Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Three free public DNS options offer features your ISP-assigned resolver may not: Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 supports encrypted DNS, AdGuard DNS can filter ads and trackers, and Quad9 focuses on blocking malicious domains. The right choice depends on whether you want encryption, filtering, or security-focused resolution—not on a promise of faster internet.
What changing DNS can—and cannot—do
DNS translates a domain name such as example.com into the network address needed to reach it. Many people use the resolver assigned by their internet provider; choosing a public resolver gives you another option and may add a different filtering policy. Cloudflare describes the ISP-assigned resolver as the default for most people.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Encrypted DNS, when configured as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT), protects DNS queries in transit from being read on the local network. It does not encrypt all of your internet traffic, conceal all browsing from every party, or replace a VPN. DNS filtering is also limited: it is not antivirus software and cannot guarantee that every harmful site or ad will be blocked.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Three free alternatives and what each is for
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1: encrypted DNS with optional security filters
Cloudflare documents support for DoH and DoT. Its standard resolver is separate from its optional Families variants: one blocks malware and phishing domains, while another also blocks adult-content domains. Choose the standard service if you want general-purpose resolution; select a Families variant only if you want its additional filtering. Cloudflare’s setup guide covers devices and routers, and its encryption documentation explains encrypted connection options.
#1 Best Overall
- Watchguard T145 Firebox with 1 Year Total Security Suite License (WGT145641) - The Firebox T145 delivers enterprise-grade protection for branch offices and retail sites. With a blend of 2.5Gb, 1Gb, and SFP/SFP+ ports, it supports high throughput, AI-driven malware protection, and DNS filtering for robust network defense.
- The Total Security Suite is WatchGuard’s most comprehensive security package, bundling every advanced service into one subscription. It delivers layered defense with AI-driven malware detection, DNS filtering, cloud sandboxing, and security correlation. Ideal for organizations that demand maximum protection and visibility across their network.
- The Total Security Suite equips your WatchGuard Firebox with the full set of advanced defenses. It adds AI powered malware detection, DNS filtering, cloud sandboxing, threat correlation, and automated response, all managed in WatchGuard Cloud. Ideal for organizations that need maximum protection, compliance ready reporting, and end to end visibility.
- Interfaces and deployment: 2.5Gb and 1Gb Ethernet with SFP or SFP+ fiber for clean aggregation and segmented backhaul at the edge.
- Performance and scale: UTM up to 710 Mbps with inspection on; flexible VPN topologies for hub and spoke or mesh designs.
Cloudflare calls 1.1.1.1 the “fastest public DNS resolver,” but that is the provider’s own claim, not an independent comparison established here. It does not guarantee faster page loads on your connection.
AdGuard DNS: DNS-level ad and tracker filtering
AdGuard Public DNS offers a default profile that blocks ads and trackers, a non-filtering profile, and a family profile that additionally blocks adult content and enables Safe Search or Safe Mode where possible. The service is free to use as public DNS, and AdGuard provides instructions for existing Android, Apple, Windows, Linux, and router setups.
Rank #2
- Watchguard T145 Firebox with 5 Year Standard Support License (WGT145005) - The Firebox T145 delivers enterprise-grade protection for branch offices and retail sites. With a blend of 2.5Gb, 1Gb, and SFP/SFP+ ports, it supports high throughput, AI-driven malware protection, and DNS filtering for robust network defense.
- Standard Support covers software updates and round-the-clock emergency help. Add a Basic or Total Security Suite to activate IPS, gateway antivirus, and web filtering so threats are blocked before they reach users.
- Standard Support provides reliable technical assistance and software updates for WatchGuard Firebox appliances. Offering 24x7 help for emergencies and business-hours support for routine needs, it ensures your network stays secure and operational.
- Interfaces and deployment: 2.5Gb and 1Gb Ethernet with SFP or SFP+ fiber for clean aggregation and segmented backhaul at the edge.
- Performance and scale: UTM up to 710 Mbps with inspection on; flexible VPN topologies for hub and spoke or mesh designs.
DNS filtering blocks lookups to selected domains; it will not remove every ad. Some ads and desired content can share domains, and other content may load through paths the DNS filter does not block. AdGuard distinguishes its public DNS from its separate Ad Blocker software, which it describes as offering more precise ad blocking and advanced tracking protection.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quad9: protection focused on malicious domains
Quad9 presents its public service as free and focused on security and privacy. The AdGuard-maintained DNS provider directory describes Quad9’s standard resolver as blocking phishing and spyware domains and validating DNSSEC, and lists DoH and DoT endpoints. Endpoint details can change, so check the current provider documentation when configuring a device.
Rank #3
Quad9’s standard profile is a security-focused choice, not a general ad-and-tracker blocker. The available sources do not establish a controlled comparison of how effectively it or the other providers detect malware.
