Best free public DNS servers of 2025

In 2025, numerous best free and public DNS servers offer enhanced browsing experiences with better performance, phishing protection, and even parental controls. As of late 2025, independent benchmarks like DNSPerf continue to highlight top performers, with Cloudflare maintaining its lead in raw speed globally, while emerging options like FlashStart set records for protective DNS (13.45ms average query time and 99.95% uptime).

Best free public DNS servers available this year:

1. Google Public DNS – Best for reliability and speed

Google Public DNS is one of the most widely used free DNS services, known for its speed, security, and uptime. With built-in protection against phishing and DNS spoofing, it ensures a safe browsing experience. In 2025, it remains a top choice for general users, splitting regional performance leads with Cloudflare in areas like North America and Latin America, according to ThousandEyes benchmarks. Recent X posts highlight its reliability for gaming in regions like Texas.

Dns server addresses:

Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8

Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

• Primary IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888
• Secondary IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8844

However, its data retention policy logs full IP addresses for up to 48 hours and keeps anonymized logs for longer. Supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT). Advanced users can dive into Google’s detailed logging documentation for transparency.

Pros:

• fast and reliable
• secure against DNS attacks
• no content filtering

Cons:

• Google collects some user data
• limited privacy transparency comparing to Cloudflare.

2. Cloudflare DNS – Best for privacy and speed

Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS service is known for its high-speed performance and strong privacy policies. Unlike Google, it does not track users’ internet activities and ensures secure browsing with encryption. As of August 2025, DNSPerf ranks it as the fastest overall public DNS resolver worldwide, with strong leads in Europe and Asia.

Cloudflare also offers alternate DNS IPs with malware and adult content filtering (1.1.1.2, 1.1.1.3), giving users optional safety controls.

Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

Pros:

• fastest DNS resolution times (ranked #1 by DNSPerf)
• strong privacy protection (no logs policy)
• supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT)
• 1.1.1.2 and 1.1.1.3 offer malware/adult content filtering
  

Cons:

• lacks advanced parental controls
• no malware filtering

3. OpenDNS – Best for security and parental controls

Owned by Cisco, OpenDNS provides an excellent balance of speed, security, and custom filtering options. It offers protection against malicious websites and allows parental controls to restrict content. In 2025, it’s frequently recommended for gaming due to its low ping and anti-phishing features, as noted in Surfshark and NordVPN guides. Uptime remains at a claimed 100% since 2006, making it a stable choice for families and businesses.

Paid plans offer more features like internet history and access control for $19.95/year.

DNS server list:

Pros:

• customizable security and content filtering
• reliable and fast (claimed 100% uptime since 2006)
• protects against malware and phishing attacks

Cons:

4. Quad9 – Best for security and malware blocking

Quad9 is a non-profit DNS service focused on privacy and security. It blocks access to malicious domains and prevents cyber threats in real-time, making it a great choice for security-conscious users. In 2025, DNSPerf rates it 7th globally for query times, competing well with NextDNS and G-Core, and it’s praised on Reddit for reliability.

Cons:

• may be slightly slower than Google or Cloudflare
• limited customization options

5. Comodo Secure DNS – Best for extra security features

Comodo Secure DNS is a solid choice for users who want an extra layer of security while browsing. It protects against malware, phishing sites, and botnets, making it a good option for businesses and home users alike. It also detects parked/inactive domains and redirects you automatically. TechRadar notes its web filtering capabilities, though query times average 72ms, lagging behind leaders.

Primary DNS: 8.26.56.26
Secondary DNS: 8.20.247.20

Cons:
✖ slower than Cloudflare and Google DNS
✖ logs some user data for security analysis

6. Control D – Best for custom filtering

Control D provides customizable DNS filters including ad-blocking, tracker-blocking, and government site bypassing. In 2025, it’s highlighted in gaming lists for low-latency options, with support for “Uncensored” servers to bypass restrictions.

• Primary DNS: 76.76.2.0
• Secondary DNS: 76.76.10.0
• IPv6: 2606:1a40:: / 2606:1a40:1::

Pros:

• Custom blocklists (ads, crypto, social, adult content)
• DoH, DoT support
• Optional “Uncensored” servers

Cons:

• Some features require payment
• Less known than other major providers

7. AdGuard DNS – Best for blocking ads

AdGuard DNS blocks ads, trackers, and phishing. It offers free and premium tiers.

• Primary DNS: 94.140.14.14
• Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.15
• IPv6: 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff / 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff

Pros:

• Blocks ads on browsers and mobile apps
• Offers Family Protection mode
• Supports DoH, DoT, DNSCrypt, DNS-over-QUIC

Cons:

• Free plan limited to 5 devices
• Some ads may bypass filter

8. NextDNS – Best for advanced privacy and analytics

NextDNS is a highly customizable DNS provider offering advanced security, ad blocking, tracker protection, and detailed analytics. It supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, and allows users to build their own filtering rules. In 2025, NordVPN ranks it highly for privacy, with full customization making it ideal for advanced users.

