NS1 vs Google Cloud DNS: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between NS1 and Google Cloud 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:
NS1
Managed DNS and traffic management
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • NS1 is an intelligent DNS and traffic management platform
- • It provides fast DNS resolution with traffic steering and analytics
Google Cloud DNS
Scalable DNS hosting on Google Cloud
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • 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
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | API Tools |
Rating | 82/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | NS1 | Google Cloud DNS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentMonitoring | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How NS1 and Google Cloud DNS Compare
NS1
Managed DNS and traffic management
Paid · 82/100 score
Google Cloud DNS
Scalable DNS hosting on Google Cloud
Paid · 85/100 score
NS1 is a hosting & deployment tool. Google Cloud DNS is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Google Cloud DNS
Want the highest-rated option?
NS1: 82/100. Google Cloud DNS: 85/100.
Go with: Google Cloud DNS
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Google Cloud DNS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
NS1 is a hosting & deployment tool. Google Cloud DNS is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Google Cloud DNS scores higher: 85/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Google Cloud DNS
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
NS1
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
Google Cloud DNS (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NS1 or Google Cloud DNS better?
Google Cloud DNS scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are NS1 and Google Cloud DNS used for?
NS1: Managed DNS and traffic management. Google Cloud DNS: Scalable DNS hosting on Google Cloud.
What does NS1 cost vs Google Cloud DNS?
NS1 is a paid tool. Google Cloud DNS is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

