DNS or the Domain Name System is the system that resolves the domain name to the IP address. For example, the domain name Google.com will have its own server IP address which is being resolved by a DNS address. Domain names are the human-readable location of the website on the internet while the IP addresses are for the machines.
In most cases, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will automatically assign the DNS servers at the time of establishing the connection. You don’t have to do anything to connect to the internet. Even though, sometimes, due to the heavy usage on the default DNS or due to any other problems, your DNS may not respond or resolve you to the desired websites. In such situations, changing the DNS may fix the problem.
DNS can decide how fast is your connection with the websites and the transfer rate based on numerous factors. So, choosing a good DNS server is always important to enjoy uninterrupted network access. So, we handpicked some of the best DNS servers.
| No | DNS Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
| 2 | OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
| 3 | Norton ConnectSafe | 199.85.126.10 | 199.85.127.10 |
| 4 | DNS.Watch | 84.200.69.80 | 84.200.70.40 |
| 5 | DNS Advantage | 156.154.70.1 | 156.154.71.1 |
| 6 | Dyn | 216.146.35.35 | 216.146.36.36 |
| 7 | Level3 | 209.244.0.3 | 209.244.0.4 |
| 8 | Comodo Secure DNS | 8.26.56.26 | 8.20.247.20 |
| 9 | SafeDNS | 195.46.39.39 | 195.46.39.40 |
| 10 | Verisign | 64.6.64.6 | 64.6.65.6 |
| 11 | Yandex.DNS | 77.88.8.8 | 77.88.8.1 |
| 12 | OpenNIC | 96.90.175.167 | 193.183.98.154 |
| 13 | GreenTeamDNS | 81.218.119.11 | 209.88.198.133 |
| 14 | SmartViper | 208.76.50.50 | 208.76.51.51 |
| 15 | UncensoredDNS | 91.239.100.100 | 89.233.43.71 |
| 16 | Alternate DNS | 198.101.242.72 | 23.253.163.53 |
| 17 | FreeDNS | 37.235.1.174 | 37.235.1.177 |
| 18 | Hurricane Electric | 74.82.42.42 | |
| 19 | puntCAT | 109.69.8.51 | |
| 20 | Verizon DNS Servers | 4.2.2.1 | 4.2.2.2 |
Best Public DNS Servers
There is no specific order for using these DNS servers. However, you could use the first two DNS addresses for the best performance. From our tests, the Google Publish DNS and the OpenDNS seem to be performing much better than others on this list. So, always make sure that you tried them before trying other top DNS servers on this list.
1. Google Public DNS (Best Browsing DNS)
When searching for the perfect public DNS for your internet connection, the Google Public DNS might be the first thing you will see on any list. With the DNS addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, the Google DNS is extremely reliable. We never faced any issue with this DNS address. Often times, you could also change to this Google DNS server to access restricted websites online. It also supports the IPV6 connectivity in case you need it. With the advanced security measures applied by Google, the Google Public DNS is protected from the DNS Cache Poisoning attacks and DoS attacks.
Features
- Access restricted websites
- Supports IPV6 connectivity
- Protection against DNS Cache Poisoning and DoS attacks
2. OpenDNS (Best Streaming DNS)
Open DNS is one of the best alternatives for the Google Public DNS server. It is not only just an alternative but comes with some additional features to protect your privacy online. It has two different versions of the DNS addresses one for the home users and another for the enterprises. It comes with advanced security measurements such as Parental control, Phishing protection, Malware protection, etc. Nevertheless to say that the speed is awesome in the OpenDNS. The IP addresses are 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 which should be set as the Preferred and Alternate DNS servers.
Features
- Alternative to Google Public DNS
- Two versions: home users and enterprises
- Advanced security features: Parental control, Phishing protection, Malware protection
3. Norton ConnectSafe DNS
Norton has been protecting our devices with its various security products. So, there is no doubt needed in their DNS service too. Unlike the above-listed DNS servers, the Norton ConnectSafe has three different types of protection varying according to the features they offer. They help to protect your network from Phishing, Spammers, as well as hacking attempts. In addition, you could also set protection from pornographic content. The IP addresses will vary based on the plan you chose, but usually, it will be 199.85.126.10 and 199.85.127.10.
Features
- Three types of protection: Phishing, Spammers, hacking attempts
- Option to set protection from pornographic content
- IP addresses vary based on the plan chosen
4. DNS.Watch
DNS.Watch is one of the fastest DNS servers in the world. With its fast and reliable internet connection properties, this third party DNS will provide an uninterrupted browsing experience. You could use the DNS.Watch in almost any platform including Windows, Linux, and Mac without any difficulties. The DNS.Watch comes in handy for unblocking the blocked services or websites in a certain region. So, if your ISP is blocking you from something, use this DNS. The IP addresses are 82.200.69.80 and 84.200.70.40.
