1zDNS vs Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare DNS: Fast, But Limited Control

Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 is an excellent public DNS resolver. It's fast — often the fastest in benchmark tests — and it supports modern encrypted DNS protocols like DoH and DoT. For a free, privacy-focused resolver that "just works," it's a solid choice.

But 1.1.1.1 is a general-purpose resolver. It doesn't give you a dashboard, custom rules, or any ability to decide what gets blocked and what doesn't. Cloudflare's "1.1.1.1 for Families" variants (1.1.1.2 for malware, 1.1.1.3 for malware + adult content) add basic category filtering, but it's a blunt on-or-off toggle — you can't customise it.

If you need custom block lists, allow lists, schedule-based filtering, or query analytics, Cloudflare's public resolver simply doesn't offer these features. You'd need to step up to Cloudflare Gateway, which is priced for enterprise teams and brings significant complexity.

1zDNS: The Control You're Missing

1zDNS is designed for people who want to decide exactly what happens on their network. You get a dedicated DNS server with a clean dashboard where you can:

• Create custom block lists for specific domains (social media, distractions, trackers)
• Maintain allow lists so critical services are never interrupted
• Apply schedule-based rules — block distracting sites during work hours, relax filters in the evening
• View analytics showing which domains are being queried and blocked
• Filter by category (adult content, gambling, malware) with granular controls

None of this is possible with Cloudflare's free public resolver.

Privacy & Query Logging

Cloudflare has invested significantly in privacy for 1.1.1.1, including commissioning independent audits (such as KPMG audits of their resolver privacy). They commit to purging DNS query logs within 25 hours and not selling data.

However, Cloudflare is a US-based public company with a global network spanning 300+ data centres. Your DNS queries will be processed by whichever Cloudflare data centre is closest to you.

1zDNS takes a fundamentally different approach to query data: the edge DNS servers only collect aggregated metrics — top queried domains, total counts, and block reasons. Individual queries are never logged or stored. This means even 1zDNS cannot reconstruct a complete history of your browsing activity. You get useful analytics without surrendering detailed per-query logs.

1zDNS is operated by a UK-registered company (OhMySMTP LTD), with the control plane hosted in Europe. A formal DPA is available for organisations with compliance requirements.

Performance Considerations

Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 benefits from one of the world's largest CDN networks, often delivering sub-10ms DNS resolution globally. It's genuinely fast.

1zDNS also deploys edge nodes globally, providing low-latency DNS resolution worldwide. Both services support encrypted protocols (DoH, DoT) to keep your queries private without a meaningful performance penalty.

The trade-off is clear: if you're optimising purely for raw global DNS speed and don't need filtering or control, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is hard to beat. If you want speed plus control, 1zDNS delivers both.

Cloudflare Gateway vs 1zDNS

Cloudflare does offer Cloudflare Gateway (part of Cloudflare Zero Trust) which provides advanced DNS filtering, custom policies, and analytics — similar to what 1zDNS offers. However, Gateway is designed and priced for enterprise teams, starting at $7/user/month. For a family, small team, or individual who just wants control over their DNS, this is significant overkill and cost.

1zDNS offers a single flat annual plan that covers unlimited devices and queries. No per-user pricing, no enterprise sales calls, no complex Zero Trust architecture to set up.

Who Should Choose 1zDNS Over Cloudflare DNS?

• You want custom block lists and allow lists — not just on/off category toggles
• You need schedule-based filtering (e.g. parental controls by time of day)
• You want a DNS analytics dashboard to see what's happening on your network
• You care about query privacy — only aggregated metrics, never detailed per-query logs
• You want Cloudflare Gateway features at an individual/family price

Who Might Prefer Cloudflare DNS?

• You want a free, zero-config DNS resolver with maximum global speed
• You don't need custom rules or filtering beyond basic malware/adult blocks
• You're already in the Cloudflare ecosystem and prefer consolidating services
• You need a purely passive privacy resolver with no dashboard or accounts