Best Free and Public DNS Servers of 2024

Have you ever wondered how your search engines display the respective web pages for your search? Do machines understand them directly? Here’s the answer. The computer doesn’t directly search using the words you type in the URL. The domain names are mapped to unique IP addresses. The system gets the IP address using the domain name you give and fetches the IP address. Using the IP address, it searches for the web page and displays it on the screen.

Why Use Domain Name Server?

A Domain Name Server (DNS) translates the human-readable domain names to their machine-readable IP addresses so that the computer system can find and display them. For instance, when the user types www.amazon.com in the URL it is mapped to an IP address like 192.0.2.44.

The Domain Name Server is a server that maps the domain names to the respective IP address. It simplifies web browsing and allows us to access websites using names instead of remembering complex numerical addresses.

Best free and public DNS servers [2024]

This article discusses the various DNS Servers available and their features.

1. Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS is known for fast and secure internet browsing.

• 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 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 your devices or networks from any DNS servers to Google Public DNS servers.

Google Public DNS also supports DNS-over-TLS (DoT) and DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), IPv6, and IPv4, reliable, private, and transparent.

	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 the most popular and effective due to the presence of the following features.

• 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.

These DNS servers support both DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), providing encrypted communication between your device and the DNS resolver.

The primary DNS server addresses provided by Cloudflare is as follows,

	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. Some important aspects 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.

Custom DNS protection plans, API Integration, reports, and analysis are other highlighting features available.

	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 among individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their online security posture without compromising on internet performance.

• 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.

Quad9 is operated by a non-profit organization, the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), which aims to improve cybersecurity and protect users.

	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’s primary goal is to provide access to an open and diverse DNS resolution network. They provide decentralized multiple DNS server addresses across various TLDs and locations.

• 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.

It offers a community-driven approach to DNS services by providing community involvement and a diverse range of opinions and decisions regarding network policies and features.

Primary DNS Server	Secondary DNS Server
185.121.177.177 45.32.230.225 50.116.23.211 5.132.191.60	169.239.202.202 185.121.177.53 142.4.204.111 103.236.162.226

6. CleanBrowsing

CleanBrowsing is a family-friendly DNS service that focuses on content filtering to block adult content and enhance online safety for users of all ages.

• Blocks adult content.
• Offers Security, Adult, and Family filtering options.
• Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT).

	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 DNS service that kept your online experience private and secure. It blocks malware, phishing, and adult content, prioritizing your privacy for a safe internet journey.

• Blocks malware, phishing, and adult content.
• Provides secure and private DNS service.
• Compatible with IPv6.

	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.

• Blocks ads, trackers, and phishing sites.
• Enhances privacy protection.
• Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT).

	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 your online privacy guard. It makes sure your internet experience is safe and secure. It prioritizes user privacy and offers advanced features for those seeking a secure online experience.

• Focuses on user privacy and control.
• Blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts.
• Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for encrypted connections.
• Provides advanced customization options for users who want granular control over their DNS settings.

	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.

Primary DNS Server	64.6.64.6
Secondary DNS Server	64.6.65.6

Conclusion

The Top 10 frequently used free, public DNS servers are discussed above. Each of the server’s security features, customization, server information, and other aspects are listed in detail.

Keep in mind that while using public DNS servers can offer certain advantages, it’s essential to consider factors such as your location, network configuration, and any potential policies or restrictions imposed by your network administrator or ISP. When you identify the apt server for you, go through the respective website for configuration instructions and documentation.

FAQs: Best Free and Public DNS Servers of 2024

1. What are the Best DNS for 2024?

Below are the list of the Best DNS for 2024:

• Google Public DNS
• Cloudflare
• OpenDNS
• Quad9
• Open NIC
• CleanBrowsing
• Alternate DNS
• AdGuard DNS
• Control D
• Verisign

2. What DNS server do?

DNS servers translate requests for names into IP addresses, controlling which server an end user will reach when they type a domain name into their web browser.

3. How to find your Current DNS server?

To find your Current DNS server follow these steps

• Open your Command Prompt from the Start menu.
• Type ipconfig/all into your command prompt and press Enter.
• Look for the field labeled “DNS Servers.”
• The first address is the primary DNS server, and the next address is the secondary DNS server.

4. What is the best DNS server for gaming?

Google Public DNS, Cloudflare DNS, OpenDNS, Quad9 etc are relatively faster than any other DNS servers and hence server the best for gaming.

5. What is the fastest DNS service in 2024?

Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1 is said to be the “internet’s fastest DNS directory”.