The Best Privacy-First DNS Resolvers
Improving your online privacy goes beyond using secure web browsers. Choosing the right Domain Name System (DNS) resolver is crucial for keeping your internet activity private, censorship-free, and shielded from intrusive ads. In this article, we explore a mix of privacy-friendly public DNS resolvers—as well as self-hosted options—that help protect your browsing experience.
Table of Contents
Mullvad DNS
Mullvad DNS is a privacy-focused DNS service that encrypts queries using DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT). It offers multiple content-blocking levels, from no filtering to blocking ads, trackers, malware, adult content, gambling, and social media. Designed primarily for use outside the Mullvad VPN, it ensures privacy with features like QNAME minimization and anycast routing for reliability.
Pros:
- Strong Privacy Protections:
Encrypted DNS queries with strict no-logs policy and QNAME minimization reduce data exposure. - Content Blocking Options:
Multiple predefined filters allow blocking of ads, trackers, malware, adult content, gambling, and social media. - Flexible Use Cases:
Can be used independently or alongside Mullvad VPN for enhanced privacy on unsupported devices. - Reliable and Fast:
Anycast infrastructure routes queries to the nearest server, ensuring low latency and high availability.
Cons:
- Primarily for VPN Disconnected Use:
Benefits are limited when connected to Mullvad VPN, as VPN tunnel already encrypts DNS. - Basic Filtering Only:
Content blocking is predefined and not customizable beyond offered levels. - Advanced Features Geared Toward Experienced Users:
Some configurations and use cases may require technical knowledge.
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)
Cloudflare DNS is one of the fastest public DNS resolvers globally, leveraging Cloudflare’s extensive global network for low-latency, reliable DNS resolution. It prioritizes user privacy with a strict no-logging policy and supports encrypted DNS protocols DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT). Cloudflare also offers built-in security features like DNSSEC and DDoS mitigation to protect users and domains from attacks.
Pros:
- Exceptional Speed:
Consistently ranked as the fastest DNS resolver worldwide, reducing page load times. - Strong Privacy Commitment:
Does not log IP addresses or sell user data, ensuring query confidentiality. - Encrypted DNS Support:
Implements DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) to secure DNS queries. - Robust Security Features:
Includes DNSSEC validation and DDoS protection to safeguard DNS infrastructure.
Cons:
- Centralized Service:
Reliance on a single large provider may raise concerns for users favoring decentralization. - No Native Content Filtering:
Does not provide built-in ad blocking or customizable filtering options. - Potential Privacy Trade-offs:
Although privacy-focused, some users may prefer DNS services operated by non-corporate entities.
Quad9 DNS
Quad9 is a privacy-focused DNS resolver that blocks access to malicious domains using threat intelligence from multiple sources. It operates on a global anycast network, supports encrypted DNS protocols (DoH, DoT, DNSCrypt), and enforces DNSSEC validation—all while maintaining a strict no-logs policy under Swiss privacy laws.
Pros:
- Strong Security:
Blocks malware, phishing, and other threats using real-time intelligence. - Privacy-First:
No logging of personal data and compliant with strict privacy regulations. - Fast and Reliable:
Global anycast network ensures low-latency DNS resolution. - Encrypted and Verified:
Supports DoH, DoT, DNSCrypt, and DNSSEC for secure, authentic queries.
Cons:
- No Content Filtering:
Focuses solely on security-related blocking, with no ad or content filtering. - Limited Customization:
Blocklists are managed by Quad9 with no user control. - Technical Setup:
Some advanced features may require technical knowledge.
AdGuard Public DNS
AdGuard Public DNS is a fast, privacy-focused DNS resolver that blocks ads, trackers, phishing, and malware at the DNS level. It offers secure DNS protocols (DoH, DoT, DNSCrypt, DoQ) and optional content filtering, including parental controls and adult content blocking. AdGuard does not log DNS queries, ensuring user privacy while providing robust protection and easy setup across devices.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Blocking:
Blocks ads, trackers, phishing, malware, and optionally adult content and unsafe sites. - Privacy-Oriented:
Does not log DNS queries and supports encrypted DNS protocols (DoH, DoT, DNSCrypt, DoQ). - Content Filtering Options:
Offers predefined filtering modes including family protection and customizable user rules (via Private DNS). - User-Friendly:
Easy to configure on any device without installing additional software.
Cons:
- Centralized Service:
Relies on a single provider, requiring trust in AdGuard’s data handling. - Advanced Customization Limited to Private DNS:
Deep customization and detailed statistics require using Private AdGuard DNS with a user dashboard. - Potential Overblocking:
Some blocking filters (e.g., newly registered domains) may cause false positives.
NextDNS
NextDNS is a highly customizable, privacy-focused DNS resolver that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and unwanted content. It offers granular filtering options, parental controls, and detailed analytics, allowing users to tailor DNS filtering to their needs. NextDNS supports encrypted DNS protocols (DoH, DoT, DoQ) and DNSSEC validation, ensuring secure and private queries across devices and networks.
