are 199.85.126.10 and 199.85.127.10.
Features: Norton ConnectSafe offers a fast and reliable resolution of domain names and includes additional security features such as malware blocking and phishing protection. It also allows users to block certain domains or websites if desired.
Benefits: Norton ConnectSafe is known for its strong security protections and ability to protect against malware and other threats. Its additional security features can help protect against phishing and other online scams. Its ability to block certain domains or websites can be useful for parental control or other purposes.
Potential drawbacks: While Norton ConnectSafe offers robust security features, users may be concerned about the service’s ongoing security and reliability. Norton is no longer actively maintaining Norton ConnectSafe, which could result in potential vulnerabilities and outdated security measures. Users may prefer an actively maintained and updated DNS service to ensure continued security and reliability.
9. Yandex DNS
Yandex DNS is a free DNS resolution service provided by Yandex, a Russian multinational technology company. Its two IP addresses are 77.88.8.8 and 77.88.8.1.
Features: Yandex DNS offers a fast and reliable resolution of domain names and includes additional security features such as malware blocking and phishing protection. It also allows users to block certain domains or websites if desired and offers some basic parental control features.
Benefits: Yandex DNS is known for its strong security protections and ability to protect against malware and other threats. Its additional security features can help protect against phishing and other online scams. Furthermore, its ability to block certain domains or websites can be helpful for parental control or other purposes. Yandex DNS also has a strong presence in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe, making it a good option for users in those regions.
Potential drawbacks: While Yandex DNS offers fast and reliable DNS resolution, some users may have concerns about data privacy and security when using a DNS service provided by a Russian company. The concerns about government surveillance and censorship in Russia raise discomfort among some Yandex DNS users. Additionally, Yandex DNS may have a different level of global infrastructure and resources than some of the other providers on this list, which could impact its speed and reliability in certain regions.
10. AdGuard Public DNS Servers
AdGuard DNS was launched in 2016 as a free DNS resolution service by AdGuard. Its two IP addresses are 176.103.130.130 and 176.103.130.131.
Features: AdGuard DNS offers a fast and reliable resolution of domain names and includes additional security features such as malware blocking, phishing protection, and ad blocking. It also allows users to block certain domains or websites if desired.
Benefits: AdGuard DNS is one of the leading and handy Public DNS servers known for its strong security protections. Its ad-blocking feature can protect users against malware, phishing, and online ads. It benefits those who want to block unwanted or intrusive advertisements while browsing the web. AdGuard strongly commits to user privacy and does not log any user data. In the end, giving users peace of mind when using the service.
Potential drawbacks: As with other DNS resolution services, there are concerns about data privacy and security when using AdGuard DNS. Some users may also find its ad-blocking feature too aggressive. Additionally, they’ll need help with certain websites not working correctly due to the blocking. AdGuard may not have the same global resources as some providers, which could impact its speed and reliability.
Final Thoughts
Public DNS servers can provide a faster and safer browsing experience by improving website load times and protecting against online threats. Each public DNS server discussed in this article offers unique features and benefits. They offer strong security protections, fast response times, and reliable infrastructure. It’s essential to consider your needs and preferences when choosing a DNS server. By taking advantage of the free options available, you can enhance your online experience and browse with greater peace of mind.
