Leaving OpenDNS? 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
OpenDNS 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 | 2-4 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 servers are EU-based, ensuring GDPR compliance for EU users.
- Quad9 offers optional end-to-end encryption for DNS queries.
- Quad9 has a strong focus on user privacy, not logging IP addresses.
Trade-offs
- Migration may require reconfiguring network settings on devices.
- Quad9 lacks some advanced features available in OpenDNS, like filtering.
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Quad9's interface and options.
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 optional end-to-end encryption for enhanced security.
- Switching to dns0.eu supports local EU businesses over US corporations.
- dns0.eu's focus on EU regulations may lead to better data handling.
Trade-offs
- OpenDNS has a larger user base, leading to more community support.
- Migration may involve reconfiguring network settings and devices.
- dns0.eu may lack some advanced features found in OpenDNS.
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 Sweden, ensuring EU data protection.
- Full GDPR compliance enhances user privacy and data rights.
- Optional end-to-end encryption protects DNS queries from eavesdropping.
- Mullvad's focus on privacy aligns with their no-logs policy for users.
Trade-offs
- Migration may require reconfiguring devices for new DNS settings.
- Mullvad lacks some advanced features found in OpenDNS, like phishing protection.
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Mullvad's interface and options.
Before You Switch
Export your data from OpenDNS before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your OpenDNS 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. OpenDNS is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to OpenDNS?
There are 3 European alternatives to OpenDNS. 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 OpenDNS?
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 OpenDNS?
Yes, most services including OpenDNS allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your OpenDNS account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from OpenDNS to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from OpenDNS 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 OpenDNS subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from OpenDNS 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.