Pros:
- Extensive Customization:
Create custom blocklists, allowlists, and apply granular filters including ads, trackers, malware, and adult content. - Detailed Analytics:
Provides comprehensive logs and insights into DNS queries and blocked threats. - Cross-Platform Support:
Easy to configure on routers, computers, smartphones, and IoT devices. - Strong Privacy & Security:
Supports encrypted DNS (DoH, DoT, DoQ) and DNSSEC with options for log retention in multiple jurisdictions.
Cons:
- Subscription Required for Heavy Use:
Free tier is generous, but advanced features and higher query limits require a paid plan. - Complex Configuration:
The wide range of options can be overwhelming for beginners.
OpenDNS
OpenDNS, now part of Cisco, offers reliable DNS resolution with integrated content filtering and security features. It provides both free and paid plans, enabling users to block phishing, malware, and access to inappropriate websites through customizable filtering categories.
Pros:
- Effective Security:
Protects against phishing, malware, and malicious sites with optional content filtering. - Dependable Performance:
Backed by Cisco, ensuring stability and consistent service. - User-Friendly Setup:
Easy to configure with straightforward options suitable for most users.
Cons:
- Basic Privacy:
Collects some anonymized data for service improvements, which may not suit strict privacy needs. - Limited Customization:
Fewer filtering options compared to advanced solutions like NextDNS. - Less Granular Control:
Content filtering is preconfigured or category-based, with limited user customization.
Self-Hosted: AdGuard Home
AdGuard Home is a self-hosted, open-source DNS resolver that provides network-wide blocking of ads, trackers, and malicious domains. Running on your own hardware, it intercepts DNS queries to improve privacy, speed up browsing, and enforce parental controls—all managed through an intuitive web dashboard.
Pros:
- Complete Privacy Control:
Hosted locally, giving you full ownership of your DNS data without third-party logging. - Comprehensive Filtering:
Blocks ads, trackers, phishing, malware, and optionally adult content and unsafe sites. - User-Friendly Interface:
Modern web dashboard for easy monitoring, configuration, and custom filter management. - Built-in Encrypted DNS Support:
Native DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) support for secure queries. - Parental Controls & Safe Search:
Optional family protection mode blocks adult content and enforces safe search.
Cons:
- Requires Maintenance:
Needs regular updates and management since it runs on your own device. - Hardware and Setup Needed:
Must be installed on compatible hardware and requires some technical know-how. - Less Community Support Compared to Pi-hole:
While growing, its community is smaller and less mature than Pi-hole’s.
Self-Hosted: Pi-hole
Pi-hole is a network-wide DNS sinkhole that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains by intercepting DNS queries before they reach the internet. Running on your own hardware, it provides enhanced privacy, faster browsing, and comprehensive control over DNS filtering.
Pros:
- Network-Wide Protection:
Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains across all devices without individual setup. - Improved Performance:
Caches DNS queries to speed up browsing and reduce data usage. - Highly Customizable:
Supports custom blocklists, allowlists, and detailed filtering rules, with extensive community support. - Privacy Control:
Logs are stored locally, giving you full control over your DNS data. - Supports DNS-over-HTTPS/TLS:
Can encrypt DNS queries for added privacy and security.
Cons:
- Technical Setup Required:
Installation and configuration need some networking and Linux knowledge. - Maintenance:
Requires regular updates and management to ensure security and performance. - Hardware Dependency:
Needs a dedicated device or server to run reliably.
Additional Considerations When Choosing a DNS Resolver
When evaluating a DNS resolver for enhanced privacy and security, consider the following factors:
- Privacy Policies:
Examine how each resolver handles your data and whether it logs personally identifiable information. - Filtering Capabilities:
Determine if the resolver offers robust filtering to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites. - Self-Hosting vs. Third-Party Services:
Decide whether you prefer the complete control of a self-hosted solution like AdGuard Home or Pi-hole, or the convenience of managed resolvers like Cloudflare, Quad9, or AdGuard Public DNS. - Maintenance and Updates:
Self-hosted resolvers require regular maintenance, while third-party services handle updates automatically.
Tip
For users who prioritize maximum privacy and control, self-hosted resolvers like AdGuard Home and Pi-hole offer compelling benefits. If you prefer a hassle-free experience with built-in threat protection, consider public resolvers such as Cloudflare, Quad9, and AdGuard Public DNS.
Privacy in Practice: Use Cases
Consider these scenarios when choosing the right DNS resolver:
- Home Networks:
Self-hosted options like Pi-hole and AdGuard Home are ideal for network-wide ad blocking and protection on all connected devices. - Mobile and Global Use:
Public resolvers such as Cloudflare, Quad9, and AdGuard Public DNS offer fast and reliable DNS resolution with robust privacy features for users on the go. - Advanced Filtering Needs:
NextDNS is well-suited for those who need granular control over their DNS queries and filtering rules.
Conclusion
Choosing the right DNS resolver is a powerful step toward enhancing your digital security and online privacy. Whether you opt for managed services like Mullvad DNS, Cloudflare, Quad9, AdGuard Public DNS, NextDNS, and OpenDNS, or decide to host your own resolver with AdGuard Home or Pi-hole, each option presents unique advantages tailored to different privacy needs and technical abilities.
Embrace digital security today by selecting a DNS resolver that not only accelerates your browsing experience but also safeguards your personal data from prying eyes in our increasingly connected world.