Popular Public DNS Servers Compared (8.8.8.8 / 1.1.1.1 / 223.5.5.5)
What Is a Public DNS
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. Public DNS servers are free resolvers run by major organizations, often faster and more reliable than your ISP's defaults; some also block malicious domains.
Popular Public DNS Servers
| Provider | Primary | Backup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Well-known, stable worldwide | |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Fast, privacy-focused |
| AliDNS | 223.5.5.5 | 223.6.6.6 | Fast in China |
| 114DNS | 114.114.114.114 | 114.114.115.115 | Popular in China; Safe Edition blocks malicious sites |
| DNSPod | 119.29.29.29 | 119.28.28.28 | Tencent Cloud, fast in China |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Blocks malicious domains, privacy-focused |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Cisco, feature-rich |
Which One Should You Choose
For users in China, AliDNS (223.5.5.5) or DNSPod (119.29.29.29) offer fast resolution and good CDN scheduling. 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1 are excellent worldwide but may have higher latency in some Chinese networks.
How to Change DNS
- Windows: Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options > adapter properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Router: change DNS under DHCP or WAN settings to apply to the whole network.
- Phone: edit DNS in the Wi-Fi advanced settings.