Public DNS servers compared

DNS turns names like example.com into IP addresses. Your ISP’s DNS works, but a public resolver can be faster, more private, or block malware. Here are the main free options, with their real addresses.

The main options

Cloudflare (speed and privacy): 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 · 2606:4700:4700::1111, 2606:4700:4700::1001
Cloudflare for Families: Malware: 1.1.1.2, 1.0.0.2 · Malware + adult: 1.1.1.3, 1.0.0.3
Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 · 2001:4860:4860::8888, 2001:4860:4860::8844
Quad9 (blocks known malicious domains): 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112 · 2620:fe::fe, 2620:fe::9
OpenDNS (Cisco): 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220 · FamilyShield 208.67.222.123, 208.67.220.123
AdGuard DNS (blocks ads and trackers): 94.140.14.14, 94.140.15.15

Which one should I pick?

Just want it fast: Cloudflare or Google. Both have servers in many cities worldwide, including in South Africa.
Extra protection: Quad9, or Cloudflare 1.1.1.2.
Kids at home: Cloudflare 1.1.1.3 or OpenDNS FamilyShield.
Fewer ads in apps: AdGuard DNS. It can occasionally break a site or app that depends on blocked domains.

Speed differences are usually a few milliseconds, and your ISP’s resolver can be the fastest because it is closest. The real gains are reliability, filtering and privacy. Always set two servers from the same provider, so filtering behaves the same either way.

Encrypted DNS

Plain DNS can be read by anyone on the path, including your ISP. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) encrypts it. Windows 11, Android (Private DNS), iOS (with profiles) and all major browsers support it.

Set it up

Router (whole house)
Windows 11/10
Mac
Xbox (same screen as the IP settings)

Test any domain against Cloudflare’s resolver with the DNS lookup tool, or see who runs a DNS server with the IP lookup (try 9.9.9.9).

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest DNS server?

It depends on where you are. Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and Google 8.8.8.8 are fast almost everywhere; your ISP’s DNS can also be fast because it is nearby.

Is 1.1.1.1 better than 8.8.8.8?

Both are fast and reliable. Cloudflare commits to not storing client IPs beyond 25 hours; Google keeps some logs longer. Pick on privacy preference.

Which DNS blocks malware?

Quad9 (9.9.9.9), Cloudflare 1.1.1.2 and OpenDNS block known malicious domains.