Ever stumbled across a detail online that made you stop mid-scroll, like learning that the majority of your internet queries are still open to prying eyes? For years, I assumed the modern web meant modern privacy. Then, a coffee shop chat with a network engineer friend turned my assumptions upside down: "Most folks have HTTPS, but their DNS is still as open as a library book." That revelation hit hard. In today’s data-driven world, understanding how your DNS traffic is handled—and how to encrypt it—might be the most overlooked privacy step. Here’s what’s really going on, and how you can (finally) take control.
The Curious Case of Unencrypted DNS: Why It Still Dominates
In an era where HTTPS is nearly universal and most web traffic is encrypted, it’s surprising how many people still rely on unencrypted DNS. This creates real DNS privacy risks, exposing users to ISP DNS monitoring and leaving them vulnerable to attacks. But why does unencrypted DNS remain the default, even as encrypted DNS protocols like DNS-over-TLS (DoT) and DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) become more available?
Default ISP Configurations: The Path of Least Resistance
Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign unencrypted DNS servers by default. This setup is simple for providers and invisible to users. For the average person, DNS settings are something they never think about—if it works, why change it? As a result, the vast majority stick with whatever their ISP provides, never realizing that every website visit is being announced in plain text. As one network engineer put it:
"Most folks have HTTPS, but their DNS is still as open as a library book."
This default behavior is a major reason why DNS privacy risks persist. Research shows that default ISP DNS configurations rarely support encrypted DNS, leaving users exposed to monitoring and manipulation.
Deep Integration and the Hassle of Change
Unencrypted DNS isn’t just a default—it’s deeply baked into the fabric of the Internet. Routers, operating systems, and network gear all expect it. Switching to encrypted DNS protocols like DoH or DoT often means diving into manual configuration, updating firmware, or installing new apps. For non-technical users, that’s a tall order. Even in 2024, enabling encrypted DNS can involve:
Manual entry of DNS server addresses or hostnames
Creating accounts for services like NextDNS
Installing and managing third-party apps
These extra steps are enough to discourage most people, especially when the benefits aren’t obvious. Studies indicate that user awareness of encrypted DNS remains low, which slows adoption and leaves DNS privacy improvements lagging behind other security advances.
Device Support: A Patchwork of Compatibility
While modern browsers like Firefox and Chrome now support DoH, many operating systems and older devices do not. Android’s Private DNS mode (DoT) is a step forward, but macOS and Windows often require apps or browser-specific settings for full encryption. This patchwork support means that even users who want DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS may find themselves blocked by their device’s limitations.
Older routers and network hardware rarely support encrypted DNS protocols at all. For many, the only option is to use a browser with built-in DoH—leaving the rest of their device’s traffic exposed.
Performance Myths and Perceived Barriers
Another reason unencrypted DNS sticks around is the perception that encrypted DNS is slower. While encryption does add a tiny bit of overhead, real-world tests show the difference is negligible. For example, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is consistently ranked among the fastest DNS resolvers by DNSPerf, and Quad9 averages a 21ms response time with 99.94% uptime in 90 countries. NextDNS offers competitive speeds, with a free tier covering 300,000 queries per month for up to five devices.
Despite this, the myth of “slow encrypted DNS” persists, discouraging both users and network administrators from making the switch.
ISP Control and User Awareness
ISPs and network administrators sometimes have a vested interest in keeping DNS unencrypted. Unencrypted DNS allows for easy monitoring, traffic shaping, and even monetization of user data. Some ISPs actively block encrypted DNS ports (like DoT’s port 853) or interfere with DNS-over-HTTPS to maintain control. As security analyst Jane Ruffner notes:
"Encrypted DNS can make ISPs work harder to track you—and that’s a win for user privacy."
Unfortunately, most users are unaware of how much information their DNS queries reveal. Every unencrypted DNS request is a plain-text record of their online activity, open to interception, manipulation, or logging by anyone on the network path. This lack of user awareness is a major obstacle to the widespread adoption of encrypted DNS protocols.
Summary of Why Unencrypted DNS Still Dominates
Default ISP setups: Most people never change DNS settings.
Systemic inertia: Unencrypted DNS is deeply embedded in devices and networks.
Setup complexity: Manual steps, accounts, and apps deter non-technical users.
Device limitations: Many systems lack native support for DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS.
