When browsing the Internet, one of the essential parts, despite being unknown by a large part of users, is the use of DNS servers. With the help of these, it is possible not to have to enter server IP addresses to access the websites we visit, and instead use domains of different types to make these connections in a more comfortable way.
Usually network operators offer their own with their routers, but it is very easy to change it on Windows computers, and the rest can be achieved by changing the configuration of the router or modem. However, to do so you must know which are the best DNS servers that you can use for their speed and security, so here we are going to comment on some of them that you can use with your Internet connection if you wish.
What free DNS servers are there?
As we mentioned, the list of free and public DNS servers get faster connections to websites, while they ensure something more for the safety of users. Below we describe some of the most popular DNS servers, although they are not all of them either.
1.1.1.1: The Cloudflare Initiative
Cloudflare's DNS servers turn out to be one of the most popular today. They do not have much time on the network, but the truth is that these servers, known as 1.1.1.1 are used by many users around the world.
they have the lowest latency compared to its main competitors, which speeds up Internet connections, and has a multitude of data centers spread throughout the world. In addition, they guarantee privacy through private connections, and with compatible with some current technologies such as DoH, DoT and DNSSEC.
- For IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- For IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 y 2606:4700:4700::1001
In addition to the already mentioned usual Cloudflare DNS, there is also 1.1.1.1 for families, an initiative to protect Internet connections that integrates more comprehensive security solutions. You can use 1.1.1.2 and 1.0.0.2 as DNS servers if you want Cloudflare to protect you from malware at the network level, or you can use 1.1.1.3 and 1.0.0.3 servers to block both malware and adult content if minors live with you.
Google: the most popular servers
Other DNS servers that are well known worldwide and that allow fast and low latency connections to the Internet, are Google's. In addition to a great speed in website connections, to say that they are also quite advanced in terms of technologies, so that they allow important improvements in terms of security such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT).
They are well known basically because, until the arrival of Cloudflare's servers, they were the fastest, which has given them significant popularity. Little by little, these are taking away his position, but Google's DNS servers are still the most used worldwide on the part of the users.
- For IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- For IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 y 2001:4860:4860::8844
Quad9: the most advanced in terms of safety
Among the DNS server options, we also find those of Quad9. Its is not just random, as the main server is 9.9.9.9. Now, in this case they do not focus so much on the loading speed of the websites, but rather Quad9 stands out for its integrations in terms of security and privacy.
In addition to the technologies of DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT), also included in Google's DNS servers, these servers incorporate the DNSCrypt protocol, with which Man-in-The-Middle attacks are mitigated by encrypting the connections between the computer and the server. Behind them are important companies such as IBM, Global Cyber Alliance or Packet Clearing House.
- For IPv4: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
- For IPv6: 2620: faith :: faith and 2620: faith :: 9
OpenDNS: formerly ad-supported, now free
As an alternative to the above mentioned DNS servers, there is also OpenDNS. This solution was initially paid and, for free, it only incorporated a version with advertising. However, these restrictions were lifted with the arrival of alternative free servers.
Currently, it is part of the Cisco company, and has important solutions in terms of privacy and security, incorporating solutions to prevent attacks from phising and filter the content. It also has support for DNS over HTTPS (DoH), but not for DNS over TLS (DoT), although it does include the technology DNSCrypt.
- For IPv4: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
- For IPv6: 2620:119:35::35 y 2620:119:53::53
Some more alternative DNS servers you can use
The 4 above solutions are the most popular today and the ones we recommend using the most for their speed and security. However, there are a few other companies that offer free DNS servers. We detail some of them more along with their DNS servers for IPv4 for being the most widespread protocol:
- Level3: 209.244.0.3 and 209.244.0.4
- Verisign: 64.6.64.6 and 64.6.65.6
- WATCH: 84.200.69.80 and 84.200.70.40
- Comodo Secure DNS: 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20
- GreenTeamDNS: 81.218.119.11 and 209.88.198.133
- SafeDNS: 195.46.39.39 and 195.46.39.40
- OpenNIC: 96.90.175.167 and 193.183.98.154
- SmartViper: 208.76.50.50 and 208.76.51.51
- Man: 216.146.35.35 and 216.146.36.36
- FreeDNS: 37.235.1.174 and 37.235.1.177
- Alternate DNS: 198.101.242.72 and 23.253.163.53
- DNS: 77.88.8.8 and 77.88.8.1
- UncensoredDNS: 91.239.100.100 and 89.233.43.71
- Hurricane Electric: 74.82.42.42
- puntCAT: 109.69.8.51
- Neustar: 156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1
- FourthEstate: 45.77.165.194
- Clean Browsing: 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9
- UltraDNS: 156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1