The DNS servers from your ISP turn an easy-to-remember xda-developers.com address into its unique IP address. There are multiple reasons for using a different DNS service. You may want something that improves performance while browsing, you might want to host your own DNS server at home, or you want site-blocking capability. Getting the most out of your DNS service takes trial and error, but this list should help you choose an alternate that works for you.
5 Run a benchmark test
Determine the alternate DNS speed
Gibson Research Corporation is a trusted brand in computer security. To test for speed, GRC offers the free DNS Benchmark utility (the pro version offers more features). Run the free version of the utility to benchmark hundreds of name servers and determine the fastest one. The quickest one depends on your geographic location. However, this tool doesn’t test your ISP's DNS servers, which could be the fastest. Once you understand the speeds, you can change your PC's DNS settings until you get the best results.
How to clear DNS cache on Windows 11
Having some connectivity issues on your PC? Here's how to clear the DNS cache on Windows 11 to address potential internet problems.
4 Check DNS Provider Speed with DNSPerf
Find an alternate with more zip
It’s best to look for DNS servers with the fastest response times. Alternative servers like Cloudflare and Google Public DNS are featureless and meant to be fast. So, you can use a web-based tool like DNSPerf to compare provider latency time. It’s an online tool that gives you access to speeds and uptimes for various services worldwide. You can also narrow them down geographically.
4 reasons you should use a custom DNS on your PC or router
If you're looking to optimize your internet experience, using a custom DNS can speed up your connection or block unwanted content
3 Configurable Parental Controls
Get an alternate DNS that helps protect kids
If you are looking for more than speed, you might want to consider something with configurable features like site blocking and parental controls. If so, you can look at something like OpenDNS Home. This service touts loading sites faster than your ISP, website filters, malware prevention, content filtering, and blocking phishing sites.
Neustart DNS, formerly UltraDNS, also offers these types of protection. However, unlike OpenDNS, Neustart DNS does not promise to not sell your data, so keep that in mind while considering your options.
Setting up a DNS caching server on your Raspberry Pi is easy - here's how it's done
Turning your Raspberry Pi into a DNS caching server can grant a slight boost to your online browsing speed
2 Privacy options you control
Roll your own DNS server for complete control
If you aren’t happy with different free alternate DNS options, you might want to create your own instead. For example, if you want more control over your DNS, you can create a self-hosted DNS server with Unbound, which you run from home. With a self-contained server, you have better privacy, improved latency, and the ability to run your domains locally. A project like this isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you are a DIYer, you can have a better alternate DNS system and more control. In addition, if you are a tinkerer, consider making a DNS server from a Raspberry Pi. When you set up your own DNS server, another cool thing you can do is block DNS requests for ads and trackers. Yup. No ads on your home network devices. So, rolling your own server might be an option if you are experienced with networking.
How I made a home VPN with dynamic DNS for secure remote access
Never fret about IP changes again by combining your own self-hosted VPN with DDNS
1 Keep trying alternate DNS services
Trial and error is essential
All alternate DNS services aren’t created equal. For instance, some have more features and functionality, while others are fast. However, all the testing in the world isn’t going to help you know which one to choose until you try it in the real world. You can run the DNS Benchmark utility, but a non-listed alternative DNS might be the best solution.
Android 13 finally adds native support for DNS over HTTPS
Android 13 finally adds native support for DNS over HTTPS (DoH). DNS over HTTPS uses HTTP or HTTP/2 protocols to encrypt DNS traffic.
Finding the best alternate DNS service
If you are new to trying out alternate domain name services, try a no-frills, fast one at first, like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), and see if they improve browsing speed. Or, use a tool like DNSPerf or DNSBenchmark to find the fastest DNS for your location and try them. If you want parental features, use something like OpenDNS Home. Or, if you want to take things to the next level, create your own DNS server at home. It’s also important to remember that, in the end, your ISP’s DNS may be the fastest based on server geography. However, if privacy concerns you, you might want to stick with an alternative.