DNS servers are specialized servers that operate within the Domain Name System, the global directory responsible for translating human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (such as 192.0.2.1). This translation process is vital for facilitating internet communication and access to online resources. There are two primary types of DNS servers – authoritative DNS servers and recursive DNS servers – each playing a unique role in the DNS query process.
The Best Free Public DNS Servers are:
Google Public DNS
IP Addresses: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Known for stability and speed, Google Public DNS also focuses on improving security by validating DNS responses to prevent spoofing attacks.
Cloudflare DNS
IP Addresses: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Cloudflare emphasizes privacy and promises not to log personal data, making it one of the fastest and most private options available.
OpenDNS
IP Addresses: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
OpenDNS offers extensive parental controls and phishing protection, making it ideal for families and businesses seeking customized filtering options.
Quad9 DNS
IP Addresses: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
Quad9 filters out malicious domains known for phishing, malware, and exploitation, prioritizing user security without compromising speed.
Comodo Secure DNS
IP Addresses: 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20
Focuses on offering a safer browsing experience by blocking access to dangerous sites, making it a great choice for security-conscious users.
Verisign Public DNS
IP Addresses: 64.6.64.6 and 64.6.65.6
Verisign offers a reliable and privacy-respecting DNS service, with a promise of stability and security without selling user data.
CleanBrowsing
IP Addresses: 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9
CleanBrowsing in content filtering, making it another excellent choice for families and schools looking to control the type of content accessible through their network.
Yandex DNS
IP Addresses: 77.88.8.8 and 77.88.8.1
Yandex provides various modes including, Basic, Safe, and Family to offer flexibility in speed and security, including protection from infected sites and adult content.
AdGuard DNS
IP Addresses: 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15
AdGuard focuses on blocking ads, trackers, and phishing sites, offering a cleaner and faster browsing experience, especially for users who want to avoid intrusive ads.
Alternate DNS
IP Addresses: 198.101.242.72 and 23.253.163.53
Alternate DNS offers ad-blocking DNS servers that aim to speed up your browsing by preventing ads from loading, enhancing overall browsing speed and enjoyment.