10 Best Free and Public DNS Servers: Fast & Safe in 2025

There's no single "best DNS server" that suits everyone. For example, I want a good free DNS service to improve gaming load times. You might prefer one that prevents your ISP from logging your online activity. My colleague is a family man, and he wants the benefit of a safer setup for his kids.

What’s the best DNS in 2025? The best public DNS service depends on your needs. However, no matter your priority, a DNS server is beneficial. If your internet feels slow, pages hang on "loading", or specific websites randomly stop working, a free DNS server could resolve the problem. In my experience, switching from my ISP’s DNS to Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 instantly cut down page-load times and stopped those annoying “server not found” messages. And I'm not alone.

According to NS1’s 2023 Global DNS Traffic Report, public DNS resolvers now handle nearly 60% of all recursive queries worldwide¹, indicating that many people have switched from their ISP's default DNS. In this guide, we rank the best free and public DNS servers and what each one does well so that you can choose the right option based on your needs, whether you’re a gamer chasing low latency like me or a privacy-conscious user.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free and Public DNS Servers in 2025

Here’s a quick overview of the most reliable public and free DNS servers, their pros and cons, and what they do best. Each option has been tested for real-world performance, including gaming, streaming, and online security. Some prioritize speed, others privacy or content filtering, while a few balance all three.

Most of the DNS services listed are entirely free for personal or public use at the time of writing. A few, such as OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing, and Control D, offer free public tiers but also have paid or enterprise options. CDNetworks, however, is primarily aimed at businesses rather than typical free public use. Always check that the free tier supports your intended use before relying on any public DNS.

What Is a Domain Name Server and Why Should You Change It?

A Domain Name Server (DNS) works like the Internet’s phonebook. When you type a web address like www.youtube.com, your device looks up the corresponding IP address — a string of numbers like 142.250.190.78 — to load the site. This “lookup” process happens every time you visit a new website. How long does a DNS lookup take? A lookup typically adds 20-120 milliseconds to your page load time (Sematext)². Using a fast, reliable DNS can significantly speed up browsing and reduce page-loading delays.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) gives you a default DNS server, but it isn’t always the fastest or most private. It can slow things down and may keep records of the websites you visit. If you switch to a free public DNS like Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1), your device can find websites faster and more privately.

Some public DNS providers also include optional filtering for malware, ads, or adult content, making them a good choice for families or safer general browsing. If your internet feels sluggish or specific websites won’t load, changing your DNS is one of the easiest and safest fixes.

What are the key differences between free and paid DNS servers? Free DNS servers are more for personal use, focusing on speed, reliability, and basic security for individuals. Paid DNS servers, often used by businesses, add advanced analytics, custom security rules, and backup systems to ensure sites stay online.

For most home users, a trusted free DNS service offers everything you need for fast, secure browsing. Many modern DNS services also support DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which encrypt your DNS queries for extra privacy and protection against ISP snooping.

Common Myths About DNS Servers:

• “Changing DNS makes you anonymous.” False. A DNS can’t hide your IP address or encrypt all web traffic (for example, like a VPN does).
• “All public DNS are equally private.” Some providers log queries for analytics or security purposes; always review their privacy policies.
• “Free DNS means less reliable.” Many top DNS services (like Cloudflare and Quad9) are both free and enterprise-grade, with better uptime than many ISP DNS servers.

Best Free and Public DNS Servers in 2025

1. Cloudflare — Fastest Free DNS for Streaming and Gaming With Low Latency

Cloudflare DNS is one of the fastest and most trusted free DNS options available. According to DNSPerf, it averages around 14.8ms response time, making it an excellent choice for gaming, streaming, or instant webpage loading. While testing it for gaming, our connection was stable, with no lag spikes. It also offers free DDoS mitigation to protect game servers from disruptive attacks.

Cloudflare's dashboard makes it easy for beginners to manage their DNS settings

I also like that it’s more private than other DNS services as it doesn’t log IP addresses, doesn’t use DNS query data for advertising purposes, and provides regular transparency reports. The data it does save gets deleted within 24 hours. Cloudflare also uses DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which encrypt DNS queries to protect them from eavesdropping and tampering.

If you want content filtering, Cloudflare also offers specialized servers such as 1.1.1.2 (blocks malware) and 1.1.1.3 (blocks malware and adult content). It’s fast, private, and simple enough for anyone to set up in under a minute. I was also happy to see that Cloudflare lets you block specific domains.

