Unbound is a validating, recursive, caching DNS resolver.
It is designed to be fast and lean and incorporates modern features based on open standards.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Supports DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-HTTPS which allows clients to encrypt their communication.
- Supports various modern standards that limit the amount of data exchanged with authoritative servers. These include Query Name Minimisation, the Aggressive Use of DNSSEC-Validated Cache and support for authority zones, which can be used to load a copy of the root zone.
- Cross-platform support – runs on all Linux and BSD distributions, as well as macOS, with packages available for most platforms.
Website: nlnetlabs.nl/projects/unbound
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: NLnet Labs
License: BSD 3-Clause “New” or “Revised” License
Unbound is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| DNS Servers | |
|---|---|
| CoreDNS | DNS server that chains plugins |
| BIND | Flexible, full-featured DNS system |
| PowerDNS | Authoritative server, the Recursor, and Dnsdist |
| NSD | NLnet Labs Name Server Daemon |
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| SmartDNS | Local DNS server that accepts DNS query requests from local clients |
| Unbound | Validating, recursive, caching DNS resolver |
| Hickory | Rust-based DNS client, server and resolver |
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| dnrs | DNS server written in rust |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
| DNS Servers | |
|---|---|
| BIND | Flexible, full-featured DNS system |
| PowerDNS | Authoritative server, the Recursor, and Dnsdist |
| Knot Resolver | Scalable caching resolver with DNSSEC validation and flexible policy |
| Technitium | Self host a DNS server for privacy and security |
| Unbound | Validating, recursive, caching DNS resolver |
| SDNS | Fast recursive DNS resolver with built-in DNSSEC validation |
| Hickory | Rust-based DNS client, server and resolver |
| rDNS | Compact DNS server supporting recursive and authoritative operation |
| MaraDNS | Small DNS server |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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