Streamline Your Web Access: Top 10 Best DNS Hosting Providers

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Here’s a straightforward guide to the best DNS hosting. Before delving deeper, we’ve chosen our top three DNS hosting providers: the most cost-effective option, the one with the best promotional deals, and the fastest service.

Our approach: what this guide includes:

  • Pros and cons for each company, based on reviews from sites like G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius.
  • Comparison charts to easily compare pricing and features of each DNS hosting service.
  • Speed test results to evaluate how these DNS hosting companies perform.

Zoom in: presenting our top three DNS hosting providers.

Hosting CompanyPerfect For…Price
NamecheapBest Value Pricing: Namecheap provides affordable DNS hosting. Plans start at $4.88/month initially.From $4.88/year
DNS Made EasyBest Intro Pricing: DNS Made Easy offers great starting rates for DNS hosting. Initial prices start at $18.75/month.From $18.75/mo
CloudflareBest For Established Sites: Cloudflare is known for its support and reliability, making it a top choice for DNS hosting.From $20/mo

Zoom out: explore the 10 best DNS hosting services.

1. Namecheap

Namecheap provides reliable DNS hosting services that are included with domain registrations, making it easy to manage both from a single platform. They offer DNS management tools that are user-friendly and support real-time updates. Namecheap’s DNS hosting ensures uptime and security with dynamic traffic management. It’s great for individuals and businesses looking for an affordable and efficient DNS solution.

Namecheap Pricing

PlansRegular Cost
FreeDNS Plan$0/year
PremiumDNS Plan$4.88/year

Namecheap Features

FeatureFreeDNSPremiumDNS
($4.88/yr)
Worldwide Coverage
Advanced DNS DDoS Protection
100% Uptime Guarantee (SLA)
DNSSEC Support
Secondary DNS
Your Host Records Support
Free Email Forwarding
DynamicDNS

Namecheap Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Exceptional Customer Support: Goes above and beyond to assist with installations and issues.Hosting for Scammers: Criticism for hosting scam and malware-infected websites.
Reliable Uptime and Performance: Ensures websites are accessible with minimal downtime.Blackmail and Theft Accusations: Some users report unethical practices like account suspension and domain theft.
Outstanding 24/7 Support: Fixes issues promptly, even if caused by the customer.Service Quality: Complaints about the slowest service and hidden fees.
Comprehensive Support: Solves problems in real-time with quick ticket resolutions.Resource Abuse Claims: Users report account suspension under the guise of “resource abuse.”
Patient and Helpful Assistance: Guides users through complex processes step by step.Privacy and Security Concerns: Allegations of selling personal information and dealing with scammers.
User-Friendly Interface: Streamlines website management with an intuitive control panel.Customer Service Variability: Mixed experiences with support quality and response times.
Efficient Domain Transfer Support: Assists seamlessly with domain transfers.Inadequate Verification Processes: Complaints about lack of domain buyer verification and anonymous payments.
See our curated list of great Namecheap alternatives.

Namecheap Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)182 ms196 ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)538 ms546 ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.070.00
Fully Loaded Time865 ms666 ms

2. DNS Made Easy

DNS Made Easy offers robust DNS hosting with a focus on speed and uptime, boasting one of the fastest response times in the industry. Their services include failover, monitoring, and geoDNS options to enhance website performance and reliability. DNS Made Easy is known for its enterprise-level service and scalability. It’s ideal for businesses that need high-performance DNS hosting with advanced features.

DNS Made Easy Pricing

PlanAnnual PriceRegular Monthly Price
DNS-5 Plan$225/year$18.75/month
DNS-25 Plan$675/year$56.25/month
DNS-50 Plan$2,100/year$175/month
Enterprise PlanCustomCustom

DNS Made Easy Features

FeatureDNS-5
($18.75/mo)
DNS-25
($56.25/mo)
DNS-50
($175/mo)
Enterprise
(Custom Pricing)
Domains52550Contact for details
Records1,5007,50015,000Scalable Pricing
Queries /mo5M25M50MCustom
Failover Records1510Custom
Query Logs /mo51025Custom
Global Traffic Director11Custom
AuthenticationTwo FactorTwo FactorThree FactorWhite Glove Support
SLA-backed100%100%100%100%
DNS AnalyticsCustom
DNSSECCustom
SAML/SSOCustom
Support LevelStandardStandardElevatedDedicated Support Team, White Glove Migration

DNS Made Easy Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Super reliable DNS service.Basic knowledge of DNS records is required.
Exceptional customer support.Advanced tool documentation is lacking.
Straightforward and easy-to-use platform.Interface looks dated.
Prompt response in customer support.Pricing based on queries can be unpredictable.
Offers DNS failover strategies for high availability.No significant cons reported by multiple users.
Affordable pricing for services.Some users desire more features without upgrading plans.
Active DNS failover supports disaster recovery mandates.Limited user account slots without additional purchase.