Its dashboard offers a user-friendly interface for managing DNS settings, security features, and performance optimization. You can configure DNS records, set up SSL/TLS certificates, and protect against threats with Web Application Firewall (WAF) and DDoS protection. The dashboard also provides real-time analytics, performance reports, and customizable caching rules to optimize website speed.

2. Google Public DNS — Supported Worldwide with IPv6 Compatibility

Google Public DNS is one of the most widely used DNS services in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It benefits from Google’s massive infrastructure, which provides low latency, minimal downtime, and stable performance even under heavy network load. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6, making it compatible with almost every device or router.

Google Public DNS pages include detailed setup instructions for any situation

It also supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which keep your requests encrypted and protected from interception or alteration. These features make it a reliable pick for users in regions with frequent DNS manipulation or network throttling. In testing, I noticed consistently fast lookups, especially in areas where Google has data centers nearby.

Query logs are stored temporarily (around 48 hours) for troubleshooting and abuse prevention, after which they’re deleted or anonymized. Google doesn’t use DNS data for advertising, and its privacy documentation is transparent about what it retains. However, the lack of built-in filtering means this DNS is focused purely on speed and stability rather than customization.

If you just want a plug-and-play DNS that’s fast, stable, and backed by one of the largest global infrastructures, Google Public DNS is an easy recommendation.

3. Quad9 — Privacy-Focused DNS That Doesn't Log User Data

Quad9 is built with privacy and security as its top priorities. Unlike many DNS providers, it doesn’t log your personal data or share browsing information with advertisers. Quad9 automatically blocks access to known malicious domains using constantly updated threat intelligence from multiple cybersecurity partners. In our tests, Quad9 averaged around 25ms latency globally, though it was a bit slower in regions with fewer nearby nodes.

For iOS 14 or later, you can download the encrypted Quad9 DNS Profile

It supports DNSSEC, which verifies that DNS responses are authentic and haven’t been tampered with. That makes it a solid choice if you’re worried about spoofing or man-in-the-middle attacks. The service also offers several resolver options: one with filtering and security (9.9.9.9) and another unfiltered version for users who want raw speed without blocking.

Because Quad9 is operated by a non-profit foundation based in Switzerland, it falls under strict privacy laws and offers complete transparency about how it handles data. If you value privacy and threat protection over raw performance, Quad9 is one of the best choices available, but it is slower than Cloudflare in some areas.

4. OpenDNS — Customizable Filtering and Controls for Safer Browsing

OpenDNS, now owned by Cisco, is one of the oldest and most feature-rich DNS providers around. It’s particularly popular among families and small businesses thanks to its built-in content filtering and phishing protection. During our tests, it successfully blocked adult sites without affecting the general browsing performance.

The service actively maintains a database of harmful sites

You can choose from preset filtering levels or customize your own in the OpenDNS dashboard, which also shows detailed stats on blocked domains and traffic patterns. It supports DNSSEC, so that your connections are verified and authentic. The dashboard is easy to use and ideal for non-technical users, though creating an account is required to access advanced features like whitelist management and reporting.

While it’s slightly slower than Cloudflare or Google DNS, its balance of control and safety makes it one of the best free DNS servers for families or anyone who wants extra peace of mind while browsing.

5. Gcore — Global Coverage and Reliability for Optimal Performance Anywhere

Designed for fast DNS resolution, Gcore DNS delivers quick response times. It consistently provides quick resolution times across continents, with average latency around 30–35ms. In our tests, it maintained stable speeds even during heavy traffic and peak hours, making it a reliable choice for businesses and gamers alike.

It's among the top 10 fastest public resolvers on DNSPerf

It includes DNSSEC for preventing man-in-the-middle attacks, DDoS protection, and a globally distributed infrastructure optimized for low latency. You can configure various settings to suit your needs, and Gcore also supports advanced features such as EDNS Client Subnet (ECS), which helps route your traffic to the nearest server for faster responses.

With its headquarters in Luxembourg, Gcore follows strict EU data protection laws. But compared to other DNS providers like Cloudflare, Gcore doesn’t offer as much clarity or detail about its data-handling policies. Plus, Gcore is more focused on enterprises, so its DNS services may lack user-friendly features that appeal to everyday consumers.

6. AdGuard DNS — Excellent Ad and Tracker Blocking Capabilities

AdGuard DNS focuses on privacy and a clean browsing experience by blocking ads, trackers, and malicious websites. I noticed that it improves page loading speeds on ad-heavy websites. It also actively blocks tracking scripts and domains, protecting your privacy by preventing advertisers and third parties from collecting data on your behavior across the web. Plus, it uses threat intelligence databases to keep filters up to date and effective.