• Primary DNS: Customizable (requires account setup)

Pros:

• full customization (ad block, tracker block, parental control)
• detailed analytics dashboard
• privacy-first design with no user logging

Cons:

• requires account setup
• may be overkill for casual users.

9. CleanBrowsing – Best for Families

CleanBrowsing offers three pre-configured DNS options: Security, Adult Filter, and Family Filter. Recorded Future notes its focus on family/education safety, with encrypted protocols for added privacy.

• Primary DNS: 185.228.168.9
• Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.9
• Family DNS: 185.228.168.168
• IPv6: supported

Pros:

• Blocks adult and unsafe content
• Easy to set up for families
• Supports encrypted protocols

Cons:

• Free version is limited
• Premium needed for customization

10. FlashStart – Best for Protective DNS (2025 Update)

FlashStart emerges as a top protective DNS in 2025, setting a DNSPerf record with 13.45ms query time and 99.95% uptime, outperforming competitors in filtered environments.Ideal for ISPs and businesses needing malware/phishing blocks.

• Primary DNS: (Custom;)
• Secondary DNS: (Custom)

Pros:

• Ultra-fast protective filtering
• Global infrastructure for stability
• Real-time threat protection

Cons:

• More enterprise-focused; less for casual users
• Requires setup for full features

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Which free DNS Server should you use?

• For speed and reliability: Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS
• For privacy: Cloudflare DNS or Quad9
• For security and malware protection: Quad9 or Comodo Secure DNS
• For parental controls: OpenDNS
• For protective filtering: FlashStart

Using the right DNS server can enhance your internet speed, security, and privacy. Depending on your needs, any of these free and public DNS servers will be a great choice in 2025.

Tools to find the fastest DNS

• DNSPerf: Tests DNS speed worldwide and ranks providers
• DNS Jumper: Free app to test and apply the fastest DNS for your location
• Namebench: Google’s legacy tool to benchmark DNS servers for your area
• GRC DNS Benchmark: Advanced benchmarking utility for Windows (now updated for 2025 with IPv6 and DoH/DoT support).

How to change DNS Server

1. Find DNS IPs of your preferred provider (see above).
2. Change settings on your router to apply network-wide.
3. Or, change DNS settings per device:
   • On Windows: Control Panel > Network > Properties > DNS
   • On Mac: System Preferences > Network > DNS
   • On mobile: Use provider apps or configure manually

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS
2. Select Private DNS provider hostname
3. Enter the hostname for DNS (e.g., dns.cloudflare.com for 1.1.1.1)

On iOS:

1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi
2. Tap the “ℹ️” icon next to your Wi-Fi network
3. Tap Configure DNS > switch to Manual
4. Enter your preferred DNS server IPs

Tip: OpenDNS and Cloudflare offer setup guides for most routers and devices.

FAQ: Best DNS Servers Explained

What is a DNS server and why is it important?

A DNS server translates domain names into IP addresses, enabling your browser to load websites. Using a third-party DNS can reduce latency, improve security, and increase browsing privacy.

Can a DNS server improve my privacy?

Yes — providers like Cloudflare, Quad9, and NextDNS offer DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which encrypt DNS queries and reduce third-party tracking.

What DNS is best for speed?

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google DNS (8.8.8.8) are consistently ranked among the fastest by DNSPerf.

What DNS is best for security?

Quad9 and Comodo Secure DNS block access to malicious domains in real time. NextDNS also allows advanced threat protection customization.

Are DNS servers free?

Most major DNS providers like Cloudflare, Google, and Quad9 offer their services for free. Others like NextDNS offer free plans with optional premium tiers.

Can I use more than one DNS?

Yes — you can configure primary and secondary DNS IPs. Your system will use the secondary only if the primary fails.

What is a private DNS hostname?

It’s a domain name used for secure DNS services (e.g., dns.quad9.net, dns.nextdns.io). It ensures encrypted DNS queries.

What is the best overall DNS?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick summary:

• Speed: Cloudflare
• Privacy: Cloudflare, NextDNS
• Security: Quad9, OpenDNS
• Customization: NextDNS

Conclusion

Whether you want a faster internet experience, safer browsing, or better control over your home network, switching to a public DNS provider is a smart move. Many free DNS services offer a better experience than ISP defaults, especially in regions with slower infrastructure. In 2025, with tools like GRC’s updated benchmark supporting IPv6 and encrypted protocols, testing is easier than ever.

Remember: Always test multiple providers using tools like DNSPerf, Namebench, or DNS Jumper to find the best DNS for your region and network.