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DNS vs DoH vs DoT: Which DNS Should You Use?

2/1/2026 · Networking · 6 min

DNS vs DoH vs DoT: Which DNS Should You Use?

TL;DR

  • Use a secure DNS if you care about privacy or if you use public Wi Fi.
  • DoH is easy to set up in browsers and apps that support it, and it encrypts DNS queries over HTTPS.
  • DoT encrypts DNS over TLS and works well at the system level for devices and routers.
  • Traditional DNS is sometimes fastest, but queries are unencrypted and visible to the network operator.

What are DNS, DoH, and DoT

  • DNS is the internet's phone book. It translates domain names into IP addresses.
  • DoH stands for DNS over HTTPS. It wraps DNS queries in HTTPS requests to hide them from the local network.
  • DoT stands for DNS over TLS. It encrypts DNS using TLS, keeping queries private while using a dedicated port.

Privacy and security

  • Traditional DNS sends queries in clear text. Anyone between you and your resolver can see visited domains.
  • DoH and DoT hide DNS traffic from local observers. That reduces tracking on public networks and prevents easy manipulation.
  • Neither DoH nor DoT prevents a resolver from logging your queries. Choose a trusted provider with a clear privacy policy.
  • DoH can blend with normal HTTPS traffic, making it harder for networks to block. DoT is easier to block because it uses a single port.

Performance and reliability

  • Latency depends on resolver proximity and infrastructure. A nearby traditional resolver can be fast.
  • DoH and DoT add minimal overhead from TLS, but modern resolvers and persistent connections reduce impact.
  • Some networks use DNS filtering for content controls or parental controls. Switching to DoH or DoT can bypass those filters.

Compatibility and deployment

  • Browsers like Firefox and Chrome support DoH. Many operating systems are adding DoT or DoH support at the system level.
  • For whole home protection, configure DoT on your router if supported. Otherwise use the OS or browser level settings.
  • Mobile platforms vary. Android and iOS offer private DNS options or app level support. Check your device settings.

When not to use encrypted DNS

  • If your network requires DNS based filtering for security, switching may reduce protection.
  • In corporate networks that rely on central DNS policies, do not change DNS without IT approval.

Quick setup tips

  • Pick a provider with good privacy and performance, for example public resolvers that publish audits and retention policies.
  • Test latency with simple tools or ping popular resolvers. A small latency difference rarely affects web browsing.
  • Prefer system level DoT on routers for wider coverage. Use browser DoH when you only control the client device.

Which should you choose

  • Home user on personal devices: Use DoT at the router level if supported, otherwise enable browser DoH.
  • Mobile user on public Wi Fi: Use DoH or the platform private DNS option to avoid local snooping.
  • Corporate or managed device: Follow your IT policy and do not override network DNS without approval.

Buying checklist

  • Privacy policy and logging retention: does the resolver delete logs quickly and publish practices?
  • Provider reputation and audits: prefer providers that publish transparency reports.
  • Compatibility with your router and OS: can you configure resolver at the system or router level?
  • Filtering needs: will encrypted DNS interfere with parental or security filtering you rely on?

Bottom line

Encrypted DNS via DoH or DoT is a straightforward privacy upgrade for most users. DoT is better for whole network protection and routers, while DoH is convenient for browsers and client apps. Choose a trustworthy resolver, test latency, and keep in mind existing network policies.

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