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.
Privacy
Data protection, GDPR compliance, and privacy-focused DNS solutions.
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.
Google DNS 8.8.8.8: how it works, benefits and alternatives
Learn what Google Public DNS 8.8.8.8 is, how it works, its speed and reliability benefits, privacy drawbacks, how to configure it on Windows 11 or a router, and which alternatives (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, OpenDNS, etc.) to consider.