Guide

OpenDNS vs. Google DNS

2 min read

For those who don’t know, DNS is the technology that converts a domain name (like google.com) into its corresponding IP address.

Most internet service providers (ISPs) offer default DNS servers that can be slow, unreliable, or vulnerable to security risks. To improve your connection, you can switch to a third-party service. Two of the most popular options are Google DNS and OpenDNS. Let’s compare their features, advantages, and drawbacks.

OpenDNS

OpenDNS is a well-known, highly customizable DNS resolution service.

  • DNS Server IPs: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
  • Infrastructure: Global server presence (including Amsterdam, Chicago, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Palo Alto, Seattle, and Washington).
  • Traffic Scale: Handles tens of billions of requests daily.

Pros:

  1. Speed & Redundancy: Servers distributed globally allow for fast query resolution and seamless failover.
  2. Phishing Protection: Built-in security flags fake websites to prevent attacks.
  3. Content Filtering: Allows you to block websites individually or by categories using over 40 distinct filters.
  4. Reliability: Significantly more reliable than typical ISP-provided DNS servers.
  5. Smart Cache: If a website’s primary DNS server goes offline, OpenDNS can sometimes resolve it using cached data from other users.
  6. Proven Track Record: Used by major enterprise customers, schools, and governmental organizations.
  7. High Uptime: Historically exceptional uptime and stability.

Cons:

  1. Ad Redirects on Free Plan: In the free tier, unresolved URLs may redirect to a search page containing ads.
  2. Community-Driven Filtering Latency: Community categorization and the PhishTank service can sometimes take time to flag newly reported malicious URLs.

Google DNS

Google DNS is a straightforward, high-performance public DNS service.

  • DNS Server IPs: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • Infrastructure: Runs on Google’s global server network.
  • Traffic Scale: Handles over 100 billion queries per day.

Pros:

  1. Simplicity: Set-and-forget configuration with no dashboard setup required.
  2. Speed: High-speed resolution thanks to Google’s massive global routing infrastructure.
  3. Reliability: Built on highly resilient and redundant server clusters.
  4. Basic Security: Offers protection against phishing and malicious domains.

Cons:

  1. Lack of Customization: Does not support custom domain blocking or content filtering for home networks.

Conclusion

Your choice depends on your specific needs:

  • Choose Google DNS if you want a fast, simple, and reliable setup with zero configuration.
  • Choose OpenDNS if you need advanced features, custom domain filtering, or parental controls.