DNS / Firewall
Quad9
Free privacy-focused resolver with blocking and no
Quad9 is a service with blocking for trackers and . It helps you keep more control over your data.
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 is a free, privacy-focused DNS service that protects you from malicious websites and phishing attempts. DNS is like the internet's phone book - it translates website names into IP addresses. Quad9 uses this to block dangerous websites before they can harm your devices. Unlike some DNS services, Quad9 doesn't log your IP address or track what websites you visit. The service encrypts your DNS queries so your internet provider can't see what sites you're accessing. Quad9 is run by a non-profit organization based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. The service is completely free, doesn't require any registration or account, and works by simply changing your DNS settings. Quad9 blocks known malicious domains, phishing sites, and malware automatically, helping protect all your devices without installing any software. Since Quad9 doesn't log or track you, you get privacy protection without giving up your privacy.
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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