These start with performance, and independent testing from sites like DNSPerf shows Cloudflare is the fastest public DNS service around. The best free and public DNS servers of 2023 in full:īest known for its top-rated CDN, Cloudflare has extended its range to include a new public DNS service, the catchily-named 1.1.1.1.Ĭloudflare has focused much more on the fundamentals. We've also featured the best small business servers. Your ISP automatically provides you with access to a DNS server whenever you go online, and whenever you enter a URL into your browser, this will find the relevant IP address (opens in new tab) for you.

The mechanics of DNS can be quite complicated, as information isn't held in a single database, but rather distributed in a worldwide directory including a vast number of DNS servers.įortunately, the average internet user doesn't normally have to get involved in any of the low-level technical details. The Domain Name System (DNS) is a phone book for the internet, a framework which translates domain names, like or, into the IP addresses necessary for devices to load those internet resources (e.g. That's it! You're now using an alternate DNS provider when browsing on your Mac.įor more on DNS, read about how a major DNS provider was attacked last week, bringing several major websites down.Why you can trust TechRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. VeriSign Public DNS: 64.6.64.6 primary 64.6.65.6 secondary.Ĭlick OK when you're all set, then Apply on the resulting pop-up to apply these changes to your current network settings. Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 for primary, 8.8.4.4 for secondary.

Consult a public DNS list for any address you could imagine, or use one of these few popular ones: Here, you'll need to plug in some DNS provider information. Go ahead and click the little plus icon below this list to add a new one. On the left side, you'll see a current list of your DNS addresses. Click the Advanced button, then the DNS tab. Select the Network icon and make sure your current connection is highlighted on the left side.

Click the System Preferences icon in your Dock or go to Apple > System Preferences.

How to use dns servers mac