The 10 Best Free & Premium DNS Hosting Providers For Top Performance

Getting the best DNS hosting is essential for speed, security, and the management of your domain. Choosing the best option you can afford is an excellent course of action.

The internet has become more sophisticated, and your DNS hosting must be reliable, as connectivity is vital to your business. Using the DNS provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may not always meet all your needs.

This article provides information on the best DNS hosting providers (both paid and free) currently available.

What to Look For in DNS Hosting Providers

The best DNS hosting providers should have the following characteristics, whether they are paid or free.

Reliability

Reliability is vital when you choose a DNS provider; a DNS host can’t let you down if there are technical problems.

Redundancy

Owners of online businesses can’t afford downtime, making a redundancy plan is essential. Part of such a plan is to store backups offsite. Another way to ensure redundancy is to use multiple DNS providers.

Speed

It is essential to ensure your DNS host is fast.

By opting for a fast DNS hosting provider, you can expect a decrease in latency between the DNS lookup and TTFB. To see the difference, you can test the DNS lookup time and TTFB with a website speed test tool.

Generally, the more locations for your DNS server, the better it is for your visitors. This is because a DNS server closer to the visitor is more likely to exist, decreasing the lookup time. By reducing the lookup time, you are providing a better experience for your visitors, which can help lead to increased conversions on your website.

Security

Two-factor account security, email notifications, etc., are an essential part of DNS. If a hacker gains access to and edits your DNS records, your website can be compromised by being redirected through a third party server, which could steal your customer's confidential data.

Technical Terms

A level of technical knowledge is required to follow this article. Therefore, I am including a couple of definitions that might help you to choose the best DNS hosting for your purpose.

A DNS is a naming system; it is hierarchical and built on a distributed database. The physical servers can be located anywhere in the world.

IP Address

An IP address is an internet protocol address consisting of four numbers, e.g., 10.0.0.206. Networks use IP addresses to communicate. The IP address has two functions: network interfaces identification and location addressing. The DNS assigns IP addresses to domain names, similar to a telephone directory for the internet.

Domain Name Host

A domain name host is an internet service that manages a domain name (for example, domainname.com). Hosts use a DNS record to connect a domain name with email, websites, and other internet services.

DNS Server

A DNS server is dedicated to matching website host names to IP addresses.

Dynamic DNS (DDNS)

Dynamic DNS automatically updates a domain name server in real time with the active configuration of host names and addresses. DDNS maps a hostname and IP address for the server to be accessed anywhere in the world without changing the IP address.

The Difference Between Free DNS and Premium DNS

Free DNS provides the following features:

• A firewall policy
• Rate limiting and blocking
• Secondary DNS
• Support of multiple DNS records
• Web redirection
• Dynamic DNS

Premium DNS hosting providers offer more advanced services such as:

• Advanced reporting
• DNS templates
• Two-way authentication
• Domain name system security extensions
• A professional support team

Using a premium DNS is a way to obtain secure and stable cloud service. It uses multiple locations to permit fast DNS hosting. Premium DNS also provides increased protection against online attacks.

Secondary DNS

A secondary DNS server allows for redundancy in the form of two DNS networks. These networks back each other up, which limits downtime. When you include a secondary DNS in your system, your site should always be available.

Managed DNS

A managed DNS service is managed by the DNS host provider, a company that is usually a specialist in the field.

Reasons to use a managed DNS:

• A managed DNS is more cost-effective than building and managing your own DNS. 
• A managed DNS is managed by professional experts who can implement the technical requirements of your system.
• You manage the high-level functionality with a control panel, dashboards, and metrics, with technical assistance from the management company. 

Self-hosting DNS

A self-hosting DNS is managed totally by you or your organization.

You must have the technical knowledge or employ someone with this knowledge to keep your DNS working correctly to maintain good uptime.

Private DNS

A private DNS allows the user to use their private domain name and manage applications in a VCN (Virtual Cloud Network). This network can be located at a company’s premises and other locations.

Cloud DNS

Cloud DNS supplies users with a high-performance, resilient DNS service, allowing companies to give access to applications with ease.

DNS Hosting Services

DNS hosting services run domain name system servers. These can be paid for or free.

Enterprise DNS Hosting Providers

DNS implementation for a global organization is known as an Enterprise DNS. This resolves internal and external queries in a centrally managed DNS scaled and automated with superior security.

