In this blog post, I’ve reviewed the best free DNS hosting services for you. And discussed each free DNS hosting service provider one by one in detail.
It’s appalling to hear that Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks are growing day by day! So, to protect your precious website from such vulnerabilities, a top-notch DNS hosting service is highly crucial.
Luckily, these days, availing of a reliable DNS service need not cost you even a penny, thanks to the free DNS hosting services. These free DNS hosting providers will allow you to set up your website with multiple DNS providers and safeguard it from being inaccessible to your users.
What Is the Best Free DNS Hosting Service in 2025?
The best free DNS hosting service in 2025 is ClouDNS, offering industry-leading lookup speeds (13.34 ms), global Anycast coverage, Dynamic DNS support, and a free plan with unlimited records. For robust DDoS protection and CDN integration, Cloudflare is a top alternative.
☲ Table of Contents
- What Is the Best Free DNS Hosting Service in 2025?
- What is a DNS?
- How to Choose the Best Free DNS Hosting Service
- Top 10 Free DNS Hosting Comparison
- 13 Free DNS Hosting Services in 2025
- Comparative Analysis of DNS Lookup Speed
- Expert Verdict: Our Top Picks
- Limitations of Free DNS Services
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is DNS Hosting And Why Do I Need It?
- Are Free DNS Hosting Services Reliable For Business Use?
- How Do Free DNS Services Compare To Paid Ones?
- Can I Use Free DNS Hosting Without Changing My Web Host?
- Is Cloudflare DNS Really Free And Fast?
- What Is Dynamic DNS, And Do Free DNS Services Support It?
- Can I Switch DNS Hosts Without Downtime?
- Do Free DNS Providers Support DNSSEC?
- How Do I Choose The Best Free DNS Hosting Service?
- How Do DNS Queries Affect Website Speed and Performance?
- What Is Premium DNS and Is It Worth It?
- Can DNS Services Protect Against DDoS Attacks?
- What Is the Role of DNS in SSL Certificate Validation?
- How Can I Enhance DNS Performance for Improved Uptime and Speed?
- What Is Dynamic DNS Hosting and How Does It Help Remote Access?
- How Does DNS Hosting Impact Website Security?
- Conclusion: Which Free DNS Hosting Should You Choose?
But before we talk about that, let’s see what a DNS does.
What is a DNS?
DNS is the acronym for Domain Name System. This is a system that maps domain names (or your website name or URL) into their respective IP address.
The DNS utilizes DNS servers to do the mapping job for them.
Put differently, the DNS servers maintain a list of website names (domain names) and map them to their corresponding IP addresses.
How to Choose the Best Free DNS Hosting Service
When selecting a free DNS host you should consider the following aspects of a DNS service:
- Global Coverage: Look for Anycast networks and multiple data centers.
- DNS Lookup Speed: Lower is better for website performance.
- DDoS Protection: Essential for business and high-traffic sites.
- Record Support: Ensure all needed record types (A, MX, CNAME, TXT) are supported.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly dashboard and support.
- Advanced Features: Dynamic DNS, DNSSEC, failover.
Top 10 Free DNS Hosting Comparison
| Provider | Data Centers | Geographic Coverage | Best For | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 115+ locations | Global (100+ countries) | General purpose, CDN integration, DDoS protection | Free tier unlimited + Premium plans from $20/month |
| BunnyDNS | 119+ PoPs (112 CDN locations) | Global (6 continents) | Scriptable DNS, CDN integration, advanced load balancing | Scriptable DNS, CDN integration, and advanced load balancing |
| CloudDNS | 34+ Anycast locations | Global coverage | Performance-focused, professional support | Free: 3 zones, unlimited queries + GeoDNS from $9.95/month |
| Namecheap FreeDNS | Multiple Anycast nodes | Worldwide coverage | Domain transfers, backup DNS, universal compatibility | Domain transfers, backup DNS, and universal compatibility |
| NS1 (IBM Connect) | Global Anycast network | Worldwide | Developer-focused, API integration, intelligent routing | Free: 500K queries/month + Essentials/Premium (contact for pricing) |
| FreeDNS | Multiple global servers | Global distribution | High-volume processing, unlimited domains | Completely free (no premium tiers) |
| 1984 | Iceland-based + global | Europe-focused with global reach | Privacy-conscious users, GDPR compliance | Free tier + Premium options |
| Dynu | Geographic distribution | Global coverage | Lifetime free service, API access | Completely free lifetime service |
| GeoScaling | Multiple POPs | Global with geo-routing | Geographic traffic optimization, load balancing | Free: up to 1M queries/month + Premium tiers |
| Hostry Free DNS | Multiple locations | Global coverage | Enterprise backup, secondary DNS | Free: 3 zones, 50 records/zone + Premium plans |
13 Free DNS Hosting Services in 2025
Now, let’s briefly check out the best free DNS hosting domain providers that we mentioned earlier.
