Overview
In this article, we will tell you about the best DNS server.
Are you looking for the best DNS server you can use for a safer browsing experience? If you are, then we just have the right recommendation for you. However, to understand what a DNS is, we will briefly discuss how it works.
We will also show you factors you have to consider before you get a DNS. After you gain some understanding of how a DNS function works, we will tell you about the best DNS servers you can get online.
What is DNS and How Does it Work?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. As people browse the internet, they go to search engines to input their questions, phrases, and words that will produce all relevant results. A DNS is like a person’s phone number in the old school phonebook. However, it applies to each address of every website from the world wide web. Each website has a domain name.
How Does a DNS Work?
The Domain Name System (DNS) converts a website’s URL into an IP address that is readable by any gadget. It is how our modern devices allow you to connect with the internet. The process is also helpful for finding adequate answers to the questions we type in search engine boxes.
The process of getting results from different online sources is known as DNS Resolution. When any individual inputs a web address (www.metalcompass.org), the DNS will convert it to a readable IP address (192.168.6.9). After obtaining an IP address conversion, the client’s device will now read the IP address. It will result in the website that answers the query of the client’s search engine.
Factors to Consider When Searching for a DNS
DNS plays a crucial role in providing security against prying eyes. As we all know, many websites contain harmful software. Using a DNS may also result in a device with better performance.
While using the web, you will find many paid DNS providers. However, we all want to save money. Before we will show you the Best Free DNS providers, we will tell you about some factors to consider before getting one.
Default DNS
During the first time you get an internet connection, your internet service provider (ISP) will give you a default DNS. Every time an ISP creates a new domain name, it will be assigned a set of name servers. They are also known as default domain name servers (Default DNS). These default name servers are responsible for keeping a new domain name active from the beginning.
Third-Party DNS
Third-Party DNS is a public domain name server. They can perform similar to default domain name servers (Default DNS). However, many third-party DNS belong to different operators worldwide. They represent alternative DNS services to the Default DNS we always use. It makes third-party domain name servers difficult to track or find the client device using them.
Free DNS
A free DNS is a public domain name server from different operators all over the planet. Free DNS services do not charge their users any type of payment. However, free domain name servers offer few features. Free DNS are hosting services that provide people a domain name if their registrars do not have a DNS hosting service.
Paid DNS
Paid DNS is another form of a third-party DNS hosting service. They offer the use of a private DNS by including extra features that require fees. These features are better security, safety, performance, customer support, and more options for user customization.
Public DNS
A public DNS is a domain name server available for anyone that is using the internet. Some examples are the default DNS from our internet service providers and a dedicated DNS hosting service. The public DNS is useful to a network of computers for searching answers to queries with the domain name server. A public DNS is similar to the DNS you use while browsing inside the safety of your house.
Private DNS
A private DNS is a domain name server that operates with the utmost privacy. Typically, private DNS is common with companies. A private DNS allows company employees to access their original websites and internal IP addresses. An example of a private DNS is the one you use while using the devices at your workstation while accessing the internet for information.
Best Free DNS Providers
We hope you gain some additional knowledge of what a DNS is all about, how it works, and the different types of DNS you typically encounter. Getting a free third-party DNS is now prevalent while connecting with the modern-day internet.
Although free DNS lacks some special features, there are free DNS providers that still ensure your safety while browsing the world wide web.
Cloudflare DNS
CloudFare DNS is a free and fast DNS hosting service available for public use. It is a DNS service made for the use of online enterprises. The CloudFare DNS is also an authoritative DNS service that provides its users the fastest response time.
CloudFare DNS offers an outstanding speed of nearly 13.00 milliseconds. It is undoubtedly a fast and free DNS service you can use while browsing the internet. CloudFare has over 200 domain name servers in different worldwide locations. It is no surprise that anyone wanting to use the CloudFare DNS will find a server close to their location.
The CloudFare DNS uses a redundancy with no parallels. It has a distributed cache system that stores many DNS queries on its many servers. This is useful for improving latency and getting query results at excellent speeds. For better security, the CloudFare DNS uses DNS over HTTPS and TLS protocols.
