List of Free Public DNS Servers

Here is a list of free public DNS servers (IPv4 DNS).

There are many benefits of using public Domain Name Servers:

• Fast browsing
• Security
• To get safe from phishing and malware websites
• Block porn sites, etc

The benefits vary based on the DNS server used by you. Keeping that in mind, I have created this list of some good, reputed, and secure public DNS servers.

There are many free DNS changer software available that automatically change the default DNS server (which is provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP)). However, if you prefer to manually change the DNS server of your network, then all you need is the address and DNS provider. Here is a good guide to change DNS manually.

You can try all or any of the public DNS servers listed below and change your default DNS server address.

Google Public DNS:

Google Public DNS is actually the biggest DNS network in the world, serving over 400 billion requests per day! So, you can understand how big it is. The main reason for using Google Public DNS would be performance. It uses lot of unique technologies to resolve addresses faster, and can improve your browsing experience (this might not be significant, though). Some people believe that Google Public DNS will also provide a secure browsing experience by blocking malicious websites, but that is actually not the case. Google specifically states that “Google Public DNS rarely performs blocking or filtering, though it may if we believe this is necessary to protect our users from security threats. In such extraordinary cases, it simply fails to answer; it does not create modified results”.  So, if your sole purpose of using DNS is to avoid bad websites, you need to use some other option from this list. Also, some users have privacy concerns about using Google Public DNS that Google will record whatever they are doing on the internet. This is only partially true. Google does logs your IP address, but deletes it within 24-48 hours. It does logs location information (like, what type of queries are coming from which city), and it might retain that information permanently. So, personally speaking, I am not much worried about privacy when using Google Public DNS.

Norton ConnectSafe DNS for Security:

This particular DNS service from Norton, called Norton ConnectSafe, helps you protect from any scam, phishing, and malware sites. However, do note that this and other policies of Norton ConnectSafe DNS are available for free only for Home users. So when you open its homepage, you need to choose Home User option to get the DNS servers. Or else, simply use the DNS addresses I have included in the above table.

Read the full review here.

Norton ConnectSafe DNS for Security+Pornography:

This is another DNS Server from Norton. This one is especially meant to avoid sexually explicit material. So porn sites will be blocked when using this DNS server addresses. All the other benefits, like protection from malware, and scam sites is also included in this policy. So, this is perfect to be used on your kids’ computer, or in public places, or even schools. Of course, this is not equivalent of a parental control software, but still it does get almost half the job done.

Norton ConnectSafe DNS for Security+Pornography+Other:

This is an even more advanced DNS Server from Norton. Using the DNS addresses of this policy help you protect from phishing sites, block porn sites, and other sites that might not be appropriate for you and your children. Other sites include mature content, drug, gambling, tobacco, violence, etc.

Comodo Secure DNS:

Comodo Secure DNS is also well known, safe, and reputed. The infrastructure of its server is spanned around 5 continents (15 locations) of the world. Each individual location (known as node) has multiple servers, which make it more reliable and pretty fast. This also ensures that your request is responded by a server close to your location, so that also improves the performance.

Security is also an important feature of this DNS server. It references a list of harmful websites and warns you automatically when you try to open some phishing or spyware sites.

Full review is here.

FreeDNS:

FreeDNS is a free bare bones Public DNS service. It does not come with any feature of malware protection etc. It only promises two things: It will not log any any query, and it will not send any redirects. So, if your ISP tries to serve you ad pages when you trying to find something else, then use this. And if you are worried about your ISP logging everything that you do on the internet, then this service can be your best friend.

DNS.WATCH:

DNS.WATCH also claims that it provides fast, reliable, and secure DNS servers. Its query resolvers are monitored 24*7 to serve you the best. Your DNS queries are also not logged on the servers. This is something Google Public DNS doesn’t provide. So, your data remains your only.

GreenTeam DNS:

GreenTeam DNS also works well to protect you from phishing and malware sites, offensive or violent content, etc. It also provides three different paid plans, but public DNS addresses are completely free to use.

OpenDNS Family Shield:

OpenDNS Family Shield has pre-configured settings, like other DNS servers. You just need to set it and forget it. It will automatically help you protect from adult and other content. Phishing protection, fast response, and reliability is provided in it. No sign up is required.

OpenDNS Home:

OpenDNS Home contains all the options that are available in Family Shield. Apart from this, OpenDNS Home supports customizable filtering and security. You need to sign up for free and choose your device to get the instructions to complete the setup.

Fool DNS:

Fool DNS can help you destroy around 90% of unauthorized tracking and cookies. It also avoids profiling to ensure the privacy and security. It is also helpful to block malware, phishing sites, and lock domains that contain malware.

DNS Advantage:

DNS Advantage is actually pretty old, launched way back in 2007. It was meant to provide speed as well as block malicious websites. However, testing has indicated that it fails on that front. So, frankly, I don’t have any good reason for recommending this service over tons of other great services in this list.

SmartViper DNS:

This is another free Recursive DNS Service I found, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find much information about the features it provides. So, use at your own risk :)

My Verdict:

The benefits of using a Public DNS server, instead of the ones provided by your ISP, are apparent. Some provided better browsing speed, while some are focused on blocking malware, phishing, and porn sites. So, depending on your purpose, you can choose the one that fits your need.

Also check out: How to Sandbox Tor Browser.