Route DNS queries through Quad9, a free public recursive resolver focused on security and privacy.
Unbound
Run Unbound as a validating, recursive, caching DNS resolver for network domain lookups.
About Unbound
Unbound is a validating, recursive, caching DNS resolver for domain lookups. It is configured through unbound.conf options, with an example file in doc/example.conf.
It builds from source with ./configure && make && make install. Building requires a C toolchain, OpenSSL with include files, and libexpat, plus flex and bison when building from repository source.
Key features
- Performs validating, recursive DNS resolution
- Caches DNS lookup results
- Configures through unbound.conf file options
- Supports optional libevent for many outgoing ports
- Uses built-in handling for up to 256 ports by default
Best for: People who need to build and run their own validating, recursive, caching DNS resolver.
Good for
- Open source under BSD-3-Clause license
- Based on open standards
- Includes example configuration and man page reference
Watch out for
- Requires C toolchain, OpenSSL, and libexpat to compile
- Repository builds also require flex and bison
- Default build opens max 256 ports at once without libevent
Unbound at a glance
- Website
- github.com/NLnetLabs/unbound
- Category
- Development › Network Tools
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Unbound FAQ
How do I compile and install Unbound?
Install the C toolchain, OpenSSL with include files, and libexpat, plus flex and bison for repository source, then run ./configure && make && make install.
How do I configure Unbound?
Use the options described in the unbound.conf(5) man page; an example file is in doc/example.conf.
When should I use libevent?
It is optional and useful with many outgoing ports, such as 10000, using --with-libevent; without it, the default handles max 256 ports at the same time.
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