Even if you have a server (or two) running your own DNS, to minimise service interruptions or outages it’s a great idea to have additional secondary DNS servers that are separate from your infrastructure.

Below in alphabetical order are some of the free secondary DNS providers that I have used in the past, or currently still do.

1984

  • 4 DNS servers in Europe.
  • Also provides free Primary DNS.

Afraid

  • Single DNS server, Washington DC, USA.

Hetzner

  • 3 DNS servers, all in Europe.
  • Also provides free Primary DNS.

Hurricane Electric

  • 5 DNS servers that are anycast in multiple locations USA, Europe, Asia.
  • Also provides free Primary DNS.
  • Note: You must delegate your domain to them before you can add your domain.

NS1

  • 4 DNS server hostnames that are anycast in 18+ locations around the world.
  • 50 Records & 1M queries included in free account.
  • Also provides free Primary DNS.

NS Global

  • Single anycast hostname
  • 10+ worldwide locations

PUCK

  • Single DNS server in Chicago IL, USA.

Trifle

  • Single DNS server in Ukraine.

Twisted4Life

  • Single DNS server in Malaysia.
  • Available on IPv4 only.

Zonomi

  • 5 DNS server hostnames in various locations
  • 1 free zone available.
  • Also provides free Primary DNS.

I try and keep this list regularly updated, please let me know if you have a suggested update.

If you don’t want to run your own DNS server(s) and just want a full managed DNS service, I also have a page listing free DNS providers.