DNS (Domain Name System) servers are responsible for translating human-readable website names into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other.
What is DNS Server?
This allows you to access websites using easy-to-remember names instead of having to remember long strings of numbers.
When you type a website name into your web browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server, which then looks up the IP address for that website and directs your computer to the correct server.
How does DNS work?
Your computer then uses the IP address to establish a connection to the correct web server and access the website.
There are a variety of different DNS servers out there in the market and here I have gathered the 15 best DNS servers for you to use.
1. Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS is a free and easy-to-use global domain name resolution service, that you can use as an alternative to your current DNS provider.
It works very well as a recursive name server that provides domain name resolution that you can host on any internet.
This means that when you use Google Public DNS, your client computer will perform the DNS lookup instead of your ISP’s DNS server.
Google Public DNS Features:
- Free to use
- Resolution service
- Current DNS provider
- IoT devices are free
- Secure and complex to use
- Host on internet
- Resolve queries
2. Quad9
If you are looking for another free, recursive, anycast Domain Name System (DNS) service then, Quad9 is for you.
DNS resolution by blocking access to known malicious domains, while also protecting user privacy so you can use it.
Quad9 routes your DNS queries through a secure network of servers around the globe and it uses thread intelligence.
Quad9 Features:
- Free to use
- Block access
- Protect user privacy
- Routes DNS queries
- Secure network
- Uses around the globe
- Thread intelligence
3. OpenDNS Home
If you are looking for a free, cloud-based service that provides a secure and reliable way to access the Internet then, OpenDNS Home is the best DNS server for you.
It is designed to protect your home network and all the devices connected to it from online threats, such as malware, phishing attacks, and other malicious content.
OpenDNS Home uses a powerful network of DNS servers to quickly and accurately block access to known harmful websites.
OpenDNS Home Features:
- Cloud-based service
- Easy to use
- Reliable to access
- Malicious content
- Phishing attacks
- Online threats
- Track everything
4. Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS is also one of the best DNS servers that also provides secure and reliable access to the Internet.
It acts as a recursive name server, routing your DNS queries through a network of servers located around the world.
This allows it to provide fast and reliable DNS resolution, while also protecting your privacy and security.
Cloudflare DNS Features:
- Secure to use
- Reliable access
- Recursive name server
- Routing your DNS queries
- Provides fast method
- Reliable DNS resolution
- Protect privacy
5. Comodo Secure DNS
Comodo Secure DNS is one of the best DNS servers that is a free Domain Name System (DNS) service provided by Comodo Group, Inc.
It is designed to provide secure and reliable access to the Internet, by blocking access to known malicious websites and protecting against online threats.
It also uses advanced security measures, such as DNSSEC and real-time blacklists, to protect against various types of cyber attacks and other online threats.
Comodo Secure DNS Features:
- Free to use
- Offered by Comodo Group
- Secure to use
- Reliable to access
- Block access
- Protect against online threats
- Ideal for businesses
6. CleanBrowsing
CleanBrowsing is a free, secure Domain Name System (DNS) service that provides several different filtering options to protect against online threats and inappropriate content.
It offers three different levels of filtering: a family-friendly option that blocks access to adult and potentially harmful content.
If you are looking for a security option that blocks access to known malicious websites and even adult browsing.
CleanBrowsing Features:
- Free to use
- Secure to use
- Take care against online threats
- Block access
- Block harmful content
- Security options
- Clean and safe
7. Alternate DNS
Alternate DNS is a free, secure Domain Name System (DNS) service that provides an alternative to the DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP).
It uses a global network of DNS servers to provide fast and reliable DNS resolution, while also protecting your privacy and security.
It also provides a customizable web filtering system that allows you to block access to specific websites or categories of websites.
Alternate DNS Features:
- Free to use
- Secure
- A great alternative to a DNS server
- Reliable DNS resolutions
- Customizable
- Web filtering
- Allows block access
8. AdGuard DNS
AdGuard DNS is a free, secure Domain Name System (DNS) service provided by AdGuard, a company that specializes in ad blocking and online privacy protection.