Choose based on the feature you need
| Priority | Option to consider | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Encrypt DNS queries | Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 | DoH and DoT are documented; encryption must be configured rather than assumed from entering a resolver address. |
| Block ads and trackers at DNS level | AdGuard DNS default profile | Filtering is domain-based and will not catch every ad or tracker. |
| Block phishing and spyware domains | Quad9 standard resolver | Filtering and DNSSEC details are described in the AdGuard-maintained provider directory. |
| Add family-oriented filtering | AdGuard family profile or Cloudflare Families variant | Both add content filtering; check each provider’s current profile details before selecting. |
| Use DNS without content filtering | AdGuard non-filtering profile or Cloudflare standard resolver | These avoid the additional filtering policies described for the alternatives above. |
Encryption availability depends on whether your device, browser, or router supports and is configured for DoH or DoT. AdGuard’s setup guidance includes encrypted DNS profiles; the provider directory lists encrypted endpoints for Quad9. A plain DNS address by itself does not prove that queries are encrypted.
Rank #4
- Watchguard T145 Firebox with 5 Year Total Security Suite License (WGT145645) - The Firebox T145 delivers enterprise-grade protection for branch offices and retail sites. With a blend of 2.5Gb, 1Gb, and SFP/SFP+ ports, it supports high throughput, AI-driven malware protection, and DNS filtering for robust network defense.
- The Total Security Suite is WatchGuard’s most comprehensive security package, bundling every advanced service into one subscription. It delivers layered defense with AI-driven malware detection, DNS filtering, cloud sandboxing, and security correlation. Ideal for organizations that demand maximum protection and visibility across their network.
- The Total Security Suite equips your WatchGuard Firebox with the full set of advanced defenses. It adds AI powered malware detection, DNS filtering, cloud sandboxing, threat correlation, and automated response, all managed in WatchGuard Cloud. Ideal for organizations that need maximum protection, compliance ready reporting, and end to end visibility.
- Interfaces and deployment: 2.5Gb and 1Gb Ethernet with SFP or SFP+ fiber for clean aggregation and segmented backhaul at the edge.
- Performance and scale: UTM up to 710 Mbps with inspection on; flexible VPN topologies for hub and spoke or mesh designs.
Set it up on a device or router
Device-level configuration affects that device. Router-level configuration can apply to devices using the household network when the router supports the required settings. Menu names and capabilities vary by model, so use the provider’s instructions for your operating system or router rather than assuming every setup is identical.
Recommended Free Tools
- Record your current settings. Note the existing DNS addresses or whether DNS is set to automatic, so you can restore them if needed.
- Choose a profile and setup scope. Decide whether you need filtering or an unfiltered resolver, and whether to configure one device or a compatible router.
- Follow the provider’s platform instructions. Use Cloudflare’s device and router guide or AdGuard’s platform and router instructions. For Quad9, consult its current service documentation and endpoint details.
- Check the DNS mode. Confirm whether the setup uses ordinary DNS, DoH, or DoT. If encryption is your goal, select a supported encrypted mode rather than entering only a resolver address.
- Test the sites and apps you rely on. Filtering can block a domain an app or site needs. If something stops resolving, restore automatic or previous DNS settings, or switch to a less restrictive profile.
Privacy and performance considerations
When you use a public resolver, that provider handles DNS resolution instead of—or in place of—the resolver you were using. Review the provider’s current privacy documentation before deciding whom to trust. The sources cited here do not establish a comparative audit of the providers’ data-retention practices, so a blanket “no logs” assurance would be unwarranted.
Best Value
- The WatchGuard Trade Up Program allows customers to exchange eligible older WatchGuard or competitive firewall models for the latest WatchGuard appliances at a reduced cost, making it easier and more affordable to upgrade to current-generation hardware with the newest performance capabilities and security features.
- Trade Up to Watchguard T145 Firebox with 3 Year Total Security Suite License (WGT145673) - The Firebox T145 delivers enterprise-grade protection for branch offices and retail sites. With a blend of 2.5Gb, 1Gb, and SFP/SFP+ ports, it supports high throughput, AI-driven malware protection, and DNS filtering for robust network defense.
- The Total Security Suite is WatchGuard’s most comprehensive security package, bundling every advanced service into one subscription. It delivers layered defense with AI-driven malware detection, DNS filtering, cloud sandboxing, and security correlation. Ideal for organizations that demand maximum protection and visibility across their network.
- The Total Security Suite equips your WatchGuard Firebox with the full set of advanced defenses. It adds AI powered malware detection, DNS filtering, cloud sandboxing, threat correlation, and automated response, all managed in WatchGuard Cloud. Ideal for organizations that need maximum protection, compliance ready reporting, and end to end visibility.
- Interfaces and deployment: 2.5Gb and 1Gb Ethernet with SFP or SFP+ fiber for clean aggregation and segmented backhaul at the edge.
Do not choose a resolver expecting a universal speed upgrade. Resolution performance depends on your network and circumstances, and the available sources do not provide an independent current head-to-head speed comparison. Treat any provider’s speed superlative as its own claim rather than a guarantee for your connection.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
