Free DNS Benchmark Tool
DNS Speed Test — Find the Fastest DNS Server
Benchmark popular DNS providers like Cloudflare, Google, OpenDNS, and Quad9. Find which DNS server delivers the fastest response times for your connection.
Click "Run Speed Test" to benchmark DNS providers
What is DNS?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet's phonebook. Every time you visit a website, your device performs a DNS lookup to translate the human-readable domain name (like google.com) into a machine-readable IP address (like 142.250.80.46). This happens behind the scenes in milliseconds, but the speed of your DNS resolver directly affects how quickly websites start loading.
By default, most devices use the DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, ISP DNS servers are often slower and less private than dedicated public DNS providers. Switching to a faster DNS resolver like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8) can reduce page load times and improve your overall browsing experience.
Why DNS Speed Matters
Every new domain your browser encounters requires a DNS lookup. On a typical web page, your browser may need to resolve 10-30 different domains for content, analytics, fonts, and ads. A DNS server that responds in 12ms instead of 80ms saves nearly 70ms per lookup. Over dozens of lookups per page, that adds up to a noticeably faster browsing experience.
DNS Caching
DNS responses are cached at multiple levels: your browser, your operating system, and your router all store recent DNS lookups. The TTL (Time to Live) value in each DNS record determines how long a result is cached. After the TTL expires, a fresh DNS lookup is required. This is why the first visit to a site may feel slower than subsequent visits.
How to Change Your DNS Server
Windows 10 / 11
- Open Settings > Network & Internet
- Click Change adapter options (or Advanced network settings > More network adapter options on Windows 11)
- Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses
- Enter your preferred DNS (e.g.,
1.1.1.1) and alternate DNS (e.g.,1.0.0.1) - Click OK and close all windows
macOS
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions)
- Click Network, then select your active connection
- Click Details (or Advanced) > DNS
- Click the + button and add your preferred DNS servers
- Remove any existing DNS servers you want to replace
- Click OK > Apply
Linux (systemd-resolved)
- Edit
/etc/systemd/resolved.confwith your text editor - Under
[Resolve], add:DNS=1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 - Optionally add:
FallbackDNS=8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 - Restart the service:
sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved - Verify with:
resolvectl status
Router (All Devices)
- Open your router admin panel (usually
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1) - Log in with your admin credentials
- Navigate to WAN, Internet, or DNS Settings
- Replace the DNS server fields with your preferred provider
- Save and reboot the router. All connected devices will use the new DNS.
DNS Provider Comparison
| Provider | Primary IP | Secondary IP | Privacy | DNSSEC | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | No logging, audited by KPMG | ✓ | ★★★★★ |
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Temporary logs, anonymized after 48h | ✓ | ★★★★☆ | |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Logs stored, opt-out available | ✓ | ★★★★☆ |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | No personal data logged, Swiss privacy | ✓ | ★★★★☆ |
| Comodo Secure | 8.26.56.26 | 8.20.247.20 | Logs for security analysis | ✓ | ★★★☆☆ |
| CleanBrowsing | 185.228.168.9 | 185.228.169.9 | No personal data logged | ✓ | ★★★☆☆ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DNS speed test?
A DNS speed test measures how quickly different DNS providers can resolve domain names into IP addresses. Faster DNS resolution means websites begin loading more quickly because your browser spends less time looking up where to find each domain. Our tool benchmarks popular providers like Cloudflare, Google, OpenDNS, and Quad9 so you can compare response times.
Which DNS server is the fastest?
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) is generally the fastest public DNS resolver, with average response times around 11-14ms globally. Google DNS (8.8.8.8) is a close second. However, the fastest DNS for you depends on your geographic location, ISP, and network conditions. Run the speed test above to find the best option for your connection.
Does DNS affect internet speed?
DNS does not affect your download or upload bandwidth, but it directly impacts how fast websites begin loading. Every new domain your browser encounters requires a DNS lookup. A slow DNS server can add 50-200ms of delay to every new connection. Switching to a faster provider can noticeably improve browsing responsiveness.
Is Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) safe?
Yes, Cloudflare DNS is safe and privacy-focused. Cloudflare commits to never selling user data, never using DNS data for ad targeting, and purging all logs within 24 hours. It supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) for encrypted queries, and is independently audited by KPMG.
What is DNSSEC and why does it matter?
DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) adds cryptographic signatures to DNS records to prevent tampering and spoofing. Without DNSSEC, attackers could redirect your DNS queries to malicious servers. All major public DNS providers including Cloudflare, Google, and Quad9 support DNSSEC validation.
Should I change DNS on my device or router?
Changing DNS on your router applies the new DNS servers to all devices on your network, which is the easiest approach. Changing DNS on individual devices gives you more control, for example using different DNS servers on your work laptop versus your phone. For most users, changing it at the router level is recommended.