Google DNS (8.8.8.8) Alternatives

Every site you visit is a DNS lookup. Point them at Google and Google sees the lot. A private resolver keeps that list out of their hands. Here is what we recommend in its place.

NextDNS

Configurable DNS-level blocking for every device on your network.

Freemium

Windows · macOS · Linux · Android · iOS · WebBased in United States

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AdGuard DNS

Set-in-minutes public DNS resolver that blocks ads and trackers.

FreemiumOpen sourceAccepts crypto

Windows · macOS · Linux · Android · iOS · WebBased in Cyprus

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Quad9

Nonprofit Swiss resolver that blocks malicious domains by default.

FreeEnd-to-end encrypted

WebBased in Switzerland

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Control D

Highly customizable DNS from the Windscribe team.

FreemiumEnd-to-end encrypted

Windows · macOS · Linux · Android · iOS · WebBased in Canada

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dnscrypt-proxy

Local proxy that encrypts your DNS and lets you pick any resolver.

FreeOpen sourceEnd-to-end encrypted

Windows · macOS · Linux · AndroidBased in Self-hosted (open source)

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RethinkDNS

Open-source Android app pairing encrypted DNS with a per-app firewall.

FreeOpen sourceEnd-to-end encrypted

AndroidBased in India

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AdGuard Home

Self-hosted network-wide ad-blocking DNS server

FreeOpen sourceEnd-to-end encrypted

Linux · WebBased in Cyprus

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Mullvad DNS

Encrypted DNS resolver from Mullvad, shutting down November 2, 2026.

FreeEnd-to-end encrypted

WebBased in Sweden

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See all 9 tools on the DNS page, with the details for each.