If you’re looking to increase your block trackers or avoid those annoying ads, then DNS servers are an excellent tool to consider. But which server should you choose?
Keep reading for our picks for the best DNS servers for privacy and blocking ads.
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Best DNS Servers for Privacy and Ad Blocking
Here are a few of our favorite DNS servers, whether you’re looking for something paid and fully-featured or free and a little more limited. There’s something here for every budget and need.
Best All-Around: playmoTV
playmoTV will definitely help you with blocking ads and trackers. But that’s not all that DNS servers are good for.
For instance, playmoTV can be used with most of the top streaming services, including HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Plus, you can even use it to set up content blocks on your own network, for erotic content, gambling sites, or even malware-infected sites.
Pros:
- Built-in tracker and ad-blocking
- Won’t slow down your connection
- Great for streaming or accessing blocked content
Cons:
- Does require a subscription
Cloudflare
You may have heard of Cloudflare’s services for securing websites, but did you know that also have DNS servers, that you can use to secure your own devices or network against trackers and ads?
Adguard DNS
Adguard DNS is another good option for blocking trackers and ads. For the full experience – and access to all of their servers – you’ll need to pay, but they do have a free plan with limited functionality.
NextDNS
Among privacy-oriented DNS servers, NextDNS is definitely a top option. It’ll even block malicious sites, using a huge and constantly updated list. But their free plan is limited, so you’ll need to pay for the full experience.
Mullvad
Recently, the creators of the security-focused Mullvad VPN, which is a paid service, released their DNS servers for public use. And they’re free! They offer servers both with and without ad-blocking.
How to Set Up Your DNS Server for Privacy
If you’ve never set your DNS server before, don’t worry: it’s not that complicated. And once you’ve got it done, it should just “work” every time you need to use it.
Many of the providers above can provide instructions for setting up their individual DNS servers and settings, along with your specific device (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, etc.)
But you can also check our post on How to Change Your DNS Server.
DNS Server vs. VPN: Which One is Better for Privacy?
When it comes to online privacy, there are few tools as powerful as a VPN. But there are advantages to both VPNs and DNS servers.
So, if you’re unsure about which one is right for you, here’s a quick rundown.
Advantages of DNS Server
- Offer built-in ad-blocking
- Offer content (malware, erotica, gambling, etc.) blocking
- Can be a little faster
- Can be a little cheaper
Advantages of VPNs
- Fully encrypt your connection
- More secure
- More servers
There are some things that both DNS servers and VPNs can do, like blocking trackers and allowing you to access streaming services or blocked sites. However, when comparing the two head to head, VPNs are definitely the more secure option, while DNS servers offer a few handy features that VPNs don’t.
That being said, there’s no reason you can’t use both. If you’re looking for a good VPN for privacy, we’d recommend PureVPN.
Best DNS Servers for Privacy and Blocking Ads: Wrap-Up
So, now you have a list of DNS servers that can protect your privacy and block ads, with options for every kind of user. You know how to install them. And you even know about the differences between DNS servers and VPNs for privacy.
Now, get out there, grab a DNS, and get surfing!