Quad9 Foundation review
Updated October 12, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
Quad9 is an open DNS recursive service that replaces default ISP or enterprise settings and blocks malicious hostnames using an up-to-the-minute threat list. It helps people who want protection from malware, phishing, spyware and botnets while keeping lookup data under user control.
Key facts
- Best for
- People seeking private threat blocking DNS resolution
- Server countries
- from 110 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Jurisdiction
- CH (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Protocols
- DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), DNS-over-TLS (DoT), DNSCrypt, DNSSEC (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Platforms
- Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Owner
- Quad9 Foundation (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Quad9 Foundation (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Headquarters
- Switzerland (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Founded
- 2016 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Help-centre (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Features
- No logs
- Pricing model
- Free
- Official website
- quad9.net
Privacy tools
- Free plan
- Yes (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Free plan limits
- No sign-up, no account data, no contract; no usage limits stated (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Platforms
- Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Protocols
- DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), DNS-over-TLS (DoT), DNSCrypt, DNSSEC (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Logging policy
- No user IP addresses collected or stored; aggregate counters and anonymized threat telemetry only (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Jurisdiction
- CH (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Privacy tool type
- Private-dns (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Quad9 Foundation (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Headquarters
- Switzerland (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Founded
- 2016 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Help-centre (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Pricing model
- Free
Apps and profiles
Pros and cons
Pros
- Takes over from standard provider resolver settings for lookup driven activity.
- Halts risky domain requests with a constantly refreshed threat inventory.
- Shields connected gear from malware, phishing, spyware and botnet activity.
- Maintains resolver clusters in over 110 countries to support broad geographic coverage.
Cons
- Focuses on DNS transactions, so protection applies where lookups are involved.
- Requires replacing default resolver settings before coverage begins.
Who it suits
- People wanting DNS level blocking of malware and phishing
- Users who prefer resolver privacy under user control
- People drawn to privacy centered infrastructure
Who should look elsewhere
- People seeking services beyond DNS resolution
Core features
Quad9 acts as an open recursive resolver that steps in for the preset provider setup and handles the lookup that begins most online activity. It intercepts requests tied to harmful domains through a threat inventory refreshed constantly. Coverage reaches computers, mobile devices or IoT systems facing malware, phishing, spyware and botnets. Resolver clusters span more than 110 nations to aid reach and responsiveness. Privacy anchors the design, with a founding charter keeping sensitive query details under individual control. Guidance explains activation across supported hardware.
How Quad9 Foundation compares
Frequently asked questions
What does Quad9 do?+
Quad9 serves as an open recursive resolver that replaces preset provider settings. It manages the lookup behind most online activity and intercepts requests linked to harmful domains. The approach also aims to improve responsiveness while preserving confidentiality.
Which threats does Quad9 block?+
Coverage targets harmful domains tied to malware, phishing, spyware and botnet operation. The inventory behind blocking refreshes constantly to reflect emerging risks. Queries linked to those dangers are stopped before an online connection can proceed.
What devices can use Quad9?+
The service supports use across varied connected hardware that relies heavily on DNS lookups. Detailed guidance outlines how to switch the preset provider setup on each type. Once changed, lookups flow through the protective resolver instead.
Where does Quad9 operate?+
Resolver clusters extend across more than 110 nations for wide geographic availability. A foundation headquartered in Switzerland directs the operation with a mission focused on safer connectivity for everyone. The Swiss domicile places policies under national legal protections valued for confidentiality.
Which platforms does Quad9 Foundation support?+
Quad9 Foundation supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Where is Quad9 Foundation based?+
Quad9 Foundation is based in Switzerland. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
When was Quad9 Foundation founded?+
Quad9 Foundation was founded in 2016. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
How can I contact Quad9 Foundation support?+
Quad9 Foundation offers support through Email, Help-centre. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quad9 checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Founded, Legal entity
“Founded May 11, 2016”
- quad9.net checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Free plan limits, Headquarters, Owner, Server countries
“No sign-up is required, no account data needs to be given to Quad9, and there is no contract.”
- quad9.net/about checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Privacy tool type
“Quad9 is a free, recursive, anycast DNS platform that provides end users robust security protections, high performance, and privacy.”
- quad9.net/about/transparency-report checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Jurisdiction
“Quad9 falls under the jurisdiction of Swiss regulatory law and criminal code”
- quad9.net/privacy/policy checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Logging policy
“Quad9 does not collect or record user IP addresses, nor does it collect or hold any proxy for or representation of user IP addresses”
- quad9.net/service/service-addresses-and-features checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Protocols
“DNSSEC validation is enabled on all resolver addresses ... DNSCrypt is a less frequently used DNS encryption protocol, but it is supported by Quad9.”
- quad9.net/support/contact checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Support channels
“Email: support@quad9.net”
- quad9.net/support/faq checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Features, Free plan, Pricing model, Platforms
“Quad9 does not store IP address data of clients.”
Compiled from 8 source pages, checked October 13, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Monthly price, Long-term plan price, Devices, No-logs audit.