How We Tested
Singapore is a small city-state with world-class internet infrastructure and serves as a major hub for Southeast Asian internet traffic. Its dense fiber network and multiple submarine cable landings mean DNS latency is naturally low. We tested from residential connections on Singtel, StarHub, and M1 networks, running 200 queries per resolver across different times of day.
Singapore's internet landscape is unique in that most major DNS providers maintain local nodes due to the country's strategic importance as an Asian internet hub. This means even smaller DNS providers often have excellent performance here. Our testing focused on measuring the real differences between providers when baseline latency is already under 20 milliseconds for most services.
DNS Server Rankings for Singapore
1. Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 — 3 ms median
Cloudflare operates a node in Singapore, giving local users exceptional response times. Median latency was 3 ms, the fastest of any country we tested. Cloudflare's Singapore point of presence connects directly to the Singapore Internet Exchange (SGIX), minimizing routing hops. Encrypted DNS support and zero-logging policy make it an easy recommendation.
2. Google Public DNS 8.8.8.8 — 5 ms median
Google has a Cloud region in Singapore and extensive peering with local ISPs, resulting in 5 ms median response times. Google DNS is reliable and widely compatible with Singaporean internet services, making it a solid alternative to Cloudflare.
3. Quad9 9.9.9.9 — 8 ms median
Quad9 operates a node in Singapore, giving users 8 ms median response times with the added benefit of built-in malware blocking. For Singapore users who want security without sacrificing speed, Quad9 delivers both.
4. NextDNS — 4 ms median
NextDNS also has a Singapore node, providing 4 ms median response times. Its customizable filtering for ads, trackers, and malware makes it a versatile choice. The free tier covers 300,000 monthly queries with full analytics.
5. AdGuard DNS 94.140.14.14 — 12 ms median
AdGuard DNS routes through its Singapore node at 12 ms median. It blocks ads and trackers network-wide, making it useful for families wanting protection across all devices without additional software.
6. OpenDNS 208.67.222.222 — 20 ms median
OpenDNS does not have a Singapore node, routing regional traffic through other Asian hubs at 20 ms median. Its content filtering remains functional but speed is not competitive.
7. Singtel DNS — 8 ms median
Singtel's default DNS averaged 8 ms for Singtel subscribers. While decent, it lacks encrypted DNS support and applies local content restrictions. Given that Cloudflare and Google are faster and more private, there is little reason to stay with Singtel's resolver.
Quick Recommendations
Best Overall for Singapore
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is the fastest DNS resolver for Singapore with 3 ms median response times. Its local node and strong privacy protections make it the best choice for most users.
Best for Privacy
Quad9 9.9.9.9 provides Swiss privacy protection with no logging and malware blocking at 8 ms. The speed is excellent by global standards.
Best for Ad Blocking
NextDNS offers the most customizable DNS-level filtering with Singapore nodes at 4 ms. The flexibility of block lists and parental controls makes it ideal for families.
Best for Singtel or StarHub Users
Both Singtel and StarHub users will get faster resolution with Cloudflare. ISP DNS in Singapore averages 8 to 10 ms, while Cloudflare delivers 2 to 4 ms.
How to Change Your DNS in Singapore
Changing DNS in Singapore is straightforward. Singtel, StarHub, and M1 routers all support custom DNS settings. Access your router admin panel, navigate to network settings, and update the DNS fields to Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 or Google's 8.8.8.8.
For device-level changes, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS all support custom DNS configuration. Android users can set Private DNS to one.one.one.one. iOS users configure DNS per Wi-Fi network. Given Singapore's widespread public Wi-Fi in malls, MRT stations, and public libraries, device-level DNS changes ensure you benefit from faster resolution everywhere, not just at home.
Under Singapore's Cybersecurity Act, your ISP may be required to maintain certain DNS logging capabilities. Using an encrypted DNS resolver like Cloudflare or Quad9 ensures your browsing history stays private and your queries are protected from manipulation on public networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest DNS server for Singapore?
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is the fastest DNS resolver for Singapore with a median response time of 3 milliseconds. Google DNS follows closely at 5 ms. Both have local nodes in Singapore.
Does changing DNS improve speed on Singtel?
Yes, though the improvement is smaller than in many countries because Singtel's own DNS is already at 8 ms. Cloudflare reduces this to 2 to 4 ms, which can make a difference for latency-sensitive applications like online gaming.
Is Cloudflare DNS legal in Singapore?
Yes. Singapore does not restrict which DNS resolver consumers can use. Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is fully legal and widely used by Singaporean internet users.
Are there DNS servers located inside Singapore?
Yes. Cloudflare, Google, NextDNS, and Quad9 all operate nodes in Singapore. The country's role as a Southeast Asian internet hub means most major DNS providers maintain local infrastructure here.
Which DNS is best for gaming in Singapore?
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is the best DNS for gaming in Singapore due to its 3 ms response time. For games that make frequent DNS queries during matchmaking or server discovery, the speed difference can reduce connection times noticeably.
Test Your DNS Speed from Singapore
Benchmarks provide a solid reference, but your specific connection matters. Run our DNS speed test to measure live response times from your browser. The tool tests 17+ resolvers simultaneously and ranks results by performance.
Run DNS Speed Test
For more comparisons, visit our global fastest DNS rankings or best DNS servers list.