.png "The Best Free and Public DNS Servers (2024)")
Are you looking for a quick and easy solution to enhance your browsing experience without breaking the bank, switching to a free and public DNS solution can be a one-stop destination.
From speeding up the website’s loading time to enabling anti-phishing features, protection from malicious sources to strong security services, and even the simple and quick downloading and installation process, we have enlisted the five best free and public DNS servers to exceed your expectations and fulfill your needs.
consequently, make sure that you give it a thorough read till the end. So, let’s dig in…
What is a DNS Server?
A DNS, abbreviated for Domain Name System, converts the domain/host names (human-readable form) into an IP address (computer-readable form). The DNS Server primarily performs four functions,
- Domain Name Resolution
- DNS Record Management
- Load Balancing
- Redundancy
The DNS lookup is a query journal, a process consisting of multiple steps for translating the domain name the user intends to search into an IP address, and it starts when the user types and enters the website’s URL in the browser’s address bar.
After entering, the DNS resolver, also known as a recursive resolver, will confirm if the requested information is available in the cache or not.
5 Best Free and Public DNS Servers in 2024
The 5 best free DNS lookup tools in 2024 are as listed below:1. Alternate DNS
Alternate DNS offers reliable and quick DNS Resolution services that enable users to block unwanted advertisements. It is completely free to use and only supports SaaS platforms.
This DNS ad-level blocker actively monitors the website’s traffic for malicious and suspicious activity, speeding up your browsing while improving safety and security. It maintains its highly updated database with known ad-serving domains. So, whenever you visit a website that requests an ad from a known domain, the Alternate DNS blocks it before it reaches your network.
Moreover, Alternate DNS provides instant notifications and alerts for any suspicious activities, enabling the users to get quickly informed for further investigations.
IPv4 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 76.76.19.19
- Secondary DNS: 76.223.122.150
IPv6 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888
- Secondary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844
2. AdGuard DNS
AdGuard is one of the easiest and quickest DNS servers. Downloading and installing AdGuard is quite fast and simple, and it effectively blocks advertisements from sources. Available in both application and extension form, AdGuard DNS has an extensive range of user-friendly features including ad blockage, browser security, browser assistant, parental control, stealth mode, allowlist, virtual private network, cloud-based DNS services, and network traffic filtering.
IPv4 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 94.140.14.14
- Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.15
IPv6 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff
- Secondary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff
3. Cloudflare
Well-known for faster loading time, Cloudflare is used by both small-scale or enterprises due to its superfast loading of websites. From requested cache pages before visiting the website to loading images and graphics on the webpage, Cloudflare provides reliable, effective, and global Content Delivery Network.
Cloudflare provides an extensive range of features to its users, including Global CDN (Content Delivery Network), unmetered mitigation of DDOS, Shared SSL Certificate, Under Attack mode, and 24/7 customer support on free version. The users can avail more advanced features like Image Optimization, Mobile Optimization, Account Audit Logs, and Web Application Firewall with paid plans.
Additionally, Cloudflare provides extra security by assuring reliable and authentic visitors for your sources and monitoring and blocking the unwanted visitors from your website. Cloudflare is quite an effective and useful solution for fixing all the DNS troubles.
IPv4 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
IPv6 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111
- Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1001
4. OpenDNS
Established in 2005 by David Ulevitch, OpenDNS provides effective and high-quality DNS resolution services to both individual and business websites. Primarily famous for their content filtering and security services, OpenDNS approximately processes 100 billion DNS queries every day.
OpenDNS is well-equipped and uses all the advanced technologies for providing anti-phising protection to secure your information from malicious and potential scammers. It also provides instant typing correctors to help you find the right website, regardless of the mistakes.
Apart from the extensive features of parental control and filtering content, its DNS servers provide faster, reliable, and accurate DNS resolution services to its users. The average response time of OpenDNS is 18.5ms. By creating a free account on OpenDNS, you can experience its distraction-free and user-friendly interface with clear and simple connection points.
IPv4 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222
- Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220
IPv6 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 2620:119:35::35
- Secondary DNS: 2620:119:53::53
5. Google DNS
Google DNS is one of the best public DNS servers worldwide due to its fast speed and high-performance outcomes. Moreover, its strong security features and accurate results without redirects are other reasons for making Google a superior and foremost choice over other public DNS servers.
Google public DNS strongly supports DNSSEC (Domain Name Security Extensions) and DNS-over-HTTPS to protect you from cache poisoning attacks. Lastly, the reliability and accuracy of Google DNS don’t need any explanation!
IPv4 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
IPv6 DNS Server
- Primary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888
- Secondary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844