How to Find the Fastest DNS to Optimize Your Internet Speed

Your ISP'S DNS servers may not be the best. Here's to find the best DNS settings for your connection with these tools.

Google's Public DNS is a free Domain Name System (DNS). It is an alternative to your ISP's default DNS settings which aren't always the fastest option and other public DNS services such as OpenDNS or the privacy-focused 1.1.1.1 DNS.

WHAT IS DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the Internet. Humans access information online through domain names, like nytimes.com or espn.com. Web browsers interact through Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. DNS translates domain names to IP addresses so browsers can load Internet resources.

Each device connected to the Internet has a unique IP address that other machines use to find the device. DNS servers eliminate the need for humans to memorize IP addresses such as 192.168.1.1 (in IPv4), or more complex newer alphanumeric IP addresses such as 2400:cb00:2048:1::c629:d7a2 (in IPv6).

1. NAMEBENCH

NameBench is an open-source portable application (no installation, you can run it from a USB flash drive) that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions. It runs a DNS benchmark test on your computer using your internet browser history or a standardized test data set. The NameBench DNS test then returns the fastest DNS settings for your location and current connection.

After the NameBench DNS speed test completes, your browser launches to show your results. The box in the top left shows the fastest DNS server for your current connection. For example, I should switch my primary DNS server to privacy-focused 1.1.1.1. You can also scroll down your results page to see DNS speed test comparison charts.

2. GRC DOMAIN NAME SPEED BENCHMARK

DNS Benchmark is great because it constantly updates its DNS list. As the DNS speed test progresses, the servers with the fastest response move to the list's top.

At the end of the first DNS speed test run, however, DNS Benchmark announces that you should create a custom DNS benchmarking list for DNS testing results that accurately reflect your system, connection, and locale.

That's because the default DNS server list heavily favors US-based users.

3. DNS JUMPER

Regarding DNS speed, DNS Jumper has the option to scan for and select the "Fastest DNS." Once the DNS speed test finishes, you can select an option, then use the integrated "Apply DNS" button to use those settings. The DNS Jumper test list has some limitations and does favor US-based DNS providers.

Once you have the correct hardware configuration, select Fastest DNS. A new window opens, listing the available DNS speed tests. Keep each selection checked, then hit Start DNS Test. The DNS Jumper test does not take long. When it completes, you can use DNS Jumper to update the DNS settings for your connection automatically.

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