+10 Best Free and Public DNS Servers of 2024

An effective DNS server can significantly impact the safety and quality of your browsing experience, making it an exciting topic for most.

Accordingly, a Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical part of the Internet, responsible for turning domain names into IP addresses.

The best DNS servers provide faster response times, higher availability, and better security features to optimize web performance.

And some of the most popular DNS servers include Google, Cloudflare, Control D, Quad9, OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing, Alternate DNS, etc.

Such servers are highly reliable and drastically affect your web experience, making them excellent for individuals and businesses.

But what are the best free and public DNS servers of 2023? Keep reading to learn more, and start opting for one today!

What Are DNS Servers?

As briefly mentioned before, a DNS server is an essential part of the Internet, responsible for turning domains into IP addresses.

They translate a friendly domain name (like maketecheasier.com) into a string of numbers required for your device to communicate with the site.

Think of DNS servers as the phone book for the Internet; it allows users to access websites using names rather than long IP addresses.

Accordingly, when you look up a domain on your browser, the DNS servers identify the corresponding IP address and redirect the user.

As a result, without DNS servers, you’d have to memorize giant numbers, making it quite hard to surf the web and access your favorite websites.

Best Free and Public DNS Servers of 2023

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) automatically assigns DNS servers when your device (router, computer, etc.) connects to the Internet.

However, many of the assigned DNS servers are laggy, leading to a slower overall browsing experience and a world of agony.

Note: Depending on the provider, “Primary” DNS servers are called “Preferred” at times, and “Secondary” DNS servers are sometimes described as “Alternate.”

Let’s not beat around the bush any longer and learn about the best free and public DNS servers of 2023:

1. Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4

The Google Public DNS offers improved security and fast connections as the servers are in data centers all over the globe.

Accordingly, when you attempt to access a website using Google Public DNS IP addresses, you’ll get directed to a server closest to you.

Finally, Google Public DNS offers DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and TLS (DoT) in addition to the traditional DNS over UDP/TCP.

Google Public DNS IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS:8.8.8
• Secondary DNS:8.4.4

Google Public DNS IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888
• Secondary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844

2. Control D: 76.76.2.0 & 76.76.10.0

Control D is another fascinating public DNS server with multiple standard configurations, each offering unique benefits to the users.

Accordingly, you can pick from “Unfiltered,” “Malware,” “Ads & Tracking,” “Social,” “Family Friendly,” and “Uncensored” DNS servers.

Finally, Control D allows users to customize the standard public DNS resolvers, but you must opt for an additional $2 monthly payment.

Control D IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS:76.2.0
• Secondary DNS:76.10.0

Control D IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2606:1a40::
• Secondary DNS: 2606:1a40:1::

3. Quad9: 9.9.9.9 & 149.112.112.112

Third on the list, Quad9 is an open DNS recursive service that offers free security and high privacy capabilities.

Accordingly, Quad9 automatically detects and blocks access to unsafe websites to protect your computer and other devices from cyber threats.

Finally, the DNS servers work without storing personal data; as the website clearly states, no data gets logged when you connect to Quad9.

Quad9 IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS:9.9.9
• Secondary DNS:112.112.112

Quad9 IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2620:fe::fe
• Secondary DNS: 2620:fe::9

4. OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220

OpenDNS is a DNS veteran on the list, offering 100% reliability and uptime with millions of users worldwide since 2006.

The company offers three standard configurations; OpenDNS Home, FamilyShield, and a premium DNS called OpenDNS VIP.

OpenDNS Home allows you to set up custom settings to block or redirect websites, and OpenDNS FamilyShield can block adult content.

OpenDNS Home IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS:67.222.222
• Secondary DNS:67.220.220

OpenDNS Home IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2620:119:35::35
• Secondary DNS: 2620:119:53::53

OpenDNS FamilyShield IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS:67.222.123
• Secondary DNS:67.220.123

5. Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1

Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS server claims to be the fastest DNS directory that will never log your IP, and it doesn’t disappoint.

In addition to the privacy commitment, the company offers a “1.1.1.1” app for a quick DNS setup on mobile/desktop devices with a VPN built-in.

Finally, Cloudflare “1.1.1.1 for Families” can block malware and adult content and supports DNS over HTTPS and TLS.

Cloudflare IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

Cloudflare IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111
• Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1001

6. CleanBrowsing: 185.228.168.9 & 185.228.169.9

The following public DNS is CleanBrowsing, which provides the filtering technology required for a safe browsing experience on your network.

The company offers three public DNS resolvers; The “Security Filter,” “Adult Filter,” and “Family Filter,” each offering unique benefits.

The security filter blocks malware and phishing sites, the adult filter prevents access to adult domains, and the family filter blocks VPNs.

CleanBrowsing Security Filter IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 185.228.168.9
• Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.9

CleanBrowsing Security Filter IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:1::2
• Secondary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:2::2

CleanBrowsing Adult Filter IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 185.228.168.10
• Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.11

CleanBrowsing Adult Filter IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:1::1
• Secondary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:2::1

CleanBrowsing Family Filter IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 185.228.168.168
• Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.168

CleanBrowsing Family Filter IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:1::
• Secondary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:2::

7. Alternate DNS: 76.76.19.19 & 76.223.122.150

Alternate DNS is a worthy global DNS resolution service, which is an excellent alternative to your DNS provider.

