Top 5 DNS Providers for Resolution Speed

When you type a website into your browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates it into an IP address, enabling the connection. The speed of this process directly impacts how fast a webpage loads. Switching from your ISP’s default DNS to a third-party provider can drastically improve performance, reducing delays and errors. Here are the top 5 DNS providers ranked by resolution speed:

• Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1): Fastest globally with an average speed of 10.36 ms. Ideal for gaming, streaming, and general browsing, thanks to its vast infrastructure with over 330 cities worldwide.
• Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8): Reliable with a speed of 19.16 ms. Strong in North and Latin America, offering consistent performance and robust security features.
• Quad9 (9.9.9.9): Focuses on security while maintaining a speed of 21.56 ms. Blocks malicious domains and complies with strict privacy laws.
• G-Core DNS: Competitive speed at 21.17 ms, with a focus on security and developer-friendly tools like load balancing and real-time health checks.
• OpenDNS: Offers 21.54 ms speed and strong security features like parental controls and phishing protection.

Quick Comparison

Switching to a high-performance DNS provider can reduce response times from over 100 ms to under 10 ms, improving your overall internet experience. Use tools like DNSPerf or dig to test which provider works best for your location and network.

::: @figure {DNS Provider Speed Comparison: Top 5 Providers by Resolution Time} :::

Which is the fastest DNS for gaming and best for fast Internet? DNS Bench Mark Tests

1. Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare DNS, known by its IP address 1.1.1.1, stands out with an impressive average query speed of 10.36 ms for public queries and 11 ms for authoritative ones. This is nearly twice as fast as Google Public DNS, which averages 19.16 ms [9][10]. For users in the UK, response times typically clock in at under 10 ms, with gaming latency ranging between 8 ms and 12 ms [3]. These figures are backed by extensive benchmark testing, underscoring Cloudflare's speed advantage.

Average DNS Resolution Speed

Benchmark results reveal that Cloudflare is the fastest DNS provider in 72% of tested locations [4]. Its Anycast network ensures that queries are routed to the nearest data centre, enhancing speed and efficiency. With a 99.98% uptime rating, Cloudflare delivers reliable and consistent performance on a global scale [1][6][10].

Global Server Coverage and Latency

Cloudflare’s infrastructure spans over 330 cities worldwide and connects with more than 13,000 networks [10]. This widespread coverage allows DNS queries to be resolved within your city or a nearby one, significantly reducing data travel distance and latency.

A Digital Ocean engineer highlighted the strength of Cloudflare’s infrastructure:

Cloudflare has an incredibly large network and infrastructure to stop really large attacks on the DNS system. We just get clean requests and never have to deal with malicious traffic or attacks on the DNS infrastructure [10].

Additional Features

Cloudflare DNS offers a range of additional features, including unmetered DDoS protection, one-click DNSSEC, and privacy-focused log purging [1][10]. For those who need more control, optional content filtering is also available [11]. While the service is free for personal use, professional websites can access advanced features with paid plans starting at £20 per month [10].

2. Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS, reachable through 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, currently boasts a global average query speed of 19.16 ms as of late 2025 [9]. While it doesn’t quite match Cloudflare in terms of sheer speed, it has made impressive progress, improving from 33 ms in 2017 to its current performance [2]. The service performs exceptionally well in North America and Latin America, where its strong infrastructure ensures consistently low response times.

This combination of steady improvement and regional reliability makes Google Public DNS a standout option, even with Cloudflare holding the title for fastest speeds.

Average DNS Resolution Speed

Google leverages anycast routing alongside a two-level caching system to direct queries to the closest data centre, reducing latency [12]. This approach helps deliver consistent performance with minimal variations in response times.

Global Server Coverage and Latency

Beyond its primary data centres, Google’s network includes over 50 edge nodes and partnerships with local ISPs. Combined with EDNS Client Subnet support, this setup ensures DNS records are delivered closer to users, cutting down on latency [7][12]. While Cloudflare may lead in raw speed, Google’s widespread infrastructure ensures dependable performance across a variety of regions.

Performance Consistency (Uptime and Reliability)

In 2025, Google Public DNS earned recognition as the Most Reliable provider in the UK, offering ping times of 10–15 ms for gaming [3]. Its enhanced capacity planning and robust infrastructure are designed to handle challenges like packet loss or DDoS attacks with minimal disruption [12].

