Google Cloud DNS vs Cloudflare DNS: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Google Cloud DNS and Cloudflare DNS comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Google Cloud DNS
Scalable DNS hosting on Google Cloud
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Google Cloud DNS is a scalable, reliable DNS service running on Google infrastructure
- • It provides 100% uptime SLA with low-latency DNS resolution and easy domain management
Cloudflare DNS
Free DNS service
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Cloudflare DNS is a fast, free DNS service with built-in security and DDoS protection
- • It provides the fastest DNS resolution globally with automatic DNSSEC and proxy protection
| At a Glance |  Google Cloud DNS |  Cloudflare DNS |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 85/100 | 92/100 |
| Feature | Google Cloud DNS | Cloudflare DNS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 92 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
How Google Cloud DNS and Cloudflare DNS Compare
Google Cloud DNS
Scalable DNS hosting on Google Cloud
Paid · 85/100 score
Cloudflare DNS
Free DNS service
Free tier available · 92/100 score
Google Cloud DNS is a api tools tool. Cloudflare DNS is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cloudflare DNS has a free tier. Google Cloud DNS is paid only.
Go with: Cloudflare DNS
Want the highest-rated option?
Google Cloud DNS: 85/100. Cloudflare DNS: 92/100.
Go with: Cloudflare DNS
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cloudflare DNS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Google Cloud DNS is paid. Cloudflare DNS is freemium. Cloudflare DNS lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Google Cloud DNS is a api tools tool. Cloudflare DNS is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Cloudflare DNS scores higher: 92/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Cloudflare DNS
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Google Cloud DNS
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Cloudflare DNS (92/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Cloud DNS or Cloudflare DNS better?
Cloudflare DNS scores 92/100 in our evaluation. Google Cloud DNS is paid and Cloudflare DNS is freemium.
What are Google Cloud DNS and Cloudflare DNS used for?
Google Cloud DNS: Scalable DNS hosting on Google Cloud. Cloudflare DNS: Free DNS service.
What does Google Cloud DNS cost vs Cloudflare DNS?
Google Cloud DNS is a paid tool. Cloudflare DNS is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.