The apps are available for all popular platforms

You can pick from multiple filtering levels, including Default, Family Protection, and Non-Filtering modes, depending on how strict you want blocking to be. Each mode can be configured easily on any device, and setup takes less than a minute.

It doesn’t log or share DNS queries and supports encrypted connections via DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS. The only drawback is that it’s very aggressive in blocking ads and trackers, which can sometimes lead to functionality issues on websites that rely on these services to operate correctly.

7. CleanBrowsing — Family-Focused DNS That Blocks Adult Content

CleanBrowsing is built with family safety in mind. Its Family Filter blocks adult and explicit content, while the Security Filter focuses on malware and phishing protection. That’s one of the reasons why it’s popular among schools and households that want a plug-and-play layer of online safety.

The family filter also blocks proxies used to bypass the filters

You can choose between its three filtering levels, including Family, Adult, or Security, to tailor how strict you want the browsing experience to be. Each one can be set up manually or using CleanBrowsing’s configuration apps, which guide you step by step.

In our tests, CleanBrowsing’s filtering accuracy was impressive, and it successfully blocked every unsafe site. However, its smaller server footprint means it might feel a bit slower if you’re far from a major region. Still, it’s one of the most straightforward and privacy-respecting DNS options for safer home networks.

8. Control D — Advanced Filtering Options with DNS-Over-HTTPS for Enhanced Security

Control D gives you complete control, “pun intended,” over what gets blocked online. It lets you filter out ads, adult content, gambling, social media, or any category you choose. Its free plan includes preset filters, while the paid version unlocks custom blocklists, per-device settings, and analytics.

You can also use the paid offers free for 30 days

In our tests, Control D averaged a latency under 20ms and stayed stable even with simultaneous connections across devices. Its dashboard offers many customization options, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re new to DNS configuration. Still, if you like the idea of building your own privacy rules from scratch, Control D gives you unmatched control compared to most public DNS providers.

9. Comodo Secure DNS — Easy Blocking of Phishing and Malware

Comodo Secure DNS makes it easy to browse safely without a complicated setup. By analyzing patterns and traffic behavior, it aims to detect phishing attacks before they reach you and reduce the risk of your personal information or sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.

You can also get reports and schedule them to be sent to your email

While it doesn’t include advanced filtering or parental controls, its simplicity makes it ideal for users who just want an extra layer of protection with minimal effort. It’s stable, lightweight, and works well for everyday browsing.

10. CDNetworks — Performance and Protection for Businesses

CDNetworks provides DNS services as part of its CDN suite, which helps businesses route traffic efficiently and reduce query times. It aligns with international data privacy standards, including GDPR, and it’s built for organizations that need fast query handling, low latency, and reliable uptime across continents.

I contacted support to get a free trial

Its web dashboard includes detailed analytics and reporting features that provide insights into website performance and traffic patterns. While it’s not designed for home users or detailed filtering, CDNetworks delivers enterprise-level stability and data protection.

How To Secure Your DNS: Best Practices

Even if you’re using a fast or privacy-focused DNS, your traffic can still be exposed if it’s not adequately secured. We’ve tested dozens of setups over the years, and here are some simple, proven ways to strengthen your DNS security.

• Use trusted DNS providers. Opt for reputable DNS providers that offer enhanced security features, such as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT).
• Implement DNSSEC. Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) adds an extra layer of security by allowing DNS responses to be verified for authenticity. Enabling DNSSEC can prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and cache poisoning.
• Regularly update your DNS records. Ensure your DNS records are accurate and up-to-date. Regularly audit your DNS settings to prevent unauthorized changes and maintain a clean record of your domains.
• Monitor DNS traffic. Use tools to monitor DNS traffic for unusual patterns or suspicious queries. DNS logging can help identify potential threats and facilitate quicker responses to attacks.
• Enable firewall protection. Implement firewall rules that restrict access to your DNS server. Configure your firewall to allow only specific IP addresses or networks to query your DNS server, reducing the risk of abuse.
• Use DNS filtering. DNS filtering can provide additional protection for users and devices on your network by blocking access to malicious websites and phishing attempts.
• Educate users. Train users about the importance of DNS security and common threats, such as phishing attacks. Encourage safe browsing habits and awareness of suspicious emails or links.
• Configure split-horizon DNS. For businesses, consider implementing split-horizon DNS to provide different DNS responses based on the requester's network. This can enhance security by separating internal and external DNS records.
• Backup your DNS records. Regularly back up your DNS records and settings. In case of an attack or misconfiguration, having a backup can expedite recovery and restore services quickly.

