Using a VPN with Custom DNS?

[Firegod]

Hey

Just a quick question really, I sometimes find web pages slow to load even though I have quick DL/UL speeds when using my VPN connection. There is an option to use Custom DNS, but if I were to do this, does that negate the point of using a VPN in the first place? When I don't have the VPN active I revert to using Quad9. I'm just wondering whether using Quad9 in the Custom DNS area is a "safe" thing to do?

Probably a stupid question. lol.

Cheers.

 

[Rainmaker]

You don't say who is the VPN provider, what protocol you're connecting via (WireGuard? IKEv2? OpenVPN? Other?), or how you're connecting (WireGuard official app on Ubuntu, provider's app on Windows 11, etc).

Generally, you're fine with a DNS 'leak' as you describe. The requests will come from the VPN IP anyway, but of course if you can use the provider's DNS in-tunnel you're better off overall. It's surprising their DNS is that slow - how have you tested? Have a look at godnsbench. You can also set up your own DNS server if you wish, but either way I'd recommend using encrypted DNS (DoH, DoT, DoQ etc) for better privacy and security, even if you do use a VPN.

 

[Firegod]

Sorry for late reply. The provider is NordVPN using NordLynx with "Threat Protection Lite" enabled for malicious DNS checks on Windows 11 with the providers app. I've just disabled "Threat Protection Lite" and set custom DNS to use Quad 9. Pages are loading a lot faster now.