When developing a website, you must know DNS?; Domain Name System (DNS) services are essential for smooth and secure internet browsing. DNS works like the internet’s phonebook, turning easy-to-remember website names into IP addresses that computers use to connect. AdGuard DNS is popular because it blocks ads and helps keep your online activities private. But sometimes, people look for other options to find different features, better speed, or extra security.
Luckily, there are many good AdGuard DNS alternatives that can meet different needs. Whether you want faster internet, better protection, or ways to control what content is accessible, these DNS services have strong solutions. This article explores the best AdGuard DNS alternatives, giving you detailed information to help you choose the right DNS service for your internet use.
What is DNS and Why It Matters
DNS (Domain Name System) is how the internet finds websites. When you type a website name like www.example.com
into your browser, DNS changes that name into an IP address like 192.0.2.1
so your computer can connect to the site. Without DNS, you would need to remember long numbers for every website you want to visit.
DNS also helps keep you safe online. Many modern DNS services can block harmful sites, filter unwanted content, and protect your privacy. Choosing the right DNS can make your internet faster, safer, and more private.
What Does AdGuard DNS Do?
AdGuard DNS is a DNS service known for blocking ads and protecting your privacy. It stops unwanted ads, trackers, and dangerous websites before they reach your device. This makes your browsing faster and safer. AdGuard DNS is simple to set up and works on all your devices without needing extra software or browser extensions.
Even though AdGuard DNS is very good, some people look for other options. They might want different types of content blocking, faster speeds, or more security features. Checking out these alternatives can help you find the best DNS service for what you need.
10 Top Alternatives to AdGuard DNS
When searching for alternatives to AdGuard DNS, consider what you need most. Consider speed, security, privacy, content blocking, and ease of set up. Here are some of the best AdGuard DNS alternatives that do well in these areas.
Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS is famous for being fast and keeping your data private. It offers a reliable and quick DNS service that helps websites load quickly. Personally, I use this DNS for my browsing; it is available on Android or PC. Cloud Flafre 1.1.1.1 is one of the best AdGuard DNS alternatives.
- IP Addresses:
- IPv4:
1.1.1.1
and1.0.0.1
- IPv6:
2606:4700:4700::1111
and2606:4700:4700::1001
- IPv4:
- Key Features:
- Speed: One of the quickest DNS services out there.
- Privacy: Does not keep your IP address forever.
- Security: Protects against DNS attacks and bad websites.
- Extra Services: Offers more content blocking through Cloudflare Gateway.
Cloudflare DNS is great if you want fast internet speeds along with strong privacy and security.
Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS is a well-known DNS service from Google. It aims to make your internet faster and safer.
- IP Addresses:
- IPv4:
8.8.8.8
and8.8.4.4
- IPv6:
2001:4860:4860::8888
and2001:4860:4860::8844
- IPv4:
- Key Features:
- Performance: Provides quick and reliable DNS lookups.
- Security: Uses DNSSEC to protect against fake DNS data.
- Privacy: Google says it doesn’t use your DNS data for ads.
Google Public DNS is perfect for those who want fast and secure browsing backed by Google’s strong infrastructure.
OpenDNS
OpenDNS, now part of Cisco, offers both free and paid DNS services. It has advanced security and ways to filter content.
- IP Addresses:
- IPv4:
208.67.222.222
and208.67.220.220
- IPv6:
2620:119:35::35
and2620:119:53::53
- IPv4:
- Key Features:
- Security: Protects against phishing and malware.
- Parental Controls: Lets you block inappropriate content.
- Customization: You can set up your own filtering rules.
- Reporting: Shows detailed reports on usage and threats.
OpenDNS is a good choice for families and businesses that want to customize what content can be accessed and need better security.
Quad9
Quad9 is a nonprofit DNS service focused on security. It blocks bad websites to keep you safe from online threats.
- IP Addresses:
- IPv4:
9.9.9.9
and149.112.112.112
- IPv6:
2620:fe::fe
and2620:fe::9
- IPv4:
- Key Features:
- Security: Blocks known harmful websites.
- Privacy: Doesn’t keep your personal data.
- Performance: Fast and reliable DNS service.
Quad9 is ideal if you care most about security and privacy without needing to sacrifice speed.
CleanBrowsing
CleanBrowsing offers DNS services that are made for different needs, like keeping the internet safe for families or ensuring secure browsing.
- IP Addresses:
- Family Filter:
185.228.168.168
and185.228.169.168
- Adult Filter:
185.228.168.10
and185.228.169.11
- Security Filter:
185.228.168.9
and185.228.169.9
- Family Filter:
- Key Features:
- Content Filtering: Blocks adult sites, malware, and phishing sites.
