By default your devices use your internet provider's DNS resolver. You can switch to a public resolver for speed, privacy, encryption or filtering. Here are the most widely used ones.
Addresses
| Provider | IPv4 | IPv6 | DoH / DoT hostname |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 |
2606:4700:4700::1111, 2606:4700:4700::1001 |
one.one.one.one |
| Cloudflare for Families (malware) | 1.1.1.2, 1.0.0.2 |
2606:4700:4700::1112 |
security.cloudflare-dns.com |
| Cloudflare for Families (malware + adult) | 1.1.1.3, 1.0.0.3 |
2606:4700:4700::1113 |
family.cloudflare-dns.com |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 |
2001:4860:4860::8888, 2001:4860:4860::8844 |
dns.google |
| Quad9 (malware blocking) | 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112 |
2620:fe::fe, 2620:fe::9 |
dns.quad9.net |
| OpenDNS (Cisco) | 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220 |
2620:119:35::35, 2620:119:53::53 |
doh.opendns.com |
| AdGuard DNS (ad blocking) | 94.140.14.14, 94.140.15.15 |
2a10:50c0::ad1:ff, 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff |
dns.adguard-dns.com |
Always check the provider's own website for current addresses before you configure them. Look any of them up with our IP Lookup.
How they differ
| Cloudflare | Quad9 | OpenDNS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malware blocking | Optional (1.1.1.2) | No | Yes, by default | Yes |
| Family filter | Optional (1.1.1.3) | No | No | Optional (FamilyShield) |
| Encrypted DNS | DoH, DoT | DoH, DoT | DoH, DoT | DoH |
| DNSSEC validation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Short log retention, audited | Temporary and some permanent logs, per its policy | Non-profit, no IP logging | Per Cisco's policy |
Speed depends mostly on how close the nearest server is to you, and all of these run large global networks. The difference between them is usually a few milliseconds.
How to choose
- General use and privacy: Cloudflare
1.1.1.1or Quad9. - Security against malicious sites: Quad9 or Cloudflare
1.1.1.2. - Family filtering: Cloudflare
1.1.1.3or OpenDNS FamilyShield. - Ad blocking for the whole network: AdGuard DNS.
- Compatibility with geo-optimized content: your ISP's resolver is sometimes slightly better for local CDN servers.
How to switch
See how to change your DNS server for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android and routers, and turn on DNS over HTTPS for encryption.
Frequently asked questions
Will changing DNS make my internet faster?
Page loads can feel slightly faster if your provider's resolver is slow, but download speed does not change.
Is it safe to use a public DNS server?
Yes, with a reputable provider. They see the domains you look up, so pick one whose privacy policy you trust.
Does changing DNS hide my IP address?
No. Websites still see your IP. Use a VPN for that.