1. Cloudflare
Cloudflare powers more than 38% of the managed DNS domains on the web. It also possesses one of the world’s biggest authoritative DNS networks.
Capable of delivering query results in a few milliseconds, the company claims to be the fastest-managed DNS provider now. They serve 86 billion queries a day! Their servers can also make DNS updates live in just a few seconds!
Cloudflare is also one of the biggest free DNS hosting services available now!
Their free DNS service can offer much faster performance than their premium counterparts.
Cloudflare Managed DNS offers unlimited & unmetered DDoS mitigation. It also features a one-click DNSSEC option for protection against spoofing or hijacking of your DNS records.
They also provide added security to your website thanks to their intuitive blocking, filtering, and rate-limiting features. These features make Cloudflare a good choice for a free DNS management service among other free DNS hosting providers. Learn the best ways to set up Cloudflare page rules for performance, speed, and security.
Key Features
- Free DNS with global Anycast network
- Built-in DDoS protection and DNSSEC
- Ultra-low latency with fast propagation
- Easy integration with CDN and security tools
Pricing
Cloudflare’s free plan includes DNS, DDoS protection, global CDN, and SSL at no cost; upgrading to the Pro plan starts at $20 per month, while the Business plan is $200 per month
2. BunnyDNS
BunnyDNS is a high-performance DNS hosting service developed by Bunny.net, the company known for its blazing-fast CDN and edge network.
Designed for speed, security, and simplicity, BunnyDNS utilizes an Anycast DNS network with multiple global locations to ensure low-latency DNS resolution worldwide.
The platform includes built-in monitoring tools, DNS analytics, and smart routing capabilities, making it a reliable option for both personal websites and professional applications.
BunnyDNS’s biggest strengths are its seamless integration with Bunny.net’s content delivery network and edge rules system.
Users can take advantage of advanced features like DNS-based health checks, failover support, and fine-tuned traffic control, all managed through a clean and intuitive dashboard.
Key Features
- Global Anycast DNS network for low-latency resolution across multiple continents
- Built-in DNS analytics to monitor query volume and performance
- Health checks and failover support for improved reliability and uptime
- Fine-tuned traffic control using smart routing and edge rules integration
Pricing
BunnyDNS offers a generous free tier with up to 20 million standard queries, and paid plans start at just $0.10 per million queries beyond that.
3. ClouDNS
The free DNS hosting plan from ClouDNS is another free DNS service that you can try out with confidence. With servers spread out in North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe, CloudDNS employs a Round Robin (RR) architecture in its DNS network platform.
With your free ClouDNS account, you can add three domains along with 4 DNS servers, 3 DNS zones, 3 Mail forwards, Dynamic DNS, support for native IPv6, round robin, and unlimited records or requests. However, they have reserved GeoDNS and DDoS-protected DNS hosting for their premium members.
Claiming 100% uptime, ClouDNS offers an easy-to-use interface for zone management and Dynamic DNS support. If you run into a problem, you can always get in touch with their support team via an online ticket system.