It offers two different levels of filtering: a basic level that blocks access to known malicious websites, and a “Family Protection” level that blocks access to adult and potentially harmful content.
Here it is easy to set up and can be used as an alternative to your current DNS provider so you can easily use it.
AdGuard DNS Features:
- Secure to use
- Free to access
- Block access to malicious websites
- Easy to use
- Ideal for Family Protection
- Intrusive content
- Adult content
9. Verisign
Verisign is a global technology company that provides a range of internet infrastructure services, including Domain Name System (DNS) services, cybersecurity, and internet security.
It operates two of the internet’s thirteen root servers, which are the authoritative sources for top-level domain information.
The best thing about this is that it provides DNS services for several top-level domains, such as .com and .net.
Verisign Features:
- Ideal for security
- Top-level domains
- Authoritative success
- Reliable connection
- Free to use
- 13 DNS services
- Private connection
10. OpenNIC
OpenNIC is a free and open-source Domain Name System (DNS) network that provides an alternative to the DNS hierarchy controlled by ICANN and national internet registries.
It operates a global network of DNS servers that provide fast and reliable DNS resolution for users around the world.
It is a good choice for users who want to support an open and decentralized internet, and who want to use DNS services that are not controlled by ICANN or national internet registries.
OpenNIC Features:
- Free and open source to use
- It is fast and reliable to use
- Support Decentralized internet
- DNS service
- Controlled by ICANN
- Natioionl internet registries
11. Yandex DNS
Yandex DNS is a free Domain Name System (DNS) service provided by Yandex, a Russian multinational corporation that specializes in internet-related products and services.
If you are looking for a powerful and reliable DNS server then, Yandex DNS is a great choice for you and it comes with so many different features.
It offers two different levels of filtering: a basic level that blocks access to known malicious websites, and a “Safe” level that blocks access to adult and potentially harmful content.
Yandex DNS Features:
- Internet-related products
- Easy to use
- Great services
- Powerful to use
- Fast service
- Reliable DNS server
- Safe mode
12. DNS. Watch
DNS. Watch is a free, secure Domain Name System (DNS) service provided by the German non-profit organization, Human Rights Foundation e.V. DNS.
It uses a network of DNS servers located in Germany and France to provide fast and reliable DNS resolution.
It offers two different levels of filtering: a basic level that blocks access to known malicious websites, and a “Family”.
DNS.Watch Features:
- Provided by organizations
- Easy-to-use networks server
- Block access
- Ideal for family
- Servers location in Germany
- Reliable DNS resolution
- Free internet access
13. Level 3
Level 3 Communications, Inc. is a global telecommunications and internet service provider (ISP) that offers a range of internet infrastructure services, including Domain Name System (DNS) services.
If you are looking for business and personal use then this is a great DNS server for you to access and it ideal choice for them.
It operates one of the internet’s thirteen root servers, which are the authoritative sources for top-level domain information.
Level 3 Features:
- Great infrastructure services
- Ideal for personal user
- Access it easily
- Root servers
- Top-level domain information
- Public DNS
- US servers
14. Oracle Dyn
Oracle Dyn is a cloud-based internet infrastructure company that provides a range of services, including Domain Name System (DNS) services.
These DNS services are used by a variety of clients, including enterprises, ISPs, and web-based businesses.
It also offers a range of other internet infrastructure services, such as email delivery, cloud security, and internet of things (IoT) connectivity.
Oracle Dyn Features:
- Range of services
- Easy to use
- Include enterprises
- Web-based businesses
- Email delivery
- Cloud Security
15. UncensoredDNS
Last but not least the reliable DNS service is really fast in Europe and the US and it is completely free to access.
It is controlled by ICANN and national internet registries. UncensoredDNS is operated by a community of volunteers who are committed to providing an open and decentralized internet.
It is a good choice for users who want to support an open and decentralized internet, and who want to use DNS services that are not controlled by ICANN or national internet registries.
UncensoredDNS Features:
- Fast in Europe
- Free to access
- Decentralized internet
- Community of volunteers
- Internet registries
- Use DNS services
- Block Phishing