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CloudFare Primary DNS:
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1.1.1.1
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CloudFare Secondary DNS:
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1.0.0.1
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OpenDNS
OpenDNS is a domain name server from the reputable company of Cisco. The DNS contains a package of features that attempts to provide a safer, reliable, and faster DNS service for its users. OpenDNS also aims to become a family-friendly DNS hosting service that is free of any fees.
The OpenDNS name is a popular term that represents a DNS concept. It accepts queries from any kind of input or online source. OpenDNS does not have any bandwidth limit. The OpenDNS company is a product of its parent company Cisco.
OpenDNS offers many special features. Some of these features are phishing protection, options for filtering website contents, and a DNS Lookup. Two of its main features are FamilyShield and Home. FamilyShield helps parents block adult content from their youngsters. Users may customize some filters and implement a network ban on many adult websites.
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OpenDNS’ Primary DNS:
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Home: 208.67.222.222
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FamilyShield: 208.67.222.123
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OpenDNS’ Secondary DNS:
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Home: 208.67.222.222
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FamilyShield: 208.67.222.123
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Google Public DNS
Luckily for many users who are security conscious, the popular search engine of Google provides its public DNS server. The Google Public DNS is available for anyone to use while browsing the internet. Google’s Public DNS functions as a public recursive server. It aims to provide a DNS for a faster and more secured web browsing experience.
The Google Public DNS utilizes the power of its global data center network. This allows the Google Public DNS to provide excellent browsing speeds and offer more security options. Each data center of Google uses the Anycast Routing technique. Anycast Routing is a traffic algorithm for routing many user queries.
The Anycast Routing algorithm will map together with its network of global servers. As a result, any person will receive a query result with excellent speed. The Google Public DNS also supports user devices with IPv6 connections. Suppose you have an IPv6 connection, you just have to use a different set of DNS numbers.
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Primary DNS:
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8.8.8.8
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Secondary DNS:
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8.8.4.4
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YOUR INTERNET ACTIVITY IS BEING WATCHED
Quad9
When it comes to providing many security measures against online threats, the DNS of Quad9 tops all other free DNS hosting services. Quad9 offers its users robust and reliable security measures. The free DNS provider aims to protect you against the latest harmful software, malware and lurking cyber threats.
Quad9 holds the highest record of stopping malware attacks worldwide. Ensuring a high level of security to its users, Quad9 follows DNSSEC extensions. These security extensions are efficient with the prevention of domain spoofing, malware intrusions, and cyber attacks. DNSSEC extensions also accurately match your DNS queries to the appropriate domain operator.
Quad9 also uses the live threat intelligence feature. The live threat intelligence feature combines the data collection of thirteen online cyber security firms. It is handy in detecting websites with infections or websites that have clones. The live threat intelligence feature also stops phishing and malware websites from infiltrating your domain.
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Primary DNS:
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9.9.9.9
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Secondary DNS:
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149.112.112.112
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Comodo Secure
Comodo Secure is a public domain name server that does not require any fees. People may begin using Comodo secure by clicking on its free trial button. Comodo Secure is a public DNS that focuses on providing the utmost security measures against the latest cyber threats. It offers efficient protection against adware, spyware, malware, and C&C Callbacks.
If you use Comodo Secure, the public DNS will immediately warn you before opening a website with ads and malicious threats. The public DNS is also handy in blocking phishing websites and malware domains. When Comodo Secure detects a new website threat, it will add it to its existing blocklist of dangerous sites. This helps the public DNS provide a secure experience to its future users.
Comodo Secure also directs your queries to the correct domain operator. If any person is trying to visit an inactive domain, the Comodo Secure public DNS will redirect you towards active ones. Suppose you are an avid gamer wanting an increase in your connection speed, then Comodo Secure will help you achieve it.
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Primary DNS:
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8.26.56.26
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Secondary DNS:
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8.20.247.20
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OpenNIC Project
OpenNIC Project is a free public domain server provider from an organization of hobbyists. The OpenNIC DNS provides users access to all the domains that do not fall under the administration of ICANN. OpenNIC resolves DNS queries with the help of their original namespaces.
