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DNS / Firewall

Quad9

Free privacy-focused

resolver with blocking and no

Privacy score 82 Free Technical: Beginner
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Quad9 offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the

space, with a stronger focus on data protection than many mainstream tools.

Router Desktop Mobile

Who is this for?

✓ Good for you if:

  • • You want free service with blocking
  • • You need Swiss privacy protections
  • • You want resolver that doesn't collect
  • • You need simple setup (just change settings)
  • • You want protection against , , and botnets

⚠ Think twice if:

  • • You need ad blocking (Quad9 focuses on , not ads)
  • • You want customizable blocklists
  • • You need self-hosted solution
  • • You want encrypted by default (requires configuration)
  • • You need detailed statistics

Overview

Quad9 implements DNS

resolution with security filtering, blocking access to malicious domains, phishing sites, and malware command-and-control servers using threat intelligence from multiple security providers. The service uses DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) to encrypt DNS queries, preventing ISPs and other third parties from monitoring DNS traffic. Quad9 operates servers in multiple countries worldwide, providing low-latency DNS resolution. The service maintains a strict no-logging policy and does not log user IP addresses or DNS queries. Quad9 is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland and operates under Swiss privacy laws. The service uses standard TLS/SSL encryption for secure DNS connections.

Privacy highlight

Privacy-focused

resolver with strict no- policy, encrypted queries, and Swiss . Zero .

Quick facts

Country:
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Pricing:
Free
Platform:
Router, Desktop, Mobile
Technical:
Beginner
:
No
:
Minimal telemetry
:
No
Open-source status:
Closed source
:
No
:
No

Key features

  • service with blocking for trackers and .
Security & encryption Click to expand
No
Encryption protocols
DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), DNS-over-TLS (DoT)
Quad9 uses -over- (DoH) and -over- (DoT) to encrypt queries in transit. The service uses standard / for secure connections. Quad9 does not require keys from users - the service handles automatically. The service uses standard certificate validation and for all connections. Quad9 does not require user accounts or .
Offline support
No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
Minimal telemetry
No
Ip no
Quad9 does not collect data. The service maintains a strict no- policy and does not log user IP addresses, queries, or any personal information. Quad9 does not track users or collect . The service processes queries without storing or them. Quad9 is a non-profit organization focused on privacy and security.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
Quad9 is based in Switzerland and operates as a non-profit organization. The service maintains a strict no-logging policy, so no user data is stored. Quad9 operates servers in multiple countries worldwide, but does not log or retain any data.
Quad9 does not retain any user data. The service maintains a strict no- policy with zero . Quad9 does not log queries, user IP addresses, or any personal information. The service processes queries in real-time without storing them. There is no account system, so no account data is retained. Quad9 operates as a zero-knowledge resolver.
Legal frameworks
GDPR (where applicable). Quad9 is based in Switzerland and operates under Swiss privacy laws.
Revenue sources
Donations, Enterprise
Editorial signals Click to expand
82
Trust score
88
Trust breakdown (0–10)
Encryption: 90, Audits: 80, Open source: 70, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 90, Transparency: 90, Trackers: 100
Editorial notes
Usability: 95, Performance: 90, Family friendly: 90
User experience Click to expand
Signup requirements
No account or signup required. Quad9 is a free DNS service that works by simply changing your DNS settings. No registration, email, or personal information required.
Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
1
Accessibility features
Quad9 is a DNS service accessed via configuration. No user interface is required - configuration is done through DNS settings on devices or routers.
Backup & portability Click to expand
No
Migration tools
No migration tools needed - Quad9 works by changing DNS settings. Users can switch between DNS providers by updating DNS configuration.
No account recovery needed - no accounts are required. Quad9 works by DNS configuration only.

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