The company consistently updates its database of known ad-serving domain names to maintain an optimal online experience.

Finally, you can sign up for an Alternate DNS account for free or opt for a Family Premium DNS option that blocks adult content.

Alternate DNS IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 76.76.19.19
• Secondary DNS: 76.223.122.150

Alternate DNS IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2602:fcbc::ad
• Secondary DNS: 2602:fcbc:2::ad

8. AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 & 94.140.15.15

Another popular public DNS server, AdGuard DNS, utilizes robust filters to eliminate ads and trackers on all your devices in a matter of clicks.

You can decide which content should get blocked and when, and keep your kids safe online by shielding them from adult content.

Finally, pick “Default” or “Family Protection” DNS servers to block ads in games, videos, apps, and websites and block adult content ASAP.

AdGuard DNS Default IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 94.140.14.14
• Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.15

AdGuard DNS Default IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff
• Secondary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff

AdGuard DNS Family Protection IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 94.140.14.15
• Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.16

AdGuard DNS Family Protection IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2a10:50c0::bad1:ff
• Secondary DNS: 2a10:50c0::bad2:ff

9. Comodo Secure DNS: 8.26.56.26 & 8.20.247.20

Comodo Secure is a mighty DNS server from a company with high-end security products that can offer excellent protection capabilities.

Comodo Secure DNS strongly emphasizes user security by blocking shady websites and detecting malware, spyware, and parked domains.

Finally, Comodo Secure DNS also offers a premium Dome Shield service, which adds additional qualities to Comodo Secure DNS for savvy users.

Comodo Secure DNS IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 8.26.56.26
• Secondary DNS: 8.20.247.20

10. OpenNIC: 192.95.54.3 & 192.95.54.1

Finally, OpenNIC is a nonprofit public DNS server that aims to combat content censorship and make the entire web accessible to everyone.

The company also prevents DNS Hijacking to improve the users’ web security and stop ISPs from taking over commonly misused URLs.

So, OpenNIC is an excellent choice to overcome content blocks, improve web performance, and secure your connection ASAP.

OpenNIC DNS IPv4 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 192.95.54.3
• Secondary DNS: 192.95.54.1

OpenNIC DNS IPv6 IP addresses:

• Primary DNS: 2a00:f826:8:2::195
• Secondary DNS: 2001:41d0:404:200:0:0:0:976

Additional DNS Servers

Although the DNS providers mentioned in previous paragraphs are more than enough to boost your connection, you might wish for more!

If so, then here’s a list of some other public DNS servers:

Note: Many DNS server providers offer multiple servers worldwide, and it’s best to opt for the one closest to your location for the best performance capabilities.

Why Use Different DNS Servers?

DNS servers come in handy in a handful of circumstances, and you can conveniently decide when to opt for one by studying such factors.

Here’s why you should use a different DNS server:

• Faulty DNS servers: If you have internet connectivity issues due to an incorrect DNS setup, you can conveniently replace the servers with a fast and secure public DNS to resolve the problems. Accordingly, you could test your suspicion by typing a website’s IP address into your browser. If you can reach it with the IP address but not the domain name, then the DNS server is having issues.
• Better performance: When you purchase an Internet subscription, your provider assigns you a default DNS server. However, many complain that the ISP-provided DNS servers are laggy, leading to a slower overall browsing experience. Accordingly, you can overcome the troubles by changing to a faster DNS server.
• Prevent activity logs: Many websites and third-party apps keep constant records of your web activity and sell them to advertising agencies for a benefit. Accordingly, if you value your privacy and wish to prevent such services from logging your actions, you can opt for a DNS provider exclusively designed to circumvent these scenarios.

Although changing your DNS servers doesn’t fix all your internet issues, they are for sure worth a shot!

Wrap Up

Now you know them all! Public DNS servers are a convenient solution for fixing a laggy internet connection and enhancing web performance.

So, next time you get frustrated with your Internet speed, try some of the top DNS servers to work around the issue in a few clicks.

Finally, if you’re still dealing with a slow connection, contact your ISP and ask for further technical assistance.

FAQs

How do I change my DNS server?

Changing the DNS servers varies from one device to another. Regardless, you can change your DNS servers on any Windows device in a matter of seconds; Right-click on your “Start menu” and open “Settings.” Then move to the “Network & Internet” section and pick “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi,” depending on your connection. Under the “DNS server assignment” tab, choose “Edit.” Finally, click the “Manual” option, turn on “IPv4,” and add the desired DNS servers.

How can I fix a DNS server that isn’t responding?

You could fail to connect to a DNS server for many reasons, whether on a computer or smartphone. Accordingly, to resolve a broken DNS connection, check your internet status, turn off the antivirus software active on your device, and run a network troubleshooter. Finally, if neither helped, restart/reset your modem/router.

How do I find the fastest DNS service?

DNS servers’ speed relies on many factors, including your geo-location, the distance from the closest server, and the bandwidth and resources of the server you’re connecting to handle your queries. Finally, you can utilize tools like the DNS Jumper to test public DNS services and discover the best performance.

How do I find my current DNS servers?

It’s often helpful to find your current DNS servers when troubleshooting the Internet connection or considering switching DNS providers. Accordingly, the quickest approach is to visit DNSLeakTest and click the “Standard Test” button.