The OpenNIC DNS does not contain any type of content blocking features. This means that any user cannot use OpenNIC to block some websites they do not want to visit. OpenNIC does not apply any type of internet censorship. It allows the users of the OpenNIC public DNS to have a free browsing experience without any limits.
OpenNIC DNS can also increase your internet speeds. The public DNS operates as a volunteer project and focuses on providing DNS neutrality. OpenNIC DNS has many global servers. One of the security measures of OpenNIC is the prevention of DNS Hijacking. It ensures that your DNS queries will not result in you visiting malicious websites.
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Primary DNS:
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198.206.14.241
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Secondary DNS:
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172.98.193.42
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Yandex DNS
Yandex DNS is another third-party and public domain name server provider. The DNS hosting service is from Russia and offers its users a smooth and unforgettable experience like drinking vodka. Yandex DNS holds a record for providing an uptime of 99.95% efficiency. It means that its servers do not result in query failures almost 99.95% every time.
Yandex DNS provides three types of security features. These security features are Basic, Family, and Safe. Yandex DNS Basic feature offers an increase in your internet speed. The Family feature allows users to implement content filtering options. Yandex DNS’ Safe feature enhances your speed and protects you from DoS attacks and malware intrusions.
However, the Yandex DNS hosting service sometimes shares your data with third parties. It is not a private DNS provider. Yandex DNS still helps in giving a robust, reliable, and effective security measure against the latest cyber threats. It also allows users to access many customization features that will help you filter some online content.
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Primary DNS:
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77.88.8.8
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Secondary DNS:
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77.88.8.1
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Use a DNS Provider with a VPN
DNS services aim to provide people with a secure, fast, and reliable internet connection. Utilizing the help of powerful server networks, intelligence gathering techniques, and security protocols, many DNS services stop harmful attacks from many cyber threats.
However, not all DNS services are trustworthy. There are still providers that sell your information and distribute them to third parties. It is why we recommend you install the Surfshark.
Surfshark will help you stop many cyber threats. It will pass your online traffic through encrypted tunnels. It is the best for gaming and streaming activities. Here are some benefits of using this VPN:
- Pass your connection through digital tunnels.
- Counter the effects of ISP throttling.
- Cloak your device from prying eyes.
- Provide you with an invisible IP address.
- Protect you from the latest cyber threats.
- Prevents the onset of lagging and buffering while streaming with Fire TV devices.
Install Surfshark on Firestick
How to Install Surfshark VPN on Firestick
If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.
Follow our screenshots below to install the SurfShark VPN app on your Fire TV stick.
1. Go to the Home screen of your Firestick.
2. Navigate towards the Find tab. Press the Search button from the resulting dropdown.
3. Type in the keyword of SurfShark and select from the suggestions that will appear.
4. Click the official SurfShark icon from your search results.
5. Press the Download (You own it) button.
6. The SurfShark VPN installer will download on your device.
7. SurfShark VPN’s app will automatically install itself on your Fire TV stick.
8. Press the Open button after completing SurfShark VPN’s installation process.
9. Please wait for the SurfShark VPN to load its user interface.
10. You can now log in with your SurfShark VPN account credentials.
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FAQs
Do these DNS Providers require any payment?
No, not all of them require any payment. However, if you want to get extra features, you may have to pay some extra fees.
Is it safe to use DNS servers?
Yes. One of the primary purposes of DNS servers is to provide a safe, secure, and faster web browsing experience. They also implement many security protocols that prevent online threats. There are DNS hosting services that specialize in preventing cyber attacks, malware, viruses, and even stop you from accessing malicious domains.
Conclusion
DNS is the acronym for Domain Name System. All of us use a different type of DNS while browsing the internet. Unbeknownst to many people, the internet contains many cyber threats such as hackers, viruses, and harmful software. To ensure security while browsing, people may opt to get the services of free public domain name servers.
We hope this article teaches you about the best DNS servers that provide a safe, faster, and reliable browsing experience.