Key Features
- Free Anycast DNS with unlimited DNS zones
- DNSSEC, dynamic DNS, and failover are supported
- 34+ global locations for better speed and reliability
- 24/7 support, even on the free tier
Pricing
ClouDNS offers a Free Forever plan with 1 zone and up to 500 K queries per month; their Premium DNS tier starts at just $2.95 per month.
4. Namecheap DNS
You probably know Namecheap as a domain registration provider. But did you know that they also offer free DNS hosting services with Dynamic DNS?
Namecheap has geographically dispersed name servers that can boost your site’s performance and make it load faster. They also support almost every record type, including SRV. They also have a powerful and intuitive management console and offer 24/7 technical support to their customers.
Key Features
- Available to anyone, even without a Namecheap domain
- DNSSEC, dynamic DNS, and full record control
- Secondary DNS support and strong uptime
- Easy-to-use interface with real-time updates
Pricing
Namecheap’s PremiumDNS plan starts at $4.88 per year, offering 100% uptime SLA, DNSSEC, DDoS protection, and global Anycast coverage. The Free DNS from Namecheap can also be availed if you have a domain or hosting with them.
5. IBM NS1
IBM NS1 Connect, formerly known as NS1, is a robust managed DNS and traffic steering platform designed for performance-driven websites and applications.
It offers intelligent DNS routing based on real-time network conditions, helping businesses deliver faster responses and maintain high availability.
With features like automated failover, advanced geo-routing, and precise traffic control, it supports scalable and resilient web infrastructure.
The platform is particularly suited for enterprises that need granular control over their DNS and network behavior. NS1 Connect integrates well with modern DevOps workflows and supports API-based configuration, monitoring, and analytics.
While it primarily targets large-scale operations, IBM may offer flexible tiers depending on usage needs or through custom arrangements.
Key Features
- Intelligent DNS routing with high-performance Anycast
- API-driven DNS management for developers
- Real-time analytics and traffic control
- Free developer plan with limited usage
Pricing
IBM NS1 Connect’s Essential plan starts at $250 per month, with options to add advanced features such as traffic steering, health checks, and DDoS protection as needed.
6. FreeDNS
Processing more than 7 billion monthly DNS requests, the FreeDNS network has been providing great quality free DNS hosting since 2004. They offer free DNS, Static DNS, as well as Dynamic DNS services.
It may stun you beyond imagination, but they offer unlimited domains/accounts. With a long history of providing free DNS hosting services, FreeDNS is quick and easy to set up, exceptionally reliable, and fast. Most importantly, every update is made live on the internet instantly!
Key Features
- Free static and dynamic DNS for over 1M domains
- Huge shared domain pool for subdomain mapping
- Support for wildcard and reverse DNS
- Lightweight and simple user dashboard
Pricing
FreeDNS (Afraid.org) offers a premium tier starting at $60 per year, which increases your subdomain cap, enables wildcard support, and faster TTL propagation.
7. 1984
1984 is one of those free DNS hosting providers that you must give a shot. Their service also supports almost all normal record types, including SRV and TLSA. Other features included in their free DNS service are Web Redirects, Dynamic DNS, and Nameserver on an Anycast network.
To use 1984’s free DNS service, all you need to do is register a user on their home page. Their FreeDNS service offers total control over every domain you register with them. You can host your site anywhere and avail of their DNS service for FREE!
Key Features
- Free DNS with Iceland-based privacy-first infrastructure
- Supports IPv6, dynamic DNS, and standard record types
- Optional WHOIS privacy and GDPR compliance
- Suitable for users prioritizing privacy and data sovereignty
Pricing
1984 DNS is completely free forever, offering unlimited zones, Anycast DNS, dynamic DNS, secondary DNS, DDoS protection, and TXT record support at no cost.
8. Dynu
Established in 1997, Dynu is a 100% free “dynamic” DNS service that you can sign up for! Their service is also free for a lifetime with a package that includes four domains, four subdomains, four MX records, four custom DNS records, and four web redirects, along with other offline settings. Their service also supports virtually all types of records, including A, AAAA, PTR, CNAME, TXT, SRV, SPF, and HINFO.
