THE DNS servers public not only speed up your Internet browsing, but also improve your security and privacy compared to the DNS provided by default by your operator.
DNS (Domain Name System) is the system that translates domain names (eg. codeur.com) into IP addresses that the machines understand. Without DNS, the Internet would not work.
Changing DNS servers can:
- Speed up the opening of pages
- Block malicious sites
- Filter inappropriate content
- Limit tracking by your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
This 2026 guide presents the DNS servers the most efficient, secure and useful free public services today, with their addresses, advantages, disadvantages and practical use cases.
The tools in this article were selected by our team and are not sponsored. Find out how sponsor your tool.
1. Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare is one of the world's largest web performance and security companies.
Since 2018, the company has offered a DNS service, recognized as one of the best free DNS servers that you can use today. This DNS server is indeed one of the fastest, and one of the most privacy-friendly, DNS servers available on the web.
IP:
Strong points:
- Very fast
- Excellent confidentiality
- Easy to configure
- IPv6 compatible
Boundaries :
- No native parental filtering
- No built-in ad blocking
Codeur.com's opinion: A great default choice in 2026 if you're looking for speed and simplicity without complex setup.
2. Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS is one of the most used DNS servers in the world. It focuses on reliability, stability and a high-performance overall infrastructure.
IP :
Strong points:
- Very high stability
- Global infrastructure
- Solid performance
- IPv6 compatible
- Optimized speed thanks to Anycast routing
Boundaries :
- Collection of certain technical data
- No integrated filtering
Codeur.com's opinion: A reliable and universal choice, ideal if you want a stable solution without looking for advanced options.
3. OpenDNS
OpenDNS, offered by Cisco, is known for its reliability and phishing protection features.
IP:
- 208.67.222.222
- 208.67.220.220
Strong points:
- Anti-phishing protection
- Robust infrastructure
- Good availability
- Anycast Routing
Boundaries :
- Some advanced paid features
- Slower than market leaders
Codeur.com's opinion: A good compromise for homes or small structures looking for stability and security.
4. AdGuard DNS
AdGuard DNS is particularly popular for blocking ads, trackers and unwanted content.
IP :
- 176.103.130.130
- 176.103.130.132 (family mode)
Strong points:
- Block ads
- Block trackers
- Family mode available
- Respect for privacy
Boundaries :
- May block some legitimate sites
- Filtering sometimes too strict
Codeur.com's opinion: An excellent choice for improving privacy and reducing advertising nuisance.
5. Quad9 DNS
Quad9 is security-focused DNS. It automatically blocks malicious domains using databases of cybersecurity.
IP:
Strong points:
- Block malicious sites
- Real-time protection
- Good level of confidentiality
Boundaries :
- No advanced parental controls
- Less customization oriented
Codeur.com's opinion: Perfect if your priority is security rather than customization.
6. CleanBrowsing DNS
CleanBrowsing specializes in family safety and educational environments.
IP:
- 185.228.168.9
- 185.228.169.9
Strong points:
- Adult content filtering
- Protection against malware
- Family-friendly versions
Boundaries :
- Advanced paid features
- Less raw performance oriented
Codeur.com's opinion: A great choice for families and schools.
7. DNS.Watch
DNS.Watch is an independent service that emphasizes neutrality and non-censorship.
IP:
- 84.200.69.80
- 84.200.70.40
Strong points:
- No censorship
- No registration required
- Respect for privacy
Boundaries :
- No integrated security filtering
Codeur.com's opinion: Suitable for users looking for simple and free DNS.
8. Verisign Public DNS
Verisign offers public DNS focused on stability and reliability, without advertising redirects.
IP:
Strong points:
- Very stable
- No redirection
- Good confidentiality
Boundaries :
- Few additional features
Codeur.com's opinion: A simple and reliable solution for those who want neutral DNS.
9. Control D
Control D allows advanced customization of filter rules.
IP:
Strong points:
- Customizable rules
- Blocking ads and trackers
- Suitable for businesses
Boundaries :
- Limited free version
- More technical configuration
Codeur.com's opinion: Interesting for advanced users or structures with specific needs.
10. NextDNS
NextDNS is a modern DNS offering a high level of customization, with dashboard and advanced filtering.
IP:
Strong points:
- Advanced parental controls
- Blocking ads and trackers
- Very precise configuration
- Multi-device compatible
Boundaries :
- Limited free version
- A little more technical configuration
Codeur.com's opinion: Ideal for users who want full control of their browsing.
Bonuses: IONOS DNS Premium
IONOS offers a Professional DNS oriented advanced security, especially for domain owners and companies wishing to strengthen the protection of their infrastructure.
IP: to be configured via the IONOS customer area depending on the domain
Strong points:
- DNS Hijack Protection
- DNSSEC Compatibility
- Strong authentication
- Ideal for site owners
Boundaries :
- Paid service
- Mainly useful for domain holders
Codeur.com's opinion : A good addition if you manage a website and want to strengthen the security of your domain name.
Our advice for choosing your DNS
| DNS | Main priority | Integrated filtering | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | Speed | No | Daily use |
| Google DNS | Stability | No | Overall reliability |
| OpenDNS | Anti-phishing | Yes | Home security |
| AdGuard DNS | Ad blocking | Yes | Confidentiality |
| Quad9 | Malware blocking | Yes | Reinforced protection |
| CleanBrowsing | Parental Control | Yes | Families/schools |
| DNS.Watch | Neutrality | No | Without censorship |
| Verisign DNS | Stability | No | Simple and reliable DNS |
| Control D | Personalization | Yes | Advanced users |
| NextDNS | Advanced control | Yes | Complete filtering |
| IONOS DNS | Domain security | DNSSEC | Site owners |
Try several DNS to find the one that best suits your uses and discuss with the community to understand the technical specificities of one or the other.
If you don't have the time or skills to move to another DNS server, consider ask for help from a freelancer on Codeur.com !