Best DNS Hosting Premium Providers

Here is our list of the best paid DNS hosting providers. These DNS hosts bill you either monthly or yearly.

Cloudflare DNS

Main features

Cloudflare is one of the best DNS hosts currently available. It is also one of the largest DNS hosts that offer a free service - this DNS host powers over 38% of the managed DNS domains on the web. Cloudflare has very fast response times; in fact, the company claims to be the fastest-managed DNS provider. They service 86 billion queries in a day! Their servers can make DNS updates live in just a few seconds!

Cloudflare is a managed DNS host, which means you do not have as much control over your backend services as that provided by self-contained options. As a result of Cloudflare being managed, extra security features such as rate-limiting, filtering, and blocking are included. Blocking and filtering eliminate malware and phishing; rate limiting and filtering configure thresholds and provide URL information.

Cloudflare's speeds are faster than most premium DNS, according to www.dnsperf.com, which compared the speed and uptime of enterprise and commercial DNS services.

Cloudflare Pricing

There are several pricing plans, including a free plan, a Pro plan for $20 a month, and a Business plan starting at $200 a month.

Cloudflare Pros and Cons

Cloudflare Key Takeaways

This DNS host offers free as well as paid versions. It has a very fast response time and excellent management and security features.

WordPress Hosting

Main Features

WordPress is not immediately associated with DNS hosting, but it does offer this service for users that obtain a domain name using WordPress. This DNS host is very reliable and has very fast query response times. WordPress offers public or private domain name hosting.

The public registration allows your contact information and site to be available to the public. Private registration means that your site is available to only those with permission.

WordPress Hosting Pricing

There are a number of pricing plans, including:

• A free plan
• Personal plan for $4 per month
• Premium plan (very popular) at $8.00 per month
• Business plan for $25.00 per month
• E-commerce plan for $45 per month

WordPress Pros and Cons

WordPress Key Takeaways

Fast and affordable, it works best with a site built with WordPress. You get additional server resources and perks such as plugins. WordPress is one of the most optimized CMS.

Comodo

Main Features of Comodo

Comodo Group offers many superb security products and also a public DNS service. Comodo was originally a company providing security. Therefore, their host offering emphasizes safety and security.

When you use this host, phishing sites are blocked. The host warns you when you attempt to visit sites with malware, spyware, and parked domains. The danger of a parked domain is that it can redirect users to unwanted or malicious landing pages that can attempt to overload your system.

You can also test the Comodo Dome Shield Service, which provides additional features to Comodo DNS.

Comodo Pricing

The pricing for Comodo and Comodo Secure DNS is free.

The pricing for Comodo SIG - Secure Internet Gateway plan has multiple editions:

• The Gold edition is free for up to 300,000 DNS requests per month.
• The Platinum edition costs $2.45/user/month for up to 99 users if paid monthly. There’s a slight discount if you pay for the entire year, and the prices per user will also come down as the number of users increases.

Comodo Pros and Cons

Comodo Host’s Key Takeaways

This DNS host is very focused on security, including the smart handling of parked domains.

DYN

Main Features of Dyn

Dyn is an old DNS host. Oracle bought the company in 2016, giving it credibility. Dyn is an Enterprise DNS that large global corporations often choose. There are options available for smaller businesses and private individuals. It is a Dynamic DNS - the host names are updated automatically when the IP address changes.

Dyn Pricing

The entry-level plan is $5.00 per month, which is very affordable. The Managed DNS costs $7.00 per month. For larger installations, the cost starts at $35.00 per month.

Dyn Pros and Cons

DYN Key Takeaways

The system is inexpensive to purchase and has been available for many years. Companies of various sizes can use Dyn. Support is excellent and consistent.

DNS MADE EASY

Main Features of DNS MADE EASY

DNS MADE EASY has been available for many years. This host has a great reputation for managing multiple domains. Large successful companies like DuckDuckGo and Hyundai use DNS MADE EASY.

Pricing

There are three paid plans. The Small Business Plan costs $29.95 for a year. This plan offers ten domains and 400 records and manages 5 million queries. The Business Plan costs $59.95 per year. The Corporate plan is $1,499.00 per year.