Additional Features

Google Public DNS prioritises security and standards compliance. It uses DNSSEC to validate the authenticity of responses, rate-limits client traffic to prevent amplification attacks, and strictly adheres to DNS standards by avoiding redirects for non-existent domains [12][13]. The service is free to use and focuses on delivering reliability and consistency, rather than offering content filtering or parental control features.

3. Quad9

Quad9, accessible via 9.9.9.9, holds the third spot among global DNS providers with an impressive average query time of 22 ms [14]. What makes it stand out is its dual focus on speed and security. Based in Switzerland and operating as a non-profit, Quad9 automatically blocks malicious domains using threat intelligence from over 25 security partners, processing more than 670 million blocks every day [16].

Average DNS Resolution Speed

When it comes to speed, Quad9 performs exceptionally well. While its global average query time is 22 ms - slightly behind Cloudflare and Google Public DNS - it shines in regional performance. In Europe, it averages 4.35 ms, outpacing Google's 7.17 ms. Similarly, in North America, it averages 7.21 ms compared to Google's 8.53 ms [15]. In cities like Frankfurt and New York, response times drop even further to 1.14 ms and 1.50 ms, respectively. The added layer of security filtering has little to no impact on latency.

Global Server Coverage and Latency

Quad9's infrastructure includes over 230 resolver clusters spread across more than 110 countries, using anycast routing to ensure queries are directed to the nearest server [16]. This extensive network delivers excellent performance in highly developed regions, particularly the UK, Europe, and North America. However, in less developed regions, such as parts of Asia and South America, latency can be higher.

Performance Consistency

With an uptime rating of 99.57% [14], Quad9 offers impressive reliability for a free DNS service. Its infrastructure is designed to handle the additional processing required for security filtering without compromising performance, making it a dependable choice for both individual users and businesses.

Additional Features

Privacy and security are central to Quad9's design. It complies with GDPR regulations, ensuring no IP addresses are logged or user data sold [16]. The service supports encrypted queries through DNS over TLS (DoT) and DNS over HTTPS (DoH). Setting up Quad9 at the router level extends its malware protection to all connected devices, including IoT hardware that often lacks built-in security [16]. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) of Switzerland has highlighted the importance of Quad9's mission:

As a neutral location, Switzerland is the premier site for such activities. Together... we can make the internet safer. [16]

Need help optimizing your cloud costs?

Get expert advice on how to reduce your cloud expenses without sacrificing performance.

Schedule a 30 minutes, no-obligation call

4. G-Core DNS

G-Core DNS builds on the strengths of speed and security, offering a mix of competitive performance and features tailored for developers.

Ranked fourth, G-Core's public resolver achieves an average global response time of 21.17 ms [9], while its authoritative DNS service clocks in at 21.99 ms [6]. Though it lags behind Cloudflare and Google, G-Core holds its own against Quad9, striking a balance between speed, security, and usability. DNSPerf also places G-Core among the top 10 fastest DNS providers worldwide [9].

Average DNS Resolution Speed

G-Core's resolver delivers an average query time of 21.17 ms [9], narrowly beating Quad9's 21.56 ms but trailing Google's 19.16 ms [9]. Its authoritative DNS service performs on par, with a resolution time of 21.99 ms [6], making it a reliable choice for hosting domains.

Global Server Coverage and Latency

With over 210 Anycast servers spread across key global locations [17], G-Core ensures queries are routed to the nearest server, minimising latency. This infrastructure supports a minimum TTL of just 1 second [17], enabling near-instant DNS record updates. This feature is particularly valuable for dynamic environments or situations requiring quick failover, aligning G-Core with the competitive standards set by leading providers.

Performance Consistency

G-Core boasts a strong uptime record of 99.97% [6], underpinned by a geo-distributed network designed for 24/7 availability [17]. This level of reliability makes it a dependable choice for production environments where DNS downtime can have serious consequences.

Additional Features

G-Core stands out with its developer-friendly integrations, including compatibility with tools like Terraform, OctoDNS, and Kubernetes ExternalDNS [17]. Advanced traffic management capabilities, such as weighted load balancing, GeoDNS, and real-time health checks, ensure DNS records are updated automatically when endpoints fail [17]. Security-wise, G-Core offers DDoS-protected DNS and DNSSEC (currently in beta) [17]. The inclusion of CNAME flattening enhances root domain resolution speed while adhering to RFC standards [17]. A free tier is also available, making it accessible for a range of users.

