Google’s 8.8.8.8 and Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 are familiar even to users who have never configured networks, yet popularity does not guarantee superior protection against fraud, advertising blocking, or careful handling of personal data. The standard Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 performs no malicious-site filtering, although many assume it offers full protection.
Modern DNS services vary widely. Quad9 specialises in blocking dangerous domains. AdGuard DNS targets advertising and tracking. NextDNS lets users define per-device rules. Mullvad emphasises confidentiality, while the European DNS4EU offers multiple protection tiers and processes queries inside EU infrastructure.
What Makes DNS Secure and Why Encryption Alone Is Not Enough
DNS translates names such as example.com into IP addresses. Traditional queries travel unencrypted over port 53, allowing network operators or attackers to observe or tamper with responses. Protected services use several complementary technologies.
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH) sends queries inside encrypted HTTPS connections, typically on port 443.
- DNS over TLS (DoT) protects traffic with TLS, usually on port 853.
- DNSSEC validates the authenticity of signed DNS records but does not encrypt queries.
- Threat protection blocks domains listed as phishing, malware infrastructure or command-and-control servers.
- Advertising filtering blocks known ad and tracking domains.
Even a correctly signed DNSSEC record can point to a fraudulent site, and DoH hides queries from local observers while still allowing the DNS provider to see domain names. Users should therefore evaluate four criteria: threat-filtering effectiveness, data-handling policies, encryption support and real-world stability.
Comparison of Ten Secure DNS Services
All listed services support DoH and DoT. The table below shows primary IPv4 addresses and intended use.
- Quad9 – 9.9.9.9 – Phishing and malware domains – Everyday security
- Cloudflare – 1.1.1.2 – Threat blocking in security mode – General use
- AdGuard DNS – 94.140.14.14 – Ads, tracking and dangerous domains – Home, phones, TVs
- NextDNS – Personal configuration – Custom lists and policies – Flexible control
- Control D – 76.76.2.1 – Selectable filter categories – Ready-made profiles
- CleanBrowsing – 185.228.168.168 – Family protection and phishing – Households and children’s devices
- Mullvad DNS – 194.242.2.4* – Encryption, filters and privacy – Confidentiality
- DNS4EU – 86.54.11.1 – Threats and additional filters – European users
- Google Public DNS – 8.8.8.8 – DNSSEC, no standard filtering – Compatibility and diagnostics
- DNS.SB – 185.222.222.222 – DNSSEC and encrypted DNS – Alternative non-filtering resolver
*Mullvad’s address works only via DoH or DoT.
Quad9 – Protection Without Extra Configuration
Quad9, a Swiss non-profit, blocks known phishing, malware and command-and-control domains using threat intelligence from multiple sources. It does not log end-user IP addresses, requires no registration, supports encryption and DNSSEC on all profiles since June 2026. It does not filter advertising or adult content.
Cloudflare – Multiple Protection Levels
Cloudflare offers three public resolvers: 1.1.1.1 (no filtering), 1.1.1.2 (threat blocking) and 1.1.1.3 (family mode). The service provides wide availability and published privacy commitments but remains a large US company.
AdGuard DNS – Advertising and Tracking Blocking
AdGuard DNS blocks ad and tracking domains on computers, phones and smart TVs while also limiting malware and phishing. YouTube ads served from the same infrastructure as video content usually remain visible.
NextDNS – Personalised Rules
NextDNS lets users create separate configurations per network or device, choose blocklists, set category restrictions and manage query logs. The free tier allows 300 000 queries monthly before disabling personal filtering.
Additional Services and Recommendations
Control D supplies free public profiles for different filter sets without requiring an account. CleanBrowsing focuses on family filtering with safe-search enforcement. Mullvad DNS accepts queries only over encrypted protocols and maintains a strict no-logs policy. DNS4EU processes requests inside the EU and applies court-ordered blocks even in its unfiltered profile. Google Public DNS and DNS.SB serve as reliable non-filtering options for diagnostics and compatibility testing.
Practical Selection and Configuration
For a home computer, Quad9 or Cloudflare 1.1.1.2 provide straightforward threat protection. AdGuard DNS reduces advertising across devices. Families should consider CleanBrowsing. Users needing custom rules can use NextDNS or Control D. Privacy-focused individuals may prefer Mullvad DNS, while European residents can choose DNS4EU.
Simple IP changes do not guarantee encryption. Windows 11, Android’s Private DNS feature, iOS profiles and router DHCP settings must be configured for DoH or DoT. After changes, verify the active resolver with nslookup or online DNS test tools and confirm that IPv6 or VPN settings do not bypass the chosen service.
