DNS Servers: Speed, Security & Reliability Compared
- Eliodra Rechel
- Jul 22
- 8 min read
A DNS server acts as the internet's address book, translating website names into IP addresses your devices can understand. Choosing the right DNS server can significantly improve your browsing speed, enhance security, and protect your privacy online. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best DNS server list, compare their features, and help you find the perfect option for your specific needs.
What Are DNS Servers and Why Do They Matter?
Every time you type a website address into your browser, your device needs to find the corresponding IP address to connect to that site. This is where DNS (Domain Name System) servers come in. They translate human-readable domain names (like example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1).
How DNS Servers Impact Your Online Experience
The DNS server you use can significantly affect your internet experience in several ways:
Browsing speed and website loading times
Protection against malicious websites and phishing attempts
Privacy of your browsing activity and data
Access to geo-restricted content in some cases
Reliability of your internet connection
Your default DNS server is typically provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), but switching to a public DNS server can offer better performance, enhanced security features, and improved privacy protections.
Comprehensive DNS Server List: Features and Specifications
We've compiled a detailed list of the most popular and reliable DNS servers available. Each option has been evaluated based on speed, security features, privacy policies, and additional functionality.
DNS Provider | Primary/Secondary IPs | Speed | Security | Logging Policy | Special Features |
Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 | Excellent | High | Limited (24hr) | DNS-over-HTTPS, Malware blocking (1.1.1.2) |
Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 | Very Good | High | Limited | DNSSEC, DNS-over-HTTPS |
Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112 | Good | Very High | No personal data | Malware blocking, DNSSEC |
OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220 | Good | High | Some logging | Parental controls, Phishing protection |
AdGuard DNS | 94.140.14.14 / 94.140.15.15 | Good | High | Anonymized | Ad blocking, Parental controls |
NextDNS | Custom configuration | Very Good | Very High | Configurable | Customizable filtering, Analytics |
Comodo Secure DNS | 8.26.56.26 / 8.20.247.20 | Good | High | Some logging | Domain filtering, Malware blocking |
CleanBrowsing | 185.228.168.9 / 185.228.169.9 | Good | High | Limited | Family filter, Adult content blocking |
Mullvad DNS | 194.242.2.2 / 194.242.2.3 | Good | Very High | No logging | Ad blocking, Tracking protection |
Control D | Custom configuration | Very Good | High | Configurable | Customizable filtering, Profiles |
Each DNS server on this list offers unique advantages depending on your specific needs. In the following sections, we'll explore the top options in more detail and provide recommendations for different use cases.
Top 5 DNS Servers Detailed Review
Let's take a closer look at the five most popular DNS servers from our DNS server list, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
1. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 is widely regarded as one of the fastest DNS servers available. With a focus on speed and privacy, it offers excellent performance for everyday browsing and privacy-conscious users.
Pros
Extremely fast response times
Strong privacy focus (limited 24-hour logs)
Supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS
Family protection option (1.1.1.2)
Easy setup with mobile apps available
Cons
Limited customization options
Basic malware protection compared to security-focused options
No advanced parental controls
Best for: Users prioritizing speed and basic privacy protection. Visit Cloudflare DNS
2. Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8)
Google's Public DNS is one of the most widely used DNS services globally. It offers reliable performance, good security features, and excellent global coverage, making it a solid choice for most users.
Pros
Very reliable with excellent uptime
Good global performance
Supports DNSSEC for enhanced security
Easy to configure on most devices
Excellent documentation and support
Cons
Google collects some anonymized data
No built-in content filtering
Privacy concerns for some users
Best for: General users seeking reliability and good performance. Visit Google DNS
3. Quad9 (9.9.9.9)
Quad9 is a security-focused DNS service that automatically blocks access to malicious domains. It offers excellent protection against phishing, malware, and other cyber threats while maintaining good privacy practices.
Pros
Strong security focus with threat intelligence
Blocks malicious domains automatically
No personal data logging
Supports DNSSEC and DNS-over-TLS
Non-profit organization with privacy focus
Cons
Slightly slower than top speed options
Limited customization options
No parental controls
Best for: Security-conscious users wanting protection against malicious websites. Visit Quad9 DNS
Specialized DNS Servers for Specific Needs
Beyond the general-purpose DNS servers, several specialized options cater to specific requirements like parental controls, ad blocking, or enhanced privacy.
OpenDNS (Family Shield)
OpenDNS Family Shield provides pre-configured parental controls that block adult content automatically. It's an excellent choice for families looking to create a safer internet environment.
Primary DNS: 208.67.222.123
Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.123
Key Feature: Pre-configured content filtering
AdGuard DNS
AdGuard DNS automatically blocks ads, tracking, and phishing attempts at the DNS level. It's perfect for users looking to enhance their browsing experience without installing additional software.
Primary DNS: 94.140.14.14
Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.15
Key Feature: Ad and tracker blocking
NextDNS
NextDNS offers highly customizable DNS filtering with detailed analytics. It allows you to create personalized configurations for different devices and networks.
DNS: Custom configuration
Key Feature: Highly customizable filtering
Free Tier: 300,000 queries/month
Mullvad DNS
Mullvad DNS focuses on privacy with a strict no-logging policy. It offers ad blocking and tracker protection while ensuring your DNS queries remain private.
Primary DNS: 194.242.2.2
Secondary DNS: 194.242.2.3
Key Feature: No-logs policy, ad blocking
How to Change Your DNS Server: Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your DNS settings is a straightforward process on most devices. Follow these step-by-step instructions for your specific platform.