5. OpenDNS

Closing out the top five, OpenDNS offers a mix of competitive speeds and robust security features.

Now operating under Cisco Umbrella, OpenDNS boasts a global average query speed of 21.54 ms [9]. For users in the UK, it delivers an average ping of 12–18 ms [3], making it a solid choice for casual gaming and everyday browsing. Over time, its global mean latency has seen improvements, dropping from 44.98 ms to 30.42 ms [1].

Global Server Coverage and Latency

OpenDNS leverages Anycast routing alongside one of the largest DNS caches in the industry to resolve most requests almost instantly [18]. Its infrastructure is built with redundancy in mind, ensuring consistent performance. Each site relies on multiple telecom carriers and maintains at least 50% excess capacity to handle sudden traffic surges without compromising quality [18].

Anycast routing, a sophisticated routing technology used by OpenDNS, makes sure you always talk to our nearest datacentre, ensuring faster web pages and overall performance. - OpenDNS [18]

The provider’s focus on expanding its global network has delivered tangible benefits. For instance, the launch of a datacentre in Johannesburg in April 2015 led to an immediate 80% reduction in latency for South African users across multiple networks and vantage points [7].

This extensive network underpins a range of security and filtering tools tailored to individual needs.

Additional Features

OpenDNS sets itself apart with its advanced security measures and customisation options. Acting as a DNS-level firewall, it blocks infected devices from communicating with command-and-control servers, helping to prevent data breaches at the DNS layer [18]. For families, the FamilyShield service (DNS address 208.67.222.123) comes pre-configured to block adult content [3]. Meanwhile, the standard service allows users to set up custom filtering rules and access detailed usage reports.

UK users on major ISPs such as BT, Sky, or Virgin Media can easily replace their default DNS settings with OpenDNS addresses (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) for improved performance and security [3].

Comparison Table

Here's a breakdown of DNS providers and their performance metrics:

This table gives a clear snapshot of how each DNS provider stacks up in terms of speed, uptime, and standout features.

If you're focusing on speed, Cloudflare is the fastest globally and within the UK. Its latency of 8–12 ms makes it ideal for UK users prioritising gaming or streaming. Google Public DNS offers slightly slower speeds but shines with its deep ISP integration and extensive caching capabilities, ensuring consistent performance across regions.

For users with specific needs, the choice becomes more nuanced. Quad9 stands out for its privacy-first approach, with no IP logging and compliance with Swiss privacy laws. OpenDNS, on the other hand, is a great pick for families, thanks to its parental controls and customisable filtering. Gcore DNS provides robust DDoS protection and reliable uptime, making it a solid option for those prioritising security.

Keep in mind that DNS performance can vary depending on your ISP and location. To determine the best provider for your network, tools like DNSPerf or dig can help you measure DNS speed and reliability [4][3].

Conclusion

Picking the right DNS provider can significantly influence your website's speed and overall user experience.

Cloudflare is the fastest globally, with an impressive average query speed of 10.36 ms [9]. Its extensive Anycast network, covering more than 330 cities in over 125 countries [5], ensures DNS queries are resolved at the closest network edge. In optimised regions like the UK, top-tier DNS providers can even achieve response times under 10 ms [3].

Google Public DNS is another strong contender, offering dependable performance with an average speed of 19.16 ms [9], while Gcore provides competitive speeds at 21.17 ms [9]. For those prioritising security or content filtering, Quad9 and OpenDNS are excellent choices, delivering query speeds around 21.5 ms [9]. While slightly slower, these services trade a small amount of speed for added protection and filtering capabilities. These differences highlight how each provider's infrastructure influences performance.

Performance variations between providers are shaped by factors like the number of Points of Presence, the effectiveness of Anycast routing, and proximity to root servers [7][1]. Switching from an ISP DNS to a high-performance provider can dramatically reduce response times - from over 100 ms to under 10 ms [3]. Because DNS performance is influenced by location and ISP routing, it’s a good idea to test providers locally using tools like DNSPerf or the dig command [4]. This underscores the importance of DNS speed as a key element in achieving optimal online performance.

FAQs