DNS Made Easy Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)22ms28ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)251ms255ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.020.03
Fully loaded time283ms289ms

3. Cloudflare

Cloudflare offers DNS hosting that is renowned for its speed and security, enhancing website performance and reducing latency worldwide. Their DNS service includes advanced DDoS protection and automatic caching to handle high traffic smoothly. Cloudflare’s DNS settings are easily configurable and backed by a robust global network. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize fast and secure web presence.

Cloudflare Pricing

PlanAnnual PriceRegular Monthly Price
Free Plan$0/month
Pro Plan$20/month$25/month
Business Plan$200/month$250/month
Enterprise PlanCustom

Cloudflare Features

FeatureFree PlanPro PlanBusiness PlanEnterprise Plan
Pricing per Month$0 (with add-ons billed monthly)$20 (when billed annually) $25 (when billed monthly)$200 (when billed annually) $250 (when billed monthly)Custom (billed annually)
Fast, Easy-to-use DNS
Unmetered DDoS Protection
CDN
Universal SSL Certificate
Free Managed Ruleset
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Lossless Image Optimization
Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)
PCI DSS 3.2 compliance
Uptime SLA100%100%100%100%
Uptime Service Credits1x10x (Standard); 25x (Premium)Custom
Single-Sign-On (SSO) Support
Network Prioritization
Role-based Account Control
Support OptionsCommunity forums and documentationTickets + Community ForumsTickets + Chat + Community Forums24x7x365 Tickets + Chat + Phone + Community Forums
Page Rules Included32050125+
Bot MitigationSimple botsMore advanced botsSophisticated bots and basic bot analyticsAll bots, anomaly detection, custom CAPTCHAs & threat response, advanced bot analytics, and more
Layer-3 Network DDoS protection with Magic TransitCustom Pricing
China Network AccessCustom Pricing
Cloudflare for SaaS<100 hostnames free, $0.10 per additional<100 hostnames free, $0.10 per additional<100 hostnames free, $0.10 per additionalCustom Pricing

Cloudflare Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Offers robust DDoS protection.Cancelling plans may incur costs due to “pay as you go” policy.
Includes a Web Application Firewall (WAF).Warp product has performance issues.
Features geographical load balancing.Basic customer support is limited without premium payment.
Provides a standalone threat intelligence platform.Documentation for products can be lacking.
Network optimization enhances performance.Customer service responsiveness can be slow.
Handles multiple use cases effectively.Known issues with the Warp client frequently breaking.
Generally recommended by users for ISPs and security needs.Some services are overkill for small-scale operations.

Cloudflare Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)18ms22ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)135ms143ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.000.00
Fully loaded time150ms155ms

4. DNSimple

DNSimple provides streamlined DNS hosting with easy integration and management tools, designed to simplify DNS operations for businesses of all sizes. They offer automated DNS services with strong security measures and API access for custom configurations. DNSimple’s user-friendly interface and reliable support make managing DNS straightforward and hassle-free. It’s perfect for users looking for simplicity and functionality in their DNS hosting.

DNSimple Pricing

PlanRegular Price
Solo PlanFree
Teams Plan$29/month
Enterprise PlanCustom

DNSimple Features

FeatureSolo
(Free)
Teams
($29/mo)
Enterprise
(Custom)
Users1 userIncludes 1 seatCustom
Cost per Hosted Zone per Month$0.50$0.50Discounts available
Cost per Million Queries per Zone$0.10$0.10Custom
Domain ServicesRegister, transfer, renew domainsSame as SoloDiscounted domain management
DNS Records per Zone1001,000Custom
SSL CertificatesLet’s Encrypt SSLLet’s Encrypt SSL WildcardCustom
RedirectsHTTPHTTPSCustom
DNS TypeAnycast DNSAnycast DNSAnycast DNS
SLANo SLA99%100% SLA (available)
Single Sign-onOkta or GoogleCustom
Domain Access Control
Activity HistoryUnlimitedCustom
Support LevelStandardPriority support
Additional FeaturesVanity Name servers, DNS zone discounts

