The best DNS servers for faster internet speed are Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9), each offering distinct advantages in speed, security, and privacy. Choosing the right one depends on whether your priority is raw performance, blocking malicious domains, or content filtering for your home or small business network.
What are the best DNS servers for faster internet speed: Quick-reference table
| Provider | Primary / Secondary IPs | Key Features | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 | Speed and reliability focus, 24-48 hour query logging with privacy safeguards | General speed improvement |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220 | Cisco-owned, FamilyShield content filtering, phishing protection, 100% uptime, optional $20/year subscription for history | Content filtering and reliability |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112 | Threat intelligence from 18+ providers, blocks malicious domains and phishing, strong privacy stance | Security-focused browsing |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.0 | Fastest public DNS per DNSPerf, never stores querying IP to disk, annual KPMG audits, optional malware/adult blocking on 1.1.1.2 and 1.1.1.3 | Maximum speed and privacy |
| CleanBrowsing | 185.228.168.9 / 185.228.169.9 | Three filter tiers (security, adult, family), hourly malware updates | Parental controls |
| AdGuard DNS | 176.103.130.130 / 176.103.130.131 | Ad blocking in apps and games, malware and phishing protection, optional Family Protection servers for adult content | Ad-free browsing across devices |
| Yandex.DNS | 77.88.8.8 / 77.88.8.1 | Three modes (Basic, Safe, Family), 80+ global servers, built-in antivirus using Sophos signatures | Users in Russia and nearby regions |
1. Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS uses IPs 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 with a speed and reliability focus, making it a top choice for general browsing. It logs the full IP address of the querying device for approximately 24 to 48 hours for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes, but permanent logs eliminate any confidential information and reduce location details to the city level. You want it because it's one of the most widely tested and consistently fast public DNS options available, backed by Google's global infrastructure.
2. OpenDNS
OpenDNS uses IPs 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220, is Cisco-owned, and offers FamilyShield content filtering, phishing protection, and 100% uptime. An optional $20/year subscription provides browsing history for up to the previous year. You want it because it combines enterprise-grade reliability with customizable security features and content filtering options, including FamilyShield servers to block inappropriate content.
3. Quad9
Quad9 uses IPs 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112, drawing threat intelligence from 18+ providers to block malicious domains and phishing while maintaining a strong privacy stance. You want it because it blocks malicious domains by aggregating threat intelligence from numerous private and public sources, giving you protection against malware and phishing before you even click a link.
4. Cloudflare
Cloudflare uses IPs 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.0, is the fastest public DNS per DNSPerf, never stores your querying IP to disk, and undergoes annual KPMG audits. Optional malware and adult content blocking is available on 1.1.1.2 and 1.1.1.3. You want it because it's the fastest public DNS server available, and the company promises it will never store your querying IP address to disk, with any logs removed within a day.
5. CleanBrowsing
CleanBrowsing uses IPs 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9, offers three filter tiers (security, adult, family), and updates its malware lists hourly. You want it because it offers content filtering, malware protection, and privacy features, with different filters for security, family, and adult content that update every hour to prevent phishing sites and malware.
6. AdGuard DNS
AdGuard DNS uses IPs 176.103.130.130 and 176.103.130.131, blocks ads in web pages, apps, videos, and online games, and provides malware and phishing protection. Optional Family Protection servers block adult content. You want it because it blocks ads in apps and games, preventing tracking and speeding up page loads across your entire network without installing any software.
7. Yandex.DNS
Yandex.DNS uses IPs 77.88.8.8 and 77.88.8.1, offers three modes (Basic, Safe, Family), operates more than 80 servers globally, and includes built-in antivirus using Sophos signatures. You want it because it delivers a secure home network with protection against viruses and fraudsters, and its anti-virus software monitors for malware using both Yandex algorithms and signature technology by Sophos.
8. NextDNS
This service offers customizable DNS filtering, allowing users to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It supports encrypted DNS protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for enhanced security and privacy. Users can create multiple configurations with different settings for various devices or user profiles. It provides detailed analytics and real-time logs of DNS activity, with options to control log retention or disable logging entirely.
9. G-Core (Gcore)
G-Core Labs provides a public DNS service known for its high performance and global network infrastructure. It is often highlighted for its speed, making it a suitable choice for tech enthusiasts. The service is designed for high-performance network infrastructures.
10. Control D
This is a highly customizable DNS service that allows for blocking unwanted content and threats at the domain level. It supports modern encrypted DNS protocols such as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), DNS-over-TLS (DoT), and DNS-over-QUIC. A unique feature is its "Traffic Redirection" capability, which can redirect specific domains or services via transparent proxies. It offers web and service filtering, malware blocking, and real-time DNS query analytics.
11. CDNetworks
This public DNS service is noted for its strong performance, particularly in Asia. It is part of a larger content delivery network (CDN) infrastructure, which contributes to its speed and reliability.
12. DNS.Watch
DNS.WATCH is a free and uncensored public DNS resolver that has been maintained since 2014. It is optimized for maximum speed, aiming to provide a browsing experience without noticeable delays. The service is provided worldwide and ensures that DNS queries remain free from any form of censorship.
How to change DNS servers on your devices
macOS (Ventura 13 and later, including Sonoma 14)
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Network.
- Click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click "Details...".
- Select "DNS" in the sidebar, click the "+" button to add new DNS servers, and enter the addresses.
- Click "OK", then "Apply" on the Network window.
Linux (using NetworkManager)
- Open Settings > Network or Wi-Fi.
- Click the gear icon for your connection, go to the "IPv4" tab, and disable the "Automatic" toggle next to DNS.
- Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses separated by a comma in the DNS field, then click "Apply".
- Restart NetworkManager daemon by running
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManagerin the Terminal.
Router-level configuration
- Access your router's administration panel by typing its gateway IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser and logging in.
- Locate the "Internet Settings," "WAN," or "DNS Settings" section.
- Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server IP addresses, save the settings, and reboot the router.
Changing DNS at the router level applies the settings to all devices connected to that network, making it the most efficient method for households or small offices.
Android (Private DNS)
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS.
- Select "Private DNS provider hostname" and enter the hostname (e.g.,
dns.googlefor Google Public DNS) then tap "Save".
What to consider when choosing a DNS server
When evaluating providers, understand the public vs private DNS distinction: a public DNS is accessible to everyone connecting to the internet, while a private DNS is generally utilized by organizations to provide employees with easier access to internal-only IP addresses or websites. The free vs paid feature trade-offs matter too, free DNS servers have fewer features, while paid options offer more performance capabilities, advanced features, customization, and improved customer support. You must also weigh speed vs security priority: Cloudflare leads in speed, while Quad9 and CleanBrowsing prioritize threat blocking. Review logging policies carefully, Google logs temporarily for diagnostics, Cloudflare never writes your IP to disk, and OpenDNS offers optional paid history. Finally, consider content filtering needs: CleanBrowsing and OpenDNS FamilyShield excel for parental controls, while AdGuard blocks ads network-wide.
Why switch from your ISP's default DNS
Switching from your ISP's default DNS provides faster query resolution, as third-party servers like Cloudflare and Google are often geographically closer and better optimized. You also bypass ISP logging, making it more challenging to attribute your connection to your specific home or person. Many users switch to access geo-blocked content that ISP DNS might restrict, and to add malware and phishing protection that ISPs often lack, features built into Quad9, CleanBrowsing, and AdGuard by default. If you can access a website using its IP address but not its domain name, your ISP's DNS is likely the problem, and switching to one of the providers above will resolve it immediately.
