The protocol effective under the Google Cloud DNS shares the user data with Google’s partners. Google shares the cached data with its partnered advertisers. Google AdWords and Double Click are mainly privy to such datasets. This makes the privacy policy of Cloudflare stronger and more effective than Google DNS.
Cloudflare vs Google DNS
The main difference between Cloudflare and Google DNS is that the privacy settings and services provided by the former are better than those provided by Google DNS. Privacy is a major concern while selecting an appropriate DNS provider. Cloudflare offers better modalities of masking the IP address of the users.
Comparison Table Between Cloudflare and Google DNS
| Parameters of Comparison | Cloudflare | Google DNS |
| Privacy Protocols | Cloudflare offers enhanced privacy settings that effectively mask the end-user’s data. | Google Cloud DNS shares the end-user’s data with its partnered advertisers like AdWards and Double Click. |
| Speed | Cloudflare is the fastest DNS provider. | Google Cloud DNS is slower when compared against the speed of the Cloudflare DNS. |
| Popularity | Cloudflare is the most popular DNS provider in the world. | Google Cloud DNS is the second most popular DNS provider in the world. |
| Server Stations | Cloudflare servers are station in almost every country across the world. | Google Cloud DNS operates through centralized serves. |
| Security | Introduced the TLS protocol, and currently is one of the most secured DNS providers. | Adopted the TLS protocol after Cloudflare introduced it. |
| Appealing Features | CDN, DDoS protection, and a Web Application Firewall along with an easy set-up protocol. | Reliability of Google, customizable, ease of using the service. |
| Companies Using Each | Lyft, Udemy, Stack Exchange are some of the popular companies that use the Cloudflare DNS. | FOODit and SunSed are some of the popular companies that use Google DNS. |
What is Cloudflare?
Established in 2009, Cloudflare is a San Francisco-based company, currently operating as one of the most popular DNS providers in the world. As a leading name in the DNS hosting industry, Cloudflare provides unmatched efficacy in protecting domain names.
It converts domain names into IP addresses, hence masking the identity of the end-user. It operates as a reverse proxy, such that all the traffic is rerouted through the hundreds of Cloudflare servers situated worldwide. Cloudflare also provides CDN (Content Delivery Network) services for its list of global clients.
As the fastest DNS hosting service, it caches the website of the user and provides the content needed from the server geographically closest to the client. Cloudflare comes with additional features including an updated Firewall and Site Blocking system, SSL, TLS, Apps, Analytics, and others. Further, it offers protection against malicious privacy intrusions and DDoS attacks.
What is Google DNS?
Google Cloud DNS is a popular Domain Name System ideated and owned by Google. It provides the users the ability to store and use their domain names as IP addresses.
Google Cloud DNS tracks cookies and shares the user’s data with its partnered advertising platforms. This privacy setting remains unchanged even when using the service in an incognito mode. This is used to customize advertisements for each user. Google DNS acts as a scalable, managed and reliable DNS hosting provider. It operates through centralized data servers that help relay the requested information at an enhanced speed.
As one of the most reliable DNS servers, the datasets of each user are backed-up on the various Google databases to safeguard them from threats and malicious attacks. Google DNS also supports the provision of DNS services over HTTP. Google DNS also provides SSL certification and DDoS protection. It now also offers TLS security for its users.
Main Differences Between Cloudflare and Google DNS
- The main difference between Cloudflare and Google DNS is that the former operates on a stronger privacy protocol than the latter. User data is not shared under Cloudflare, while Google shares user data- even in the incognito mode- with its advertising partners.
- The operative speed of these two leading servers can also be compared. Cloudflare secures an edge over Google DNS in this domain. The Edge Cache system used by Cloudflare DNS provides unmatched speed globally. While Google DNS is no doubt fast, but it is comparatively slower than the enhanced speed of the Cloudflare DNS.
- Google DNS datacenters are centralized. Such an approach enables the fastest delivery of content to the users. Cloudflare, on the other hand, has servers stationed in each continent and country. Over almost 1000 servers relay content at the speed of light to the end-user, making Cloudflare the fastest DNS.
- Cloudflare operates on a TLS protocol. It was the first among the DNS companies to offer such an enhanced security system. Google DNS followed suit. But the security protocols protecting a Cloudflare DNS are quite formidable, rendering them more secured.
- Cloudflare is the more popular DNS choice than Google DNS. More companies prefer to choose Cloudflare over Google Cloud DNS.
- Each DNS provider is the favored choice among companies due to several different appealing features. Cloudflare is favored for its easy set-up protocols and CDN. While Google DNS is favored because it is backed by Google, making it reliable and easy to use.
Conclusion
Cloudflare and Google Cloud DNS are renowned DNS providers. Each DNS hosting has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Cloudflare has attained the esteemed status of providing best-in-class privacy settings for its users. Locking end-user data effectively and providing quality services at an unmatched speed has been one of the most distinguishing features of the company.
Google DNS is the second most popular, high-speed DNS provider in the market. A significant drawback with the provider is the privacy protocol. Google shares user data with its partners. In a comparative analysis between the two, Cloudflare does exhibit an advantageous edge over Google DNS.
However, the decision will be based on several different factors. If privacy and personal data protection are more important to you, Cloudflare is the best choice. While if you consider reliability synonymous with the Google brand, then Google Cloud DNS may be better suited for you.
References
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3355369.3355575
- http://eprints.networks.imdea.org/1910/1/poster.pdf