One of the cornerstones of Internet access is DNS (also known as Domain Name System). With this service users can easily resolve domain names into IP addresses within the browser. For the most part, users find themselves using the DNS service that their ISP provides. Still, as good as a standard internet service provider DNS service can be, there is always something better.
In this list we’ll go over some of the best alternate DNS services – ones that block advertisements, increase privacy, and even increase browsing speed.
1. Adguard
Though Adguard DNS is new on the scene, people should take notice. With it users can easily make their own Internet connection safe from trackers, phishing, and even advertisements. Obviously this is not a new concept, as many DNS alternatives promise to protect users from bad things on the Internet.
Still, Adguard has a pretty advanced advertisement blocking system already available on PC and Mac that works very, very well. With their public DNS servers, Adguard has brought this advanced technology to networks as well. For those looking to block advertisements over their networks rather than adding a browser extension, this is one to try.
2. DNS.Watch
Some people ditch their ISP’s DNS service due to privacy reasons. It’s no wonder, as privacy on the Internet is getting more and more scarce.
Introducing DNS.WATCH, a freedom and privacy-based DNS replacement that believes in freedom. Users that set up this DNS service will rest easy knowing that DNS.WATCH doesn’t log anything you do. Additionally, they have the service optimized for “maximum speed” and have enabled standard DNS security.
Paranoid? Try this service.
3. Google DNS
It is hard to talk about public DNS without talking about Google DNS, as it is the most well-known public DNS out there. With Google’s public service, you get the advantage of having a domain name system powered by Google and its massive data centers. You’ll get top-notch security features, speed and advanced security via DNSSEC.
This service isn’t for everyone, especially those concerned about privacy. However, if you can look past Google’s spying problem in favor of speed, security and reliability, Google DNS is a good option.
4. Open DNS
Open DNS: perhaps the most versatile and customizable DNS service out there. When this DNS service is in use, users get the expected security features with added bonuses like customizable web filtering. With this feature it’s easy to block and filter out malicious and lewd websites right at the DNS level. For parents, this means no matter what device your child uses to browse, they’ll never run into bad stuff.
Additionally, Open DNS is one of the most trusted names in alternative domain name systems, and it is wildly popular and well known. Users looking for a good alternative DNS system with advanced features they can trust should try this one.
Conclusion
Though alternate DNS services are not a new thing, they’ve been getting increasingly popular. It’s no wonder as Internet freedom in the US and elsewhere gets more and more dicey, people are looking for any way they can to increase their privacy.
Alternative DNS services are a quick and easy way to increase the overall Internet experience. Security, privacy and even browsing speed are made better when people switch their DNS providers to something more robust. However, people shouldn’t rely on these providers alone, as they’re not perfect. At best, these DNS alternatives should be an addition to your setup, not the sole solution.
Derrik Diener is a freelance technology blogger.
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