DNS-level ad blocking works by intercepting the request your device makes when it tries to load a domain. If that domain is known to serve ads, trackers, or malware, the DNS resolver can block the request before the connection is established. Because this happens at the network level, it can protect multiple connected devices, including smart TVs, game consoles, and mobile devices where browser extensions may not be available.
1. AdGuard DNS
AdGuard DNS is one of the easiest recommendations for straightforward ad blocking without building a custom setup. It blocks ads, trackers, malicious domains, and phishing sites, and supports modern encrypted DNS protocols. Its public servers can be used without creating an account, while more advanced configurations are available through AdGuard’s customizable DNS service.
DNS servers:
dns.adguard-dns.com
94.140.14.14
94.140.15.15
2. NextDNS
NextDNS stands out for its deep customization. It uses a configuration-specific address tied to your personal profile and supports standard DNS alongside DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and device-specific configurations. You can enable popular blocklists, block native tracking from operating systems and devices, enforce SafeSearch, and review detailed logs showing blocked requests.
DNS servers:
dns.nextdns.io
45.90.28.0
45.90.30.0
NextDNS normally provides configuration-specific DNS addresses, so the hostname and IP addresses used for your profile can differ from these general endpoints.
3. Control D
Control D is one of the more customizable DNS services available, offering customizable filtering, DNS redirection, geo-unblocking, and per-device rules. It is particularly useful for users who want granular control over what different devices can access without operating their own DNS infrastructure.
DNS servers:
p2.freedns.controld.com
76.76.2.0
76.76.10.0
4. Quad9
Quad9 is a free, recursive, anycast DNS platform focused primarily on security protection. It blocks known malware and phishing domains before your browser connects to them. Quad9 does not function as a dedicated ad blocker by default, but it can provide an additional security layer alongside an ad-blocking DNS service.
DNS servers:
dns.quad9.net
9.9.9.9
149.112.112.112
5. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 is widely recognized for speed, reliability, and privacy. Its standard DNS service does not specifically block advertisements, but Cloudflare also provides filtered DNS endpoints designed for malware protection and family-oriented filtering.
DNS servers:
one.one.one.one
1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
6. OpenDNS
OpenDNS is a long-standing DNS provider that offers content filtering and security features. Its filtering capabilities can be used to restrict categories of websites, including adult content and other unwanted material, making it useful for households that want more than basic DNS resolution.
DNS servers:
dns.opendns.com
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
7. Comodo Secure DNS
Comodo Secure DNS is primarily focused on security, helping protect users from malicious, fraudulent, and potentially harmful websites. It provides an alternative to standard ISP DNS servers and can add another layer of protection when browsing the web.
DNS servers:
dns.comodo.com
8.26.56.26
8.20.247.20
8. Alternate DNS
Alternate DNS provides a simple DNS-based filtering service that can block advertisements and unwanted domains without requiring users to operate their own server. Its straightforward configuration makes it suitable for users who want basic network-wide ad blocking without extensive customization.
DNS servers:
dns.alternate-dns.com
76.76.19.19
76.223.122.150
9. Mullvad DNS
Mullvad DNS provides encrypted DNS support and filtering options for blocking advertisements, trackers, and malware. It is particularly appealing to users who place a high value on privacy and want DNS filtering without relying on a conventional advertising-supported DNS provider.
DNS servers:
base.dns.mullvad.net
194.242.2.2
10. Technitium DNS Server
For users who want complete control, Technitium DNS Server is an open-source, self-hosted option that lets you operate your own local DNS server for privacy, security, and ad blocking. Because it is self-hosted, it does not have a universal public DNS hostname or IP address. The address depends on where you install and configure the server.
DNS server:
your-technitium-server
192.168.1.100
The IP address above is only an example of a local Technitium server address. Replace it with the actual IP address assigned to your Technitium DNS Server.
Setting Expectations
DNS-level blocking has real limits worth knowing before you rely on it entirely. It generally cannot remove ads served from the same domain as the content itself, such as some advertising on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitch. It also cannot always remove empty advertising spaces on webpages in the way a browser-based content blocker such as uBlock Origin can.
For the cleanest experience, most users will benefit from combining DNS-level filtering for whole-network protection with a browser-based content blocker on devices where more comprehensive ad blocking is required.
Join The Discussion
DNS-level ad blocking is a simple way to reduce advertisements and trackers across multiple devices without configuring a separate browser extension on every device. Have you tried any of these DNS providers, and which one has given you the best balance of ad blocking, speed, reliability, and privacy? Share your experience, configuration tips, or questions below.
