GRC DNS Benchmark
GRC DNS Benchmark: A focused DNS benchmarking utility for comparing resolver performance from your network. Ranked #13 of 37 in Network Diagnostic Software by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for DNS resolver performance benchmarking.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDNS resolver performance benchmarking
- Free planYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Compares up to 500 resolvers with cached and uncached lookups
- Covers DNSSEC, IPv4, IPv6, DoH, and DoT resolvers
- Exports CSV results and supports unattended command-line operation
Where it doesn't
- Desktop-focused deployment limits it to Windows, Linux/Wine, and Mac/Wine
- Results reflect the network location where the benchmark runs
- The free v1 and paid v2 editions provide different product versions
Our verdict on GRC DNS Benchmark
GRC DNS Benchmark is a desktop utility for comparing DNS resolvers from a user's own network location. It measures cached, uncached, and dot-com lookup performance, reports reliability and lost queries, checks DNSSEC authentication, and examines behaviors such as error redirection and DNS rebinding protection. It is aimed at network administrators, technically inclined users, and anyone choosing between DNS resolvers. Version 2 supports Windows, Linux/Wine, and Mac/Wine, while the published product information describes both a free v1 freeware edition and a paid v2 commercial edition.
Its main strength is diagnostic depth within a focused DNS use case. The application can compare built-in, system-configured, and custom resolver lists, with support for up to 500 resolvers at once. Results include charts and tables, and the benchmark covers conventional IPv4 and IPv6 resolvers alongside DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS. That combination makes it useful when speed alone is not enough and reliability, DNSSEC authentication, or resolver behavior also matters.
For repeatable workflows, GRC DNS Benchmark adds CSV export, unattended command-line operation, and custom fastest-resolver lists. These features suit reporting, scripted comparisons, and follow-up configuration work. The tradeoff is its narrow scope and desktop-oriented delivery: it is a DNS resolver benchmarking tool rather than a broad network monitoring suite, and the results describe conditions from the network location running the benchmark. Choose it for detailed resolver comparison and DNS-specific checks; choose an alternative if you need wider infrastructure monitoring or a non-desktop service.
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GRC DNS Benchmark pricing
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GRC DNS Benchmark fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Path visualization | Not verified |
| DNS diagnostics | Yes |
| Packet-loss analysis | Yes |
| Command-line interface | Yes |
| Target limit | 500 targets |
| Supported platforms | Windows; Linux/Wine; Mac/Wine |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Compliance & security | PCI DSS |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | grc.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to GRC DNS Benchmark
- GlobalpingA broad, open-source toolkit for diagnosing network behavior across global locations.9.4
- RIPE AtlasA free platform for distributed measurements, path analysis, and public Internet reachability data.9.2
- PingPlotterA focused tool for tracking latency, packet loss, jitter, and network paths.9.0
See all GRC DNS Benchmark alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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