Cloudflare DNS vs. OpenDNS

Attribute	Cloudflare DNS	OpenDNS
Provider	Cloudflare	Cisco
Primary DNS IP	1.1.1.1	208.67.222.222
Secondary DNS IP	1.0.0.1	208.67.220.220
Security Features	DDoS protection, DNSSEC	Phishing protection, malware blocking
Performance	Fast response times	Global network for faster lookups

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a Domain Name System (DNS) service provider, two popular options are Cloudflare DNS and OpenDNS. Both services offer a range of features designed to improve internet performance, security, and privacy. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Cloudflare DNS and OpenDNS to help you make an informed decision about which service is right for your needs.

Performance

One of the key factors to consider when choosing a DNS service provider is performance. Cloudflare DNS is known for its fast response times, thanks to its global network of servers strategically located around the world. This allows Cloudflare DNS to quickly resolve domain names and load websites faster for users. On the other hand, OpenDNS also offers reliable performance, but some users have reported slower response times compared to Cloudflare DNS.

Security

Security is another important consideration when selecting a DNS service provider. Cloudflare DNS provides built-in security features such as DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection to help protect against cyber threats. Additionally, Cloudflare DNS offers encrypted DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) for added security and privacy. OpenDNS also offers security features like phishing protection and malware blocking, but it may not be as robust as Cloudflare DNS in terms of security.

Privacy

Privacy is a growing concern for internet users, especially with the increasing amount of data being collected and shared online. Cloudflare DNS is committed to user privacy and does not log any personally identifiable information (PII) or sell user data to third parties. In contrast, OpenDNS does collect some user data for analytics and marketing purposes, although it claims to anonymize this data to protect user privacy. If privacy is a top priority for you, Cloudflare DNS may be the better choice.

Customization

Customization options can also play a role in choosing a DNS service provider. Cloudflare DNS offers a range of customization options, including the ability to create custom DNS firewall rules, set up custom DNS records, and configure advanced security settings. OpenDNS also provides some customization options, such as the ability to block specific categories of websites or create custom block and allow lists. Depending on your specific needs, you may find one service more customizable than the other.

Reliability

Reliability is crucial when it comes to DNS resolution, as any downtime or delays can impact your internet experience. Cloudflare DNS has a reputation for high reliability, with a 100% uptime guarantee and a strong track record of maintaining a stable and secure network. OpenDNS also boasts reliable performance, but some users have reported occasional outages or slowdowns. If reliability is a top priority for you, Cloudflare DNS may be the better choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Cloudflare DNS and OpenDNS offer a range of features designed to improve internet performance, security, and privacy. Cloudflare DNS excels in performance, security, privacy, and reliability, making it a top choice for many users. On the other hand, OpenDNS provides solid performance, security, and customization options, but may not be as robust in terms of privacy and reliability. Ultimately, the best DNS service provider for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.