Is Quad9 DNS Good? Pros and Cons Explained

When it comes to choosing a secure and reliable DNS resolver, Quad9 has become a standout name in recent years. As a non-profit DNS service that places a strong emphasis on user privacy and cybersecurity, Quad9 presents itself as an attractive alternative to traditional DNS providers. But is Quad9 DNS really good for everyday users, and does it hold up against its commercial counterparts?

TLDR:

Quad9 DNS is a secure and privacy-focused alternative to default DNS services. It excels at blocking malicious domains and doesn’t log personal user data. However, it may not be the fastest service in all regions and lacks some customization options offered by commercial providers. Quad9 is best suited for users who prioritize security and privacy above all.

What is Quad9 DNS?

Quad9 is a free, public DNS resolver operated by the Quad9 Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Switzerland. Established in partnership with IBM and the Global Cyber Alliance, the service is designed to block access to known malicious domains, thereby preventing harmful connections before they occur. Quad9 gains its threat intelligence from multiple cybersecurity companies and applies these insights at the DNS level to protect users.

One of Quad9’s main draws is its focus on privacy. It claims not to store personal IP addresses or create user profiles, positioning itself as a privacy-first solution in a domain dominated by large corporations.

Pros of Using Quad9 DNS

There are several advantages for users who switch to Quad9 DNS, including the following:

• Enhanced Security: Quad9 actively blocks access to domains known to host malware, phishing threats, or other malicious content. Threat data is gathered from over 20 different cybersecurity firms, making it comprehensive and up-to-date.
• Privacy-Focused: Unlike many other DNS services, Quad9 doesn’t log identifying user data. IP addresses are not stored, and the organization adheres to GDPR regulations, particularly since it operates out of privacy-conscious Switzerland.
• Non-Profit Operation: Being non-commercial means Quad9 isn’t driven by advertising or data monetization. This is ideal for users concerned about the increasing commodification of personal information.
• Easy Setup: Quad9 can be quickly configured on most devices and routers. Simply changing your DNS settings to use 9.9.9.9 enables the service.
• DNSSEC Support: Quad9 supports DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), helping ensure that the DNS responses are authentic and haven’t been tampered with.

Cons of Using Quad9 DNS

Despite its strong points, Quad9 may not be the optimal fit for every user. Some of the common criticisms include:

• Performance Variability: Depending on the user’s geographical location, Quad9 may not always offer the fastest DNS resolution times. In latency-sensitive applications like gaming or live streaming, this can be a drawback.
• Lack of Advanced Features: Compared to commercial DNS providers like Cloudflare or OpenDNS, Quad9 lacks advanced parental controls or detailed analytics dashboards that some users might prefer.
• Fewer Customization Options: While simplicity benefits average users, more tech-savvy individuals might find themselves limited by Quad9’s lack of per-device filtering or API access.
• Occasional False Positives: While Quad9’s blacklisting is generally reliable, on rare occasions, legitimate websites may be blocked based on outdated or overly aggressive threat intelligence.

How Does Quad9 Compare to Other DNS Providers?

Compared with larger DNS names like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Quad9 offers a distinctly security-first experience. Whereas Google and Cloudflare emphasize speed and sometimes provide optional content filtering, Quad9 stands out by offering always-on protection against malicious domains by default.

In terms of privacy, Quad9 arguably outperforms Google, which is a data-centric organization. Cloudflare also advertises a privacy-friendly position, but as a private company, it doesn’t offer the same degree of public transparency as a non-profit like Quad9. For users with strict privacy concerns, Quad9 presents the most clear-cut dedication to data protection.

However, users focused on network performance might find Cloudflare’s edge network to offer quicker response and loading times. Therefore, the choice often comes down to what the user prioritizes: speed or security.

Setting Up Quad9

Setting up Quad9 is relatively straightforward. Whether you’re configuring it on a single device or across an entire network via your router, you simply need to update your DNS servers to the Quad9 addresses:

• IPv4: 9.9.9.9
• Secondary IPv4: 149.112.112.112
• IPv6: 2620:fe::fe

There are also different configurations available based on your preferences:

• Standard: DNS resolution that blocks malware and supports DNSSEC
• Unfiltered: No blocking, ideal for troubleshooting or unrestricted access
• Encrypted Options: DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) are supported for encrypted DNS queries

Use Cases: Who Should Use Quad9?

Quad9 is suitable for a broad range of users, but particularly excels in the following scenarios:

• Families and Home Users: Want basic protection from malicious sites without setting up complex configurations.
• Privacy Advocates: Concerned about tracking, profiling, or data being shared with third parties.
• Non-Profit and Public Institutions: Seeking a free, secure DNS solution that aligns with compliance requirements like GDPR.
• IT Departments: Looking for an easy-to-deploy layer of DNS-level malware protection.

Conclusion

Quad9 offers a compelling combination of security, privacy, and reliability—especially considering it is a completely free service. While it may not have the customization or performance edge of some commercial DNS providers, its commitment to user protection, transparency, and ethical standards makes it a suitable choice for users who value safety and privacy over raw speed.

For those seeking peace of mind while browsing without handing over their data to tech giants, Quad9 is a solid, trustworthy solution that delivers on its promises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the IP address for Quad9 DNS?
  Quad9’s primary IPv4 DNS address is 9.9.9.9, and a secondary option is 149.112.112.112.
• Does Quad9 store my browsing data?
  No, Quad9 does not log personally identifiable information. IP addresses are not stored, and it complies with strict privacy standards.
• Is Quad9 faster than Google DNS?
  Not necessarily. Google DNS may offer faster speed depending on your location, while Quad9 focuses more on blocking threats and privacy.
• Can I use Quad9 for gaming or streaming?
  Yes, but users focused on low-latency connections might prefer other DNS resolvers optimized for speed.
• Does Quad9 block adult content?
  No, Quad9 primarily blocks malicious threats. For content filtering, other DNS options might be more appropriate.
• Is it safe to use Quad9?
  Yes, Quad9 is considered a highly secure and reputable DNS provider with a focus on user protection.