Public DNS Resolver Comparison: Privacy, Security, Filtering
A comprehensive guide to compare the best public DNS resolvers: privacy, security, family filtering, DoH/DoT/DoQ, and deployment methods.
DoH
DNS over HTTPS configuration, privacy benefits, and browser support.
9 articles
January 2026
Surfshark DNS: how it works, benefits, and setup
Surfshark DNS is a free public DNS resolver (IPv4/IPv6, DoH) focused on privacy. Here's when to use it, how to configure it, and what to check.
DNS4EU: the European DNS resolver (DoH/DoT), profiles and setup
DNS4EU is a European public DNS with 5 variants (security, kids, ad blocking, neutral) and IPv4/IPv6 + DoH/DoT addresses. Deployment and verification guide.
CleanBrowsing DNS: Family/Adult/Security profiles, DoH/DoT, and parental control
CleanBrowsing is a public filtering DNS resolver (Family/Adult/Security) with DoH/DoT. Practical guide: router, mobile, checks, and anti-bypass.
December 2025
NextDNS DNS: how it works, benefits, and setup
NextDNS is a customizable DNS resolver: DoH/DoT encryption, filtering, profiles, and logs. Here’s how to deploy it cleanly at home or in an SMB.
AdGuard DNS (94.140.14.14): filtering, privacy, and Family mode
AdGuard DNS is a public DNS resolver that can block ads/trackers (and, in Family mode, adult content). Addresses, DoH/DoT/DoQ, and an action plan.
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1): privacy, DoH/DoT, deployment
1.1.1.1 is Cloudflare's public DNS resolver. Here's how to use it properly (addresses, DoH/DoT/ODoH, tests, pitfalls) and deploy it.
Quad9 DNS (9.9.9.9): how it works, benefits, alternatives
Quad9 (9.9.9.9) is a public DNS resolver focused on security and privacy: malware blocking, DNSSEC validation, and encrypted DoT/DoH options. Here's how to deploy it properly.