DNSimple Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Highly responsive customer service.Currently, there are no reported downsides.
User-friendly interface.Pricing could be lower, although the service justifies the cost.
Reasonable prices.Some advanced features require familiarity with the system to use effectively.
Let’s Encrypt integration simplifies certificate management.Technical support can sometimes be slow to respond.
Provides essential services from DNS to certificate management.Limited initial setup documentation for advanced tools.
Automation capabilities through webhooks and APIs.Features might not be as extensive as some competitors initially.
Reliable and robust, ensuring stable operations.Some users might find the interface dated.

DNSimple Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)281ms290ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)742ms752ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.010.01
Fully loaded time1182ms1197ms

5. ClouDNS

ClouDNS offers DNS hosting with a wide range of services including DDoS protection, geoDNS, and Anycast DNS for enhanced performance and security. Their platform supports a variety of DNS records and is designed for high availability and scalability. ClouDNS is an excellent choice for businesses that require robust and versatile DNS hosting solutions.

ClouDNS Pricing

PlanRegular Price
Free PlanFree
Premium S Plan$2.95/month
Premium M Plan$4.95/month
Premium L Plan$14.95/month
Enterprise PlanCustom

ClouDNS Features

FeatureFreePremium S
($2.95/mo)
Premium M
($4.95/mo)
Premium L
($14.95/mo)
Enterprise
Anycast DNS
DNS zones1575400Unlimited
DNS Records502003,50020,000Unlimited
DNS queries per month500K5MUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
Mail forwards1101501,000Unlimited
DNS Failover checks123Unlimited
ActionSign UpStart Free 30-Day TrialStart Free 30-Day TrialBuy NowGet an Offer

ClouDNS Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Excellent customer support with fast and helpful responses.Lack of video tutorials for easier onboarding.
Easy setup process for beginners.User interface could be modernized.
Rich feature set for the price paid.Older plans lack new feature updates.
No technical issues reported over long-term use.No major cons reported by users, indicating high satisfaction.
Reliable uptime, ensuring constant service availability.Some plans are complex to compare due to different feature sets.
Integration with tools like DNScontrol and ACME/Certbot is seamless.Although the service is generally good, the pricing structure can be complex.
Simple administration and high stability.Documentation could be more comprehensive for newer features.

ClouDNS Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)221ms238ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)820ms836ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.020.02
Fully loaded time1092ms1106ms

6. GoDaddy

GoDaddy provides DNS hosting that integrates seamlessly with their domain registration and web hosting services, offering a comprehensive management experience. They provide features like domain forwarding, easy record management, and robust security options. GoDaddy’s DNS hosting is ideal for those who already use their hosting or domain services and want a centralized management system. It’s a good choice for businesses looking for reliability and ease of use.

GoDaddy Pricing

PlansRegular Cost
Premium DNS$4.99/month

GoDaddy Features

FeaturePremium DNS
($4.99/mo)
Uptime Guarantee99.9%
DNS NetworkAnycast DNS Network for global reach
Secondary DNSMission-critical with syncing; safeguards against outages
ManagementEasy-to-use online dashboard for DNS management
Domains (Zones) ManagedUnlimited
Records per Domain1,500
DNSSECSecures up to 5 domains
Overage FeesNone
Network TypeReliable and fast Anycast global network
Additional FeaturesTemplates for zone settings, built-in error checking, mission critical secondary DNS

GoDaddy Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Customers praise GoDaddy’s support team. They find the team helpful, knowledgeable, and accessible.Hidden costs can surprise users. Essential features often come with additional charges.
GoDaddy’s platform is easy to use. Beginners easily manage their hosting and websites.Interface can confuse users. Some find GoDaddy’s backend and interface unintuitive.
GoDaddy hosting is reliable. Users report good uptime and performance for their websites.Migration issues can be frustrating. Users sometimes face challenges migrating sites to GoDaddy.
Specialists are accessible. GoDaddy provides expert help for specific hosting issues.Domain transfers can be complex. Moving domains to or from GoDaddy sometimes poses challenges.
GoDaddy offers comprehensive solutions. They cater to a range of hosting needs from basic to advanced.Technical limitations may hinder users. Some find GoDaddy’s hosting limits their website’s potential.
Domain management is integrated. Setup and management of domains and hosting in one place is convenient.Email setup can be tricky. Setting up or managing email accounts sometimes requires extra support.
Many educational resources are available. GoDaddy helps users understand and use their hosting services better.Website performance can vary. Some experience slow loading times and inconsistent performance.
Here’s our list of GoDaddy alternatives.

