What is DNS, and how does it work?

The Domain Name System (or service), commonly known as DNS, is a directory for the internet. Your browser and other internet software you may use don't know how to deal with domain names. They understand IP addresses only. So, DNS translates a domain name into an IP number to become useful for your browser. The DNS system is global, and everywhere --it has servers in almost every country.

Are DNS nameservers safe?

Each DNS server has different policies regarding safety and privacy. According to our tests, every DNS service described above is safe. However, remember that being safe is different from protecting your privacy. Not every DNS service enhances your privacy - some will affect it adversely. Some DNS servers protect you from ads, trackers, malware, phishing websites, or adult websites, but not all will. Additionally, some providers will collect your data and use it somehow. Most DNS servers in our list won't sell your information, but many will keep it around for use or share it with parent companies. So, if security and safety are your top priority as a user, DNS is not the solution for you. Instead, you need a top-notch no-logs VPN service to stay safe on today's internet. But DNS servers alone will always fall short of safety or even harm it.

I use a Nintendo Switch, an Xbox, or a PS4. What is the best DNS server for me?

The best options for gaming consoles will be gaming-friendly DNS servers (i.e., those with the highest speeds). We suggest you try Cloudflare first. It has fantastic speeds, giving you a charming, lag-free gaming experience. The Cloudflare network is online 100% of the time, and you'll always manage to get a connection. Because the network is huge, your location doesn't matter, and there's always a server near you that can get you the desired service. Last but not least, Cloudflare has some of the best security measures we know in any accessible DNS server. So, this server covers all the bases for you, the gamer.

What are the main types of DNS servers?

Primary and secondary servers are the two main types of DNS servers. The primary DNS server is the first point of contact for client requests and is the preferred server for resolving domain names into IP addresses. The secondary DNS server is backed up in case the primary server is unavailable. It provides redundancy and ensures continuous service in case of failure, maximizing uptime.

Why use the public DNS Server?

Public servers such as Google DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS are better than relying on servers provided by internet service providers. This is because they are faster, more reliable, have enhanced security, and offer improved uptime.

How can I find my DNS server?

To find your computer's DNS server on Windows, press Win+R and enter ‘CMD.’ Then, type ‘ipconfig/all’ and look for the ‘DNS Servers’ field under the ‘address’ category. On macOS, go to the ‘System Preference’ in the Dock, select ‘Show All’ then ‘Network,’ click on the "Advanced" tab, and finally, ‘DNS.’ To see the DNS server on your smartphone, tap the Wi-Fi icon, select the network you're connected to, and view the network details, which will include the DNS address.

What does flushing a DNS do?

Flushing DNS removes a computer's DNS and IP address records, potentially resolving internet connection and security problems.

19 Best Public or Free DNS Servers (2024 Tested)

Ruheni Mathenge - Streaming Expert

Last updated: January 16, 2024

Read time: 27 minutes

This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.

Public DNS servers are an excellent means to protect your privacy, bypass content restrictions, and get faster speeds. Find your best pick right here and enjoy unrestricted browsing to your heart's content.

THE TAKEAWAYS

The internet world is almost entirely driven by Domain Name Servers (DNS). Whenever you connect to a website, you inevitably use a DNS server. Often the DNS servers you use are provided by your ISP, empowering them to regulate your browsing. However, thankfully, numerous free DNS services are now available, enabling you to browse with better privacy and less monitoring, such as Google DNS, Cloudflare, and more.

If there is one thing that every internet user in history has always wanted, it’s faster speeds. But recently, privacy and security have also become a priority. Therefore, an essential component of your internet experience, especially regarding security and transfer speeds, is the Domain Name Server (DNS) you use. That’s where public DNS servers play their role.

There are many DNS options out there. Some are free, and some require a subscription. Some of those (even among the free options) are excellent and will improve your experience. But some of them are not so good, and you’d probably be better off staying with your ISP’s default DNS.

But which one should you use? That’s where we come in. After trying many free and best DNS nameservers to find the ones offering the best service, we list the top free DNS server providers in this article.

Best free or public DNS servers – Quick list

If you want to get to the beef immediately and don’t care very much about the detailed description of every service, here’s the list of it.

DNS Provider	Primary Address	Secondary Address
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1
Google Public DNS	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4
	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220
	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112
	144.76.157.242	94.247.43.254
	84.200.69.80	84.200.70.40
	38.132.106.139	194.187.251.67
	8.26.56.26	8.20.247.20
	185.228.168.9	185.228.169.9
	156.154.70.5	156.154.71.5
	91.239.100.100	89.233.43.71
	77.88.8.88	77.88.8.2
	198.54.117.10	198.54.117.11
	104.197.28.121	104.155.237.225
	76.76.2.4	76.76.10.4
	195.46.39.39	195.46.39.40
	176.103.130.130	176.103.130.131
	76.76.19.19	76.223.122.150
	208.76.50.50	208.76.51.51

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