With an easy-to-use control panel, Dynu’s DNS service offers total control of your domain name. You are also offered a free DNS client in this package. Dynu boasts a geographically dispersed network of DNS servers to ensure complete redundancy for your domain.
The free package also offers several useful features, including Port 80 redirection, offline options, Subdomains, and MX records.
Key Features
- Free dynamic and static DNS hosting
- IPv4 and IPv6 support across all plans
- DNSSEC, URL redirection, and custom records supported
- API access is available even on the free plan
Pricing
Dynu provides completely free Dynamic DNS with unlimited queries, and offers a Member tier at $9.99 per year that unlocks advanced features like additional hostnames, MX records, and priority support.
9. GeoScaling
Handling up to 1 million monthly DNS requests, GeoScaling offers a bunch of unique features in its managed DNS services. They strive to give the best experience to your users by redirecting users by Country, uptime, AS number, custom rules, and server load.
They have a low TTL (Time-To-Live), which means updated records are made live on the internet in less than 5 minutes.
GeoScaling’s DNS service supports a variety of normal record types, including the Service Record (SRV). And they also offer support for Dynamic DNS, and allow you to import, upload, and paste BIND zone files.
If you happen to reside in France, Romania, or Texas, you can avail of their assured redundancy and scalability benefits. With an easy-to-use interface, you can add and update DNS records without reloading the web page. Any change is propagated to the nameservers instantaneously.
Key Features
- Smart geo-aware DNS routing for global traffic
- Free dynamic DNS and load balancing
- Failover options and monitoring built in
- Developer-friendly with scripting and API access
Pricing
GeoScaling offers a free plan that includes up to 1 million DNS queries per month with powerful features like geo-based redirection, health checks, and low TTL.
10. Hostry
Hostry offers a Free DNS service, which is an enterprise-level quality DNS service that’s free of charge and backed by a robust 400% SLA. Regardless of where your domains are registered, it offers improved DNS performance and security. The user-friendly control panel simplifies DNS traffic management, while the goal is to provide high-quality DNS service without limitations, continuously upgrading infrastructure to meet industry standards and satisfy customers.
Hostry is an option for safeguarding your primary DNS servers or your hosting provider’s DNS. This ensures uninterrupted domain accessibility even in the face of potential DNS issues.
This Free DNS service includes features like Universal Compatibility: Works with domains registered anywhere, Enhanced Performance: Boosts DNS speed and responsiveness, Unlimited Entries and Requests: No limitations on the number of DNS entries or requests, etc.
It is a solution for website owners, offering performance enhancement and security. It’s a cost-effective way to ensure your website remains accessible and responsive, with an intuitive control panel to manage DNS traffic effortlessly. Whether you’re looking to fortify your DNS infrastructure or optimize your website, Hostry Free DNS service can be a worthwhile option.
Key Features
- Free basic DNS hosting with global DNS zones
- Low-latency DNS propagation
- Supports up to 3 zones and 50 records per zone
- Simple web interface for quick setup
Pricing
Hostry DNS is a free DNS service.
11. Hurricane Electric Internet Services
The DNS hosting services provided by Hurricane Electric Internet Services are free. They have a solid network of DNS servers with more than 130 POPs (Point-Of-Presence) distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The company boasts more than 19000 BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) with more than 6000 varied networks. This signifies a lower load time for your website and a better experience for your users. With a very large amount of futuristic DNS resources at their disposal, this DNS hosting provider is worth trying out.
Key Features
- Free DNS hosting with 130+ global POPs
- Fast and reliable with support for all major DNS records
- DNSSEC support for added security
- Simple UI for managing zones and records
Pricing
It is a completely free DNS provider. There are no premium plans.
12. BuddyNS
If you are looking only for a free secondary DNS service with an easy-to-use interface, then BuddyNS is just right for you! BuddyNS claims to be capable of updating your DNS data faster than any other DNS service provider. This speed is 10 to 100 times faster than the industry average! And it gives you up to 300k queries free per account!
