A Domain Name System or DNS is like the phonebook for the whole internet. It resolves domain names (such as nordvpn.com) into the IP addresses used by machines to connect to each other. In other words, it translates the long, complex numeric names of web servers into human language, and the other way around.
After entering a domain name (for example, by typing it in your browser), your device sends a DNS query to a DNS resolver
The DNS resolver checks its cache or asks other DNS servers to link the domain name to an IP address
The DNS resolver gives your device the correct IP address (“resolves” the domain)
Your device attempts to open a connection to the IP address
While most people use public DNS services run by their chosen internet service provider (ISP), anyone can set up their own DNS server. This practice, known as private DNS, allows the server’s owner to have full control over available IP addresses and network access.
Private DNS is essential for your privacy and security, since your ISP’s public DNS servers record every DNS query that you make — and ISPs are often legally required to keep these records for years.
Virtual private networks (VPN) like NordVPN also use DNS to help your device navigate. Our private DNS servers will safely handle all DNS requests, keeping everyone else out of the loop. NordVPN will protect you automatically — even your ISP will only know that you’ve logged in to our servers, and we’ll take care of everything from there.
Private DNS is essential for your privacy and security, since your ISP’s public DNS servers record every DNS query that you make — and ISPs are often legally required to keep these records for years.
| Free DNS | |
|---|---|---|
| Shields online activities | ||
| Stops DNS hijacking | ||
| Fast DNS resolution | ||
| No unwanted DNS filtering | ||
| Integrated smart DNS | ||
| Get NordVPN |
NordVPN encrypts all of your online traffic, making your DNS queries to our private DNS servers virtually impregnable to others. This protects you against DNS hijacking and other attacks.
NordVPN handles all of your DNS requests directly using highly-optimized DNS servers. Since our sprawling network is being constantly upgraded for speed, it’s a great choice if you need a secure private DNS for gaming.
We are opposed to censorship in all forms, including DNS blocking that stops you from participating in free online discussion. NordVPN offers optional DNS filtering with the Threat Protection feature in place to block malicious websites. It also blocks trackers, flashy ads, and malware-infected files.
Our aptly-named SmartDNS feature gives you a tool to avoid DNS filters without having to encrypt your whole connection. While this can leave you vulnerable, smart DNS is a great option for those who need speed above all else.
If you’re looking to game online, you’re looking for speed — and due to using advanced infrastructure to process your DNS requests, NordVPN delivers lightning-quick DNS resolution times. All VPNs will slow down your online gaming experience a little due to encrypting your data, but with NordVPN, you probably won’t even notice it.
By encrypting all of your online traffic, NordVPN shields your DNS requests from third parties. This means no one can spy on you or secretly redirect you to a malicious site.
Experience the internet the way it was meant to be — free from censorship. NordVPN DNS servers do not limit your access to the online world in any way.
Unlike many sluggish free VPNs, we are constantly optimizing our network for speed and security. This likely means faster DNS response times where it matters, like gaming.
