The Best Quad9 Alternatives for Enhanced DNS Security and Privacy
Quad9 is a highly regarded free, recursive, anycast DNS platform known for its robust security protections against malicious domains, high performance with a global network, and strong commitment to user privacy, never collecting personally-identifiable information. However, for various reasons—be it specific feature needs, a desire for different privacy policies, or simply exploring options—many users seek a reliable Quad9 alternative. This guide dives into the top alternatives that offer similar, and in some cases, enhanced, DNS services.
Top Quad9 Alternatives
While Quad9 offers excellent security and privacy, the world of DNS resolvers is vast. Here are some of the leading alternatives, each with its unique strengths, that you might consider for your internet browsing needs.
1.1.1.1
1.1.1.1 from CloudFlare is a strong Quad9 alternative, focusing on speed and privacy. It's a public DNS resolver that, unlike many others, commits to not selling user data. It's available across multiple platforms including Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, and features include privacy focused, built-in routing, built-in VPN, DNS, DNS Proxy, DNS Server, Encrypted VPN, and web filter.
OpenDNS
OpenDNS is a commercial web-based Quad9 alternative renowned for its security and infrastructure services, offering integrated web content filtering, anti-phishing, and DNS. It's a robust choice for those needing comprehensive content control and reporting, available as a Commercial Web platform with features like DNS Server, Wiki-like interface, Content Filtering, DNS, Reporting, and Web filter.
OpenNIC
OpenNIC is a Free and Open Source Quad9 alternative that operates as a user-owned and controlled alternate network information center. It's available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web, offering an alternative DNS root for users seeking more control and privacy, with features like Based on Blockchain, Custom domain, Privacy focused, Reporting, and Web filter.
Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS is a widely used free, global DNS resolution service. It's a straightforward Quad9 alternative for users looking for a reliable and fast DNS server without additional frills. It's available as a Free Web platform and primarily offers DNS Server functionality.
DNSCrypt Protocol
DNSCrypt Protocol is a Free and Open Source Quad9 alternative focused on security. It authenticates communications between a DNS client and a DNS resolver, preventing DNS spoofing through cryptographic signatures. It's available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, and Docker, and its core features are Encryption and Security focused.
NextDNS
NextDNS is a Freemium and Open Source Quad9 alternative that offers robust ad and tracker blocking, real-time analytics, parental controls, and privacy protection across all your devices. It's compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, iPad, and various browsers, making it a versatile choice for comprehensive internet control. Key features include Block ads, Parental Control, Real-time analytics, DNS, and DNS Server.
DNS.Watch
DNS.Watch is a Free web-based Quad9 alternative that stands out for its strict no-logging, no-filtering, and no-hijacking policy (redirecting NXDOMAIN responses). It's a privacy-focused DNS Server for users who prioritize unfiltered and private internet access, offering DNS Server, No Logs, and Privacy focused features.
Yandex.DNS
Yandex.DNS is a Free web-based Quad9 alternative with servers primarily located in Russia, CIS countries, and Western Europe. It offers a free, recursive DNS service with options for DNS filtering and reporting, providing a localized solution for users in those regions. Features include DNS filter, DNS Server, and Reporting.
NixNet DNS
NixNet DNS is a Free and Open Source Quad9 alternative that provides a public anycast no-log DNS resolver. It supports plaintext DNS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS-over-HTTPS, catering to users who prioritize advanced encryption for their DNS queries. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, Chrome, and AdGuard/Firefox, it offers Content Filtering, No Login Required, Security & Privacy, and Web filter.
Comodo Secure DNS
Comodo Secure DNS is a Free Quad9 alternative that resolves DNS requests through Comodo's worldwide network of redundant DNS servers. It aims to provide faster and more secure browsing by blocking malicious sites. It's available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web, featuring Content Filtering and DNS Server capabilities.
Choosing the best DNS resolver depends entirely on your specific needs, whether it's uncompromised privacy, lightning-fast speeds, robust parental controls, or advanced security features. Explore these excellent Quad9 alternatives to find the perfect fit for your internet browsing experience.