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Alternative DNS Providers for more privacy and control: Choose your own Internet Phone Book

When you visit a website, something important happens in the background: your device asks a Domain Name System (DNS) server which IP address belongs to, for example, www.example.com. Think of it as looking up a name in a phone book to find the corresponding number. Most people automatically use their internet provider’s “phone book,” but that’s not your only option. In fact, there are alternatives—and some are significantly better when it comes to privacy, security, and control.

Why Use an Alternative DNS?

Your provider’s default DNS servers often log your browsing behavior or rely on outdated technology. By choosing a different DNS provider, you can:

  • Enhance your privacy (less or no logging of websites you visit)
  • Browse more securely (blocking phishing websites or malware)
  • Filter out ads (via smart redirections)
  • Set up kid-friendly internet (with content filters)
  • Experience faster load times (thanks to quicker resolvers)

Well-Known Alternatives

Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4)

  • Operated by Google (USA)
  • Fast and globally available
  • Temporarily logs IP addresses and query data for up to 48 hours for performance and troubleshooting
  • No support for personalized filtering or ad blocking

Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1)

  • Operated by Cloudflare (USA) in collaboration with APNIC
  • Strong focus on privacy, no long-term storage of IP addresses
  • Subject to audits by KPMG to verify privacy promises
  • Supports modern encryption (DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS)

European and Privacy-Focused Choices

JoinDNS4.eu

Based in the EU and aligned with European legislation (GDPR)

Offers multiple user profiles:

  • Family – blocks explicit or inappropriate content
  • Adblock – removes ads via DNS filtering
  • Security – protects against malware and phishing
  • Transparent approach and hosted within European infrastructure

dns0.eu

  • A non-profit initiative from French organization nPerf
  • Developed with the explicit aim of providing 100% privacy-friendly DNS services
  • Does not log IP addresses or query information
  • Supports encryption (DoH/DoT) and has no commercial interests

Quad9 (9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112)

  • Operated by a Swiss-American non-profit (Quad9 Foundation)
  • Partners with threat intelligence feeds like IBM X-Force to automatically block malicious domains
  • No commercial storage or sale of user data
  • No logging of personal IP addresses; infrastructure hosted in Switzerland with strong legal privacy safeguards

Choosing for Yourself = Taking Control

Every user has different preferences. Do you want a child-friendly filter, complete anonymity, or the fastest connection possible? The choice is yours. And setting it up is easier than you might think.

How to Set Up an Alternative DNS

You can configure DNS in two ways:

  • Per connection – change the DNS servers in your Wi-Fi or Ethernet settings. Ideal if you only want to apply it at home or on a specific network.
  • Device-wide – all networks used by the device will automatically follow the new DNS settings.
  • Depending on your operating system, methods vary:
  • Android – from version 9 (Pie), supports Private DNS with DNS over TLS (DoT). System-wide and easy to configure.
  • Windows – change DNS in network settings; from Windows 10 and 11, DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is available via the settings menu.
  • Linux – depends on your distribution; options include systemd-resolved, resolv.conf, or custom network settings.
  • iOS/macOS – no simple system-wide adjustment via the user interface. However, you can use Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles or apps like DNS Override, NextDNS, or AdGuard.

In Conclusion

Your DNS is a silent but essential part of your online life. By consciously choosing an alternative provider, you can make your internet experience safer, faster, and more aligned with your values. Whether you want to block ads, protect your children, or simply wipe your digital traces—the choice is yours.