DoH vs. DoT

Attribute	DoH	DoT
Protocol	HTTP	TCP
Port	443	853
Encryption	Yes	Yes
Privacy	Yes	Yes
Performance	Slower	Faster

Introduction

When it comes to securing your internet connection and protecting your online privacy, two popular protocols have emerged as frontrunners: DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT). Both protocols aim to encrypt your DNS queries to prevent eavesdropping and manipulation by malicious actors. In this article, we will compare the attributes of DoH and DoT to help you understand their differences and make an informed decision on which one to use.

Security

One of the key considerations when choosing between DoH and DoT is the level of security they provide. DoH encrypts DNS queries using HTTPS, the same protocol used to secure web traffic, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept and tamper with your DNS requests. On the other hand, DoT encrypts DNS queries using TLS, which also provides a high level of security but may not be as widely supported by DNS resolvers and clients as HTTPS.

Privacy

Privacy is another important factor to consider when evaluating DoH and DoT. With DoH, your DNS queries are hidden within the encrypted HTTPS traffic, making it harder for ISPs and other third parties to monitor your online activities. However, some critics argue that DoH could potentially centralize DNS resolution with a few large providers, raising concerns about data privacy and potential censorship. On the other hand, DoT encrypts DNS queries at the transport layer, providing a similar level of privacy but without the potential centralization issues associated with DoH.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both DoH and DoT have their strengths and weaknesses. DoH can leverage the existing infrastructure and optimizations of HTTPS, which may result in faster DNS resolution times in some cases. However, the overhead of HTTPS encryption and decryption could potentially introduce latency compared to DoT. On the other hand, DoT may offer lower latency due to its simpler encryption process, but it may not benefit from the same optimizations as HTTPS, leading to slower performance in certain scenarios.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between DoH and DoT. DoH is supported by major web browsers such as Firefox and Chrome, making it easy to enable and use for most users. Additionally, some DNS resolvers and operating systems also support DoH out of the box, further simplifying the adoption process. On the other hand, DoT may require additional configuration and software support to enable, which could be a barrier for less tech-savvy users.

Implementation

When it comes to implementation, both DoH and DoT have their own unique characteristics. DoH uses standard HTTPS ports (443) for communication, which may help bypass restrictive network policies that block non-standard ports. However, this could also make it harder to differentiate DoH traffic from regular HTTPS traffic, potentially leading to issues with content filtering and security monitoring. On the other hand, DoT uses a separate port (853) for communication, making it easier to identify and prioritize DNS traffic, but it may also be more susceptible to port-based blocking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both DoH and DoT offer significant improvements in security and privacy compared to traditional unencrypted DNS. The choice between the two protocols ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize ease of use and broad compatibility, DoH may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value lower latency and simpler implementation, DoT could be the more suitable choice. Regardless of your decision, implementing either DoH or DoT will enhance your online security and privacy, ensuring a safer browsing experience.