Which DNS to Use in 2025: Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Server

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Choosing the right DNS can make all the difference between a smooth, secure, and private browsing experience, or one plagued by slow speeds, blocked websites, and security risks. While most users have never touched this setting, DNS servers are one of the invisible keys that define our daily online experience. What this simple parameter hides is far more profound than it seems.

In this article, you'll discover everything you need to know about choosing the right DNS servers, how they work, which ones are best suited for different needs (speed, privacy, parental controls, gaming, etc.), how to change them on any device, and all the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Here you'll find everything from basic concepts to advanced recommendations and diagnostic tools, all presented in clear, accessible, and accurate language, so you can easily customize your connection and get the most out of your network.

What is DNS and what is its function?

The Domain Name System ( DNS) is one of the oldest and most vital protocols for the internet to function as we know it. Its purpose is to translate the user-friendly domain names we type into browsers (like www.google.com) into numerical IP addresses (for example, 216.58.210.163), which are what devices connected to the network actually understand.

Think of it like a contact list: you know your friends' names, but your phone actually needs their numbers to call them. Similarly, DNS acts as an intermediary between the user and the servers, querying massive, distributed, and hierarchical databases to resolve those requests in milliseconds . This makes browsing the web as simple as remembering a name, without having to memorize endless sequences of numbers.

This process involves several types of servers working together to find the correct IP address: the recursive resolver, the root server, the top-level domain servers, and the authoritative servers. All of this happens automatically and transparently in the background, every time you access a website.

Advantages of changing the default DNS

In most residential connections, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns its own DNS servers to your router or devices. However, these servers aren't always the fastest, most secure, or best suited to your needs . Changing the default DNS is one of the easiest ways to:

• Increase Speed loading of web pages and achieve lower latency in online games and streaming.
• Overcoming blockades and censorship that your operator may apply to certain domains.
• Improve privacy and security, with options that don't log your activity or block malicious pages, phishing, and malware.
• Personalize your experience (parental controls, ad blocking, content filtering, etc.)
• Achieve a more stable connection in the event of ISP DNS outages or slowness.

However, it's important to keep in mind that changing your DNS isn't a magic bullet for all internet problems . If your connection is experiencing dropouts, micro-dropouts, poor coverage, or insufficient bandwidth, changing your DNS settings won't fix that, although it can often lead to an unexpected improvement in your overall experience.

How DNS Servers Work: Resolution Process

When you type an address into your browser, your device first queries the local cache (your own device). If it doesn't have the IP address saved, the request goes to the recursive DNS resolver (usually your ISP's or one you configure).

From there, you may need to consult (in this order):

• DNS Root Server: informs you of the top-level domain (.com, .es, .net…)
• Top-Level Domain (TLD) Name Server: points to the authoritative server responsible for the requested domain
• Authoritative Name Server: responds with the final IP address of the domain

This entire process takes less than a second. Once resolved, the IP address is temporarily stored in the local cache to speed up future requests. If the DNS fails, the website won't load even if your connection is still active.

Main advantages of using alternative DNS

Changing the DNS assigned by your carrier can have significant benefits, depending on the option you choose:

• Speed: Some alternative servers are faster at resolving domains, which translates into faster loading times for websites and better ping in games.
• Increased stability: You won't be dependent on potential outages, congestion, or misconfigurations from your carrier's DNS.
• More security: Many alternative DNS services include filters against malicious or phishing websites, attack protection, and support for DNSSEC or DNSCrypt.
• Privacy: Some DNS promise not to log your activity or share it with third parties, unlike some ISPs or services like Google.
• Parental controls and customization: There are DNS that allow you to filter content categories (adult, gambling, violence, etc.) and block advertising.
• Overcoming restrictions or censorship: If your ISP has blocked access to certain domains, you can easily bypass these blocks with public or alternative DNS.
• Faster record update: Modern DNS servers refresh their address databases more frequently, preventing access issues with newly migrated or updated websites.