Features
- Fast and reliable DNS servers
- Compatible with multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, Mac)
- Helpful for unblocking blocked services or websites
5. DNS Advantage
While having a search for the fastest DNS servers, the DNS Advantage should be on the list. It is well known for its reliability in providing a fast user experience while browsing and accessing certain websites. Especially for watching videos on websites like Youtube and Dailymotion which consumes a lot of bandwidth, the DNS Advantage is a real advantage. The IP addresses of this DNS server are 156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1. So, if you are a video lover who frequently visits such websites, you should consider this in the top DNS list.
Features
- Known for its reliability and fast user experience
- Suitable for watching bandwidth-intensive videos
6. Dyn
Dyn is yet another good third-party DNS server in this list. With the IP addresses 216.146.35.35 and 216.146.36.36 it is really fast, secure, and effective. The connection stability will never get altered with this DNS address. It is also coming with the Phishing attack protection to help the users secure themselves from any online threats. So, even if you don’t have active internet security on your computer, there is no need to worry if you have this DNS activated.
Features
- Fast, secure, and effective DNS server
- Protection against phishing attacks
7. Level3 DNS
Level3 DNS is a good choice for those who need a stable internet connection. When your old default DNS server makes problems with the connection, go for the Level3 DNS. Nevertheless to say that the Level3 will not be as good as the OpenDNS or others above, but still, manages to provide a good user experience throughout the browsing sessions. It is coming with multiple DNS combinations including 209.244.0.3, 209.244.0.4, 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3 and 4.2.2.4.
Features
- Stable internet connection option
- Good user experience during browsing sessions
- Multiple DNS combinations available
8. Comodo Secure
Comodo is a well know SSL brand as well as other security products. They not only help to protect our computers from viruses or other vulnerabilities but also helps to secure our internet connection with the comodo secure DNS. As the name itself implies, it is an extremely secure DNS with speed advantages. It has an advanced technology that automatically selects the nearest DNS server to provide the maximum possible performance on your internet connection. So, if you are looking for a reliable and most secure DNS, you should set it as 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20.
Features
- Secure DNS with advanced technology
- Automatically selects the nearest DNS server for optimal performance
9. SafeDNS (Best Gaming DNS)
SafeDNS is a cloud-based DNS service that is extremely safe to use. As the name says, the SafeDNS will provide the safest way to enjoy browsing, streaming videos, and engage in online gaming. From our tests, there were no problems found on this DNS provider which made us believe in its capability to be one of the best DNS services. 195.46.39.39 and 195.46.39.40 are the DNS addresses you should set on your PC. It is suitable for almost any version of Windows including Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10. You could also use them on other platforms as well.
Features
- Cloud-based DNS service
- Safe and secure browsing, streaming, and online gaming
10. Verisign DNS
Verisign is a trusted certificate authority that can also provide a secure DNS of your own. It is well known as the best DNS servers for gaming by many gamers worldwide. So, if you are into some serious online multiple player gaming, you may go with the Verisign addresses which are 64.6.64.6 and 64.6.65.6. The connection stability is extremely good in Verisign servers which made online gaming far better than before. That’s why it is considered a good gaming DNS provider.
Features
- Trusted DNS server for gaming
- Excellent connection stability
11. Yandex.DNS
Yandex.DNS is something new to the DNS world. In other words, it is a new DNS service provider which offers 3 different types of DNS addresses which are Basic, Safe, and Family. Users will be able to choose their plan as per their requirements and the risk of the network they are in. It has IPV4 and IPV6 DNS addresses which vary from one another. The IP addresses elongate as 77.88.8.8 and 77.88.8.1 for the Basic, 77.88.8.88 and 77.88.8.2 for the Safe, and 77.88.8.7 and 77.88.8.3 for the Family. The IPV6 DNS addresses are 2a02:6b8::feed:0ff, 2a02:6b8::feed:bad, and 2a02:6b8::feed:a11 respectively.
Features
- Offers three different types of DNS addresses: Basic, Safe, and Family
- Suitable for choosing the desired level of network security
- IP addresses vary based on the type of DNS chosen
12. OpenNIC DNS
For those who are in search of free dynamic DNS servers, here is the OpenNIC DNS. the OpenNIC is a good alternative DNS provider when all of the above-listed items are not suitable or working for you. The OpenNIC allows you to overcome ISP DNS Hijacking to enable new TLDs as per your needs. It has a widespread network infrastructure that allows browsing freely all over the world wide web. The OpenNIC DNS servers are usually set to 96.90.175.167 and 193.183.98.154.
Features
- Alternative DNS provider with support for new TLDs
- Enables browsing freely across the internet
13. GreenTeamDNS
GreenTeamDNS is not a big name in the DNS industry. But still, it worths the attention. With its fast and reliable DNS servers, the GreenTeam serves thousands of internet users. It can protect all of your devices without any problems. It is compatible with your smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs, Macs, etc. You could easily filter out the sensitive categories using the DNS filter feature. The GreenTeam DNS addresses are 81.218.119.11 and 209.88.198.133.
Features
- Fast and reliable DNS servers
- Compatibility with various devices (smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc.)
