Like the Internet itself, DNS is a service provided by third-party players like Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, or the ISP themselves. Because DNS outages is one of the inherent risks associated with internet communication, cloud DNS has become a simple, cost-effective alternative to hosting your own DNS servers. Such services also provide secure communication, ad-blocking, and parental control, making it easier to access these resources over the internet. Cloudflare and OpenDNS are among the bigger players that hold a major share of the cloud DNS market today. We take a look at the two cloud DNS services to see how they stack up to each other.

OpenDNS

OpenDNS is a cloud based internet security and domain name resolution service for individuals and businesses alike. It is a network security service that provides DNS resolution services to protect against online threats. It provides a host of security features, including phishing protection, content filtering, and advanced threat protection to block malware, botnets, and other malicious domains. It is a great tool that allows you to freely use community-managed web content filtration. The service redirects domain name requests from users to OpenDNS servers, which are designed in such a way to provide a safer, faster, and more reliable internet browsing experience. Additionally, OpenDNS provides tools for network administrators, allowing them to manage and customize their security and web filtering policies, including the ability to block adult content.

Cloudflare

Cloudflare is one of the fastest growing companies in the security and performance space. It offers a comprehensive set of security and performance services to website owners via its global intelligent network. Cloudflare is one of the most popular content delivery networks in the market offering a range of enterprise level solutions including custom SSL certificates, image optimization, and real time analytics. Cloudflare is a free service that protects and accelerates websites and other online properties. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in London and Singapore. It provides a host of services, including content delivery network (CDN), DDoS protection, DNS management, and web application firewall (WAF) among others. 

Difference between OpenDNS and Cloudflare

Service Offerings

– OpenDNS is primarily a cloud based internet security and domain name resolution service that banks on strong security features such as phishing protection, content filtering, and advanced threat protection to block malware, botnets, and other malicious domains. Cloudflare, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive set of security and performance services to website owners, including content delivery network (CDN), DDoS protection, DNS management, and web application firewall (WAF) among others.

Network Infrastructure

– OpenDNS is probably one of the world’s most intelligent DNS services, operating a global distributed network of DNS servers that are designed to provide faster and reliable DNS resolution. It operates the largest and most up-to-date DNS caches on the internet today. Cloudflare, on the other hand, operates a global intelligent network of data centers spanning across 100+ countries in 250+ cities. Cloudflare provides a host of services beyond just domain name system resolution.

Management and Customization

– OpenDNS provides tools for network administrators, allowing them to manage and customize their security and web filtering policies, including the ability to block adult content. Cloudflare provides almost similar tools, but with a range of advanced features and options, especially for larger enterprises and services providers.

Pricing Structure

– OpenDNS offers a free version of its service, with more advanced features available at a cost. OpenDNS Home is their classic, free service that comes with customizable filtering and basic protection. Cloudflare, on the other hand, offers a range of pricing plans, starting with a free plan for personal or projects that aren’t business critical. You will have to opt for a paid subscription for more advanced services.

OpenDNS vs. Cloudflare: Comparison Chart

Summary

Both OpenDNS and Cloudflare are among the leading providers of cloud based network services. However, OpenDNS is a primarily a domain name resolution service that focuses on providing fast and service DNS resolution services. Cloudflare, on the other hand, is a security and performance company that provides a host of network services, including content delivery network (CDN), DDoS protection, DNS management, and more. In addition, Cloudflare is targeted at a wide range of customers, including SMBEs and large enterprises.

FAQs

Which is faster OpenDNS or Cloudflare?

Both OpenDNS and Cloudflare are designed to provide fast and reliable services, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to specific requirements of the user. But sources suggest Cloudflare is generally faster than OpenDNS.

What DNS is better than Cloudflare?

Some popular alternatives to Cloudflare include OpenDNS, Google Public DNS, Amazon Route 53, and Verisign Public DNS. However, it is not accurate to say one DNS is better than the other, as different DNS services have different strengths and may be better suited for different use cases.

Can I use Cloudflare just for DNS?

Although, Cloudflare offers a range of network services including DNS management, you can choose to use the service only for DNS.

Why should I use Cloudflare DNS?

Cloudflare operates a global network of data centers, which provides fast and reliable resolution of domain names. It also provides additional features to make your internet browsing experience safer and faster. 

Is Cloudflare owned by Google?

No, Cloudflare is not owned by Google. It is an independent company headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in London and Singapore.

Why does everyone use Cloudflare?

It can be a cost-effective solution for businesses and organizations that only need to enhance the performance and security of their DNS resolution. Cloudflare provides a suite of services to protect and accelerate websites and other online properties.

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