Drawbacks and risks of changing DNS

Although there are many advantages, it is also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks or risks of using alternative DNS servers:

• Relative privacy: While some DNS servers promise not to log your activity, others (such as Google's or some other providers) may monitor the domains you visit, albeit anonymously.
• Compatibility or performance issues: In locations far from your chosen provider's data centers, you may notice a slight loss of speed.
• Safety: Some very basic or little-known DNS servers may not provide protection filters, exposing you to more dangerous websites.
• Unexpected advertising or blockages: Some free services include advertising or limit access to certain websites or services.
• False blocks: If the alternate DNS fails or is misconfigured, you could lose network access even if your line continues to work. It's important to always write down the original DNS settings in case you need to restore them.

Diversity of DNS types: public, private, paid and free

There are many categories of DNS servers, each geared toward specific needs:

• ISP DNS: These are the ones assigned to you by default by your Internet provider. They are usually stable, but sometimes slow, not very private, or subject to local censorship.
• Free public DNS: Free and accessible, designed for everyone. Popular examples: Google DNS, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, or Quad9. There are dozens of options.
• Private DNS: Reserved for business environments, offices or projects that require access only to internal resources.
• Paid DNS: They offer greater customization, technical support, advanced options, better performance, and professional attention (sometimes aimed at businesses or advanced users).

Most users opt for free public DNS, but if you're looking for premium features, advanced control options, priority support, or absolute privacy, paid or private services can be worth it.

Updated list of the best DNS for 2025

After analyzing leading specialized websites, expert recommendations, independent tests, and the most widely used services, here are the top DNS providers currently available, with the key features of each . For each service, the primary and secondary IP addresses (used to provide redundancy and prevent outages) are shown.

Google Public DNS

• IP: 8.8.8.8 (primary) / 8.8.4.4 (secondary)
• Advantages: Extremely fast, stable, and accessible from anywhere in the world. Provides protection against DDoS attacks and DNS cache manipulation.
• Privacy: It logs the IP address of requests for up to 24-48 hours, but promises not to link it to your Google account.
• Ideal for: Users who seek speed and reliability above all else.

OpenDNS

• IP: 208.67.222.222 (primary) / 208.67.220.220 (secondary)
• Advantages: A long-standing, highly robust solution with a great reputation. Phishing and malware filters, and advanced customization options available with paid plans.
• Privacy: It collects basic usage data but offers customized options and filters for families and businesses.
• Ideal for: Secure browsing, offices, and users who need extra control.

Cloudflare DNS

• IP: 1.1.1.1 (primary) / 1.0.0.1 (secondary)
• Advantages: One of the fastest and most modern DNS services. Strongly committed to privacy (it doesn't log your IP address and deletes logs within 24 hours) and multi-cloud.
• Safety: Compatible with DNSSEC and DNS-over-HTTPS protocols, ideal for gamers and demanding users.
• Ideal for: Privacy-conscious browsers and online gamers looking for the lowest ping.

Quad9

• IP: 9.9.9.9 (primary) / 149.112.112.112 (secondary)
• Advantages: Prioritizes security and privacy, automatically blocking malicious domains using up to 18 databases and encrypted communication.
• Ideal for: Users who need maximum protection against online threats and don't mind sacrificing a few bits of speed.

Comodo Secure DNS

• IP: 8.26.56.26 (primary) / 8.20.247.20 (secondary)
• Advantages: Focus on security, with protection against phishing, malware, and spyware. Advanced filters and the Dome Shield option to block dangerous IP addresses.
• Cons: Its speed is slightly slower than Cloudflare and Google DNS in most locations.
• Ideal for: Users who prioritize protection and filtering risks.

AdGuard DNS

• IP: 176.103.130.130 (primary) / 176.103.130.131 (secondary)
• Advantages: Provides ad and tracker blocking at the network level (not just in the browser). Filters inappropriate content and phishing.
• Ideal for: Families, schools, or anyone who wants to browse ad-free and feel more protected.

