update your DNS at the network level

Nov 26

When selecting the best U.S.-based DNS provider, the ideal choice depends on your specific needs—whether you're looking for speed, security, reliability, or privacy. Below are some of the top U.S.-based DNS providers:

1. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)

Best For: Speed, Privacy, Security
Overview: Cloudflare is widely regarded as one of the fastest and most secure DNS providers. They offer DNS resolution with strong privacy policies (they don’t track your browsing activities) and excellent protection against DDoS attacks. Cloudflare also supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for enhanced privacy.
Key Features:
- Free, fast, and secure.
- No logging of user data.
- Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for encrypted DNS.
Public DNS IPs:
- IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001

2. Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8)

Best For: Reliability, Speed
Overview: Google Public DNS is one of the most well-known DNS services, offering very fast DNS resolution and excellent uptime. They also focus on improving security, mitigating DNS-based attacks, and offering features like DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS.
Key Features:
- High reliability and performance.
- DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS support.
- No user-identifiable information is stored.
Public DNS IPs:
- IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844

3. OpenDNS (Cisco Umbrella)

Best For: Security, Filtering, and Family Safety
Overview: OpenDNS (now owned by Cisco) offers both free and premium DNS services. The free version provides customizable filtering for security and parental controls, while the premium version includes advanced security features such as malware protection and customizable content filtering.
Key Features:
- Provides phishing and malware protection.
- Customizable content filtering and parental controls.
- Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH).
Public DNS IPs:
- IPv4: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
- IPv6: 2620:119:35::35 and 2620:119:53::53

4. Quad9 (9.9.9.9)

Best For: Security and Privacy
Overview: Quad9 focuses on security by blocking access to malicious websites. It uses threat intelligence from various sources to help prevent users from visiting harmful sites. Quad9 also does not store any personal data, prioritizing privacy.
Key Features:
- Blocks known malicious domains and threats.
- No logging of user data.
- Free and fast.
Public DNS IPs:
- IPv4: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
- IPv6: 2620:fe::fe and 2620:fe::9

5. Verisign Public DNS

Best For: Stability and Security
Overview: Verisign provides a highly reliable DNS service with an emphasis on security. They do not track or sell user data, making them a good option for privacy-conscious users. They also have an excellent reputation for stability.
Key Features:
- High uptime and reliability.
- No data logging.
- Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT).
Public DNS IPs:
- IPv4: 64.6.64.6 and 64.6.65.6
- IPv6: 2620:74:1b::1 and 2620:74:1c::2

6. AdGuard DNS

Best For: Ad Blocking and Privacy
Overview: AdGuard DNS is designed to block advertisements and trackers, which can improve both speed and privacy while browsing. It also provides malware protection and offers a high level of customization for users who want to control the types of content they want to block.
Key Features:
- Ad and tracker blocking.
- Malware protection.
- Customizable filtering.
Public DNS IPs:
- IPv4: 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15
- IPv6: 2a00:5a60::ad1:ff and 2a00:5a60::ad2:ff

Summary

Best for speed and privacy: Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8).
Best for security and filtering: OpenDNS (Cisco Umbrella) and Quad9 (9.9.9.9).
Best for ad-blocking: AdGuard DNS.
Best for stability and reliability: Verisign Public DNS.

Each of these providers excels in different areas, so the best choice depends on whether you prioritize speed, privacy, security, or content filtering. For general use, Cloudflare and Google are solid all-around choices, while Quad9 and OpenDNS are excellent for enhanced security and filtering.