GoDaddy Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)172 ms216 ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)465 ms472 ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.070.00
Fully loaded time756 ms716 ms

7. EasyDNS

EasyDNS offers DNS hosting that focuses on providing a powerful and flexible platform for DNS management, including features like DNS failover and email forwarding. They prioritize customer control and privacy, with a commitment to user-friendly policies and strong customer support. EasyDNS is suitable for users who need a straightforward and secure approach to DNS hosting.

EasyDNS Pricing

PlanWith Domain RegistrationWithout Registration
Domain Plus PlanFree
Standard Plan$37/year$20/year
Pro Plan$57/year$40/year
Enterprise Plan$149.50/year

EasyDNS Features

FeatureDomain Plus – Unicast DNS
(Free)
Standard – Anycast DNS
($37/yr)
Pro – Anycast DNS
($57/yr)
Enterprise – Anycast DNS
($149.50/yr)
DNS Inquiries/Month250,0001 Million5 Million5 Million
Resource Records20UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
Total Nameservers/ POP3151526
Anycast DNS Clouds334
Host Monitoring + Failover1 Record included3 Records included
Dynamic DNS SupportNoYesYesYes
IPv6 SupportYesYesYesYes
DNSSEC SupportYesYesYesYes
EasyMail IMAP 5 GB Box31025
Email Forwarding10100100100
SMTP Port ForwardingNoYesYesYes
Outbound SMTP/ Mail RelayNoNoYesYes
Trial Period30 days30 days30 days

EasyDNS Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Reliable and stable service for DNS management.Price is on the higher side compared to other providers.
Excellent uptime and responsiveness of DNS changes.Lack of features to clear queues during prolonged issues can cause delays.
Extensive DNS configuration options and support for various record types.The user interface could use modernization to improve usability.
Offers both phone and responsive online support, providing accessibility to assistance.Can be seen as pricey, especially for smaller operations with limited budgets.
Easy to manage DNS records and domain registrations from a single platform.Some customers may find the service complex to understand and manage initially.
The service is well-established and trusted, making it a secure choice for DNS needs.Occasional problems with HTTP forwarding can disrupt service.
Effective for businesses of all sizes, providing scalable DNS solutions.User interface could be perceived as outdated by some users.

EasyDNS Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)338ms342ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)1.2s1.4s
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.020.01
Fully loaded time1.5s1.6s

8. AdGuard

AdGuard provides DNS hosting that emphasizes privacy and security, offering family protection with blocking malicious and adult content. Their DNS service is easy to configure and helps speed up internet connections while preventing tracking. AdGuard’s DNS hosting is a great choice for families or businesses concerned with online safety and privacy.

AdGuard Pricing

PlanRegular Annual CostPromo Annual CostRegular Monthly Cost
Starter PlanFreeFreeFree
Personal Plan$29.88/year$19.99/year$2.49/month
Team Plan$179.88/year$119.99/year$14.99/month
Enterprise PlanOn RequestOn RequestOn Request

AdGuard Features

PlanStarter (Free)Personal ($2.49 +VAT)Team ($14.99 +VAT)Enterprise (On request)
Monthly Requests300K10M100MUnlimited
Devices520200Unlimited
Servers2550Unlimited
Rules1001K5K100K
Dedicated IPv4 AddressesAvailableAvailable2Available
Customer SupportStandardStandardStandardPriority

AdGuard Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Offers extensive customization options for user preferences.Can cause slowdowns when multiple filters are activated.
Reliable and effective as an ad blocker.Known to drain battery significantly, especially on mobile devices.
Excellent customer support that is responsive and helpful.Some users report it is less effective for in-app ad blocking.
Features like DNS protection enhance browsing security.Users have experienced unwanted email ads without an unsubscribe option.
Easy to set up with helpful tools for importing settings from other services.Customer support can treat users suspiciously and unpleasantly during disputes.
Effective ad blocking across various platforms, including YouTube and websites.Some licensing issues and problems with software activation after system changes.
Offers a lifetime subscription option, adding to its cost-effectiveness.UI and technical documentation could be improved for easier usage and troubleshooting.

