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Major DNS Providers Compared

Table of Contents

  1. Why Change Your DNS Provider?
  2. Google Public DNS
  3. Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)
  4. Quad9 (9.9.9.9)
  5. OpenDNS (Cisco)
  6. AdGuard DNS
  7. Full Provider Comparison Table
  8. How to Change Your DNS Settings

Why Change Your DNS Provider?

Your ISP automatically assigns DNS servers when you connect to the internet. While these work fine for basic browsing, switching to a third-party DNS provider offers several advantages:

  • Speed: Major DNS providers operate globally distributed networks with servers in hundreds of cities. Their resolvers are often faster than ISP DNS servers, which may be overloaded or geographically distant.
  • Reliability: Public DNS providers maintain 99.99%+ uptime with redundant infrastructure. ISP DNS servers can go down without warning, leaving you unable to browse.
  • Privacy: Many ISPs log DNS queries and may sell browsing data to advertisers. Privacy-focused DNS providers commit to minimal logging or no logging at all.
  • Security: Some DNS providers block known malware domains, phishing sites, and botnet command-and-control servers at the DNS level — before your browser even loads the page.
  • Content Filtering: Family-friendly DNS providers can block adult content, gambling, and other categories without installing software on every device.
  • Censorship Resistance: If your ISP blocks certain domains, a different DNS provider may resolve them (though this alone does not bypass all forms of censorship).

Google Public DNS

Launched in December 2009, Google Public DNS is the world's most widely used public DNS resolver, handling over 1 trillion queries per day. It operates from data centers in more than 200 locations worldwide.

Addresses:

  • IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844
  • DoH: https://dns.google/dns-query
  • DoT: dns.google (port 853)

Privacy Policy: Google claims to permanently delete query logs after 24-48 hours. Temporary logs include your IP address (truncated for IPv4, anonymized for IPv6), requested domain, and response code. Google states it does not correlate DNS data with Google account activity. However, given Google's core business model around advertising and data collection, some privacy-conscious users prefer alternatives.

Features: No content filtering, no malware blocking (but supports DNSSEC validation). Supports ECS (EDNS Client Subnet) for better CDN routing. Google operates a dedicated research team that contributes to DNS standards and security.

Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)

Cloudflare launched its public DNS resolver on April 1, 2018 (the date was intentional — a play on the 1.1.1.1 IP address). It quickly became popular for its speed claims and strong privacy commitments. Cloudflare operates one of the largest networks in the world, with presence in over 310 cities.

Addresses:

  • IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  • IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001
  • DoH: https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query
  • DoT: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com (port 853)
  • Malware blocking: 1.1.1.2 (blocks malware)
  • Family-friendly: 1.1.1.3 (blocks malware + adult content)

Privacy Policy: Cloudflare commits to never writing client IP addresses to disk and purging all logs within 24 hours. They hired KPMG to perform annual independent audits of their privacy practices. Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 resolver does not sell user data or use it for advertising targeting.

Features: Cloudflare offers the 1.1.1.1 app for mobile and desktop that configures DNS and optionally enables their WARP VPN for encrypted traffic. They support DNSSEC, QNAME minimization, and aggressive NSEC caching. The 1.1.1.2 variant (called "malware blocking") and 1.1.1.3 ("family-friendly") offer built-in threat protection without additional configuration.

Quad9 (9.9.9.9)

Quad9 is a nonprofit DNS provider launched in 2017 with support from IBM, Packet Clearing House (PCH), and the Global Cyber Alliance. Its primary focus is security — it blocks connections to known malicious domains using threat intelligence from dozens of security companies.

Addresses:

  • IPv4 (secure): 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
  • IPv4 (unsecured): 9.9.9.10 and 149.112.112.10
  • IPv6: 2620:fe::fe and 2620:fe::9
  • DoH: https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query
  • DoT: dns.quad9.net (port 853)

Privacy Policy: Quad9 is headquartered in Switzerland (benefiting from Swiss privacy laws) and operates as a nonprofit. They log no personally identifiable information — no IP addresses, no query history. Their threat blocking is done by comparing queries against a blocklist, not by logging user behavior.

Features: Quad9's primary differentiator is its security blocklist. The 9.9.9.9 variant blocks known malicious domains using aggregated threat intelligence. The 9.9.9.10 variant resolves everything without filtering. Quad9 supports DNSSEC and was one of the earliest adopters of QNAME minimization. As a nonprofit, they are funded by donations and grants rather than advertising revenue.

OpenDNS (Cisco)

OpenDNS was founded in 2006 and acquired by Cisco in 2015. It is one of the oldest public DNS services and offers both free consumer tiers and paid enterprise plans (Umbrella). OpenDNS pioneered many features that other providers later adopted.

