Top Free DNS Plans Compared

A free DNS resolver is the cheapest way to block ads, malware, and adult content on every device on your network. You point your router or device at a different address and you’re done. No software to install.

“Free” means something different at each provider, though. One caps your monthly queries and stops filtering when you hit it. Another only blocks malware and offers nothing else.

Comparison: Top Free DNS Plans

Here’s a comparison of the top free services, what each free option actually includes, and where it stops.

1. Control D

Overview: Control D’s free DNS resolvers come with 6 ready-made filter levels: Unfiltered, Malware Protection, Ads & Tracking, Social, Family Friendly, and Advanced (which unblocks censored domains rather than blocking anything). Pick one, and you get an IP pair plus DoH and DoT endpoints. No account, no query cap.

If the presets don’t fit, you can point to a well-known community blocklist instead, or build a custom configuration by selecting individual filters. Queries aren’t logged or stored.

For more customization and analytics, you would need to create an account. There’s a 14-day free trial available for paid plans.

Pros

• No logging
• No query cap/limit
• Quick setup
• 6 filter presets
• Encrypted DNS (DoH, DoH3, DoT)
• Community blocklists
• Custom configuration options
• Premium filters

Cons

• Deeper customization, analytics, or other features may require a paid plan subscription

2. Quad9

Overview: Quad9 is a free, open DNS recursive service focused on security and privacy. It works by replacing your default ISP or enterprise DNS with Quad9’s own, blocking lookups of malicious hostnames using real-time threat intelligence from a variety of cybersecurity companies, which helps protect against malware, phishing, or botnets. The service claims never to log any data containing your IP address and supports encryption where your system allows it. 

Pros

• Simple DNS server setting setup
• Threat intelligence usage
• No sign-up or account data needed
• No contract 

Cons

• No features like ad blocking or tracker blocking
• No custom rules, filtering, or categories
• No user dashboard or analytics

3. NextDNS

Overview: NextDNS combines security, ad/tracker blocking, and parental controls into one DNS service. You can generate a trial configuration without an account, but it expires after 7 days and only works in the browser you created it in. Keeping your settings means signing up. It runs entirely at the DNS level, so it has no impact on your device’s CPU, memory, or battery, and it supports modern encrypted protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS. The solution also includes key features, like detailed analytics, real-time logs, and highly customizable configuration options.

Pros

• Unlimited configurations
• Custom block pages
• No signup required

Cons

• Limited free tier (300,000 queries per month)

4. AdGuard DNS

Overview: AdGuard’s public DNS is a free service that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and adult websites, with no account needed. You can connect through the AdGuard app or by manually entering DNS server addresses on almost any device. There are three server options: default (blocks ads/trackers), non-filtering, and family protection (adds adult content blocking, Safe Search, Safe Mode). 

Pros

• Free usage with no sign-up required to use the public servers
• Various device support options
• Quick install and setup 

Cons

• The public version gives limited control over blocking
• More features require switching to private DNS

Your Final Choice

Choosing between these tools can feel challenging, as each of them stands out differently, so the right pick really depends on what features or capabilities you’re looking for. 

Control D is great if you like having ready-made filter presets without needing an account. Quad9 suits anyone who just wants security with no limits attached. NextDNS is an option if your usage limit is within its query cap. And AdGuard DNS is a nice fit for quick, simple ad-blocking across almost any device. 

Whichever you choose to go for, the end goal is matching the tool to what matters most to you.

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IPWITHEASE

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