Which DNS Servers Offer the Fastest Speeds?
Fastest DNS Servers in 2023
When it comes to choosing the fastest DNS servers, several options stand out:
- Cloudflare:
- Offers 1.1.1.1 as the “internet’s fastest DNS directory.”
- It promises fast speeds with features such as DNS over HTTPS and IPv6 .
- Cloudflare never logs your IP address or sells your data.
- Additionally, it includes tools to prevent DDoS attacks and enhance privacy.
- Google Public DNS:
- Uses IPs 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, ensuring faster browsing and accurate results without redirects.
- It’s free and protects against DNS spoofing and DDoS attacks.
- However, s should be aware that Google may utilize DNS data as per their .
- It’s hosted in data centers worldwide, directing s to the nearest server for speed.
- Quad9:
- Uses IPs 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112 and protects s from cyber threats by blocking unsafe websites.
- While it provides reliable online security, it may be slower compared to Cloudflare and Google DNS.
- Quad9 does not log personal data and operates a real-time blocklist of harmful websites.
- Control D:
- Offers various DNS servers categorized by themes, including “Uncensored” resolvers for bying IP blocking.
- s custom configurations to block ads, trackers, and malicious content.
- NordVPN:
- Offers fast DNS servers that safeguard against DNS poisoning.
- s can implement DNS filtering against malicious domains using the Threat Protection Pro feature.
- AdGuard DNS and CleanBrowsing: Both are alternatives worth considering, each with distinct features catering to privacy and security.
- Alternate DNS: A viable option for s looking for additional DNS features and enhanced browsing privacy.
In conclusion, both 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) and 8.8.8.8 (Google Public DNS) are highly regarded among gamers for their speed. Nonetheless, the optimal choice may depend on your specific location — testing both to check which one offers lower latency is advisable.
According to independent DNS monitor DNSPerf, 1.1.1.1 is frequently ranked as one of the fastest DNS services available.
Cloudflare: The Leading DNS for Performance
Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS Resolver is a public DNS resolver operated by Cloudflare that offers a fast and private way to browse the Internet.
It is noteworthy that, unlike most DNS resolvers, 1.1.1.1 does not sell data to rs. Furthermore, it has been measured to be the fastest DNS resolver available.
The power of the Cloudflare network gives 1.1.1.1 a natural advantage in of delivering speedy DNS queries. Since it is integrated into Cloudflare’s network, which spans over 330 global cities, s anywhere in the world get a quick response from 1.1.1.1.
According to the independent DNS monitor DNSPerf, 1.1.1.1 is ranked as the fastest DNS service in the world. This DNS service boasts ultra-low-latency query response times, which accelerates the delivery of web pages.
Moreover, 1.1.1.1 offers security features not available from many other public DNS services, such as query name minimization. This feature improves privacy by only including the minimum number of information required for each query in the resolution process.
One of the main reasons to switch to a third-party DNS resolver like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 is to improve security and gain faster performance. Typically, ISP’s DNS resolvers can be slow and may become overloaded due to heavy usage. In cases of high traffic, an ISP’s resolver could cease answering requests altogether.
Cloudflare’s DNS lookup speeds average around 11ms, confirming that its 1.1.1.1 DNS service is indeed one of the fastest DNS servers in the world.
Additionally, Cloudflare offers built-in DDoS protection and DNSSEC to protect against DNS attacks.
You can utilize 1.1.1.1 on any device by visiting https://www.1.1.1.1/. With its global network infrastructure, Cloudflare ensures not just fast response times but also redundancy.
How to Benchmark Your DNS Speed Effectively
To effectively benchmark your DNS speed, consider using the following tools:
- GRC DNS Benchmark: Best for nameserver visibility.
- DNSPerf: Best for easy accessibility.
- NameBench: Best for power s; it’s a Google-owned tool that is free and open-source, available on multiple operating systems such as macOS and Windows. It can average connection speed for any Internet provider, country, or city worldwide.
- DNS Jumper: Best for manual DNS server customization.
- DNS Checker: Best for mobile.
Additionally, the DNS Speed Benchmark tool performs an A record lookup for the apex domain name from over 200 locations worldwide. The lookup time serves as a benchmark for DNS providers’ performance across different regions. This allows you to debug your self-hosted DNS servers and test routing logic. Notably, test result retention is up to 30 days.
For a straightforward approach, simply DNS Benchmark, launch it (no installation required), select the ‘Nameservers’ tab, and click ‘Run Benchmark’. It will benchmark the top 72 DNS servers. Once completed, it can also benchmark nearly 5,000 publicly available DNS servers worldwide and identify the best 50 for your connection.