Lack of awareness: Few realize the privacy risks of unencrypted DNS.
Despite the advances in web encryption, DNS privacy risks remain a blind spot for most users. Until awareness grows and encrypted DNS protocols become the default, unencrypted DNS will likely continue to dominate—keeping user privacy at risk and ISP DNS monitoring alive and well.
Meet the Guardians: Top Free Encrypted DNS Services Showdown
Most people don’t realize it, but every time they type a website address, their device asks a DNS resolver where to find that site. Traditionally, these DNS queries are sent in plain text, making them visible to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), network administrators, and even attackers. While HTTPS has become the norm for web traffic, unencrypted DNS is still the default for most networks. The good news? Switching to an encrypted DNS resolver is easier than ever, and three standout services—Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Quad9 DNS service, and NextDNS—offer robust privacy, security, and speed for free. Let’s break down what makes each of these DNS resolver services unique and how they can help you break free from the risks of unencrypted DNS protocols.
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1: Fast, Private, and User-Friendly
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is often the first name that comes up in conversations about encrypted DNS protocols. It’s designed for speed and privacy, supporting both DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT). This means your DNS queries are encrypted, shielding them from prying eyes—including your ISP. Cloudflare’s privacy policy is strict: no logging of personal data, and all query logs are auto-deleted within 24 hours. The service is also GDPR-compliant, making it a strong choice for privacy-conscious users.
Primary/Secondary DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
Optional filtering: Malware and adult content filtering available (1.1.1.2, 1.1.1.3)
Setup: Easy via the 1.1.1.1 + WARP app or manual configuration on any device
Performance: Consistently ranks among the fastest DNS resolver services worldwide
“Cloudflare’s no-logs policy and speed set a high bar for privacy-focused users.” – Security blogger Kevin McAllister
Cloudflare’s ease of use is a major draw. Whether you’re on Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS, setup is straightforward—either through their dedicated app or by entering the DNS addresses manually. Research shows that encrypted DNS can even improve resolution speed, especially with a provider as optimized as Cloudflare. The only real drawback? Limited customization compared to some competitors, and some users may be wary of trusting a large corporation, despite its transparent privacy practices.
Quad9 DNS Service: Security and Privacy from Switzerland
Quad9 stands out for its focus on security and its non-profit, Swiss-based roots. Supporting both DoH and DoT, Quad9 blocks access to malicious domains using threat intelligence from over 20 cybersecurity sources. This makes it a top pick for users who want to actively defend against phishing, malware, and other threats. Quad9’s privacy policy is strict—no IP address logging, and it’s based in Switzerland, a country known for strong privacy laws.
Primary/Secondary DNS: 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112
Uptime: 99.94% with servers in over 90 countries
Setup: Simple configuration on devices or routers, with clear guides available
Customization: Less granular than NextDNS, but robust for most users
“Quad9’s non-profit angle and Swiss jurisdiction make it the choice for skeptics of big tech.” – Tech reviewer Maria Banks
Quad9’s global presence ensures reliable performance, though it’s slightly slower than Cloudflare in some regions. For users prioritizing security and independence from big tech, Quad9 is a compelling option. Studies indicate that encrypted DNS protocols like those offered by Quad9 protect against eavesdropping and DNS spoofing, making them a practical upgrade for anyone concerned about privacy and safety online.
NextDNS Setup: Customization for Power Users
NextDNS is the go-to choice for those who want granular control over their DNS experience. Supporting DoH, DoT, and DNSCrypt, NextDNS offers customizable filtering for ads, malware, trackers, and even parental controls. The free tier is generous—300,000 queries per month and up to five devices—but paid plans are available for heavier users. Setup requires creating a free account, after which you receive a custom DNS address for your devices.
Custom DNS addresses: Provided after sign-up at nextdns.io
Filtering: Highly customizable via a web dashboard
Privacy: No personally identifiable data is logged; anonymized analytics optional
Setup: Comprehensive guides for all major platforms
NextDNS appeals to users who want to tailor their DNS resolver services to specific needs—blocking certain categories, monitoring usage, or setting up parental controls. While performance is competitive, it may lag slightly behind Cloudflare and Quad9 in some tests. Still, for those seeking deep customization, NextDNS is unmatched.
Choosing Your Guardian
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Quad9 DNS service, and NextDNS each offer unique strengths in the world of encrypted DNS protocols. Whether your priority is speed, security, or customization, these top free DNS resolver services make it possible to break free from unencrypted DNS and take control of your online privacy.