With 8 geographically distributed POPs, their service automatically syncs with the master DNS service in just a short period of 10 minutes. It can even sync instantaneously using the SyncNOW or NOTIFY feature. With a solid DNS infrastructure across the globe, BuddyNS can process your visitors queries much faster, irrespective of your visitors’ geographic location.
BuddyNS has also maintained a 100% uptime since its beginning. And the best part is that they also allow you to integrate CPanel/WHM. With a secure and perpetually available network infrastructure, BuddyNS servers keep your domains ever accessible to users even if your primary DNS goes down.
Key Features
- Fast and redundant secondary DNS service
- DNS replication from the primary server in seconds
- Supports all major DNS record types
- Free tier includes auto-sync and DNS monitoring
Pricing
BuddyNS offers a free plan with up to 0.3 million queries per month, while their Pro plan starts at $3 per month for higher query limits and technical support.
13. CrazyDomains
Free DNS Hosting offered by Crazy Domains is a service accessible for all domains, regardless of their origin. This service provides a range of benefits, including high availability, global performance optimization, and customizable settings. But this plan comes with only 2 Global Networks and limited DNS record customization as of now.
Crazy Domains’ Free DNS Hosting offers pretty average features with this free plan:
Anycast network technology: This service routes website traffic to the nearest available server within its global network. This approach not only accelerates your website’s responsiveness but also ensures reliability by eliminating single points of failure.
Additionally, Free DNS Hosting by Crazy Domains offers enhanced security features. With secondary DNS, it becomes less vulnerable to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and minimizes the risk of downtime.
Key Features
- Free DNS with domain registration
- Simple control panel for DNS edits
- Compatible with all major record types
- Offers DNS forwarding and redirection
Pricing
CrazyDomains offers free Anycast DNS for all domains and a Premium DNS plan at $20 per year, which adds SLA protection, DNSSEC, and advanced DDoS protection.
Comparative Analysis of DNS Lookup Speed
The most crucial factor to consider while choosing one of these free DNS hosting services is the DNS lookup speed. Always opt for the one that has the least lookup speed.
*Note – the list shown in the above figure shows DNS Speed Comparison of all Free and Paid DNS Hosting Services.
If we do a comparative analysis of DNS lookup speed from the above list of free DNS hosting providers, that’s truly exceptional! CloudNS tops the list – hands down – with just 13.34 ms (milliseconds)!
The 2nd position is held by Cloudflare in this list of free DNS domain hosting services. Yes, Cloudflare has an exceptional speed of 15.59 ms, but it is still a tad slower than CloudNS.
So my vote for the best free DNS hosting provider surely goes to CloudNS, then Cloudflare!
Expert Verdict: Our Top Picks
- If you need the fastest possible DNS performance with a generous free tier, ClouDNS is your best bet.
- For maximum security and global DDoS resilience, I would recommend choosing Cloudflare.
- For businesses with developer needs and API access requirements, you can consider using BunnyDNS or IBM NS1.
Limitations of Free DNS Services
Here are a few cons of the free DNS services that you need to know before choosing one
- It may come with limited query volumes, which can restrict performance during periods of high traffic.
- Often lack advanced features like traffic steering, DNS failover, or detailed analytics.
- Support response times and SLAs are typically lower or nonexistent compared to premium plans.
- A reduction in the number of global data centers can lead to slower resolution times for specific regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s see some of the frequently asked questions and answers regarding this topic.
What Is DNS Hosting And Why Do I Need It?
DNS hosting is a service that manages your domain’s DNS records. It translates domain names into IP addresses so browsers can load websites. A reliable DNS host ensures faster performance, better uptime, and stronger security.
Are Free DNS Hosting Services Reliable For Business Use?
Yes, many free DNS providers like Cloudflare, Namecheap, and ClouDNS offer enterprise-grade infrastructure, fast propagation, and DNSSEC support, making them suitable even for business websites.
How Do Free DNS Services Compare To Paid Ones?
Free DNS services often provide core features like A records, CNAME, and MX support. However, paid plans may include advanced features like geo-routing, higher query limits, SLA guarantees, and priority support.
Can I Use Free DNS Hosting Without Changing My Web Host?
