DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) vs. DNS Over TLS (DoT): Enhancing DNS Privacy

DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS Over TLS (DoT) are encryption protocols designed to enhance privacy and security by encrypting DNS queries. These protocols prevent eavesdropping and tampering, improving user security on the internet.

What is DNS Over HTTPS (DoH)?

DoH encrypts DNS queries using HTTPS, allowing DNS traffic to blend with regular web traffic.

Key Features of DoH:

Uses port 443, making it difficult to block.
Integrates with web applications and browsers.
Provides end-to-end encryption between clients and resolvers.
Prevents ISPs and attackers from intercepting DNS queries.

How to Enable DoH:

Firefox: Navigate to Settings > Network Settings > Enable DNS Over HTTPS.
Chrome/Edge: Enter chrome://flags/#dns-over-https and enable it.
Windows 11: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > DNS settings.

What is DNS Over TLS (DoT)?

DoT encrypts DNS traffic using TLS, ensuring secure communication between clients and DNS resolvers.

Key Features of DoT:

Uses port 853, dedicated to encrypted DNS traffic.
Provides strict encryption for system-wide DNS queries.
Requires system or network-level implementation.
Reduces exposure to DNS-based cyber threats.

How to Enable DoT:

Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS > Set to dns.google or other DoT providers.
Linux/macOS: Configure systemd-resolved or unbound to use DoT.
Routers: Many modern routers support DoT configuration in their DNS settings.

Comparison: DoH vs. DoT

Feature	DNS Over HTTPS (DoH)	DNS Over TLS (DoT)
Encryption	HTTPS (SSL/TLS)	TLS
Port	443	853
Works with	Browsers & Applications	Network-wide DNS
Blocking Difficulty	Harder to block	Easier to detect and block
Best For	Individual users, web apps	Enterprise & ISP-level security

Pros & Cons

DoH Pros:

✅ Harder to block due to HTTPS usage.
✅ Easily integrated into modern browsers.
✅ Provides per-application DNS encryption.

❌ Can bypass enterprise security policies.
❌ May cause privacy concerns with centralized DNS providers.

DoT Pros:

✅ Provides full-system encrypted DNS.
✅ Works well in controlled network environments.
✅ Ideal for ISPs, businesses, and large-scale deployments.

❌ Uses a dedicated port (853), making it easier to block.
❌ Requires OS or router-level configuration.

Conclusion

Both DoH and DoT improve DNS security and privacy. DoH is ideal for individual users needing encrypted queries via browsers, while DoT is better suited for system-wide and enterprise-level DNS security.