NS1 vs Cloudflare DNS
A detailed comparison to help you choose between NS1 and Cloudflare DNS.
Quick Verdict
4.1/5
NS1
208 reviews
4.0/5
Cloudflare DNS
374 reviews
NS1 is rated higher (4.1 vs 4.0). NS1 (now IBM) provides intelligent DNS with filter chains for complex traffic steering. Pulsar performance insights, DDOS protection, and anycast routing. Used by LinkedIn, Yelp, and Dropbox. Cloudflare DNS provides authoritative DNS management for any domain — free forever. Anycast routing ensures fastest DNS resolution globally. DNS analytics, DNSSEC, and DDoS protection included.
NS1 Intelligent DNS with advanced traffic steering | Cloudflare DNS Fastest and most trusted free DNS service | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.1 (208 reviews)✓ | 4.0 (374 reviews) |
| Pricing model | freemium | free |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free |
| Best for | Large enterprises needing intelligent DNS traffic steering with real-time performance optimization | Every domain owner — Cloudflare DNS is the standard for fast, free, protected DNS management |
| Tags | ||
| Tags | free tierapi access | free tierapi accessddos protection |
| Visit NS1 → | Visit Cloudflare DNS → | |
NS1
Pros
- + Most advanced traffic steering in market
- + Pulsar real-time performance data
- + IBM acquisition adds stability
Cons
- - Complex for simple DNS needs
- - IBM acquisition may affect direction
Cloudflare DNS
Pros
- + Fastest DNS resolution globally — 1.1.1.1
- + Free forever with full features
- + DNSSEC and DDoS protection included
Cons
- - Cloudflare account required
- - Some privacy concerns about DNS data
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