10 Best Free & Public DNS Servers in 2021 (Latest List)

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Written By Larious

Larious is the Executive Editor of LowkeyTech. He is a tech enthusiast and a content writer. 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated on June 26, 2021 by Larious


If we look around, we will find that almost everyone has internet connections at home or in the workplace. If you have enough knowledge about the internet’s workings, you might know about the DNS (Domain Name System).

DNS or Domain Name System is a database which consists of different domain names and IP Address. When users enter a domain in the web browser like techviral.net, youtube.com, etc., the DNS servers look at the IP Address that the domains are associated with.

After matching the IP address, it comments on the web server of the visiting site. However, not every DNS servers are stable, especially the one provided by the ISP.

List of best Free & Public DNS Servers

So, even if your IPS provides you with a default DNS server, it’s always profitable to use a different DNS server. Using different DNS servers can provide you with better speed, better security, and some of them can also unlock region-blocked contents, etc.

So, in this article, we will share some of the best DNS servers that you can use to get better speeds.

1. Google Public DNS

It is one of the best and most popular DNS servers that you can use right now. It’s a free and public DNS server that was launched way back in December 2009.

Google Public DNS defends users against various security threats and offers better speed compared to the default DNS server provided by the ISP.

Users need to configure their network settings to use the IP addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

2. OpenDNS

OpenDNS

Well, OpenDNS is another best free public DNS server available on the web that you can use right now. Cisco provides the public DNS server, and it focuses on speed and security.

The great thing about OpenDNS is that it automatically detects and blocks malicious websites. Not only that, but OpenDNS also uses Anycast routing to route your internet traffic to the nearest DNS servers.

This routing process boosts the internet speed significantly. To use OpenDNS, users need to configure their network settings to use IP address 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 as their DNS servers.

3. Comodo Secure DNS

Comodo Secure DNS

It is one of the best and cloud-based, load-balanced, geo-distributed, highly available anycast DNS infrastructure available out there. Comodo Secure DNS is highly secure, and it by default blocks phishing, malware domains.

You won’t believe it, but Comodo Secure DNS right now has Anycast DNS infrastructure hosted in more than 25 countries. That means that most of the countries will have DNS servers nearby, resulting in faster internet speed.

To use Comodo Secure DNS, users need to configure their network settings to use IP addresses 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20 as their DNS servers.

4. CleanBrowsing

CleanBrowsing

If you are searching for an easy way to implement DNS blocking on your Android smartphone, you need to use CleanBrowsing. CleanBrowsing Android app is pretty easy to use, and it allows users to implement DNS blocking on smartphones.

For instance, CleanBrowsing can block Adult websites on the internet. However, CleanBrowsing is a relatively new app, and it can’t be trusted easily. Nonetheless, CleanBrowsing can be used to set up DNS blocking on your kid’s device.

5. Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare DNS

It’s one of the fastest and privacy-first DNS servers available on the internet. The company claims that Cloudflare DNS can boost your internet speed up to 28% compared to other public DNS providers.

Another best thing about Cloudflare DNS is that it never logs your browsing data. To use Cloudflare DNS, users need to configure their network settings to use the IP addresses 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 as their DNS servers.

6. Norton ConnectSafe

Best DNS Servers

Not many would know, but Norton, the leading security company, also has a DNS server known as Norton ConnectSafe. This is a cloud-based DNS service that is meant to protect your computer against phishing attacks.

Not only that, but Norton ConnectSafe also offers lots of pre-defined content filtering schemes to block phishing websites, pornography, and much more.

To use Norton ConnectSafe, you need to configure the DNS settings of your home router to use the IP address – 199.85.126.20 and 199.85.127.20.

7. Level3

Best DNS Servers

For those who don’t know, Level3 is a Colorado-based international company that provides free, public DNS servers. What’s interesting is that different DNS servers of Level3 offer different features.

To use Level3 DNS servers, configure your network settings to use the IP Addresses – 209.244.0.3 and 208.244.0.4

8. OpenNIC

Best DNS Servers

In simple words, OpenNIC is an open-source DNS provider that aims to be an alternative to the Standard DNS. The good thing is that the DNS server uses some advanced techniques to protect your computer from prying eyes.

The DNS server would help you to maintain your privacy in the simplest form. To use OpenNIC, you need to configure your network settings to use the IP Address – 46.151.208.154 and 128.199.248.105.

9. Quad9

Well, if you are looking for a public DNS server that can protect your computer and other internet-connected devices from cyber threats, then you need to give Quad9 a try.

Guess what? Quad9 automatically blocks access to unsafe websites. The Public DNS server doesn’t store any of your data.

To use Quad9, you need to change the Primary and Secondary DNS address to 9.9.9.9 & 149.112.112.112

10. SafeDNS

SafeDNS

It’s one of the best and popular DNS services on the list based on the Cloud. The DNS server is optimized enough to provide you better web browsing experience.

It has both free and Premium DNS servers to fit your budget. To use SafeDNS servers, use the following IP Addresses – 195.46.39.39 and 195.46.39.40.

So, these are the best free and public DNS servers that you can use right now. If you know any other DNS servers like these, let us know in the comment box below. I hope this article helped you! Please share it with your friends also.

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