- Parental Controls: Great for families wanting to limit inappropriate content.
- Privacy: Follows strict privacy rules.
CleanBrowsing is perfect for families and schools that need strong content filtering to keep everyone safe online.
DNS.Watch
DNS.Watch is a DNS service from Germany that focuses on privacy and free access to information.
- IP Addresses:
- IPv4:
84.200.69.80
and84.200.70.40
- IPv6:
2001:1608:10:25::1c04:b12f
and2001:1608:10:25::9249:d69b
- IPv4:
- Key Features:
- Privacy: Doesn’t keep or track your data.
- Freedom: Allows unrestricted access to all websites.
- Security: Protects against common DNS threats.
DNS.Watch is great for anyone who values privacy and wants to access the internet without restrictions.
Comodo Secure DNS
Comodo Secure DNS offers a safe and reliable DNS service with built-in protection from online threats.
- IP Addresses:
- IPv4:
8.26.56.26
and8.20.247.20
- IPv4:
- Key Features:
- Security: Blocks phishing, malware, and bad domains.
- Reliability: Provides stable and quick DNS lookups.
- Safety: Keeps your browsing safe by filtering harmful sites.
Comodo Secure DNS is a great option if you want strong security features to protect your online activities.
Neustar UltraDNS
Neustar UltraDNS offers high-level DNS services with advanced security and performance for businesses.
- IP Addresses:
- IPv4:
156.154.70.1
and156.154.71.1
- IPv4:
- Key Features:
- Performance: High-speed DNS lookups.
- Security: Includes DNSSEC and protection from DDoS attacks.
- Scalability: Works well for both small businesses and large companies.
Neustar UltraDNS is ideal for businesses that need scalable and secure DNS solutions.
Yandex.DNS
Yandex.DNS is a public DNS service from Yandex, a big Russian internet company. It offers different levels of filtering to fit user needs.
- IP Addresses:
- Basic:
77.88.8.8
and77.88.8.1
- Safe:
77.88.8.88
and77.88.8.2
- Family:
77.88.8.7
and77.88.8.3
- Basic:
- Key Features:
- Modes: Choose from Basic, Safe, and Family filters.
- Security: Protects against malicious websites.
- Privacy: Respects your privacy with data protection.
Yandex.DNS is suitable if you want customizable filtering options with strong security measures.
Level3 DNS
Level3 DNS, now part of CenturyLink, offers a stable DNS service with wide global coverage.
- IP Addresses:
- IPv4:
4.2.2.1
and4.2.2.2
- IPv4:
- Key Features:
- Reliability: Consistent and fast DNS lookups.
- Global Reach: Wide network coverage around the world.
- Security: Protects against basic DNS threats.
Level3 DNS is a reliable choice if you want a stable and globally available DNS service.
Comparing Features of Top DNS Services
DNS Service | Speed | Security | Privacy | Content Filtering | Easy to Set Up | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cloudflare DNS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High (DNSSEC protection) | High (No logging) | Limited (Cloudflare Gateway) | Very easy | Free |
Google Public DNS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | High (DNSSEC protection) | Medium (Google policies) | None | Very easy | Free |
OpenDNS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | High (Phishing protection) | Medium (Some logging) | Extensive (custom filters) | Very easy | Free/Paid |
Quad9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Very High (Malware blocking) | High (No tracking) | None | Very easy | Free |
CleanBrowsing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | High (Content blocking) | High (Privacy-focused) | Extensive (multiple filters) | Very easy | Free/Paid |
DNS.Watch | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | Medium (Basic security) | Very High (No logging) | None | Very easy | Free |
Comodo Secure DNS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | High (Phishing, malware) | Medium | Limited | Very easy | Free |
Neustar UltraDNS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Very High (Enterprise-grade) | Medium | Customizable | Moderate | Paid |
Yandex.DNS | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | High (Malware protection) | High (Privacy measures) | Multiple modes available | Very easy | Free |
Level3 DNS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Medium (Basic security) | Medium | None | Very easy | Free |
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = Excellent
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ = Very Good
- ⭐⭐⭐☆ = Good
- ⭐⭐☆☆☆ = Fair
- ⭐☆☆☆☆ = Poor
More Information:
- ⭐: Shows how good the feature is; more stars mean better performance or features.
- Speed: How fast the DNS service finds website addresses.
- Security: How well the service protects against online threats.
- Privacy: How well the service keeps your data private.
- Content Filtering: Ability to block unwanted websites or content.
- Easy to Set Up: How simple it is to use the DNS service.
- Cost: Whether the service is free or if you need to pay.
Choosing the Right DNS Alternative for You
Picking the best DNS service depends on what you need most. Here are some things to think about:
- Speed:
- If you want fast internet, try Cloudflare DNS or Google Public DNS. They are known for their quick service.