Clean Browsing

• IP: 185.228.168.168 (primary) / 185.228.169.168 (secondary)
• Advantages: DNS designed for parental control. It allows you to easily block adult content and pages unsuitable for minors.
• Ideal for: Educational centers, parents, and users seeking maximum peace of mind for children and adolescents.

Other recommended DNS

• Verisign: 64.6.64.6 / 64.6.65.6 (privacy and stability oriented)
• Yandex DNS: 77.88.8.8 / 77.88.8.1 (Russian version, includes advanced protection options)
• CyberGhost DNS: 38.132.106.139 / 194.187.251.67 (focused on privacy and anonymity)
• DNS Unlocator: 185.37.37.37 / 185.37.39.39 (specialized in bypassing geoblocks and streaming)
• Level3: 209.244.0.3 / 209.244.0.4 (popular alternative, decent speed)
• Alternate DNS: 198.101.242.72 / 23.253.163.53 (ad and malware blocking)

Specific DNS for gaming and online games

Online gamers prioritize the lowest possible latency and maximum stability . A gaming-optimized DNS can help reduce lag, prevent disconnections, and protect you against DDoS attacks and spoofing.

For PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, the services most voted for by the gaming community are:

• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 (super low latencies, ideal for PlayStation consoles)
• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 (great stability on Xbox and Switch, especially in Europe)
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112 (extra security, perfect for Switch and users concerned about attacks)

Changing your DNS on a console is a simple process, and it often makes a noticeable difference, especially in demanding titles, competitive play, or international servers.

How to choose the best DNS for each case

Choosing the right DNS depends on your priorities. Are you looking for speed ? Privacy ? Security ? Parental controls ? Access to international streaming ? Consider these key criteria :

• Geographic location: Choose a DNS with servers close to your country or continent. Tools like DNS Jumper, DNS Benchmark, NameBench, and DNS Perf help you find which one responds the fastest for your specific connection.
• Speed ​​and latency: If you play online or stream a lot, choose the DNS that gives you the lowest ping in your real-world tests.
• Privacy: If you value anonymity, choose Quad9, Cloudflare, or AdGuard instead of Google DNS.
• advanced security: To minimize risks, Quad9, Comodo, and CleanBrowsing excel in automatic threat protection.
• Parental control: CleanBrowsing and AdGuard are favorites if you want to filter out inappropriate content.
• Multi platform: The most popular ones usually work on all platforms: computers, mobile phones, consoles, even routers.

Applications and tools to analyze and change your DNS

To objectively know which DNS is running faster on your connection and easily change it, there are free and very intuitive utilities:

DNS Jumper

The most popular tool for Windows. It lets you test dozens of DNS servers and instantly choose the fastest one for your connection. It's portable, requires no installation, and is available in Spanish. You can change the DNS on your main computer with just two clicks.

DNS Benchmark

Ideal for those who want a comprehensive analysis of the speed and reliability of many DNS servers . Available for Windows, macOS (via Wine), and Linux. After a few minutes of testing, it displays a complete ranking and suggestions.

namebench

Although it hasn't been updated in a while, it's still widely used. It analyzes your browser history and runs resolution tests tailored to your location and actual usage.

DNS Perf

An online tool that offers real-time comparisons of the fastest DNS servers in your region . Useful for users who don't want to install anything.

Additionally, there are apps for Android and iOS that allow you to easily change your DNS from your mobile device (DNS Changer, Nebulo, Blokada, etc.).

Change DNS on any device (PC, Mac, Linux, mobile, console, router…)

Changing your DNS is a simple process on any operating system. Here are the basic steps for the most common platforms:

Windows

• Open “Network and Internet Settings” or “Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.”
• Click “Change adapter options.”
• Select your connection, double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4” (or IPv6 if you use it).
• Activate “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the IP addresses of the chosen DNS.
• Save changes and reboot.

