Speed Up Your Internet With an Alternative DNS Server

It's easy!

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Keywords:
router, malware, filter, setting, internet

Key Takeaway:
Using an alternate DNS server can help improve your internet speed and performance.

Category Insights:
INTERNET — This article contains internet related content.

Why Change DNS?

Using an alternate DNS server can help improve your internet speed and performance. But why would you want to switch? Many smaller, local internet service providers (ISPs) don't always have the fastest or most reliable equipment. They might not have the best backup systems in place. Your DNS queries may be logged which helps companies create a profile about you as a person.

The alternate DNS servers listed below are run by big companies with lots of capacity and built-in backup systems, making them more reliable and often faster than the ones your ISP provides. Optionally, you can even go the extra step of selecting a DNS server that adds malware filtering and/or encryption. Malware filtering will go a long way towards keeping your system free of unwanted junk. To use DNS encryption, you will need to consult the website of the DNS provider as it is not provided here.

To use an alternate DNS, just pick one from the list provided below. Then you'll need enter the IP addresses into the DHCP settings of your router. Once you do that, the new settings will apply to all the devices connected to your home or business network. The best part? These alternate DNS services are completely FREE. While there are other options out there, these are some of the most popular and well-known.

Cloudflare and Google will be the fastest options. Quad9 and Mullvad will be the more secure choices.

Recommended Public DNS Servers (USA)

Example #1:
Using Google DNS within Windows

One way to set DNS servers is to set it in Windows itself. This would be useful when you only have a single device or if you wish to override the DNS setting on the router. This allows you to control your DNS for increased privacy and security.

Actual screenshot: Windows TCPIP settings showing Google DNS

Example #2:
Setting Google DNS on a Linksys router

Login to your router using your login and password. (Hopefully you wrote that down that information when the router was installed!) Somewhere within the menus; your router will have a screen that looks something like the one below. Simply fill in the Static DNS entries to one of the items on the chart above. Be sure to APPLY and SAVE the setting on your router. Then reboot your computers and other devices so they pick up the new DNS setting after making this change! Don't forget your phones, streaming devices, security systems and televisions! At this point, DNS will be changed on every device in your home or office.

Actual screenshot: Linksys Router DHCP settings showing Google DNS

Example #3:
Setting Quad 9 DNS on a Pi Hole internet filter

(Advanced Users)

If you use Pi-Hole for DNS and DHCP, its even easier to make the change. Login to your Pi-Hole, and go to SETTINGS and then DNS. Pick from the list! You don't even need to key in the IP address of the DNS server unless you pick one thats not on the list.

Actual screenshot: Pi-Hole DNS settings showing Quad9 DNS