The best DNS servers, according to hackers
6 DNS servers were recommended on Hacker News between November 2025 and November 2026. We rank them by how many separate people recommend each one, and 2 earn the Hacker Approved badge.
Top picks
The two most recommended DNS servers with the badge. Each figure is 2 people. RecommendsCriticizes One comment
Reliable, runs without problems
Lightweight DNS and DHCP server that people run on routers and home labs, praised for simplicity and reliability. Critics cite recurring security vulnerabilities.
Flexible backends and API access
Open source DNS server people run for their own zones, praised for DNSSEC handling, API access, and flexible backends that avoid hand-managing zone files.
All 6 DNS servers, ranked
Select a column heading to sort. Approval share is recommenders out of everyone who gave an opinion; the tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs. Months counts the months, out of 13, in which someone recommended it.
How we rank
Rank is the number of separate people who recommend a product in a Hacker News comment over the past year. Someone who praises the same DNS server in five threads counts once.
The badge goes to DNS servers that at least 10 people recommend, with recommenders outnumbering critics at least 2 to 1, recommended in at least 4 of the 13 months.
Rankings are never for sale. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes the order.