DNS Speed Test

What is DNS and why does it matter for speed?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet's phonebook. Every time you type a URL like google.com, your device first asks a DNS server to translate that name into an IP address (like 142.250.74.78). Only then can it connect to the actual server.

This lookup happens before every new connection. DNS latency is typically 5–100 ms, but that cost is paid repeatedly — for every image, script, font, and API call on a webpage. Slow DNS adds to your total page load time, especially on sites with many external resources.

Why is Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 so fast?

Cloudflare operates the world's largest anycast network. When your device queries 1.1.1.1, the request is routed to the nearest Cloudflare data centre — often under 5 ms away. Cloudflare also aggressively caches popular domains, so frequently requested names are resolved from memory rather than queried upstream. Independent benchmarks consistently rank it as the world's fastest public DNS resolver.

Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 vs Google 8.8.8.8

Both are public resolvers with global anycast coverage. Cloudflare typically wins on raw latency; Google's resolver has exceptional infrastructure and may perform better in certain regions where Google's network is more directly peered with local ISPs. The fastest resolver for you depends on your location and ISP routing — which is exactly what this test measures.

What does "DNS over HTTPS" mean?

Traditional DNS queries are unencrypted UDP packets that any network observer can read. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) sends DNS queries as encrypted HTTPS requests, hiding them from your ISP, router, or anyone monitoring your network. Cloudflare, Google, and most modern browsers support DoH. This test uses the DoH APIs to measure resolver speed — so results may differ slightly from traditional UDP DNS.

Should I change my DNS server?

Yes — if your ISP's default DNS is slow, switching to Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Google 8.8.8.8 is free and typically improves page load times by 20–100 ms per connection. It also improves reliability (public resolvers have higher uptime) and privacy (major public resolvers log fewer or no queries). To change DNS, update the settings in your router (affects all devices) or in your device's network settings.

How to set Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 as your DNS

• Windows: Control Panel → Network → Change adapter settings → Properties → IPv4 → Use the following DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• macOS: System Settings → Wi-Fi / Ethernet → Details → DNS → add 1.1.1.1
• Android: Settings → Network → Private DNS → enter 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
• iOS: Use the Cloudflare app or install Cloudflare's configuration profile
• Router (all devices): Log into your router admin panel and update the DNS server fields — consult your router's manual for instructions