Is a VPN Better Than a Public DNS?

A public DNS can speed up your connection and block harmful websites, but it doesn’t hide your online identity or activity. Your ISP can still see which DNS server you’re using and track your traffic beyond it.

A VPN encrypts all your data, not just your DNS requests. When you connect through a VPN, every website visit, app request, and DNS lookup goes through a secure tunnel. That means your ISP, hackers, and even governments can’t see your actual location or what you're doing online.

Most VPNs come with their own secure DNS servers, and once connected, your DNS requests will be routed through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel. Look for a VPN with IPv6 support and DNS leak protection to prevent accidental DNS leaks that can expose your activity.

Think of it this way: a DNS helps your device find websites faster and more safely, while a VPN enables you to use those websites privately. If your primary goals are speed and reliability, a good DNS service like Cloudflare is perfect. But if you care about online privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions and avoiding regional blocks, a premium VPN is the better choice.

How To Choose the Right DNS Server for You

Picking a DNS server depends on what matters most to you. There’s no single “best” one, but just the one that fits your needs.

• Prioritize your goal. If you care about speed, choose providers like Cloudflare or Google Public DNS. For privacy, go with Quad9 or AdGuard DNS, which block trackers and malicious domains. Families may prefer CleanBrowsing for built-in content filtering.
• Test performance in your region. Not all DNS servers perform equally everywhere. Use a free tool like DNSPerf to see which resolvers give the lowest latency from your location. A server that’s fast in Europe might be slower in Asia or Africa, depending on your location.
• Consider encrypting your network. Always check if your DNS provider supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT). These encrypt your DNS requests, preventing ISPs or third parties from seeing which sites you visit.
• Set a backup resolver. Even the best DNS servers can occasionally go down. Add a secondary DNS resolver. For example, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) as your main and Google (8.8.8.8) as a fallback, so your connection stays stable and secure.

How To Change Your DNS Server on Any Device: Step-by-Step Guide

Switching your DNS server takes just a few minutes, and it can instantly improve speed, privacy, or reliability. Is it possible to use different DNS servers on various devices? Yes, you can use one DNS server on your laptop, another on your phone, and even a different one on your router. In fact, that’s often the best setup, as your needs might differ depending on the device.

Windows 10/11

1. Open settings. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Network & Internet. Click Network & Internet, then select Status and click Change adapter options.
3. Choose a network. Right-click your active network (WiFi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
4. Set DNS. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), select Use the following DNS server addresses, and enter DNS addresses (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).
5. Save. Click OK to save changes.

You can also set a manual DNS for the IPv6 protocol

iOS

1. Open settings. Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi.
2. Configure DNS. Tap your connected network, select Configure DNS, and change to Manual.
3. Add DNS. Delete existing servers, add preferred DNS addresses, and Save.

You can also set custom search domains for iOS

Additional Free DNS Server Solutions

If the top 10 free DNS options above don’t meet your needs, here are more alternatives, each with unique benefits:

• DNSWatch. Privacy-focused, censorship-free, with no data logging and high-speed DNS resolution.
• Yandex DNS. Offers Basic (fast resolution), Safe (blocks malicious sites), and Family (filters adult content) modes.
• Alternate DNS. Blocks ads by default, ensuring an ad-free browsing experience without extra software.
• SafeDNS. Features basic, family, and business filtering modes, with customizable controls for blocking malware, phishing, and adult content.
• FreeDNS. Privacy-focused, blocks tracking and some malware, offering simple setup and enhanced security.
• Level3 DNS. Reliable and fast, provided by Level 3 Communications (now CenturyLink), but lacks filtering options.
• UncensoredDNS. Denmark-based, uncensored, and log-free for a transparent, privacy-centric experience.
• OpenNIC. Community-driven, offering standard and alternative domain extensions, ideal for internet neutrality enthusiasts.
• SmartViper Public DNS. Basic malware protection with fast and simple browsing, prioritizing speed over advanced features.
• Freenom World. Fast, privacy-oriented, ad-free DNS from Freenom, suitable for a straightforward, no-frills setup.

FAQs on Free and Public DNS Servers

Conclusion

The best DNS service ultimately depends on your specific requirements, whether you want to minimize lag for gaming, access content securely, or establish safe browsing boundaries for family members. I recommend experimenting with a few options to find the optimal balance between speed, security, and user control.

References

1. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/03/16/2628796/0/en/NS1-s-Global-DNS-Traffic-Report-Reveals-Public-Resolvers-Dominate-the-Internet.html
2. https://sematext.com/glossary/dns-lookup-time/