If you’re a tech enthusiast, you’re likely acquainted with DNS (Domain Name System). The choice of DNS provider can have a substantial impact on the speed of your internet connection and overall browsing experience.
There are several DNS service providers in the market, each boasting about their speed and performance. While many users stick with the default DNS provided by their internet service provider (ISP), some opt for alternatives like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS. In this comparison, we’ll explore which of the two is the fastest DNS and which one prioritizes user privacy the most.
Understanding DNS:
DNS, short for Domain Name System, serves as the internet’s directory service. Whenever you click on a link or enter a URL in your browser, your device needs to find the corresponding address of the website on the internet. This is where DNS comes in.
In simple terms, DNS is a network protocol that connects you to websites by linking human-readable domain names (like www.makeuseof.com) with the unique identifier addresses of servers.
If you want a more comprehensive understanding of DNS and its significance, we recommend checking out our informative primer on the subject.
Comparison: Google DNS vs. Cloudflare DNS It’s a well-known fact that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) tracks and logs your browsing activity, and in some cases, they may even sell this information to advertisers. That’s why using a private DNS service has become increasingly important.
Fortunately, both Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1) offer reliable performance and DNS optimizations for users worldwide.
While there are other DNS providers that prioritize online safety, for the purpose of comparing the best DNS service providers, Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS outperforms Google’s DNS servers in several crucial aspects.
Let’s compare the significant factors between these two well-known DNS providers and see how they stack up against each other.
Basic Features:
When comparing Cloudflare DNS and Google DNS, Cloudflare is often preferred for its user-friendly protocols and focus on privacy. On the other hand, Google DNS is popular due to its association with Google, which gives users a sense of safety and ease of use.
However, it’s no secret that Google may not be the best choice if privacy is a top concern. Additionally, Google’s public DNS lacks a DNS filtering feature, which can help prevent spam emails originating from known malicious IP addresses. In contrast, Cloudflare supports DNS filtering along with browser isolation and other features that enhance the security of internal users.
Another advantage of Cloudflare is its compatibility with Tor clients, which adds an extra layer of anonymity while browsing the internet. The Tor network and Tor browser provide enhanced privacy for online activities.
Cloudflare also stands out by offering dedicated apps and software for download from 1.1.1.1. These applications allow users to configure additional settings for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac platforms, providing greater flexibility and customization options.
Privacy and Security:
DNS is susceptible to various online attacks that can redirect users to malicious websites. Therefore, it is crucial to select DNS providers that prioritize protection against these threats.
To safeguard privacy, Cloudflare’s DNS replaces your ISP’s DNS and encrypts every request from your device to ensure that no one else can access it. Both Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS support DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, DNSSEC, and offer protection against DoS (Denial of Service) attacks. In simpler terms, both providers ensure a secure internet experience. However, it’s important to note that Google is an advertising company, and user data is its valuable asset. Google retains query IP address data for a limited period of time, while ISP and location information are permanently stored on Google’s servers.
On the other hand, Cloudflare retains only a minimal amount of transaction and debug log data for a short period of time to conduct legitimate research. If privacy is a top concern for you, Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS is the recommended alternative.
Speed and Performance:
When it comes to speed, Cloudflare Public DNS outperforms Google DNS. This is attributed to factors such as global coverage, a larger number of servers, and network optimization. DNS lookups can sometimes create a bottleneck that slows down browsing. Fortunately, Cloudflare has taken steps to enhance DNS lookup times and improve overall performance.
However, it’s worth noting that Google’s DNS is not slow or underperforming. Google’s DNS servers are housed in data centers worldwide, and users are directed to the data center nearest to them for optimal performance.
Global Connectivity and Latency:
Cloudflare has servers in over 250 cities worldwide, while Google has servers in more than 175 locations. The number of servers plays a significant role in global connectivity and coverage. More servers allow for faster speeds and lower latency, especially for a large user population.
Latency refers to the delay between your internet action and the response you receive. For example, if there is a noticeable delay in the appearance of search results on Google, it indicates high latency. This delay can be due to being connected to a DNS server that is far from your current location.
Latency is influenced by geographical factors. If you are in a region with numerous data centers, latency will be lower compared to areas with fewer data centers. To determine the best DNS for your location, we recommend visiting DnsPerf’s DNS performance page. Make sure to set the location to your country for more accurate results.
If you are experiencing slow internet browsing speeds with a custom DNS server, it might be beneficial to switch to the closest DNS server.
To summarize the 1.1.1.1 vs. 8.8.8.8 comparison regarding connectivity and latency, the choice depends on your location. If Google’s public DNS servers are highly available in your area, it is likely that Google DNS will offer the fastest performance.
Reliability and Uptime:
Both Cloudflare and Google employ anycast routing to enhance DNS reliability. This means that when you visit a website, the DNS connects you to the nearest server and routes your IP address accordingly, ensuring a smooth browsing experience.
Another crucial factor to consider when switching to a DNS provider is its uptime. DNS uptime indicates how active a DNS server is. In terms of uptime, there is not much difference between Cloudflare and Google.
Both providers prioritize maintaining excellent uptime globally. However, according to DNSPerf’s DNS comparison, Cloudflare consistently ranks among the top 10 fastest DNS providers with over 99% uptime.
In summary, if you are seeking a reliable DNS service provider that values privacy, Cloudflare is a better choice due to its impressive uptime track record.
Google vs. Cloudflare DNS: Which One Should You Choose? In the comparison between Cloudflare and Google DNS, both are leading DNS service providers offering valuable features.
If you prioritize privacy and staying ahead in terms of data protection, Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) is, in our opinion, the best option. On the other hand, if you encounter internet speed and connectivity issues after switching to Cloudflare, you may prefer using Google public DNS (8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4).
However, it is important to perform benchmarking tests to determine the optimal DNS provider for your specific needs, taking into account factors such as location and availability.