Free public DNS servers worth using
Fast, free DNS resolvers you can use instead of your ISP’s, including family-safe options.
From the archive: first published on mohamedsharaf.net in October 2012. Rewritten and checked in 2026; some details may be out of date.
Back in 2012 I kept a list of free DNS servers that made browsing noticeably faster than my ISP’s. Most of that list is outdated now, so here is the short version that holds today:
- Cloudflare:
1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1. Fast, with a strong privacy policy. - Google Public DNS:
8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4. - Quad9:
9.9.9.9and149.112.112.112. Blocks known malicious domains.
For a family or school network
Cloudflare for Families blocks malware with 1.1.1.2 / 1.0.0.2, or malware and adult content with 1.1.1.3 / 1.0.0.3. Set it on your home router and every device behind it is covered.
Use the official addresses only, straight from the provider’s site. A DNS server sees every site you visit, so only trust one you know.