Changing your DNS settings is frequently recommended as a method to enhance internet browsing speeds. Initially, I was skeptical about the extent to which a simple DNS server adjustment could truly impact my browsing experience—until I decided to give it a try.
Reasons for Considering a DNS Change
My internet connection typically performs well, but I occasionally experience lag. Streaming videos or browsing my favorite websites sometimes results in frustrating loading times. Running speed tests confirmed that my internet bandwidth was adequate, which left me puzzled.
Upon further investigation, I discovered that the DNS servers provided by my Internet Service Provider (ISP) could be the culprit. The Domain Name System (DNS) serves as a directory, converting user-friendly domain names into IP addresses that connect you to web services. For example, when you enter makeuseof.com in your browser, the DNS server finds the corresponding IP address and directs your request to the nearest server.
The challenge lies in the fact that many ISPs operate DNS servers that are overloaded or poorly maintained. This can create bottlenecks; even if your internet speed is swift, delays in DNS lookups can slow down your browsing since your browser must wait longer to determine the destination for requests.
Once I recognized this issue, I opted to test the performance of my ISP’s DNS servers against alternative options. Utilizing GRC’s DNS Benchmark tool allowed me to compare my current DNS provider with over 200 public DNS servers simultaneously. The results were striking. Google’s DNS servers (8.8.4.4) consistently provided the fastest response times at my location, closely followed by Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.
Seeing my ISP’s DNS server ranked significantly lower on the benchmark confirmed my suspicions about its contribution to my browsing slowdowns. The DNS response times, measured in milliseconds, may seem minimal, but they compound, particularly on services that require multiple DNS lookups.
My initial skepticism about "internet speed hacks" faded when I realized that switching to better-performing DNS servers could genuinely eliminate some of the delays I had encountered while navigating the web.
Implementing a Custom DNS on My Router and PC
To assess if changing DNS could drive noticeable improvements, I decided to configure a custom DNS on both my router and my primary PC. This dual-setup would allow me to evaluate which method was more effective and ensure my laptop utilized fast DNS even on public networks.
Modifying DNS on My Router
Changing the DNS settings on my router affects all devices connected to my network, which is convenient.
- I opened my web browser and entered my router’s IP address (192.168.1.1).
- After logging in, I accessed Network > Interfaces > WAN > Advanced Settings.
- I then unchecked the option labeled "Use DNS servers advertised by peer." Depending on your router’s brand and firmware, you may find different options.
- In the custom DNS fields, I specified the following:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.4.4 (Google)
- Secondary DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
After saving the changes and rebooting the router, every device on my network—including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs—began utilizing the faster DNS servers automatically.
This centralized approach simplifies the process, as it allows every device connected to my router to benefit without needing to adjust settings individually.
Updating DNS on My PC
There are situations where directly changing the DNS settings on individual PCs is beneficial, such as when using public Wi-Fi or specialized DNS services like Smart DNS for accessing geo-restricted content.
- I navigated to Settings > Network & Internet > Hardware Properties.
- Next to my Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, I found the DNS Server Assignment section and selected Edit.
- I chose the Manual option, activated the IPv4 toggle, and entered:
- Preferred DNS: 8.8.4.4
- Alternate DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Finally, I hit Save.
Alternatively, through the classic Control Panel:
- I opened it and selected Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- I right-clicked my network, selected Properties, and chose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to input the DNS addresses.
The entire process took under ten minutes, and my PC was quickly set to use the new DNS servers.
Evaluating Internet Speed Pre- and Post-Switch
To accurately measure the changes, I tested various online activities before and after implementing the new DNS settings. The results were impressive.
Before transitioning to Google’s DNS, DNSPerf reported that my ISP’s DNS servers had a response time of approximately 76 milliseconds for standard domain lookups. After switching to Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), the response time decreased to about 32 milliseconds—an impressive improvement. Additional tests across different websites yielded similar outcomes.
One of the most significant enhancements occurred while browsing image-heavy websites, which often load content from multiple domains. A local shopping site that previously took 5 to 6 seconds to load fully now appeared to load in roughly half the time after flushing the DNS cache. Elements such as images, buttons, and product descriptions became visible almost instantly, creating a much more fluid browsing experience.
In terms of video streaming, while services like Netflix and YouTube did not experience less buffering—likely due to their use of content delivery networks (CDNs) that reduce the impact of DNS—browsing their libraries and switching between videos felt noticeably faster. Particularly on older devices, such as my Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, the web browsing experience became much more responsive, suggesting that more efficient DNS can greatly benefit lower-powered devices.
Additional Advantages and Minor Drawbacks of Changing DNS
Beyond speed improvements, several other benefits arose from switching my DNS that I had not anticipated. One primary advantage is enhanced privacy and security. By using Google’s DNS, my ISP could no longer keep track of every website I visited through DNS requests. Google’s privacy policy for their public DNS is more straightforward compared to the ambiguous terms offered by many ISPs.
Google’s DNS also comes equipped with built-in defenses against various online threats. It supports DNSSEC, which helps safeguard against malicious redirections to counterfeit website versions. Additionally, it can block access to known harmful domains and phishing sites, increasing your online security. Implementing DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS further encrypts your DNS queries, making it challenging for anyone to intercept your browsing activities or tamper with your requests.
However, the transition wasn’t entirely without issues. After changing my default DNS, some location-specific services encountered difficulties. For instance, my weather app sometimes displayed data for cities far from my actual location unless I allowed it access to my geographical data, which I prefer to avoid. Certain streaming services also momentarily misidentified my location. These instances occurred sporadically, but your experience may vary.
In conclusion, switching DNS servers can significantly enhance your internet browsing experience, offering speed advantages alongside added privacy and security benefits.
