Great idea. DNS privacy is often ignored, and most popular options like 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 still raise trust and logging concerns. A Proton DNS integrated with Proton VPN would fit perfectly with Proton’s privacy-first mission and offer a strong European alternative to Google and Cloudflare.

Clear, transparent services matter a lot today—just like how sites such as https://snapchat-planets.org simplify complex topics for users. This proposal feels ambitious but very relevant and valuable.

Just use Quad9.

That’s actually a solid proposal — privacy-focused DNS could definitely complement Proton’s ecosystem. It reminds me of how identity systems https://samagraidgyaan.com/] amagra ID India focus on centralized yet secure data management. The key challenge, just like in DNS privacy, is balancing accessibility with protection from misuse. A Proton DNS could serve as that privacy-first bridge for digital identity and connectivity alike.

My home router does not support installing the full Proton 'upgrade', but I would love to be able to set it to a Proton-managed DNS address for the added security and privacy. I have the VPN on all my computers, tablets, and phones, but other connected devices within my house don't have any protection. My main concern are the spying devices , AKA smart televisions, that I have no control over.

What would make a Proton DNS better than quad9 (9.9.9.9)? I'd rather they focus their efforts creating private tools for which there aren't other good options.

Proton DNS similar to NextDNS or Adguard DNS would be very nice. With server locations all around the world (low pings!) and filter lists that can be customized to one's likings.
This would fit perfectly in Proton's security and privacy portfolio!

you could use MullvadDNS in the meantime

You have Quad9, at 9.9.9.9

I would like to have a customised DNS filter like NextDNS

To me, the existing combination of ProtonVPN and Quad9 (when not using a VPN) make this a solution looking for a problem. Or to put it another way, if there were a ProtonDNS, how would it be much different than Quad9?

When you use a VPN (like ProtonVPN) all your traffic is routed through Proton's servers and to avoid DNS leaks, your DNS queries are also routed through Proton's DNS servers. Why would you choose to not use a VPN but then use a private DNS? It would be pointless because while your DNS queries might be private, all your other traffic wouldn't be.

You can use ProtonVPN. What would be the added value of this, when not using VPN, just to use the DNS?

Perhaps a partnership with NextDNS like they did with standard notes. NextDNS is US based but the do give an option to store logs in Switzerland.

There is no need to duplicate what quad9 does.

Doesn't ProtonVPN already run its own DNS servers?

@ju roots, why is quad9 any better than nextDNS?

Though a nextDNS style dashboard and alternative would be good for non-VPN devices, VPN users already have access to this and privacy alternatives like quad9 and pi-hole.

the thing you are looking for is called quad9 (https://quad9.net/).

Proton VPN already uses it's own private and encrypted DNS servers when you connect to a VPN server. What use would it be for public use? It would still have to route through Proton's servers and that would require using their VPN servers which you need an account.

DNS Service like NextDNS but with the power of proton and real privacy.