Windows 10/11
Open Settings > Network & Internet
Select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
Click on your active connection
Click "Edit" under DNS server assignment
Change to "Manual" and enable IPv4
Enter your preferred DNS servers
Click "Save" to apply changes
macOS
Open System Preferences > Network
Select your active connection
Click "Advanced" button
Select the "DNS" tab
Click "+" to add DNS servers
Enter your preferred DNS servers
Click "OK" then "Apply"
Android
Open Settings > Network & Internet
Tap "Advanced" > "Private DNS"
Select "Private DNS provider hostname"
Enter provider hostname (e.g., dns.cloudflare.com)
Tap "Save" to apply changes
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Open Settings > Wi-Fi
Tap the "i" icon next to your network
Scroll down to "Configure DNS"
Select "Manual"
Remove existing servers (if needed)
Tap "Add Server" and enter DNS IPs
Tap "Save" to apply changes
Router Configuration
Access your router's admin page (typically 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
Log in with your credentials
Navigate to DNS settings (often under WAN, Internet, or Network)
Enter your preferred DNS servers
Save changes and restart if prompted
Note: Setting DNS at the router level applies to all connected devices.
Linux
Open Terminal
Edit resolv.conf: sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf
Add nameserver lines:
nameserver 1.1.1.1
nameserver 1.0.0.1
Save with Ctrl+O, then Exit with Ctrl+X
For permanent changes, use your distribution's network manager
Need a DNS Configuration App?
For easier DNS configuration, consider using dedicated apps like Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 app or NextDNS client apps, which simplify the process on multiple devices.
How to Test Your DNS Server Speed and Performance
After setting up a new DNS server, it's important to test its performance to ensure you're getting the best possible experience. Here are some tools and methods to evaluate your DNS server's speed and reliability.
DNS Benchmarking Tools
These specialized tools can help you measure and compare DNS server performance:
1. GRC's DNS Benchmark
A comprehensive Windows tool that tests the performance of multiple DNS servers simultaneously and provides detailed analysis.
Tests cached and uncached response times
Compares against a list of popular DNS servers
Provides detailed performance metrics
2. Namebench
An open-source DNS benchmarking tool that helps you find the fastest DNS servers for your location.
Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Tests your current DNS against alternatives
Provides graphical results for easy comparison
Online DNS Testing Tools
If you prefer not to install software, these online tools can help evaluate your DNS configuration:
1. DNS Performance Test
An online tool that measures the response time of your current DNS server from multiple locations worldwide.
No installation required
Tests from multiple global locations
Provides average response times
2. DNS Leak Test
Verifies that your DNS requests are being properly routed through your chosen DNS server and not leaking to your ISP's servers.
Confirms DNS privacy
Shows which DNS servers are handling your requests
Important for VPN users
Pro Tip: Run DNS tests at different times of day to get a more accurate picture of performance, as DNS server speeds can vary depending on network congestion and time of day.
Our Top DNS Server Recommendations for Different Needs
Based on our comprehensive testing and analysis, here are our top recommendations for different use cases:
Best for Speed
Cloudflare consistently outperforms other DNS providers in speed tests, with average response times under 10ms in many locations. It's the ideal choice for gamers, streamers, and anyone prioritizing performance.
Fastest Overall
Best for Security
Quad9 excels at security with its threat intelligence integration that blocks malicious domains. It's perfect for users concerned about malware, phishing, and other online threats.
Most Secure
Best for Families
CleanBrowsing offers excellent content filtering options specifically designed for families. Its Family Filter blocks adult content while allowing search engines and social media with safe search enforced.
Best Filtering
Ready to Optimize Your Internet Experience?
Changing your DNS server is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your internet performance, security, and privacy. Choose the option that best suits your needs and follow our setup guides to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About DNS Servers
Is it safe to change my DNS server?
Yes, changing your DNS server is generally safe and reversible. If you experience any issues, you can always switch back to your ISP's default DNS. Reputable DNS providers like those listed in our DNS server list maintain high security standards and often offer better protection than ISP defaults.
Will changing my DNS server speed up my internet?
It can, especially if your ISP's DNS servers are slow or overloaded. Faster DNS resolution means websites load more quickly as your device can find their IP addresses faster. However, DNS changes won't affect your actual bandwidth or download speeds for large files.
Can DNS servers see my browsing history?
DNS servers can see which domain names you're requesting (like example.com), but not the specific pages you visit or the content you view. Many privacy-focused DNS providers have strict no-logging policies or only keep anonymized data for short periods to improve their services.
What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 DNS servers?
IPv4 and IPv6 are different internet addressing protocols. IPv4 DNS servers resolve domain names to IPv4 addresses (like 192.168.1.1), while IPv6 DNS servers resolve to IPv6 addresses (like 2001:db8::1). Modern DNS servers support both protocols, and it's recommended to configure both for optimal performance.
Do I need to restart my device after changing DNS settings?
In most cases, DNS changes take effect immediately without requiring a restart. However, some applications might cache DNS information, so a restart can ensure all programs are using the new DNS settings. If you're changing DNS at the router level, it's recommended to restart the router.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right DNS Server for Your Needs
Selecting the optimal DNS server from our DNS server list can significantly enhance your internet experience by improving speed, security, and privacy. For most users, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) offers an excellent balance of speed and privacy, while security-conscious users might prefer Quad9 (9.9.9.9). Families will benefit from the content filtering capabilities of CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS Family Shield.
Remember that you can easily switch between different DNS servers to find the one that works best for your specific location and needs. We recommend using the testing tools mentioned in this guide to measure performance and ensure you're getting the best possible experience.
By taking a few minutes to optimize your DNS settings, you're making a simple change that can have a significant impact on your daily internet usage. Whether you're browsing, streaming, gaming, or working online, the right DNS server can make your internet faster, safer, and more reliable.
Share Your DNS Experience
Have you tried changing your DNS server? Which one worked best for you? Let us know in the comments below!
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