Addresses:

  • IPv4 (standard): 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
  • IPv4 (family shield): 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123
  • IPv6: 2620:119:35::35 and 2620:119:53::53
  • DoH: https://doh.opendns.com/dns-query

Privacy Policy: Cisco's privacy policy for OpenDNS is more complex than competitors. Free tier users agree to data collection for service improvement. Paid Umbrella customers have more control over data retention. Cisco does not sell DNS query data to advertisers, but the data may be used within Cisco's broader security intelligence products.

Features: OpenDNS offers customizable content filtering — the free tier allows you to block specific categories (adult, social media, gaming, etc.) through a web dashboard. The "Family Shield" preset blocks adult content out of the box. OpenDNS supports DNSSEC but does not support DoT (only DoH). The paid Umbrella product adds advanced threat intelligence, security reporting, and integration with Cisco's security ecosystem.

AdGuard DNS

AdGuard DNS is a free, privacy-focused DNS service that blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It is operated by AdGuard, a company known for its ad-blocking software and browser extensions.

Addresses:

  • IPv4 (default, blocks ads + trackers): 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15
  • IPv4 (family protection): 94.140.14.15 and 94.140.15.16
  • IPv4 (non-filtering): 94.140.14.140 and 94.140.14.141
  • IPv6: 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff and 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff
  • DoH: https://dns.adguard-dns.com/dns-query
  • DoT: dns.adguard-dns.com (port 853)
  • DoQ: dns.adguard-dns.com (port 853, DNS over QUIC)

Privacy Policy: AdGuard DNS operates under a strict no-logging policy. They do not store IP addresses, query logs, or browsing history. Their service is funded through their paid software products, not through data monetization.

Features: AdGuard DNS's standout feature is built-in ad and tracker blocking. It maintains its own blocklists that cover advertising networks, analytics trackers, and known malware domains. Users can customize blocklists through a web dashboard (with a free account). AdGuard is one of the few providers supporting DNS over QUIC (DoQ), a newer protocol that offers lower latency than DoT. The "family protection" variant adds adult content filtering.

Full Provider Comparison Table

Feature Google (8.8.8.8) Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) Quad9 (9.9.9.9) OpenDNS AdGuard
Operator Google (Alphabet) Cloudflare Inc. Quad9 (nonprofit) Cisco Systems AdGuard Software
Global Locations 200+ cities 310+ cities 200+ locations 30+ locations 50+ locations
Speed (avg latency) ~20ms ~11ms ~18ms ~25ms ~22ms
Logging Policy Temp logs, deleted 24-48h No IP logging, purge 24h No PII logged Data collected for improvement No-logging policy
Independent Audit No Yes (KPMG, annual) Yes (Packet Clearing House) No No
Malware Blocking No Yes (1.1.1.2) Yes (default) Yes (paid Umbrella) Yes (default)
Ad Blocking No No No No Yes (default)
Adult Content Filter No Yes (1.1.1.3) No Yes (Family Shield) Yes (family variant)
Custom Blocklists No No No Yes (web dashboard) Yes (web dashboard)
DNSSEC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
DoH Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
DoT Support Yes Yes Yes No Yes
DoQ Support No No No No Yes
ECS Support Yes Optional (privacy mode) Yes Yes Yes
Pricing Free Free Free (nonprofit) Free + Paid (Umbrella) Free + Paid plans

Bottom line: Cloudflare offers the best combination of speed, privacy, and transparency with its annual audits. Quad9 is the best choice for security-focused users who want malware blocking without configuration. AdGuard is ideal if you want DNS-level ad blocking without installing browser extensions. Google is reliable and fast but raises privacy concerns for some users. OpenDNS provides the most customizable content filtering, making it popular for families and schools.

How to Change Your DNS Settings

Changing your DNS provider is straightforward. You can configure it at the router level (affects all devices on your network) or on individual devices:

Windows 10/11:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings
  2. Click your network adapter > Edit > DNS server assignment
  3. Switch from "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual"
  4. Toggle on IPv4 and enter your preferred DNS addresses
  5. Enter the primary (e.g., 1.1.1.1) and secondary (e.g., 1.0.0.1) addresses
  6. Click Save and run ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt

macOS:

  1. Open System Settings > Network
  2. Select your active connection > Details > DNS
  3. Click "+" to add DNS servers (e.g., 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)
  4. Click OK and run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Router (all devices):

  1. Log into your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
  2. Navigate to DNS settings (under Internet, WAN, or DHCP settings)
  3. Replace ISP-assigned DNS with your chosen provider's addresses
  4. Save and reboot the router
  5. Flush DNS cache on all connected devices

Verify the change: After changing DNS, visit https://1.1.1.1/help (Cloudflare) or use our DNS Lookup tool to confirm queries are being resolved by your new provider. You can also run nslookup example.com and check which server answered the query.

Changing DNS is one of the simplest network optimizations you can make — it takes under 5 minutes and can significantly improve your browsing speed, security, and privacy.

Previous DNS: The Internet Phone Book