DNS benchmarking tools are used mainly for DNS server speed testing. DNS services tend to advertise high speeds and claim they can significantly help organizations improve website performance and the general pace of web browsing. However, performance varies based on the actual speed of the DNS server as well as how far away those servers are from the user’s location.
It is similar to the promises often made by home internet service providers. They usually claim a fairly high amount of performance, but average rates can fall far short. For DNS servers, therefore, speed tests are done to determine which service is faster for a specific situation.
Best DNS Benchmark Tools
ServerWatch evaluated many DNS benchmark tools. Some are designed for power users, while others are for less knowledgeable users. In the latter case, you just enter your domain and results pop up automatically with recommendations. Note that these services may not be as thorough as the more detailed DNS benchmarking services.
Here are some of our top picks, in no particular order. We choose from across the range of simple and complex tools. However, there is no best-for-all-uses DNS speed test. Results will vary based on compute environment, location, type of application, and workload.
1. GRC
GRC’s DNS benchmark has plenty of features for basic as well as demanding internet users. This tool can drill down into the many facets of DNS performance required during an in-depth investigation. It is also said to be easy to run for first-time users.
Key Differentiators
Gain visibility into what’s going on with currently assigned DNS servers
Automatically compare server performance with publicly available alternatives
Detailed comparison of the performance and reliability of up to 200 DNS servers
Identifies all DNS servers the user’s system is configured to use and adds them to the list
Characterizes each DNS server to determine suitability
Tests each server to see if it returns an error, or redirects to a marketing page
Results are continuously displayed and updated while the benchmark is underway
Dynamically sorted and scaled bar chart and table of each server
Queries for the IP addresses of the top 50 most popular domain names on the internet
Also queries nonexistent domains
Compatible with all versions of Windows, as well as Windows emulations running on Linux and Mac
Coded in assembly for precision and small size: 147 KB
Nothing to install, just run a small executable file
2. DNSPerf
DNSPerf by PerfrOps can be used to compare DNS providers and their performance in different regions throughout the world. Its big data platform ingests billions of metrics from hundreds of locations, then processes that data and streams it to a dashboard endpoint in real time. In addition, it is an efficient tool when it comes to debugging and testing self-hosted DNS servers.
Key Differentiators
Tests run in real time
More than 200 available locations around the world
Compare DNS providers and their performance in different regions
Results are stored for 30 days
Also offers a load balancer and data analytics platform to simplify global traffic management
FlexBalancer helps improve routing decisions
CloudPerf is its cloud benchmarking service
CDNPerf is its content delivery network testing service
3. NameBench
NameBench is a free, open-source DNS benchmarking utility available for Windows, macOS, and UNIX. By default, it tests current DNS servers while also letting users enter specific addresses of other servers. One of the original DNS servers, it is lightweight and portable.
Key Differentiators
Option to include popular public DNS servers, such as Google, OpenDNS, and UltraDNS
Can test the fastest regional DNS servers in an area
Censorship checks to test those that provide filtering services
Shows the fastest DNS server available based upon the exact sites visited using the browser cache
Checks are based on the top 2,000 websites
Users receive a prioritized list of three server addresses as final recommendations
There is a macOS version
Can detect when an ISP is disregarding the user’s custom settings and redirecting DNS traffic
4. DNS Jumper
Sordum’s DNS Jumper aids in finding and setting the fastest DNS for a particular system. It is lightweight, portable, and includes plenty of features.
Key Differentiators
Pre-configured list of 27 different DNS services
If the DNS service desired is not listed, it can be added easily
Benchmark all DNS services on the list
Displays the fastest one for a specific use case
Helps the user to switch to a preferred DNS server
Measures resolve time concerning incorrect domain names entered by users
You can create DNS groups that divide DNS servers into folders
5. DNSChecker
DNSChecker offers many tools related to DNS and DNS performance. If a user has recently changed DNS records, switched web hosts, or started a new website, it offers a toolset so address the problem.
Key Differentiators
Free DNS lookup service to check against DNS servers located in multiple regions worldwide
Performs a DNS propagation lookup for any hostname
Checks data collected from all available DNS servers to confirm DNS records are fully propagated
DNS health checkup for the user’s domain, including which DNS parameters need attention
Check which blacklist services contain the user record
Reverse IP Lookup tools resolve a given IP to Host
Also includes NS Lookup and MX Lookup services.
6. MXToolbox
MXToolbox offers tools such as DNS Check and DNS Lookup. It will run a comprehensive DNS report for any domain based on a DNS lookup against root servers. If a mail server has been blacklisted, it may have been flagged as a source of spam. This tool helps users detect this problem.
Key Differentiators
Queries each name server to make sure DNS servers all respond
Measures performance and audits the results against common best practices
Supertool brings together all MX record, DNS, blacklist and SMTP diagnostics in one integrated tool
Input a domain name, IP address, or host name and receive a chronological history of results
A blacklist check will test a mail server IP address against over 100 DNS-based email blacklists
7. DotCom-Tools
The DotCom-Tools DNS lookup test queries root servers to find DNS lookup records detailing the path taken to retrieve authoritative DNS server details. The DNS server returns the IP addresses associated with the requested DNS record.
Key Differentiators
Check DNS propagation from dozens of root locations
The DNS trace test automatically attempts to resolve IPv4 and IPv6 addresses if available
Test results include the time to receive a response from each node along the path, as well as the answers returned from each node
whatsmydns.net is a free online tool that lets you quickly and easily perform a DNS lookup to check DNS propagation. You can also see the information of any domain from DNS servers located in many countries around the world. It provides immediate insight into how users globally may be resolving DNS records for certain websites, email, or other online services.
What Is a DNS Server?
Domain Name System (DNS) could be considered to be a directory for the internet. Domain names such as “serverwatch.com” need the help of DNS servers to translate the domain name into a numeric IP address so users will arrive at the right site.
Most ISPs provide their own DNS servers. As they are generally close to the users they serve, they often deliver adequate performance. But they may not be the fastest around. They may also fail to satisfy the reliability or security requirements of some organizations.
That’s where third-party DNS servers come in. Users can switch to a preferred server. Before they do, however, they test those DNS servers thoroughly to ensure they perform well in their environment.
