Leaving Google Public DNS? Here's everything you need
Compare 3 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Google Public DNS is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quad9Recommended Quad9 is a European cybersecurity service that provides a free DNS resolver to enhance internet security and privacy. By blocking access to malicious sites, it protects users from cyber threats. The service is easy to set up on various devices and networks, ensuring safer browsing without compromising speed or performance. Visit https://quad9.net for more information. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Contact | Medium | 1-2 hours | |
dns0.eu dns0.eu is a European-based DNS management service that provides reliable domain name resolution. With an intuitive interface, users can easily manage their DNS records, ensuring efficient website accessibility and email delivery. The platform supports various record types and offers robust security features to protect against DNS attacks. | 🇪🇺EU | Contact | Medium | 1-2 hours | |
Mullvad DNS Mullvad DNS is a secure, privacy-focused DNS resolver provided by the Swedish company Mullvad. It supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, ensuring encrypted communication for your DNS queries. This service helps prevent data tracking and enhances your online privacy while browsing. | 🇸🇪Sweden | Contact | Medium | 1-2 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Quad9 is a European cybersecurity service that provides a free DNS resolver to enhance internet security and privacy. By blocking access to malicious sites, it protects users from cyber threats. The service is easy to set up on various devices and networks, ensuring safer browsing without compromising speed or performance. Visit https://quad9.net for more information.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Quad9 is a European cybersecurity service that provides a free DNS resolver to enhance internet security and privacy. By blocking access to malicious sites, it protects users from cyber threats. The service is easy to set up on various devices and networks, ensuring safer browsing without compromising speed or performance. Visit https://quad9.net for more information.
Advantages
- Quad9 blocks access to known malicious domains, enhancing security.
- Quad9's servers are GDPR compliant, ensuring EU data protection.
- Quad9 has a focus on user privacy, not logging IP addresses.
- Quad9 uses threat intelligence from IBM and other partners for filtering.
Trade-offs
- Switching requires reconfiguring DNS settings on devices.
- Quad9 lacks some advanced features found in Google DNS.
- Potential latency issues if Quad9's nearest server is far.
dns0.eu is a European-based DNS management service that provides reliable domain name resolution. With an intuitive interface, users can easily manage their DNS records, ensuring efficient website accessibility and email delivery. The platform supports various record types and offers robust security features to protect against DNS attacks.
Advantages
- dns0.eu servers are located in the EU, ensuring GDPR compliance.
- dns0.eu offers end-to-end encryption for enhanced data security.
- dns0.eu is open source, allowing for community audits and transparency.
- Switching to dns0.eu supports EU-based data sovereignty initiatives.
Trade-offs
- Migration may require reconfiguring network settings for users.
- Limited documentation available for dns0.eu compared to Google DNS.
- Potential learning curve for users unfamiliar with open source DNS.
Mullvad DNS is a secure, privacy-focused DNS resolver provided by the Swedish company Mullvad. It supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, ensuring encrypted communication for your DNS queries. This service helps prevent data tracking and enhances your online privacy while browsing.
Advantages
- Mullvad DNS servers are located in the EU, ensuring GDPR compliance.
- End-to-end encryption protects DNS queries from interception.
- Mullvad does not log user activity, enhancing privacy further.
- Mullvad DNS supports DNS-over-HTTPS for secure queries.
Trade-offs
- Migrating may require reconfiguring network settings on devices.
- Mullvad lacks extensive documentation compared to Google DNS.
- Fewer global servers may lead to slower response times in some regions.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Google Public DNS before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Google Public DNS account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Google Public DNS is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Google Public DNS?
There are 3 European alternatives to Google Public DNS. Quad9, dns0.eu, Mullvad DNS are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Google Public DNS?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Google Public DNS?
Yes, most services including Google Public DNS allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Google Public DNS account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Google Public DNS to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Google Public DNS first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Google Public DNS subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Google Public DNS to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.