MacOS

• Go to “System Preferences > Network”.
• Select your connection (Ethernet or WiFi), click “Advanced” and go to the “DNS” tab.
• Click “+” and add one or more DNS servers. Save and apply the changes.

Linux

• On most distros, go to “Preferences > Network Connections.”
• Edit your interface and in the IPv4 or IPv6 section, add the preferred DNS IPs.

iOS (iPhone, iPad)

• Go to “Settings > WiFi”.
• Tap the “i” of the connected network and select “DNS Configuration > Manual.”
• Add the DNS settings and remove the old ones if desired. Save changes.

Android

• Go to “Settings > Wi-Fi,” long press on the network, and select “Change network.”
• Go to “Advanced Settings”, change the IP to “Static” and modify the DNS.

Home router

• Open your browser and access the gateway (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• Log in with your username and password (often admin/admin or whatever comes by default).
• Find the Internet or DNS settings section and change the DNS server IPs.
• Save the changes and reboot the router.

Consoles (PS4/PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch…)

• On each console, go to the network/internet settings.
• Edit the settings and select Manual DNS.
• Enter the primary and secondary IP of your preferred DNS.
• Save and test the connection.

In all cases, remember to note the old DNS in case you need to revert the change.

How to clear the DNS cache to avoid access problems

When changing your DNS settings, you may need to clear your computer's or browser's DNS cache to avoid conflicts and access websites that previously failed. The DNS cache stores temporary records to speed up future queries, but if it stores old data, it can cause errors or blockages.

Flush DNS cache in Windows

• Open the start menu, type “CMD” and run the console as administrator.
• Write the command ipconfig / flushdns and press Enter. You'll see a confirmation.

Flush DNS cache on macOS

• Open “Terminal” from Utilities.
• Type the command corresponding to your version, for example:
  sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (in most recent versions)

Flush DNS Cache on Linux

• Open the terminal and run: sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches (Ubuntu) or
  sudo /etc/init.d/dns-clean start (other distros)

Flush DNS cache in browsers

• In Chrome: Navigate to chrome: // net-internals / # dns and click “Clear host cache”.
• In Firefox: type about: config, search network.dnsCacheExpiration and set its value to 0.

Clearing the cache often resolves website access issues after changing the DNS.

What is DNSCrypt and how it improves the security of DNS requests

DNSCrypt is a protocol and set of tools for encrypting DNS requests between your device and the DNS server, preventing them from being intercepted or manipulated by third parties . It provides an extra layer of privacy and security: no one can spy on or alter the addresses you resolve. It works as a proxy and is compatible with numerous public servers such as OpenNIC or alternative resolvers.

Its main advantages are:

• End-to-end encryption: Protects your DNS requests from eavesdropping or traffic hijacking.
• Integrity: Uses cryptographic signatures to ensure valid responses and prevent forgery (DNS spoofing).
• lockout tools: Allows you to block ads, trackers, and dangerous websites locally.
• Open Source: you can audit and adjust to your needs.

If you're concerned about tracking or live in countries with domain censorship, combining DNSCrypt with a good public DNS is one of the best defenses available.

Additional tips for choosing and managing your DNS

• Perform tests periodicallyThe best DNS may vary over time and location. Test at least once a year or if you notice your connection is deteriorating.
• Prioritize redundancy: Always set different primary and secondary IP addresses, ideally from different providers, to avoid being disconnected if one DNS fails.
• Consider compatibility: Make sure the DNS you choose supports IPv6 if your connection and devices already use this protocol.
• Don't forget about security: Prefer DNS with support for DNSSEC, DNS-over-HTTPS, or DNSCrypt if you are concerned about request hijacking or privacy.

The world of DNS is constantly evolving. Now you know that simply leaving the default settings isn't enough: you have multiple options at your disposal to personalize your internet experience, speeding up your browsing, improving your privacy, and increasing security for you and your family.