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GRC DNS Benchmark
What GRC DNS Benchmark is
GRC DNS Benchmark measures local and remote DNS nameserver performance to help identify resolvers suited to a particular network and location. Version 2 compares IPv4, IPv6, DNS over HTTPS, and DNS over TLS resolvers side by side. Its built-in list contains 126 IPv4, 43 IPv6, 81 DoH, and 60 DoT resolvers, while a custom list builder scans 4,909 possible resolvers. Up to 500 resolvers can be tested at once. A default run performs 250 query sets per resolver, with sample counts adjustable to 1x, 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x, or 100x. Results can be saved as text or spreadsheet-readable CSV files, and DNSSEC-aware resolvers are colored green. The desktop software also provides DNS diagnostics, packet-loss analysis, and a command-line interface. DNS Benchmark v2 costs $9.95, paid once, including lifetime use and future improvements. It runs on Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and later, and on Linux or Mac through WINE.
Who it suits
This tool suits network users who want to compare DNS resolvers for their location. It is also useful when DNS diagnostics, packet-loss analysis, command-line access, or saved benchmark results matter.
What it does well
- Compares IPv4, IPv6, DoH, and DoT
- Tests up to 500 resolvers
- Adjustable query sample counts
- Exports text and CSV results
- Includes DNS diagnostics and packet-loss analysis
What to know first
- Costs $9.95, paid once
- Linux and Mac require WINE
- Original v1 freeware is discontinued
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DNS Benchmark v2 | $9.95 one time · Lifetime use · future improvements included | $9.95, paid once |
As grc.com lists them, read 3 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
GRC DNS Benchmark provides broad resolver coverage and adjustable measurements across traditional and encrypted DNS protocols. Its one-time price and WINE requirement on Linux and Mac shape platform and budget decisions.
Facts from GRC DNS Benchmark's own pages
- Company
- Gibson Research Corporation is owned and operated by Steve Gibson, and the site identifies Laguna Hills, California, USA. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- DNSSEC
- The software identifies DNSSEC-aware resolvers by coloring them green. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Freeware availability
- GRC says it stopped offering the original v1 freeware because its resolver ranking was no longer correct for the modern Internet. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Laguna Hills, California, USA · grc.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Measurement accuracy
- The default benchmark runs 250 query sets per resolver, and the sample count can be changed to 1x, 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x, or 100x. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy and security
- GRC's privacy policy says its e-commerce system is server-side without browser scripting or cookies and that purchasing information is stored encrypted. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Protocols
- Version 2 benchmarks IPv4, IPv6, DNS over HTTPS, and DNS over TLS resolvers side by side. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DNS Benchmark measures the performance of local and remote DNS nameservers to help select fast resolvers for a network and location. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Resolver limit
- The benchmark can test up to 500 resolvers at once. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Resolver list
- The built-in list includes 126 IPv4, 43 IPv6, 81 DoH, and 60 DoT resolvers, while a custom list builder scans 4,909 possible resolvers. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Results
- Benchmark results can be saved as a text file or a spreadsheet-readable CSV file. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- GRC provides technical support through email and points users to its searchable web forums for product questions. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- Version 2 runs on Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and later, and also runs on Linux under WINE. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The maker describes the tool as a way to select the fastest DNS resolvers for a user's network and location. · grc.com, 3 Oct 2026
Where GRC DNS Benchmark stands on Freedom251
- Network Diagnostic Software#28 of 37