What is DNS or Domain Name System?
DNS, or Domain Name System, is a database that consists of different domain names and IP Addresses. When users enter a domain in a web browser like techviral.net, youtube.com, etc., the DNS servers look at the IP addresses associated with the domains. After matching the IP address, it comments on the web server of the visiting site. However, not every DNS servers are stable, especially the one provided by the ISP.
Best Free & Public DNS Servers List in 2023
So, even if your IPS provides a default DNS server, using a different one is always profitable. Using other DNS servers can provide you with better speed and better security, and some of them can also unlock region-blocked contents, etc. So, in this article, we will share some of the best DNS servers you can use to get better speeds.
1. Google Public DNS
It is one of the best and most popular DNS servers you can use now. It’s an accessible public DNS server launched way back in December 2009. Google Public DNS defends users against various security threats and offers better speed than the default DNS server provided by the ISP. Google DNS server is often regarded as the best DNS server for Gaming. The DNS server provides better browsing speed with enhanced security features. You can switch to the Google DNS server if you face a ping issue while playing online games. Users must configure their network settings to use the IP addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
2. OpenDNS
OpenDNS is another best free public DNS servers available on the web that you can use now. Cisco provides the public DNS server, focusing on speed and security. The great thing about OpenDNS is that it automatically detects and blocks malicious websites. Not only that, but OpenDNS also uses Anycast routing to route your internet traffic to the nearest DNS servers. This routing process boosts internet speed significantly. To use OpenDNS, users need to configure their network settings to use IP addresses 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 as their DNS servers.
3. Comodo Secure DNS
It is one of the best and most cloud-based, load-balanced, geo-distributed, highly available anycast DNS infrastructures. Comodo Secure DNS is highly secure and blocks phishing and malware domains by default. You won’t believe it, but now Comodo Secure DNS has Anycast DNS infrastructure hosted in more than 25 countries. That means most countries will have DNS servers nearby and faster internet speed. To use Comodo Secure DNS, users must configure their network settings to use IP addresses 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20 as their DNS servers.
4. CleanBrowsing
If you are searching for an easy way to implement DNS blocking on your Android smartphone, you need to use CleanBrowsing. CleanBrowsing Android app is easy, allowing users to implement smartphone DNS blocking. For instance, CleanBrowsing can block Adult websites on the internet. However, CleanBrowsing is a relatively new app that you can’t trust easily. Nonetheless, CleanBrowsing can be used to set up DNS blocking on your kid’s device.
5. Cloudflare DNS
It’s one of the fastest and most privacy-first DNS servers available on the internet. The company claims that Cloudflare DNS can boost your internet speed by up to 28% compared to other public DNS providers. Another best thing about Cloudflare DNS is that it never logs your browsing data. You can use Cloudflare’s DNS Server if security is your top priority. The mechanism of Cloudflare’s DNS protects users from DNS spoofing, phishing sites, and more. To use Cloudflare DNS, users need to configure their network settings to use the IP addresses 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 as their DNS servers.
6. Norton ConnectSafe
Not many would know, but Norton, the leading security company, also has a DNS server known as Norton ConnectSafe. This is a cloud-based DNS service meant to protect your computer against phishing attacks. Not only that, but Norton ConnectSafe also offers lots of pre-defined content filtering schemes to block phishing websites, pornography, and much more. To use Norton ConnectSafe, you need to configure the DNS settings of your home router to use the IP address – 199.85.126.20 and 199.85.127.20.
7. AdGuard DNS
Well, AdGuard DNS is a public DNS server that is designed to block ads. You can block ads in games, videos, apps, and web pages if you set up and use AdGuard DNS on your system. AdGuard offers you two types of DNS servers – one that blocks ads and the other for family protection that blocks ads + adult content. We have already shared a detailed guide on how to block ads on Android and PC via AdGuard DNS. The DNS server is relatively easy to set up and accessible. To use AdGuard DNS, users must configure their network settings to use the IP addresses 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15.
8. OpenNIC
In simple words, OpenNIC is an open-source DNS provider that aims to be an alternative to Standard DNS. The good thing is that the DNS server uses advanced techniques to protect your computer from prying eyes. The DNS server would help you maintain your privacy in the simplest form. To use OpenNIC, you must configure your network settings to use the IP Address – 46.151.208.154 and 128.199.248.105.
9. Quad9
If you are looking for a public DNS server that can protect your computer and other internet-connected devices from cyber threats, then you need to give Quad9 a try. Guess what? Quad9 automatically blocks access to unsafe websites. The Public DNS server doesn’t store any of your data. To use Quad9, you need to change the Primary and Secondary DNS addresses to 9.9.9.9 & 149.112.112.112
10. SafeDNS
It’s one of the best and most popular DNS services on the list based on the Cloud. The DNS server is optimized enough to provide you better web browsing experience. It has both free and Premium DNS servers to fit your budget. To use SafeDNS servers, use the following IP Addresses – 195.46.39.39 and 195.46.39.40. So, these are the best free DNS servers in 2023 you can use today. You should start using these best free and public DNS servers. If you know any other DNS servers like these, let us know in the comment box below.