AdGuard Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)328ms335ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)876ms881ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.010.01
Fully loaded time1101ms1112ms

9. IONOS

IONOS offers DNS hosting as part of their domain and web hosting packages, providing a seamless integration that simplifies website management. Their DNS hosting includes advanced settings like DNSSEC for enhanced security. IONOS is known for its reliable infrastructure and professional support, making it a solid choice for businesses that require dependable DNS services.

IONOS Pricing

PlansRegular Cost
Cloud DNS Plan$1.65/zone/30 days

IONOS Features

FeatureCloud DNS
($1.65/zone/30 days)
DNS Record ManagementYes, with easy management and migration
AutomationAvailable with API, Terraform, and Go SDK
External DNSAutomated updates for Kubernetes services
DNSSECAvailable for enhanced security
Cost PredictabilityCharges for created zones, not queries
Maximum AvailabilityGlobal infrastructure with low latency

IONOS Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Exceptional Support: Support staff always help patiently and professionally.Cancellation Complexity: Canceling services can be hard and sometimes requires a call.
Reliable Uptime: The service ensures websites are always up and accessible.Communication Challenges: Some customers get confusing or unclear responses.
User-Friendly Interface: The control panel is easy to use and understand.Service Setup Delays: Setting up services can sometimes take too long.
Versatile Hosting Solutions: They offer a wide range of options for all needs and budgets.Billing and Renewal Issues: Unexpected charges or billing problems sometimes occur.
24/7 Support Availability: Help is available all day, every day.Resource Monitoring: There are not enough tools to manage website performance effectively.
Comprehensive Customer Care: They offer personalized help and follow-up.Language Barriers: The need to call for cancellations can be difficult for non-English speakers.
Domain and Security Services: Domain transfers and security measures work well.Account Suspension Concerns: Some users feel unfairly suspended for “resource abuse.”
Check out these alternatives to IONOS if needed.

IONOS Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)156ms171ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)1213ms1194ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.10.09
Fully loaded time302ms297ms

10. DNS by Comodo

DNS by Comodo provides DNS hosting services that focus on security, leveraging Comodo’s expertise in cybersecurity to protect domains and manage DNS traffic safely. Their services include powerful DNS traffic filtering and threat management to ensure that your website remains secure and accessible. DNS by Comodo is ideal for organizations that prioritize security in their DNS hosting.

DNS by Comodo Pricing

PlansRegular Cost
Secondary/Backup DNS$24.95/month
Premium PRO$34.95/month
Premium SMB$54.95/month
Enterprise High VolumeCustom

DNS by Comodo Features

PlanSecondary/Backup DNS
($24.95/mo)
Premium PRO
($34.95/mo)
Premium SMB
($54.95/mo)
Enterprise
(Custom)
Domains Supported2510Call for details
Monthly Queries50,000500,0001 millionCall for details
Unlimited DNS RecordsYesYesYesCustom
Additional FeaturesAuto Sync with PrimaryDNSGeo DNS SuiteGeo DNS Suite + 4 Dedicated IPs for Vanity Name ServersCustom solutions available

DNS by Comodo Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Enhanced Security – Includes phishing and malware filtering.Limited Customization – Fewer setting options for advanced users.
High Uptime – Reliable due to a global server network.Slow Updates – Changes may not propagate quickly.
Easy Integration – Works well with other Comodo products.Customer Support – May lack responsiveness.
Affordable Pricing – Cost-effective for businesses.User Interface – Could be more user-friendly.
DDoS Protection – Strong defenses against DDoS attacks.Feature Limitations – Missing some advanced DNS features.
Free Tier Available – Accessible for startups with a basic free option.Limited API – Fewer functions than competitors.
Regular Updates – Frequently updated for better performance.Compatibility Issues – May not work well with some setups.

DNS by Comodo Hosting Speed

GT Metrix TestTest 1 ValueTest 2 Value
Time to First Byte (TTFB)372ms384ms
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)919ms923ms
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)0.020.01
Fully loaded time1.2s1.3s

About the author

Nicholas Prins

I'm the founder of Launch Space. We work with global companies helping them scale lead generation through SEO and content marketing. Head over to the homepage to find out more.

By Nicholas Prins