Public DNS Server List: Find the Fastest DNS Servers by Country

Introduction

The internet feels instant when everything works perfectly, but behind every fast website load is a system doing critical work in milliseconds. That system is DNS – the Domain Name System. DNS is responsible for translating website names into IP addresses so your device knows exactly where to connect.

In 2026, speed, privacy, and security are no longer optional. Users expect instant access, encrypted connections, and protection from malicious sites. One of the simplest ways to upgrade your internet experience is by choosing the right public DNS server – and choosing one that is physically close to your country for maximum speed.

This complete guide to the Public DNS Server List shows you how DNS works, why location matters, and which DNS servers deliver the best performance in different regions of the world.

What Is a Public DNS Server?

A public DNS server is a free, globally accessible DNS resolver operated by a company or organization. Instead of using your ISP’s default DNS, you can use a public DNS server for faster speed, better privacy, and stronger security.

Why Public DNS Is Better Than ISP DNS

• Faster domain resolution
• Encrypted DNS queries
• Malware and phishing protection
• Global Anycast infrastructure
• Better uptime and reliability

Why Country Location Matters for DNS Speed

DNS speed is heavily influenced by physical distance. When your device queries a DNS server, the closer that server is to you, the faster the response.

Key Factors That Affect DNS Performance

1. Geographic Proximity – Nearby servers respond faster
2. Network Quality – Tier-1 backbone connections reduce latency
3. Anycast Routing – Directs you to the nearest DNS node automatically
4. Caching Efficiency – Popular domains load instantly
5. Security Filtering – Smart filtering avoids slow malicious redirects

How to Find the Fastest DNS Server for Your Country

The fastest DNS server is not always the most famous one. It is the one with the closest and most optimized infrastructure to your location.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Choose a trusted public DNS provider
2. Test latency from your country
3. Compare response times
4. Enable encrypted DNS
5. Use the fastest result as your default

Public DNS Server List by Country (Fastest Options)

Global Best DNS (Works in Every Country)

Cloudflare DNS – 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1
Google Public DNS – 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4
Quad9 DNS – 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112
AdGuard DNS – 94.140.14.14 / 94.140.15.15
OpenDNS – 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220

These providers use Anycast networks, automatically routing you to the closest server worldwide.

North America

United States & Canada
Cloudflare, Google DNS, Quad9, OpenDNS, Neustar UltraDNS

Europe

United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands
Cloudflare, Google DNS, Quad9, AdGuard DNS, CleanBrowsing

Asia

Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India
Cloudflare, Google DNS, Quad9, Yandex DNS, Alibaba Public DNS

Middle East

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey
Cloudflare, Google DNS, Quad9, OpenDNS

Africa

South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya
Cloudflare, Google DNS, Quad9, OpenDNS

Oceania

Australia & New Zealand
Cloudflare, Google DNS, Quad9, AdGuard DNS

Detailed Country DNS Performance Guide

United States

The US benefits from the world’s largest DNS infrastructure. Cloudflare and Google deliver sub-10ms resolution in most regions, while Quad9 adds strong security.

United Kingdom

UK users enjoy excellent DNS performance from Cloudflare and AdGuard, with encrypted DNS and high privacy standards.

Germany

Germany is ideal for privacy-focused DNS. Quad9 and AdGuard offer strong GDPR compliance and fast European routing.

India

Cloudflare and Google provide the fastest DNS with multiple regional nodes, reducing latency across major cities.

Singapore

Singapore is a major DNS hub in Asia. Cloudflare, Google, and Quad9 deliver ultra-low latency performance.

Best DNS by Use Case and Country

Fastest DNS for Speed

Cloudflare DNS is the fastest worldwide, especially in the US, Europe, and Asia.

Best DNS for Security

Quad9 DNS blocks malicious domains globally with strong performance in all countries.

Best DNS for Privacy

Cloudflare DNS with encrypted DoH and DoT offers minimal logging and excellent privacy.

Best DNS for Families

CleanBrowsing and AdGuard DNS provide country-level filtering with strong protection.

How to Change Your DNS Server (Worldwide Guide)

Windows

1. Open Network Settings
2. Change adapter options
3. Select your network → Properties
4. Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4)
5. Enter your DNS servers

macOS

1. System Settings → Network → DNS
2. Add new DNS servers
3. Save changes

Android

1. Network Settings → Private DNS
2. Custom DNS provider hostname
3. Enter DNS provider

iPhone

1. Wi-Fi → Your Network → Configure DNS → Manual
2. Add DNS servers
3. Save

Encrypted DNS and Country-Level Privacy

Encrypted DNS prevents ISPs and governments from monitoring your browsing activity.

• DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
• DNS over TLS (DoT)

Choose Cloudflare or Quad9 for encrypted DNS worldwide.

Common DNS Issues by Country and Solutions

Slow Internet in Developing Regions

Use Cloudflare DNS for best global routing and Anycast optimization.

Website Blocking

Use encrypted DNS with Cloudflare or Google to bypass DNS manipulation.

Security Threats

Use Quad9 or OpenDNS for real-time protection.

Future of Public DNS by Country

Public DNS networks continue to expand with new data centers, smarter routing, and AI-powered threat detection. By 2027, DNS will become a core security layer for every internet user worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right DNS server by country is one of the smartest upgrades you can make in 2026. The fastest DNS server is not the same for everyone – it depends on location, network quality, and privacy needs.

This Public DNS Server List gives you a clear, practical path to better speed, stronger security, and real privacy no matter where you live.

Upgrade your DNS today and experience a faster, safer, and more reliable internet worldwide.