Important I am not affiliated with any of the companies or DNS providers listed. This information is shared “as is”. If you find this helpful and want to say thanks, please buy me a coffee. It keeps this page ad-free. Thank you!
This is yet another list of Public DNS Servers. I know there are more than enough guides out there but decided to publish this one because I feel there’s some useful advice that I can share.
Public DNS Speedtest
There are several factors that determine DNS speed, some of which are out of your control. If you want to benchmark DNS performance, here are a few useful resources:
Web-Based DNS Benchmark
DNS Perf. This benchmarks DNS performance by testing from 200 locations. It’s the best way to get a proper sense of how servers are performing and also diagnose if the issue might be something you can control.
Windows-Based DNS Benchmark
GRC DNS Benchmark (Free): Install it, click on the NameServers tab and click Benchmark. Once it’s done, go to the Tabular tab and the best performing server based on your location will be listed first.
DNS Jumper (Free). Unzip, click the Find Fastest DNS button and it will automagically search for you. DNS Jumper also makes it easy to change DNS servers. You can just Apply the DNS Server at the end of the test.
Quickly Change your DNS (Windows 10)
My preferred app for quickly changing your DNS settings in Windows 10 is called QuickSet DNS. I prefer QuickSet DNS to DNS Jumper for changing your DNS because it recognizes both system defaults, router defaults, and allows you to add your own custom DNS settings.
My List of Public DNS Servers
This is my list of Public DNS Servers in no particular order and I am not paid, affiliated, or in any way associated with them, use as you see fit. I do have some notes if I think it’s relevant or important to know.
- Cloudflare
Operated by a commercial entity.
1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1
- Level 3
There’s a high probability that your Internet provider uses Level 3 already or a custom version of Level 3.
4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2
- Quad 9
Operated by a non-profit promises privacy and security.
9.9.9.9 149.112.112.112
- Google DNS
Owned by Google, I always have some personal privacy reservations about Google’s DNS.
8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
- OpenDNS
Owned by CISCO.
208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220
Other Public DNS Options
If you try any of the DNS Benchmarking software you will see there are A LOT more public DNS options. Including ones offering parental controls and other filters. The above list is my shortlist and should be good for most needs.
Important I am not affiliated with any of the companies or DNS providers listed. This information is shared “as is”. If you find this helpful and want to say thanks, please buy me a coffee. It keeps this page ad-free. Thank you!