Breaking the Chains: How to Enable Encrypted DNS on Your Devices (Without Losing Your Mind)
For years, unencrypted DNS has quietly ruled the internet. It’s the default for most devices and networks, thanks to ISPs setting it up for you, routers and operating systems sticking with what’s easy, and a general lack of awareness about the privacy risks. But as research shows, leaving DNS queries unencrypted is like sending postcards through the mail—anyone along the route can read them. If you want to break free from this digital blindfold, enabling encrypted DNS is the way forward. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to do it. Let’s walk through how to enable encrypted DNS on Android, macOS, and Windows, and why it’s worth the effort.
First, a quick recap: DNS encryption comes in two main flavors—DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT). Both protocols scramble your DNS queries, protecting them from eavesdroppers, ISPs, and attackers who might want to track your browsing or redirect you to malicious sites. DoH uses HTTPS (port 443), blending in with regular web traffic and making it harder for networks to block. DoT, on the other hand, uses TLS (port 853) and is often supported natively on mobile devices. Studies indicate that encrypted DNS not only shields your privacy but can also help bypass censorship and improve security against DNS spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
So, how do you actually enable encrypted DNS on your devices?
Android: If you’re running Android 9 or later, enabling encrypted DNS is refreshingly simple. Head to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS. Select “Private DNS provider hostname” and enter the hostname for your chosen provider—Cloudflare (1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com), Quad9 (dns.quad9.net), or your custom NextDNS hostname. Save your changes, and you’re done. This enables DoT system-wide, covering both Wi-Fi and mobile data. If you hit a wall—maybe your ISP blocks DoT, or your device is older—try the Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 + WARP app or the NextDNS app, which use DoH and can often bypass restrictions. Quad9 doesn’t have an official app, so manual setup is your best bet.
macOS: Here’s where things get a bit trickier. macOS doesn’t natively support DoH or DoT at the system level. The easiest solution is to use the Cloudflare or NextDNS app for Mac. Download, install, and enable the app, and you’ll have encrypted DNS for all your network traffic. If you prefer manual configuration, you can set DNS servers in System Settings > Network, but be aware this won’t encrypt queries unless you also use a DoH-enabled browser like Firefox or Chrome. For the most seamless experience, stick with the provider’s app or enable DoH in your browser settings.
Windows 10 and 11: Windows 11 users have it easiest—there’s built-in support for DoH. Go to Settings > Network & Internet, select your network, and edit the DNS settings. Enter your provider’s DNS addresses and hostname, and turn on DoH. For Windows 10, you’ll need to set DNS addresses manually, then enable DoH in your browser (Firefox or Chrome) or use the Cloudflare or NextDNS app for full encryption. Remember to flush your DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns) if changes don’t take effect right away.
Routers: If you want to protect every device on your network, check if your router supports DoH or DoT. Many consumer routers don’t, but some newer models or open-source firmware options do. If not, it’s best to configure encrypted DNS on each device individually.
After setting up, always test your configuration. Visit 1.1.1.1/help or dnsleaktest.com to confirm your DNS queries are encrypted and routed through your chosen provider. If you run into trouble—maybe a provider’s server is blocked, or setup feels overwhelming—using the provider’s official app is often the least painful fix.
Choosing the right provider depends on your priorities. For speed and simplicity, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is hard to beat. If you want robust security and privacy, Quad9 is a strong contender. For those who crave customization and filtering, NextDNS offers granular control—just keep an eye on the free tier’s query limits.
"Switching to encrypted DNS is the adult version of hiding your diary under the mattress." – Digital privacy advocate Sarah LeClerc
In the end, enabling encrypted DNS is one of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take to reclaim your online privacy. Whether you’re on Android, macOS, or Windows, the tools are within reach. As more people break the chains of unencrypted DNS, the internet becomes a safer, more private place for everyone. If you’re ready to take off the blindfold, start with your device’s DNS settings—and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck. Your digital diary deserves to stay private.
TL;DR: Default ISP DNS settings keep most people wide open to privacy risks, but swapping to encrypted DNS is easier than you think—just pick your provider, follow setup steps for your device, and say goodbye to prying eyes.
Video below by Network-Chuck, originally posted on YouTube about DNS.
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