Domain Name Server(DNS) is a simple way to improve your internet connection speed and security. There are many paid DNS server options available, but you can also find some great free DNS server options. Be aware that not all DNS server options are better than your internet service provider’s (ISP) default settings. This article provides an Overview of the top VPN alternatives available for DNS server replacement in 2023.

The DNS (Domain Name System) is like a directory for the Internet. When you enter a website name in your browser, it’s automatically converted into an IP address that browsers can read. For example, the URL for a website, such as the website “wizcase.com” is automatically converted into the IP address of the website. Google Public DNS. If you choose to use a public DNS server instead of your ISP, you’ll get some great benefits.

· Speed

Public DNS servers are usually faster than Internet Service Providers (ISPs) because they’re closer to where people live, so they can handle DNS requests faster.

· Privacy

While Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can collect and sell this information, some third-party DNS services offer more privacy by not recording your web activity.

· Security

Most public servers offer sophisticated anti-virus and anti-malware protection, as well as ad blocking and parental controls that are not available on an ISP server.

· Reliability

If your ISP’s DNS servers aren’t working or are having problems, you can get better performance by using a dependable third-party DNS server.

· Censorship

However, if your government or Internet Service Provider (ISP) blocks certain websites from using DNS, you may be able to bypass those blocks by using an alternative DNS server.

1. Google Public DNS 

• Primary DNS Address: 8.8.8.8

• Secondary DNS Address: 8.8.4.4

Google Public DNS is a great way to make sure your internet browsing is fast and secure. It’s connected to the nearest data center using a clever system called Any Cast, so you don’t have to worry about losing your connection. 

Pros

It helps keep you safe online by preventing DDoS attacks and redirecting your searches from suspicious sites. Setting it up is easy, and it’s compatible with IPv4 as well as IPv6 connections. Google is reliable, so you shouldn’t have any problems with DNS resolution. 

Cons

But like any service, there might be some interruptions from time to time. Plus, it collects and stores info about your DNS queries that can be used for targeted ads or legal compliance. Its basic support might be a bit tricky for non-techies, and it only has a few options for filtering content and setting up parental control.

2. Cloud flare DNS

• Primary DNS Address: 1.1.1.1

• Secondary DNS Address: 1.0.0.1

Cloud flare has earned a reputation for its exceptional speed, with an average latency of only 12 milliseconds, which is significantly faster than many internet service providers. This is due to its extensive network of servers, spread across over 200 locations around the world, which ensures minimal delay for activities such as gaming.

Pros

 Cloud flare demonstrates its commitment to improving gaming services through its mobile application, which integrates with Warp, to enhance mobile gaming performance. Additionally, the mobile app utilizes advanced protocols to ensure the security of your phone’s internet connection. Although there is no ad-blocking or customizable site blocking available, the Cloud flare service for families provides protection against malware, adult sites, and other potential threats. Cloudflare also uses advanced methods such as DNS over HTTPS, DNS over TLS, and DNS over HTTPS to strengthen its system and prevent data leaks. Furthermore, the service respects your privacy, with all logs being deleted within 24 hours, and no IP addresses or information collected for targeted advertising.

3. Open DNS

• Primary DNS address: 208.67.222.222

• Secondary DNS address: 208.67.220.220

OpenDNS is a great DNS service from Cisco that’s especially great for families. It has two main features: 

• FamilyShield, which lets kids and businesses control content and block certain websites, and Home, which focuses on speed and security. 

• Switching DNS servers can cause configuration issues because of different cache systems, but OpenDNS takes care of that by erasing your DNS data, so you don’t have to worry about a bad connection.

Pros

 It also has AnyCast routing for faster DNS loads, plus it has servers on three continents and uses self-healing tech to make sure you’re always up and running. The downside is that you’ll have to sign up and give your info, so you won’t be anonymous. The operating system might be a bit complicated for newbies, but its website has instructions for all systems and it even has email support.

4.Quad9

• Primary DNS address: 9.9.9.9

• Secondary DNS address:149.112.112.112

Quad9 offers a comprehensive suite of security solutions to protect users from malware and malicious websites. DNSSEC extensions are used to verify DNS queries, which helps to reduce the risk of domain spoofing and cyber threats. Additionally, Quad9 works with 13 leading cybersecurity firms to improve its ability to detect phishing and malware in real-time. Quad9 has a vast server network spread across more than 145 locations, guaranteeing reliable and fast connectivity no matter where users are located. 

Pros

Furthermore, Quad9 does not collect IP addresses or any other personal data that could identify users, and users can access its services without having to create an account. However, Quad9 does lack content filtering, which limits the ability to block certain sites for increased security. Additionally, its loading speeds lag behind those of other free DNS servers, resulting in slightly longer website loading times. Finally, Quad9 offers limited setup instructions for both Windows and Mac users.

5. DNS. Watch

• Primary DNS address: 84.200.69.80

• Secondary DNS address: 84.200.70.40

The DNS. Watch service provides uncensored Internet access through two servers in Germany. This means that local users can enjoy fast internet speeds. DNS. Watch stands out from the rest in that it has a strict no-logging policy. This means that your personal information will never be stored. 