Comparative Analysis: DNS for Gaming vs. General Use
In competitive online gaming, every millisecond counts. If you’re tired of lag affecting your gaming experience, one often-overlooked factor that can significantly impact your gaming performance is the Domain Name System (DNS). A faster DNS server can reduce the time it takes for game data to reach your device. This translates to lower ping, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive experience. Conversely, a slow DNS can introduce latency, leading to higher ping times and less responsiveness.
Using a DNS server for gaming not only translates page addresses but may also provide you the advantage you need in gaming by lowering latency and stabilizing connections. A fast DNS server helps speed up reaction times by reducing the amount of time it takes for your device to connect to gaming servers. If your DNS finds game servers more quickly, your game can load maps, levels, and data more quickly.
Reliable internet connectivity is essential; however, extremely fast connections are not necessary. Dropping frequently can disconnect you or make you exposed while playing the game. OpenDNS or Google Public DNS ensure consistent performance because of their extensive, well-maintained infrastructure. If security is a top concern, choose a DNS server for gaming with cyber threat protection. Google Public DNS is fast but logs some information, whereas Surfshark DNS encrypts your traffic and keeps your online activities private, especially when used with a VPN.
For raw speed, the fastest DNS servers include:
- Google Public DNS: Known for reliability and speed with a global network ensuring fast resolution times.
- Cloudflare: Offers unparalleled speed and security, with robust DDoS protection and efficient traffic routing, making it a great solution for gaming and private browsing needs.
- OpenDNS: Provides a robust service with features like content filtering and security enhancements, suitable for gamers who need both performance and security.
- Quad9: Prioritizes security and privacy, blocking malicious domains and protecting against attacks.
- SafeDNS: Provides family-friendly filtering with decent performance for online gaming.
- AdGuard DNS: Blocks ads and trackers, leading to cleaner gaming sessions.
- Comodo Secure DNS: Another option to consider for enhanced security.
Choosing the right DNS server can potentially reduce your ping, giving you a competitive edge in the gaming arena. By using a fast and efficient DNS server, you can reduce latency, improve connection stability, and ultimately enhance your gaming experience.
Top Free DNS Options for Enhanced Internet Speed
Using a free public DNS server can create a significant difference with more responsive internet browsing. Moreover, it enhances lengthy, 100% uptime activities. As a result, you will encounter very few technical glitches. Additionally, some of the best DNS servers can prevent access to phishing or malicious websites. A few alternatives also provide content filtering to protect your children from the dangers of the internet. In a nutshell, people change their DNS primarily to achieve a better and more secure web browsing experience.
Here are some of the top free DNS options for enhanced internet speed:
- Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): Highlighted as the fastest public DNS server available. It guarantees that it won’t utilize your internet browsing data to serve ments. Furthermore, it promises that it will never store your querying IP address to disk.
- Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8): A free and popular DNS server that focuses on speed, security, and validity of results.
- OpenDNS: Owned by Cisco, it offers two free options: Family Shield and Home.
- Quad9: Emphasizes privacy and security while blocking malicious domains and phishing.
- Comodo Secure DNS: Primary: 8.26.56.26, Secondary: 8.20.247.20.
- FreeDNS: Primary: 37.235.1.174, Secondary: 37.235.1.177.
- Alternate DNS: Primary: 198.101.242.72, Secondary: 23.253.163.53.
- Dyn: Primary: 216.146.35.35, Secondary: 216.146.36.36.
- DNS.WATCH: Primary: 84.200.69.80, Secondary: 84.200.70.40.
- GreenTeamDNS: Primary: 81.218.119.11, Secondary: 209.88.198.133.
- Norton ConnectSafe: Primary: 199.85.126.10, Secondary: 199.85.127.10.
- Hurricane Electric: Primary: 74.82.42.42, Secondary: N/A.
- Level3: Primary: 209.244.0.3, Secondary: 209.244.0.4.
- Neustar Security: Primary: 156.154.70.1, Secondary: 156.154.71.1.
- OpenNIC: Primary: 23.94.60.240, Secondary: 128.52.130.209.
- OpenDNS Home: Primary: 208.67.222.222, Secondary: 208.67.220.220.
- Yandex.DNS: Primary: 77.88.8.8, Secondary: 77.88.8.1.
- SafeDNS: Primary: 195.46.39.39, Secondary: 195.46.39.40.
- puntCAT: Primary: 109.69.8.51, Secondary: N/A.
- Verisign: Primary: 64.6.64.6, Secondary: 64.6.65.6.
- UncensoredDNS: Primary: 91.239.100.100, Secondary: 89.233.43.71.
Changing the DNS can help improve internet browsing speed. This is because operators’ own DNS servers might slow down the process. By using alternative DNS servers, s may experience faster resolution of IP addresses linked to domain names.
Independent testing from sites such as DNSPerf has proven that Cloudflare is the fastest public DNS server available on the internet. Alongside, OpenDNS is one of the most popular names in public DNS, founded in 2005. Google’s own DNS product also emphasizes security and speed, making it a top choice for s.