14. SmartViper
SmartViper is one of the best DNS servers for PS4. If you are a PS4 gamer who frequently spends time playing games online, you may consider this one for your favorite gaming console. No matter how intense is your gameplay or how many people are there on the network to interface your connection, the SmartViper can smartly handle the traffic. If you are in search of the perfect DNS PS4 codes, you should be using 208.76.50.50 and 208.76.51.51 as your primary and secondary DNS addresses.
Features
- Ideal DNS server for PS4 gaming
- Efficiently handles network traffic and ensures stable connections
15. UncensoredDNS
It is a single-man maintained DNS company providing free DNS services to the customers. You could use the 91.239.100.100 and 89.233.43.71 for IPV4, 2001:67c:28a4:: and 2a01:3a0:53:53:: for the IPV6. You will be able to access any blocked websites and services by your ISP. The response time and stability of the DNS are acceptable and we felt no problem during the usage. For those who need a free alternative DNS, the UncensoredDNS is also a nice choice.
Features
- Free DNS service with acceptable response time and stability
- Access blocked websites and services
16. Alternate DNS
Alternet DNS has quite the fastest DNS servers among others on this list. One of the main advantages of this DNS is that it has a separate DNS system that filters out unwanted ads. So if you seriously hate those annoying ads which pop out every time you visit some websites, you might have to choose the Alternate DNS as your DNS provider. Configure your network settings to use the IP addresses 198.101.242.72 and 23.253.163.53 to enjoy the service without any interruptions.
Features
- Fast DNS servers with ad filtering feature
- Ideal for blocking unwanted ads during browsing
17. FreeDNS
Yet another best free dynamic DNS, the FreeDNS will never log your DNS queries. This is to protect the user’s privacy at its best. The high-performance DNS servers located in Austria will provide a seamless browsing experience throughout the sessions. 37.235.1.174 and 37.235.1.177 are the DNS servers which you should configure in your connection settings in order to enjoy the service. No matter how far you are from the server location, the FreeDNS always provides satisfaction.
Features
- Doesn’t log your DNS queries
- High-performance DNS servers
18. Hurricane Electric
They provide IPV4 DNS servers as well as the IPV6. There is a single DNS available which is 74.82.42.42. It is not a good option to consider. But if you are facing problems with all of the above DNS servers (It is almost impossible), you may go for this. There are no problems with the connection stability, but has few problems with the speed. During the high-traffic or bandwidth usage times, the DNS address slows down the connection a little bit. The IPV6 address is 2001:470:20::2.
Features
- Both IPv4 and IPv6 DNS servers are available
- Suitable if none of the above DNS servers are working
19. puntCAT
puntCAT is a DNS server provider located near Barcelona. 109.69.8.51 is the IP address of the DNS server. There is no secondary DNS available for this service which is why we do not recommend this over any of the above. The IPV6 address is set to 2a00:1508:0:4::9. From our tests, the puntCAT DNS had a good response time but had a little slow down issue sometimes. So, it is better to go for any other excellent DNS servers provided in this list.
Features
- There is no secondary DNS available
- Good response time
20. Verizon DNS Servers
Verizon service users shouldn’t change DNS servers if possible. Because, the Verizon ISP seems to be working perfectly on their default DNS servers which are 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3, 4.2.2.4, and 4.2.2.5. Like the same, on other such ISPs also, try to stay in the automatically assigned DNS servers. You could also try contacting them to know which one works perfectly on their service. If not the default DNS, use the Google Public DNS instead as it seems to be compatible with almost all of the ISPs.
Features
- Best for Verizon customers
Want to Use Private DNS servers?
Getting a private DNS server is pretty simple. Just signup for any VPN service (either paid or free) and connect to their servers. They provide their own DNS servers to anonymize your internet connection. You don’t have to do anything special to change your DNS server to private. Some of the most used VPN services include ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, IPVanish, etc. You can try using them and if the connection speed is not getting reduced, continue using them for your private DNS needs.
Which is the fastest DNS server?
Google DNS is the fastest DNS server we have ever used. The primary DNS address of 8.8.8.8 and the secondary DNS of 8.8.4.4 can be used for almost any usage scenarios. It works perfectly no matter what your specific use case is. Setting Google DNS as your default DNS address, you will leverage the maximum potential speed of your internet connection. In some areas, it will work even better than the default ISP set DNS address, improving internet speed.
Which one of these DNS servers will you choose?
Here we listed some of the most reliable DNS servers all around the globe. All of them are better in one manner or another. So, any one of them will do the job perfectly to boost your internet connection like a rocket. No matter in which part of the world you are in or how much is your internet reach. Changing your DNS will considerably impact the internet connection speed of your PC or laptop. So, don’t wait to choose one of the above-listed DNS services.
Factors to Consider While Choosing a DNS
- Reliability
- Speed
- Security
- Privacy
- Geographical Coverage
- Customization
- Technical Support
- Compatibility
- Reputation
- Cost
Conclusion
Did you like this best free DNS list? Will you go for the Google dynamic DNS or the Public DNS? Let us know our thoughts on this. If we missed any of the well-known best DNS services, also let us know about it. So, no more search for the fastest DNS servers near me.