Pros

It also works through donations, so there is no incentive to store or exchange your data. When you use DNS. Watch so you can be sure that your ISP will not block your DNS requests and DNS. The watch will handle every query correctly and smoothly. It works on Mac, Windows, and Linux devices. This means that it can be integrated across different platforms too.

Cons

 If you are outside of Europe then you should not use DNS. Watch as it may be slower since its servers are mainly located in Germany. It does not come with built-in functions to block ads and malware, so you should use antivirus or browser extensions with DNS.

6. Yandex.DNS

Primary DNS address: 

• Basic: 77.88.8.8 

• Safe: 77.88.8.88 

• Family: 77.88.8.7

Secondary DNS address:

• Basic: 77.88.8.1 

• Safe: 77.88.8.2 

• Family 77.88.8.3

If you’re looking for a reliable DNS server in Western Europe, Yandex DNS is the way to go. It’s one of the top DNS servers in the world, and most of its servers are based in Russia. Plus, it’s free and 99.95% uptime, so you don’t have to worry about service interruptions.

Pros

 You can choose between Basic, Safe, or Family. All of these services block malware, ads, and more, and you can customize them to fit your needs. But they all come with different security and censorship settings. Basic focuses on speed, Safe keeps you safe from threats like viruses, and DDoS attacks, and Family has strict content filters.

Cons

 Unfortunately, the Russia-based operations raise ethical issues, as they share your data with other companies and their parent company, which can be a privacy risk.

7.Vercara UltraDNS Public

Primary DNS address:

•  Unfiltered: 64.6.64.6

• Threat Protection: 156.154.70.2 

• Family Secure: 156.154.70.3

Secondary DNS address: 

• Unfiltered: 64.6.65.6 |

• Threat Protection: 156.154.71.2 

• Family Protection: 156.154.71.3

Vercara offers a comprehensive DNS solution tailored to meet the needs of families, with a customizable filter embedded in the family service. This allows users to customize their online experience by blocking certain websites. Vercara offers three versions of its DNS solution: 

Unfiltered (fast)

Unfiltered provides fast and reliable DNS query resolution without censorship

Threat Protection (censorship-free)

while Threat Protection blocks malicious software, spyware, and phishing, as well as ransomware.

Family (all-in-one)

Family, on the other hand, includes all the protection features and can be customized to block adult sites and sites. 

Pros

With a vast network of more than 30 DNS nodes around the world, Vercara provides exceptional speeds and low latency. However, these benefits are primarily available through Vercara’s top-level servers, and the extent of these advantages may vary depending on the user.

Cons

 One downside of Vercara is that the service collects a large amount of data, such as IP addresses, time, and date stamps, as well as DNS queries. Fortunately, the opt-out feature allows users to limit the amount of data collected, thus reducing the risk of being intercepted by third parties such as hackers.

8. Clean browsing DNS

Primary DNS address:

• Family: 185.228.168.168 

• Adult: 185.228.168.10 

• Security: 185.228.168.9

Secondary DNS address: 

• Family: 185.228.169.168 

• Adult: 185.228.169.11 

• Security: 185.228.169.9

Another family-focused DNS, cleanbrowsing has server options in the United States and Europe. There are three variations of Cleanbrowsing:

1. Security

Security blocks malware.

2. Adult 

Adult covers malware, as well as adult content.

3. Family

Family combines malware blocking with Safe search filters in browsers Prioritizing your online anonymity.

Pros

Clean browsing hides your IP address and browsing history, as well as 3rd party DNS requests. Unlike other DNS servers, Cleanbrowsing doesn’t redirect blocked/unresponsive pages to track sites. To maximize your privacy and security, Cleanbrowings uses the powerful DNSCrypt (and DNS over HTTPS) encryption method, which fortifies your connection. Cleanbrowsing is also fully IPv6-compatible, which further expands its reach and availability.

Cons

However, it’s important to note that clean browsing does not provide unrestricted internet access.

9. Comodo secure 

• Primary DNS address: 8.26.56.26

• Secondary DNS address: 8.20.247.20

Comodo Secure helps protect you from all kinds of malicious stuff, like ads and spyware. It keeps a list of websites that have been blocked, and you’ll get pop-ups before you even visit them. Plus, it keeps you up to date on any potential threats, so you can stay on top of any issues with your internet.

Pros

 It’s a fast and reliable DNS server, so if you need fast speeds for streaming or playing games, you can count on it. Plus, it has a wide network of servers all over the world, so you can be sure you’re getting a reliable connection no matter where you are. It’s easy to set up too – just follow the instructions on your Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and router.

Cons

 The only downside is that it gathers your info for marketing and analysis, so you might be more vulnerable to cyberattacks if you give it away.

10.UncensoredDNS

• Primary DNS address: 91.239.100.100

• Secondary DNS address: 89.233.43.71

If you’re not worried about your online activity being tracked, you can use Uncensored DNS. It won’t record your activity, and it won’t collect any personal info. Plus, it’s based in Denmark, so you’ll get a fast internet experience if you’re in Europe. It doesn’t block or limit anything online, and you can connect to it with an IPv6 connection for faster speeds. But don’t worry, it won’t stop harmful websites or ads, so it’s best to use a VPN instead.

Paid VPN

Express VPN

Cyber ghost

Private internet access

Free VPN

Robot VPN

Turbo VPN

Proton VPN