DNS MADE EASY Pros and Cons

DNS MADE EASY Key Takeaways

This DNS host provides a stable, scalable worldwide DNS infrastructure. It is easy to use and fast. New users can test the system during a 30-day trial period.

DYNU

Main Features of DYNU

DYNU has been in business since 1997. It is a dynamic DNS service. With DYNU, you can control domain names through the DNS client’s simple control panel. DYNU supports top-level and third-level domain names. This advantage is that the word ‘dynu’ can be left off or added to your URL.

Servers for DYNU are located in the US, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, meaning response times are fast.

Pricing

DYNU has a free limited version. A 14-day free trial is available.

The cost of a large number of hostnames or faster support DYNU is $9.99 a year.

DYNU Pros and Cons

DYNU Key Takeaways

A free plan, as well as a very cost-effective paid plan, is available. The free version is available for a variety of operating systems. Servers for this host are available globally. The client has an easy-to-use control panel.

Edgecast

Main Features of Edgecast

Edgecast Route or (Verizon Routes) was previously known mainly as a CDN provider. In 2013, DNS was added to the company’s products. Edgecast works with its internal DNS technology. The company has introduced its Enterprise DNS Host to a broader client base.

Pricing

The pricing for Edgecast Route is flexible; there is no fixed price for every user. The cost depends on factors such as the number of zones, queries, and DNS health checks per month. The price also depends on whether the routing is standard or advanced. The price is approximately $0.40 per million queries.

Edgecast Pros and Cons

Edgecast Key Takeaways

Verizon, a global enterprise, owns Edgecast. It has been built with an alternate technology. The technology is stable and reliable.

Bunny DNS

Main Features of Bunny DNS

Bunny DNS can be used as is or can be modified using Javascript-based rules. It is an innovative DNS created for the newest internet applications.

Bunny offers:

• Load balancing (distributing network traffic over several servers for speed and redundancy)
• Domain mapping (connects your primary domain with several domains or content management system)
• Multi-cloud solutions (a form of cloud computing where an organization uses a combination of clouds - two or more clouds - to distribute applications and services.
• Geographical routing requests)

If you are looking to increase organic traffic, Bunny is recommended as one of the fastest CDNs.

Pricing

Bunny’s pricing is reasonable:

• Standard queries (first 20 million): Free
• Standard queries (more than 20 million): $0.1 per million
• Smart queries: (first 1 million free)
• Smart queries (after the first million): $0.3 per million.

Bunny DNS Pros and Cons

Bunny Key Takeaways

With its recently introduced DNS, Bunny’s technology is modern. It offers users management, speed, and simple, easy coding. It is also very well priced.

Best DNS Hosting: Free Hosts

Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS Best Features

If you are looking for a free option, Google Free DNS is a good choice. It has advanced features and online training. Google provides a flexible DNS that supports legacy and modern DNS searches. Google Public DNS servers are hosted by data centers worldwide.

IP addresses contacted by Google Public DNS are logged and kept for 24 to 48 hours for diagnosis and troubleshooting by the Google customer support department.

Google Public DNS Pros and Cons

Google Public DNS Key Takeaways

This is a good choice for a DNS host as a large amount of information and training is available online in Youtube tutorials and discussion forums. Google Public DNS can be used for large and small companies.

Namecheap

Namecheap Best Features

This host is actually best known for Domain Name registration. The company offers free DNS hosting for a year with Dynamic DNS. After the first year, Namecheap charges for its use. Namecheap has geographically dispersed name servers to improve your site’s performance and speed. Namecheap supports almost every record type, including SRV. This host offers a free migration service.

Management consoles are powerful and easy to use, and customer support is available 24/7. This host is a good choice as a backup to a primary DNS.

Namecheap Pros and Cons

Namecheap Key Takeaways

This host offers free Dynamic DNS. It has geographically dispersed name servers. Namecheap is best as an alternate DNS.

Conclusion

The internet has grown, matured, and become vital for business and home. It is a good idea not to use the DNS offered by your ISP and instead select the best DNS host from the many available.

There are several good choices for the best DNS hosting at various price points and with great features. In this blog, I have chosen the ones that cover the broadest range of options and choices available.

Bunny has only recently introduced a DNS. Bunny’s technology is modern. It offers users management, speed, and simple, easy coding. It is also very well priced.

Core Web Vitals is a very important signal in Google ranking, therefore select the best DNS hosting you can afford.

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