Public DNS Providers Compared: Google, Cloudflare, Quad9, and More

Your choice of DNS resolver affects every connection your devices make. The default DNS servers provided by your ISP are often slow, sometimes unreliable, and may log your browsing activity. Public DNS providers offer faster resolution, better uptime, and stronger privacy protections. This guide compares the major options so you can make an informed choice.

Why Switch to a Public DNS Provider?

Most users never change their DNS settings, relying on whatever their ISP assigns. There are compelling reasons to switch:

Provider Comparison

Google Public DNS

IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::6464

Google Public DNS is the most widely used public resolver in the world. Launched in 2009, it benefits from Google's massive global infrastructure and handles trillions of queries daily.

Strengths

• Extremely fast response times globally due to Google's extensive network of points of presence
• Full DNSSEC validation support
• Supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT)
• Highly reliable with near-zero downtime

Privacy Considerations

Google logs full IP addresses for 24-48 hours and stores anonymized data longer for diagnostics. While Google states it does not correlate DNS data with advertising profiles, the data is still collected by an advertising company. For privacy-focused users, this may be a concern.

Cloudflare DNS

IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001

Cloudflare launched its public DNS service in 2018 with a strong focus on speed and privacy. Independent benchmarks consistently rank it among the fastest public resolvers.

Strengths

• Consistently the fastest or among the fastest resolvers in benchmarks
• Strong privacy commitment, audited annually by KPMG
• No logging of IP addresses; query logs purged within 24 hours
• Supports DoH, DoT, and the emerging Oblivious DNS over HTTPS (ODoH)
• Offers 1.1.1.1 for Families variants with malware blocking (1.1.1.2) and adult content filtering (1.1.1.3)

Privacy Considerations

Cloudflare has committed to never selling user data, never using DNS data for ad targeting, and undergoing regular third-party privacy audits. This makes it one of the most transparent options available.

Quad9

IPv4: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112 IPv6: 2620:fe::fe and 2620:fe::9

Quad9 is a nonprofit public DNS provider founded in collaboration with IBM, Packet Clearing House, and the Global Cyber Alliance. Its primary differentiator is built-in threat intelligence.

Strengths

• Blocks known malicious domains using threat intelligence from over 25 sources
• Nonprofit governance with no commercial incentives to monetize data
• Headquartered in Switzerland with strong legal privacy protections
• Full DNSSEC validation
• Supports DoH and DoT

Privacy Considerations

Quad9 does not log source IP addresses. Operating under Swiss privacy law provides additional legal protections against data disclosure.

OpenDNS (Cisco)

IPv4: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 IPv6: 2620:119:35::35 and 2620:119:53::53

OpenDNS has been operating since 2006 and was acquired by Cisco in 2015. It is one of the oldest public DNS services and is particularly popular in enterprise and education environments.

Strengths

• Customizable content filtering categories (with a free account)
• OpenDNS FamilyShield (208.67.222.123) provides preconfigured adult content blocking
• Phishing and malware protection included by default
• Enterprise-grade Umbrella product built on the same infrastructure
• Extensive network stats and logging dashboard

Privacy Considerations

OpenDNS logs queries and associates them with accounts when users are signed in. As a Cisco product, data handling follows Cisco's corporate privacy policies. Enterprise features include detailed query logging by design.

NextDNS

IPv4: Custom per-account (e.g., 45.90.28.x) IPv6: Custom per-account

NextDNS is a newer entrant that has gained a following for its highly customizable filtering and privacy features. It functions like a personal DNS firewall.

Strengths

• Granular control over blocking: ads, trackers, malware, adult content, specific domains
• Per-device and per-profile configurations
• Detailed analytics dashboard showing query logs and blocked domains
• Native apps for all major platforms for easy setup
• Generous free tier (300,000 queries/month); affordable paid plans

Privacy Considerations

NextDNS allows users to choose their logging level, including a fully anonymous mode. Based in the EU, subject to GDPR protections. One of the most transparent providers in terms of user control over data.

Comodo Secure DNS

IPv4: 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20

Comodo Secure DNS focuses on security, blocking malware and phishing domains. It is a straightforward option for users who want basic protection without customization.

Strengths

• Blocks known malicious and phishing domains
• Simple setup with no account required
• Backed by Comodo's threat intelligence from their security products

Privacy Considerations

Comodo's privacy policy is less detailed than competitors. Users seeking strong privacy guarantees may prefer Cloudflare or Quad9.

CleanBrowsing

IPv4 (Security): 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9 IPv4 (Family): 185.228.168.168 and 185.228.169.168

CleanBrowsing offers preconfigured filtering tiers aimed at families and organizations that need content filtering without complex setup.

Strengths

• Three preconfigured tiers: Security (malware only), Adult (adult content), Family (mixed content and safe search enforcement)
• No account needed for basic tiers
• Supports DoH and DoT
• Simple to deploy across home networks or school environments

Choosing the Right Provider

The best public DNS provider depends on your priorities:

IPv6 Addresses at a Glance

No matter which provider you choose, monitoring your DNS configuration ensures your domains always resolve correctly and your settings remain as intended.