Best Public DNS Servers: Google, Cloudflare, Quad9 Compared

What Is a DNS Server?

A DNS (Domain Name System) server translates human‑friendly domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Every time you visit a website, your device queries a DNS server to find the correct IP. Most people use the DNS server provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP), but alternatives offer better speed, privacy, and security.

Switching to a public DNS resolver is easy, free, and often improves your browsing experience.

Why Change Your DNS Server?

• Faster resolution – some public DNS servers are faster than ISP servers.
• Better privacy – ISPs often log your browsing history. Public DNS providers may have stricter privacy policies.
• Security features – some block known malicious domains and phishing sites.
• Bypass local blocking – some ISP DNS servers block certain websites.

Top Public DNS Servers Compared

1. Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)

IP addresses: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Speed: Very fast, global anycast network.
Privacy: Google retains temporary logs (24‑48 hours) but does not associate with your Google account by default.
Security: No built‑in filtering or blocklists (except for known malicious domains in some regions).

Best for: users who want maximum speed and reliability.

2. Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)

IP addresses: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Speed: Often the fastest resolver. Uses anycast and modern protocols.
Privacy: Cloudflare commits to never writing query data to disk and deletes logs within 24 hours. One of the most privacy‑friendly options.
Security: Optional malware blocking on 1.1.1.2 (malware) and 1.1.1.3 (malware + adult content).

Best for: privacy‑conscious users and those wanting fast, uncensored resolution.

3. Quad9 (9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112)

IP addresses: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
Speed: Good, with worldwide anycast.
Privacy: Does not collect or store personal data. Based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws).
Security: Blocks known malicious domains, phishing, and malware command‑and‑control servers by default (using threat intelligence feeds).

Best for: users who prioritize security and malware blocking over maximum speed.

How to Change Your DNS Server

On Windows

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Right‑click your active network connection → Properties.
3. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” → Properties.
4. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
5. Enter preferred and alternate DNS (e.g., 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Click OK.

On macOS

1. System Preferences → Network → Select your connection.
2. Click “Advanced” → DNS tab.
3. Click “+” and add the new DNS IPs.
4. Click OK → Apply.

On Router (affects all devices)

Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Find DNS settings (often under WAN or Internet settings). Replace the ISP‑provided DNS with your chosen public DNS.

How to Verify Your DNS Is Working

After changing DNS, you can check which DNS server your computer is actually using. Use our IP Lookup Tool – while it shows your public IP, you can also use command line:

👉 Check Your Public IP Address

On Windows: nslookup google.com – the “Server” line shows your current DNS resolver. On Mac/Linux: dig google.com | grep SERVER.

External Resources for DNS Testing & Monitoring

For advanced DNS benchmarking and troubleshooting, these external sites offer excellent tools:

• woorldtv.com – DNS speed test and resolver comparison tool.
• ip-tv.com.tr – IP address and DNS configuration guides.
• ip-tv.id – network diagnostic utilities and DNS leak tests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is changing my DNS safe?

Yes. Using reputable public DNS servers (Google, Cloudflare, Quad9) is completely safe. Avoid unknown or obscure DNS providers.

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

It may reduce domain lookup latency, which can make web browsing feel snappier. However, download speeds remain the same – DNS only affects the initial translation from domain to IP.

Does DNS affect gaming?

Yes. A faster DNS can reduce the time to connect to game servers. After the connection is established, DNS has no impact on in‑game ping.

Can my ISP still track me if I use a public DNS?

Your ISP can still see your traffic (the IPs you connect to) unless you also use a VPN. Changing DNS only hides which domain names you look up from your ISP.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)?

DoH encrypts DNS queries so they cannot be intercepted or spoofed. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.8.8) support DoH. Modern browsers like Firefox and Chrome can enable it.

Switch to a Better DNS Today

Changing your DNS server takes two minutes and costs nothing. Start with Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 for privacy and speed, or Quad9’s 9.9.9.9 for built‑in security. After switching, verify your setup with our IP Lookup or the command‑line tools above. Enjoy a faster, more private internet.