Changing your DNS servers is one of the easiest ways to improve your internet connection response without touching your plan, router, or wiring. It doesn’t increase Mbps, but it can reduce the time it takes for a device to find a web, app, or online service’s IP address. In daily browsing filled with domains, subdomains, APIs, images, ads, videos, and external services, those milliseconds can make a noticeable difference.
The DNS, short for Domain Name System, functions as the internet’s address book. When a user types in google.com, youtube.com, or revistacloud.com, the device doesn’t connect to that name directly. It first queries a DNS server to find out which IP address corresponds to that domain. Only then does the actual connection to the destination server begin.
Most households use their provider’s DNS by default. It’s the most convenient because it’s auto-configured, but it isn’t always the fastest, most private, or secure. For this reason, an increasing number of users, administrators, and small businesses opt for free public DNS services like Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, Quad9, OpenDNS, AdGuard DNS, or CleanBrowsing.
What really improves when changing DNS
Changing DNS affects the name resolution phase. If this phase is slow, it can delay page loading even if your fiber connection has good speed. If the DNS responds quickly, the browser gets the IP sooner and can initiate the connection with less delay.
The improvement will vary depending on the situation. If a network already uses a fast, nearby DNS, the change might barely be noticeable. If the provider’s DNS is congested, has poor routes, applies redirects, or frequently fails, switching to a well-maintained public service can reduce errors and make browsing feel snappier.
There’s also a privacy aspect. DNS queries reveal which domains you’re trying to visit. They don’t necessarily show the exact page or HTTPS-encrypted content, but they can reveal browsing patterns. Using a provider with a clear data handling policy can be better than entrusting all queries to your ISP without knowing how they’re managed.
Security is the third reason. Some public DNS servers block domains associated with malware, phishing, botnets, or adult content. They don’t replace antivirus, firewalls, or good digital habits but add an extra layer of protection before your device visits a dangerous site.
Table of free DNS for general use
The following options are popular in home networks, small offices, and personal devices. All offer free DNS servers with easy-to-configure IPv4 addresses.
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Recommended profile | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare DNS | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Users seeking speed and privacy | Low latency and global network |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | General use and high availability | High capacity and stability |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Users prioritizing security | Malicious domain blocking |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Home and small businesses | Filtering and control options |
| AdGuard DNS | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 | Users wanting ad/tracker reduction | Blocks ads and trackers at DNS level |
| CleanBrowsing Security | 185.228.168.9 | 185.228.169.9 | Basic network security | Malware and phishing blocking |
Cloudflare and Google are usually the first options when speed is the priority. Quad9 is good if you want to filter dangerous domains without complex setup. AdGuard DNS can help reduce ads and tracking at the DNS level, though it doesn’t replace a full ad blocker in your browser.
Free DNS with family or security filtering
In networks for children, classrooms, small offices, or guest networks, it can make sense to use DNS with pre-configured filters. These services block certain categories of domains before the browser can access them.
| Provider | Profile | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Main Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare for Families | Malware | 1.1.1.2 | 1.0.0.2 | Malicious domains |
| Cloudflare for Families | Malware & Adult | 1.1.1.3 | 1.0.0.3 | Malware and adult content |
| OpenDNS FamilyShield | Family | 208.67.222.123 | 208.67.220.123 | Adult content |
| AdGuard Family DNS | Family | 94.140.14.15 | 94.140.15.16 | Ads, trackers, phishing, adult content |
| CleanBrowsing Adult | Adult | 185.228.168.10 | 185.228.169.11 | Adult, malware, phishing |
| CleanBrowsing Family | Strict Family | 185.228.168.168 | 185.228.169.168 | Adult, proxies, VPNs, threats |
These filters have limitations. They work per domain, not by exact content within each page. Additionally, some browsers or systems may use their own DNS encryption, bypassing router settings if not properly managed. Still, for a home network, they provide a simple, useful barrier.
Where to change DNS: router, PC, mobile, or console
The location where you configure DNS determines which devices are affected. For an entire home, it’s most practical to change it in the router. To test without affecting the entire network, it’s best to do it first on a single computer.
| Change location | Impacted devices | Advantage | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Router | All connected devices | One change applies network-wide | Whole house or small office |
| Windows | Only that PC | Quick testing | Laptops or work computers |
| macOS | Only that Mac | Network-specific setup | Mac users with multiple networks |
| Linux | Single device or interface | Advanced control | Technical environments or servers |
| Android | WiFi or private DNS | Mobility convenience | Personal phones or tablets |
| iOS/iPadOS | Specific WiFi network | Easy to revert | iPhone or iPad at home |
| Consoles/Smart TV | Only that device | Potential connection stability | Gaming, streaming, slow apps |
In a typical home router, the process usually involves accessing the settings via a browser, often at addresses like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, locating WAN, Internet, LAN, or DNS sections, disabling automatic retrieval, and manually entering the desired addresses. Remember to save changes and restart the router afterward.
On Windows, adjust this in network adapter properties within IPv4 or IPv6 settings. On macOS, it’s in network preferences. Android’s private DNS option supports encrypted DNS names, while iOS usually configures DNS per WiFi network.
Encrypted DNS: DoH and DoT
For advanced users, the next step is checking if your provider supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT). These technologies encrypt DNS queries, preventing them from traveling in plain text between your device and resolver.
| Technology | What it does | Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional DNS | Queries domains unencrypted | Widely compatible | Less privacy |
| DNS over HTTPS (DoH) | Sends DNS within HTTPS traffic | Harder to inspect or block | May complicate network policies |
| DNS over TLS (DoT) | Encrypts DNS over TLS | Good balance of privacy and control | Requires system or router support |
| DNSSEC | Validates DNS responses | Reduces response tampering | Doesn’t encrypt queries |
In enterprise environments, activating encrypted DNS without planning can interfere with internal policies, corporate filtering, threat detection, or logging. At home, however, it can be a simple security improvement if your router, OS, or browser supports it correctly.
How to choose the right DNS
There’s no perfect DNS for everyone. The best choice depends on your location, ISP, usage type, and user priorities. For general browsing, Cloudflare and Google often deliver excellent results. For security, Quad9 and CleanBrowsing are good for threat blocking. For family filters, OpenDNS FamilyShield, Cloudflare for Families, AdGuard Family DNS, and CleanBrowsing Family are easy options to implement.
The most sensible approach is to test for a few days. If browsing improves, keep the configuration. If issues arise with certain websites, banking apps, internal services, or streaming platforms, revert to automatic DNS or try another provider.
DNSgratis.com can be a good starting point for exploring free DNS servers, comparing options, and checking setup guides. For professional environments, it’s advisable to combine this info with official documentation and conduct tests on latency, availability, and compatibility.
Remember, changing DNS doesn’t fix poor WiFi coverage, saturated fiber connections, outdated routers, or mobile signal issues. But it can improve a fundamental aspect of your online experience. It’s free, reversible, and simple enough to warrant a trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing DNS increase my contracted speed?
No. It doesn’t increase your Mbps, but it can reduce resolution time for domains and the start of web or app loading.
What’s the best free DNS for online gaming?
It depends on your network and location. Cloudflare and Google are often good for low latency, but DNS affects only initial resolution, not your full ping during gameplay.
Which free DNS is best for security?
Quad9, CleanBrowsing Security, and Cloudflare for Families with malware filters are solid choices to block known malicious domains.
Should I change DNS on my router?
Yes, if you want the change to apply across your whole house. For testing purposes, it may be better to change DNS on a single device first to see if it improves your experience.