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.
Best 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
Plans
Regular Cost
FreeDNS Plan
$0/year
PremiumDNS Plan
$4.88/year
Namecheap Features
Feature
FreeDNS
PremiumDNS ($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
Pros
Cons
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.
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
Plan
Annual Price
Regular 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 Plan
Custom
Custom
DNS Made Easy Features
Feature
DNS-5 ($18.75/mo)
DNS-25 ($56.25/mo)
DNS-50 ($175/mo)
Enterprise (Custom Pricing)
Domains
5
25
50
Contact for details
Records
1,500
7,500
15,000
Scalable Pricing
Queries /mo
5M
25M
50M
Custom
Failover Records
1
5
10
Custom
Query Logs /mo
5
10
25
Custom
Global Traffic Director
–
1
1
Custom
Authentication
Two Factor
Two Factor
Three Factor
White Glove Support
SLA-backed
100%
100%
100%
100%
DNS Analytics
–
✓
✓
Custom
DNSSEC
–
–
✓
Custom
SAML/SSO
–
–
✓
Custom
Support Level
Standard
Standard
Elevated
Dedicated Support Team, White Glove Migration
DNS Made Easy Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
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.
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.
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
Plan
Regular Price
Solo Plan
Free
Teams Plan
$29/month
Enterprise Plan
Custom
DNSimple Features
Feature
Solo (Free)
Teams ($29/mo)
Enterprise (Custom)
Users
1 user
Includes 1 seat
Custom
Cost per Hosted Zone per Month
$0.50
$0.50
Discounts available
Cost per Million Queries per Zone
$0.10
$0.10
Custom
Domain Services
Register, transfer, renew domains
Same as Solo
Discounted domain management
DNS Records per Zone
100
1,000
Custom
SSL Certificates
Let’s Encrypt SSL
Let’s Encrypt SSL Wildcard
Custom
Redirects
HTTP
HTTPS
Custom
DNS Type
Anycast DNS
Anycast DNS
Anycast DNS
SLA
No SLA
99%
100% SLA (available)
Single Sign-on
–
Okta or Google
Custom
Domain Access Control
–
✓
✓
Activity History
–
Unlimited
Custom
Support Level
–
Standard
Priority support
Additional Features
–
–
Vanity Name servers, DNS zone discounts
DNSimple Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
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.
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
Plan
Regular Price
Free Plan
Free
Premium S Plan
$2.95/month
Premium M Plan
$4.95/month
Premium L Plan
$14.95/month
Enterprise Plan
Custom
ClouDNS Features
Feature
Free
Premium S ($2.95/mo)
Premium M ($4.95/mo)
Premium L ($14.95/mo)
Enterprise
Anycast DNS
–
✓
✓
✓
✓
DNS zones
1
5
75
400
Unlimited
DNS Records
50
200
3,500
20,000
Unlimited
DNS queries per month
500K
5M
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Mail forwards
1
10
150
1,000
Unlimited
DNS Failover checks
–
1
2
3
Unlimited
Action
Sign Up
Start Free 30-Day Trial
Start Free 30-Day Trial
Buy Now
Get an Offer
ClouDNS Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
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.
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
Plans
Regular Cost
Premium DNS
$4.99/month
GoDaddy Features
Feature
Premium DNS ($4.99/mo)
Uptime Guarantee
99.9%
DNS Network
Anycast DNS Network for global reach
Secondary DNS
Mission-critical with syncing; safeguards against outages
Management
Easy-to-use online dashboard for DNS management
Domains (Zones) Managed
Unlimited
Records per Domain
1,500
DNSSEC
Secures up to 5 domains
Overage Fees
None
Network Type
Reliable and fast Anycast global network
Additional Features
Templates for zone settings, built-in error checking, mission critical secondary DNS
GoDaddy Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
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.
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
Plan
With Domain Registration
Without Registration
Domain Plus Plan
Free
–
Standard Plan
$37/year
$20/year
Pro Plan
$57/year
$40/year
Enterprise Plan
$149.50/year
–
EasyDNS Features
Feature
Domain Plus – Unicast DNS (Free)
Standard – Anycast DNS ($37/yr)
Pro – Anycast DNS ($57/yr)
Enterprise – Anycast DNS ($149.50/yr)
DNS Inquiries/Month
250,000
1 Million
5 Million
5 Million
Resource Records
20
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Total Nameservers/ POP
3
15
15
26
Anycast DNS Clouds
–
3
3
4
Host Monitoring + Failover
–
–
1 Record included
3 Records included
Dynamic DNS Support
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
IPv6 Support
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
DNSSEC Support
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
EasyMail IMAP 5 GB Box
–
3
10
25
Email Forwarding
10
100
100
100
SMTP Port Forwarding
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Outbound SMTP/ Mail Relay
No
No
Yes
Yes
Trial Period
–
30 days
30 days
30 days
EasyDNS Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
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.
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
Plan
Regular Annual Cost
Promo Annual Cost
Regular Monthly Cost
Starter Plan
Free
Free
Free
Personal Plan
$29.88/year
$19.99/year
$2.49/month
Team Plan
$179.88/year
$119.99/year
$14.99/month
Enterprise Plan
On Request
On Request
On Request
AdGuard Features
Plan
Starter (Free)
Personal ($2.49 +VAT)
Team ($14.99 +VAT)
Enterprise (On request)
Monthly Requests
300K
10M
100M
Unlimited
Devices
5
20
200
Unlimited
Servers
2
5
50
Unlimited
Rules
100
1K
5K
100K
Dedicated IPv4 Addresses
Available
Available
2
Available
Customer Support
Standard
Standard
Standard
Priority
AdGuard Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
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.
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
Plans
Regular Cost
Cloud DNS Plan
$1.65/zone/30 days
IONOS Features
Feature
Cloud DNS ($1.65/zone/30 days)
DNS Record Management
Yes, with easy management and migration
Automation
Available with API, Terraform, and Go SDK
External DNS
Automated updates for Kubernetes services
DNSSEC
Available for enhanced security
Cost Predictability
Charges for created zones, not queries
Maximum Availability
Global infrastructure with low latency
IONOS Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
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.”
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
Plans
Regular Cost
Secondary/Backup DNS
$24.95/month
Premium PRO
$34.95/month
Premium SMB
$54.95/month
Enterprise High Volume
Custom
DNS by Comodo Features
Plan
Secondary/Backup DNS ($24.95/mo)
Premium PRO ($34.95/mo)
Premium SMB ($54.95/mo)
Enterprise (Custom)
Domains Supported
2
5
10
Call for details
Monthly Queries
50,000
500,000
1 million
Call for details
Unlimited DNS Records
Yes
Yes
Yes
Custom
Additional Features
Auto Sync with PrimaryDNS
Geo DNS Suite
Geo DNS Suite + 4 Dedicated IPs for Vanity Name Servers
Custom solutions available
DNS by Comodo Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
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.
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