The best free Dynamic DNS service providers

Last updated: March 2022

Dynamic DNS provider dynv6 provides a free service for private users. A public hostname can be quickly registered via the service provider’s website – for IPv4 as well as IPv6. Users can select their preferred name and there is no restriction as to the number of domains.

In addition, one can make use of interfaces to update zones. For REST and SSH, public keys are in use. To use the DNS Update, dynv6 employs a so-called TSIG key which can be created via its website.

However, dynv6 is not designed for professional use. The service lacks expanded security features to safeguard against DDoS attacks and does not provide extensive customer support.

No-IP appears to provide a highly professional service. The US-based DynDNS service offers three different packages:

Although the freeware version provides several good options, users have voiced their frustrations with the account expiry date. Those who register for a free account are required to confirm their account every 30 days. Otherwise, it is deleted immediately. To avoid expiry and ads, the premium packages are a better solution. They also come with extended telephone support.

Securepoint DynDNS is a free German DynDNS service provider. Users get five hosts and 100 domains. One of its advantages is that it can be neatly integrated into the firewall and other Securepoint devices. However, the free DynDNS provider can be used outside of Securepoint devices.

Other features include IPv6 protocol support and the update token, which essentially acts like an additional password for enhanced security. Customer support and help is available via the contact form or you can search for answers to your queries in the dedicated user forum.

German DynDNS provider ClickIP is geared toward beginners. The service is available for free and installation is particularly easy. Administrators simply create a user account, select a DNS address, and enter their details on the company’s router. Although ClickIP is free, a premium version is available which does not include advertising.

The DynDNS provider Dynu is easy to use and therefore already well suited for beginners. Besides a free version with four domain names, there is also a low-priced membership version, which costs $9.99 (around £8) per year, but allows up to 500 domain names. In addition to prioritised support and logging options, the membership offers numerous other features, such as Apple Airport support.

You have the option to use either a third-level domain name (a dynu com address) or an individual top-level domain name with the DynDNS alternative. Dynu supports all top-level domains, regardless of country or origin. Using the service-level client (available for Windows, macOS, and Linux), your PC continuously communicates with the Dynu DNS servers. Thanks to fully redundant infrastructure (routers, switches, bandwidth providers, power supply), you can count on 100% uptime.

ClouDNS is a DynDNS provider from Bulgaria that has been operating on the market since 2010. In its free variant, ClouDNS offers users four unicast DNS servers. With monthly prices starting from $5.95 (around £5), users can also access Anti-DDoS DNS, which offers special protection against DDoS attacks. Extensive GeoDNS options can be added for a monthly payment of $9.95 (around £8) upwards.

Even in the free basic version, ClouDNS allows 50 DNS entries and 500,000 monthly DNS queries for a DNS zone. If this package is not sufficient, these values can be increased by purchasing the paid monthly subscriptions. For questions and problems, the DynDNS service provides a live chat that is available around the clock.

With over three million members, afraid.org is a popular DynDNS provider. In its free version, afraid.org offers users up to five subdomains. Another plus point of the DynDNS service is that even in its free version there are no advertisements.

There are various packages with increasing numbers of registerable subdomains:

Duck DNS is a free DynDNS provider that works on various operating systems. The number of subdomains is not restricted. Helpful installation instructions can be found on the provider’s website, and login is possible with Google, GitHub, Reddit, Twitter, or Persona.

Another provider for free DynDNS hosting is YDNS. With unlimited hosts per user and DNSSEC support built in by default, YDNS offers a promising range of services. The donation-funded DynDNS provider promises its users that it will remain free of charge. Registration is uncomplicated via email.