Every time you visit a website, your internet service provider knows exactly where you’re going. Why? Because by default, your device relies on your ISP’s DNS servers to translate website names into IP addresses. This means your browsing history can be logged, analyzed, and in some countries even restricted or censored.
The good news is that you don’t have to accept this by default.
Privacy-focused DNS resolvers encrypt your DNS queries, avoid logging your activity, and often block malware, trackers, or phishing sites. Some even help bypass ISP-level filtering. In this guide, we’ve selected eight reliable DNS alternatives that prioritize privacy, security, and transparency—so you can browse the web more freely in 2026.
1. FDN (French Data Network): A Neutral, Non-Profit DNS
FDN is a French non-profit ISP that offers a public DNS resolver built around privacy and net neutrality. Unlike ISP DNS servers, FDN does not censor content and does not log user activity. The service is operated by an independent association with a long-standing commitment to an open internet.
Location: France
Why choose FDN:
- No website blocking or content filtering
- No logging or monetization of browsing data
- Operated by an independent, activist association
- Infrastructure hosted entirely in France
- Strong stance on net neutrality
DNS addresses:
- IPv4:
80.67.169.12,80.67.169.40 - IPv6:
2001:910:800::12,2001:910:800::40 - DoH:
https://ns0.fdn.fr/dns-query,https://ns1.fdn.fr/dns-query
2. DNS4EU: Europe’s Sovereign DNS Resolver
DNS4EU is a public DNS resolver launched by the European Union in mid-2025. Its mission is to provide a GDPR-compliant alternative to US-based DNS providers like Google and Cloudflare. All queries remain within Europe, and IP addresses are anonymized before processing.
Location: European Union (servers across 14 EU countries)
Why choose DNS4EU:
- Full GDPR compliance with IP anonymization
- No data monetization
- Daily-updated malware blocking
- Optional parental control and ad blocking
- Low latency across Europe
DNS4EU offers multiple profiles, from unfiltered access to full protection with ads and adult content blocked.
3. Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1): The Fastest Public DNS
Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 is widely regarded as the fastest public DNS resolver. While based in the US, Cloudflare has made strong privacy commitments: it does not sell user data, truncates IP addresses, and deletes logs within 25 hours. Its policies are independently audited.
Location: United States
Why choose Cloudflare:
- Extremely fast global performance
- No selling or sharing of personal data
- IP anonymization by truncation
- Logs deleted within 25 hours
- Independent privacy audits
Cloudflare also offers family-safe DNS profiles that block malware and adult content.
4. NextDNS: Fully Customizable DNS Protection
NextDNS is a highly configurable DNS service that combines privacy with advanced security features. Users can create custom rules, block ads and trackers, prevent phishing attacks, and even restrict newly registered domains commonly used in malware campaigns.
The free tier includes up to 300,000 queries per month. Beyond that, it continues to function without filtering unless you upgrade.
Location: Switzerland
Why choose NextDNS:
- Advanced ad and tracker blocking
- Phishing and malware protection
- AI-driven threat detection
- Google Safe Browsing integration
- Protection against cryptojacking and DNS rebinding
- Deep customization with allowlists and blocklists
Each user gets unique DNS endpoints tied to their configuration.
5. Quad9: Security-First DNS with No Logs
Quad9 is a non-profit DNS resolver focused on cybersecurity. It blocks access to known malicious domains using threat intelligence from over 20 security partners. Based in Switzerland, Quad9 operates under one of the world’s strictest privacy jurisdictions and does not collect identifiable user data.
Location: Switzerland
Why choose Quad9:
- Real-time malware and phishing blocking
- No personal data logging
- Non-profit organization
- Swiss privacy protections
- DNSSEC validation enabled
Quad9 also offers an unfiltered version for users who want maximum neutrality.
6. AdGuard DNS: Built-In Ad and Tracker Blocking
AdGuard DNS is a privacy-friendly DNS service designed to block ads, trackers, phishing sites, and optionally adult content. It requires no software installation and works on virtually any device, including routers, smartphones, consoles, and smart TVs.
Location: Cyprus
Why choose AdGuard DNS:
- Ad and tracker blocking at the DNS level
- Malware and phishing protection
- No activity logs
- DNSSEC support
- Supports DoH, DoT, and DNS-over-QUIC
Multiple profiles are available, including family protection and unfiltered secure DNS.
7. Mullvad DNS: Privacy Above Everything
Mullvad DNS is operated by the Swedish company behind the well-known Mullvad VPN. It follows the same privacy-first philosophy, offering strict data minimization and multiple filtering levels. The service supports QNAME minimization and encrypted DNS protocols.
Location: Sweden (servers worldwide)
Why choose Mullvad DNS:
- No personal data collection
- QNAME minimization for enhanced privacy
- Multiple filtering levels
- DoH and DoT support
- Operated by a privacy-focused company
Mullvad DNS can block ads, malware, adult content, gambling, and social media depending on the chosen profile.
8. DNS.SB: Simple, Neutral, Zero-Log DNS
DNS.SB is a minimalist DNS resolver operated by German company xTom. Its standout feature is a strict zero-log policy combined with strong privacy standards like QNAME minimization and no EDNS Client Subnet support.
Location: Germany
Why choose DNS.SB:
- Strict no-log policy
- DNS query minimization (RFC 7816)
- No EDNS Client Subnet
- DNSSEC enabled
- HTTP/3 support for DoH
- Completely neutral (no filtering)
It also uses some of the shortest IPv6 addresses in the world, though privacy—not novelty—is its real strength.
How to Change Your DNS Resolver
Switching DNS providers is simple. You can change DNS settings:
- On your computer (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- On your smartphone (Android, iOS)
- Directly on your router to protect all devices at once
Many users prefer DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for encrypted queries. Tools like DNS Jumper can simplify the process on Windows.
Which DNS Is the Fastest?
DNS speed affects how quickly websites start loading. According to DNSPerf benchmarks, average response times for popular resolvers are:
- Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): ~5.8 ms
- Quad9: ~15.6 ms
- NextDNS: ~17.3 ms
Performance varies by location and ISP, so the best approach is to test locally using tools like DNS Benchmark or Namebench.
Conclusion
Changing your DNS resolver is one of the easiest ways to improve online privacy, enhance security, and reduce ISP-level tracking or censorship. Whether you prioritize speed, neutrality, filtering, or strict data protection, there’s a DNS resolver on this list that fits your needs.
Try a few, compare performance, and choose the one that best matches your expectations for privacy and freedom online.
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We do not support or promote any form of piracy, copyright infringement, or illegal use of software, video content, or digital resources.
Any mention of third-party sites, tools, or platforms is purely for informational purposes. It is the responsibility of each reader to comply with the laws in their country, as well as the terms of use of the services mentioned.
We strongly encourage the use of legal, open-source, or official solutions in a responsible manner.
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