DNS (Domain Name System) is a hostname-to-IP address translation service that lets us access websites by name instead of remembering numbers. It is an application-layer protocol used for communication between clients and servers and is essential for the Internet to function.
For example, when the user types www.abc.com in the URL, it is mapped to an IP Address like 192.0.2.44.
List of Best Free and Public DNS Servers
If you are looking for the best free and public DNS servers, then explore the section below. Here we have listed all the best available free and public DNS servers with all their details.
1. Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS is known for fast and secure internet browsing. Google Public DNS also supports DNS-over-TLS (DoT) and DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), IPv6 and IPv4, reliable, private and transparent. The Features of Google Public and Free DNS Server are the following.
- Security features: It supports DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), which adds an extra layer of security. Further, it can integrate with Google's Safe Browsing service, protecting against accessing known malicious websites.
- Query logging: Google Public DNS logs unidentifiable DNS queries to diagnose and troubleshoot later. They are logged in temporarily and not like any user.
- Ease of use: It is easy to configure our devices or networks from any DNS servers to Google Public DNS servers.
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 8.8.8.8 | 2001:4860:4860::8888 |
Secondary DNS Server | 8.8.4.4 | 2001:4860:4860::8844 |
2. Cloudflare
Cloudflare DNS servers are popular and effective public DNS resolvers that are fast, free, and privacy-focused. Unlike many resolvers, they do not sell user data. They are among the fastest available and support DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) for encrypted communication.
- Performance: It is fast due to the presence of a global network of servers which helps to easily serve from the server that is geographically close to the user.
- Privacy and security: It does not store Personally Identifiable Information (PII) about DNS queries from the user and helps mitigate certain types of cyber threats and attacks at the DNS level.
- Fallback mechanisms: Though the primary servers fail, Cloudflare still operates through their secondary servers.
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 1.1.1.1 | 2606:4700:4700::1111 |
Secondary DNS Server | 1.0.0.1 | 2606:4700:4700::1001 |
3. OpenDNS
OpenDNS offers various features focusing on security, reliability and parental controls.Custom DNS protection plans, API Integration, reports and analysis are other highlighting features available.
Some important features of OpenDNS are as follows.
- Fast and reliable: It resolves domain names to IP addresses provides access to websites quickly and reduces latency by serving from the nearest servers.
- Security features: OpenDNS blocks access to phishing websites and websites that are identified as hosting malware.
- Whitelisting/Blacklisting: The user can add specific domains to whitelists (allowed) or blacklists (blocked) to control access to particular websites and also implement filters and parent controls.
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 208.67.222.222 | 2620:119:35::35 |
Secondary DNS Server | 208.67.220.220 | 2620:119:53::53 |
4. Quad9
Quad9 is a popular choice for users and organizations seeking better online security without sacrificing performance. Operated by the non-profit Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), it focuses on improving cybersecurity and protecting users.
Some of the Features of Quad9 are the following.
- Security: It is privacy-focused and blocks malicious websites.
- Encryption: Quad9 users encrypt their DNS queries and responses by supporting both DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT).
- Threat Intelligence Database: It has a threat intelligence database that is constantly updated with emerging threats and protects the users.
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 9.9.9.9 | 2620:fe::fe |
Secondary DNS Server | 149.112.112.112 | 2620:fe::9 |
5. OpenNIC
OpenNIC aims to provide open and free DNS resolution through a decentralized network of DNS servers across various TLDs and locations. It offers a community-driven approach, allowing users to participate in decisions about network policies and features.
Let us check the Features of OpenNIC.
- Top-Level Domains (TLDs): OpenNIC provides access to several TLDs apart from .com, .org, etc.
- Privacy and Security: Similar to the others, OpenNIC does not log personally identifiable information and offers DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) support.
- Multiple Servers: OpenNIC has multiple DNS servers distributed globally to reduce redundancy and improve performance.
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 216.87.84.211 | 216.87.84.211 |
Secondary DNS Server | 23.90.4.6 | 23.90.4.6 |
6. CleanBrowsing
CleanBrowsing is a family-friendly DNS service focused on content filtering to block adult content and improve online safety. It allows parents to create a safe browsing environment, block or allow specific content, set access times, and monitor activity, with free filters working across all apps and browsers.
The following are some Features of CleanBrowsing DNS.
- Parental Control: This DNS service provide the parental control in which parents can Blocks adult content. Offers Security, Adult and Family filtering options.
- Security Features: It supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT).
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 185.228.168.9 | 2a0d:2a00:1::1 |
Secondary DNS Server | 185.228.169.9 | 2a0d:2a00:2::2 |
7. Alternate DNS
Alternate DNS is a secure and Privacy-Focused free DNS Service that keeps our online experience private and secure. It blocks malware, phishing and adult content, prioritizing our privacy for a safe internet journey.
Check out the following features.
- Private browsing: It will help us to hide our online presence and keep us safe from the malware, Phishing and adult content.
- Security Features: It have advance security features to provides secure and private DNS service.
- Compatible with IPv6.
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 76.76.19.19 | 2602:fcbc::ad |
Secondary DNS Server | 76.223.122.150 | 2602:fcbc:2::ad |
8. AdGuard DNS
AdGuard DNS is known for its ad-blocking capabilities, preventing unwanted ads, trackers and phishing attempts, thereby enhancing user privacy and a cleaner browsing experience.
There are many other Features of AdGuard DNS.
- Block Unwanted content: It has the one of the best feature which automatically blocks ads, trackers and phishing sites.
- Privacy Feature: AdGaurd provide us enhances privacy protection to keey our data safe while using internet.
- Security Features: It also supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT).
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 94.140.14.14 | 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff |
Secondary DNS Server | 94.140.15.15 | 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff |
9. Control D
Control D is our online privacy guard. It makes sure our internet experience is safe and secure. It prioritizes user privacy and offers advanced features for those seeking a secure online experience.
- Privacy Feature: Focuses on user privacy and control and Blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts.
- Security Features: Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for encrypted connections.
- Advance control: Provides advanced customization options for users who want granular control over their DNS settings.
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 76.76.2.0 | 2606:1a40:: |
Secondary DNS Server | 76.76.10.0 | 2606:1a40:1:: |
10. Verisign
Verisign operates a high-performance DNS service, focusing on stability and security. As a trusted domain registry company, Verisign's DNS servers are known for their reliability.
- High-performance and reliable DNS service.
- Operated by a trusted domain registry company.
- Focuses on stability and security.
Categories | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
Primary DNS Server | 64.6.64.6 | 2620:74:1b::1:1 |
Secondary DNS Server | 64.6.65.6 | 2620:74:1c::2:2 |
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