Cloudflare DNS
What Is Cloudflare DNS?
Cloudflare DNS is a public Domain Name System (DNS) service designed with a strong focus on speed, privacy, and security.
Often referred to as “1.1.1.1”, Cloudflare DNS allows users to replace their ISP’s default DNS resolver with Cloudflare’s global DNS network, providing faster lookups and a strict privacy-first approach.
Cloudflare DNS is widely used by individuals, businesses, and developers who want fast DNS resolution without data tracking or content modification.
How Cloudflare DNS Works
When Cloudflare DNS is enabled on a device or network:
- A DNS request is sent to Cloudflare’s DNS servers
- Cloudflare resolves the domain name using its global Anycast network
- The correct IP address is returned quickly
- The browser connects to the destination server
Cloudflare DNS does not inject ads, modify results, or monetise DNS data. Its core goal is fast, accurate DNS resolution with minimal data retention.
Key Benefits of Cloudflare DNS
Extremely Fast DNS Resolution
Cloudflare DNS is consistently ranked as one of the fastest public DNS resolvers in the world. This can result in:
- Faster website loading
- Reduced latency
- More responsive browsing experience
Its global Anycast architecture ensures queries are answered by the nearest available server.
Strong Privacy Protection
Strong Privacy Protection
Privacy is one of Cloudflare DNS’s biggest strengths:
- No selling of DNS query data
- Minimal logging
- Independent privacy audits
Cloudflare has publicly committed to not using DNS queries for advertising or profiling.
Enhanced Security Features
Cloudflare DNS includes built-in protections such as:
- Protection against DNS spoofing and cache poisoning
- Support for modern DNS standards
- Optional malware and phishing blocking via filtered DNS options
This provides a secure baseline for everyday internet use.
Clean and Neutral DNS Responses
By default, Cloudflare DNS returns unfiltered DNS results, making it ideal for:
- Developers and testers
- Businesses requiring predictable DNS behaviour
- Troubleshooting DNS and network issues
Optional filtering is available, but it is opt-in, not forced.
Cloudflare DNS Server Addresses
Cloudflare DNS uses some of the simplest DNS addresses available:
- IPv4
- 1.1.1.1
- 1.0.0.1
- IPv6
- 2606:4700:4700::1111
- 2606:4700:4700::1001
Cloudflare DNS also fully supports:
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
- DNS over TLS (DoT)
Cloudflare DNS vs Other Public DNS Providers
Compared to other popular DNS services:
- ISP DNS – Often slower, limited privacy, little transparency
- Google DNS – Very fast and reliable, but queries handled by Google
- AdGuard DNS – Privacy-focused with built-in ad and tracker blocking
- Cloudflare DNS – Extremely fast, privacy-first, neutral by default
Cloudflare DNS is often chosen by users who want speed and privacy without content filtering.
Cloudflare Things to Be Aware Of
While Cloudflare DNS is an excellent all-round DNS resolver, there are a few considerations:
- No ad or tracker blocking by default
- Optional filtering must be enabled separately
- DNS queries are still handled by a third party (Cloudflare)
For users who want DNS-level ad blocking or parental controls, a filtering DNS provider may be more suitable.
How Cloudflare DNS Affects DNS Lookups
When using Cloudflare DNS:
- DNS results are returned cleanly and consistently
- Lookups are typically faster than ISP DNS
- No modification or redirection of responses occurs
- Encrypted DNS prevents local network snooping
This makes Cloudflare DNS ideal for both everyday browsing and technical diagnostics.
Is Cloudflare DNS Right for You?
Cloudflare DNS is a great choice if you want:
- Very fast DNS resolution
- Strong privacy guarantees
- Neutral, unfiltered DNS results
- Simple setup with minimal configuration
It may not be ideal if you specifically want DNS-level ad blocking or parental controls enabled by default.