Yes, DNS hosting is independent of web hosting. You can use a free DNS provider even if your website is hosted elsewhere by simply updating your domain’s nameservers.
Is Cloudflare DNS Really Free And Fast?
Yes, Cloudflare offers a completely free DNS service with global Anycast routing, DNSSEC, and industry-leading speed. It’s consistently rated as one of the fastest DNS providers worldwide.
What Is Dynamic DNS, And Do Free DNS Services Support It?
Dynamic DNS allows your domain to update its IP address automatically, which is helpful for changing IPs or home servers. Some free DNS providers like Dynu and FreeDNS support this feature.
Can I Switch DNS Hosts Without Downtime?
Yes, if done correctly. You can reduce or eliminate downtime by lowering your TTL (Time to Live) value in advance and making sure DNS records are identical on both services before switching.
Do Free DNS Providers Support DNSSEC?
Some do, like Cloudflare, ClouDNS, and Namecheap. DNSSEC adds a layer of security by verifying that DNS responses haven’t been tampered with, which helps prevent DNS spoofing.
How Do I Choose The Best Free DNS Hosting Service?
Consider factors like global server coverage, DNS propagation speed, supported record types, DNSSEC availability, customer support, and user interface. If you need speed and security, Cloudflare is a top choice. For flexibility, ClouDNS and Namecheap also perform well.
How Do DNS Queries Affect Website Speed and Performance?
Every time a user visits your website, their browser makes DNS queries to find the IP address linked to your domain. The faster your DNS resolver responds, the quicker your website speed and website performance. Choosing a reliable Domain Name Server with a low response time is crucial for a smooth user experience.
Premium DNS services offer enhanced features like faster response time, DDoS protection, DNS Failover, and support for Anycast DNS servers. These benefits improve website uptime, boost network performance, and are especially valuable for websites with a global online presence or large DNS query volume.
Can DNS Services Protect Against DDoS Attacks?
Yes, some DNS providers include DDoS protection as part of their plans. This helps absorb high traffic volumes during DDoS attacks, preventing downtime and ensuring stable DNS availability. Services like Cloudflare global network and Google Cloud DNS are well-known for their built-in security measures.
What Is the Role of DNS in SSL Certificate Validation?
When you install an SSL certificate, DNS records such as TXT records may be used to verify domain ownership. A fast and reliable DNS provider helps speed up validation, which contributes to better website performance and trust. Accurate DNS configuration also helps avoid DNS hijacking during certificate setup.
How Can I Enhance DNS Performance for Improved Uptime and Speed?
To improve DNS timing, choose a provider with distributed data centers, Anycast DNS servers, and a strong Uptime SLA. You should also monitor your DNS report regularly using network tools like DNS Jumper to track total queries and ensure optimal network performance.
What Is Dynamic DNS Hosting and How Does It Help Remote Access?
Dynamic DNS Hosting allows you to link a domain to a changing IP address. This is ideal for users with a dynamic internet connection. It helps you access your device remotely using a stable Dynamic DNS hostname and is commonly used for remote work, surveillance systems, and gaming.
How Does DNS Hosting Impact Website Security?
DNS hosting impacts website security by protecting against threats like DDoS attacks and domain hijacking. Secure providers offer DNSSEC and DDoS protection to keep your website safe and online.
Conclusion: Which Free DNS Hosting Should You Choose?
With so many reliable free DNS hosting services available in 2025, including ClouDNS, Cloudflare, Namecheap, and more, you don’t have to compromise on speed or security.
The availability of free DNS hosting services is truly a blessing to those online entrepreneurs on a shoestring budget. These free DNS hosting providers not only help save you some serious bucks but also benefit from those premium features that a paid DNS hosting service plan would offer.
I suggest that you first evaluate your needs using our comparison above and then choose the best free DNS provider for your website today.
Have questions or want to share your experience with a particular provider? Let us know in the comments below!
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It would be useful to add DNSSEC compatibility to the list. I know that cloudflare and Dynu support DNSSEC both of which I used before and they are equally good.