- Security:
- For strong protection, Quad9 and Comodo Secure DNS are great choices. They protect against bad websites and online threats.
- Privacy:
- If privacy is important to you, DNS.Watch and Cloudflare DNS are good options. They don’t keep your browsing data.
- Content Filtering:
- For families or schools wanting to block certain content, OpenDNS and CleanBrowsing offer excellent filtering options.
- Ease of Setup:
- Most DNS services are easy to set up. However, Neustar UltraDNS might need more steps because it’s designed for businesses.
- Cost:
- Many DNS services are free, but some have paid plans with extra features. Decide if the free plan is enough or if you need more features from a paid plan.
- Global Coverage:
- If you need a DNS service that works well all over the world, Level3 DNS and Cloudflare DNS are good choices.
By considering these factors, you can choose a DNS service that meets your needs for speed, security, privacy, and more.
Benefits of Switching to a Different DNS Service
Changing to a different DNS service can bring many benefits:
- Better Security: Protects you from malware, phishing, and other online threats.
- More Privacy: Keeps your browsing data private and reduces tracking.
- Faster Browsing: Speeds up how quickly websites load.
- Control Over Content: Lets you block unwanted or harmful websites.
- More Reliable: Gives you stable and consistent internet connections.
- Manage Access: Helps control what content can be accessed, useful for families or businesses.
Using a good DNS service can make your internet experience faster, safer, and more tailored to what you need.
Possible Drawbacks of Changing DNS Services
While there are many good reasons to switch DNS services, there are some potential downsides:
- Compatibility Problems: Some DNS services might not work well with all devices or networks.
- Setup Difficulty: Some advanced DNS services might be harder to set up if you’re not tech-savvy.
- Privacy Issues: Not all DNS providers have good privacy policies; some might keep your data.
- Limited Features: Free plans might not have all the features you need.
- Speed Changes: DNS resolution speeds can vary depending on your location and the provider’s network.
Knowing these potential issues helps you decide if switching DNS services is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are AdGuard DNS alternatives free to use?
Yes, many alternatives like Cloudflare DNS, Google Public DNS, and Quad9 offer free plans.
2. Do alternative DNS services require special software?
No, most DNS services can be set up through your device’s network settings without needing extra software.
3. Can I switch back to my ISP’s DNS if I don’t like the alternative?
Yes, you can easily change your device’s DNS settings back to your Internet Service Provider’s default DNS.
4. Do alternative DNS services slow down my internet connection?
No, good DNS services usually make your internet faster by resolving website addresses quickly. However, speed can vary based on your location and the DNS provider.
5. Is using an alternative DNS service safe for kids?
Yes, services like CleanBrowsing and OpenDNS provide content filtering to keep children safe online.
6. Can alternative DNS services block all ads?
No, while some DNS services like AdGuard DNS and OpenDNS block many ads, they might not block every single ad like dedicated ad-blocking software.
7. Are alternative DNS services compatible with all devices?
Yes, DNS services work with any device that can change DNS settings, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and routers.
8. Do alternative DNS services log my browsing history?
It depends on the provider. Some, like Cloudflare DNS and DNS.Watch, have strong privacy policies and don’t keep your data permanently. Check the privacy policy of the DNS service you choose.
9. Can I use more than one DNS service at a time?
No, you usually set one primary and one secondary DNS server. Using multiple DNS services at the same time can cause issues and is not recommended.
10. Do I need technical knowledge to set up an alternative DNS service?
No, setting up a DNS service is simple and usually just involves changing the DNS settings on your device or router. Most DNS providers offer guides to help you set it up.
Useful Resources
- Cloudflare DNS Documentation
- Google Public DNS Help
- OpenDNS Setup Guide
- Quad9 Security Features
- CleanBrowsing FAQ
- DNS.Watch Privacy Policy
- Comodo Secure DNS Features
- Neustar UltraDNS Overview
- Yandex.DNS Setup Instructions
- Level3 DNS Information
Conclusion
Choosing the right DNS service can make a big difference in your internet experience by making it faster, safer, and more private. While AdGuard DNS is a strong choice for blocking ads and protecting privacy, exploring alternatives like Cloudflare DNS, Google Public DNS, and OpenDNS can help you find the best fit for your needs.
Think about what’s important to you, like speed, security, privacy, and content filtering, when selecting a DNS service. By understanding the features and benefits of each alternative, you can make a smart choice that matches how you use the internet.
Switching to a different DNS service is an easy way to improve your online experience. Whether you want to keep your kids safe, protect your privacy, or just browse faster, there’s a DNS service out there that’s right for you.