DNS over HTTPS (DoH) vs. DNS over TLS (DoT): A Reddit-Inspired Deep Dive

The ongoing debate about DNS privacy on Reddit often centers around two key technologies: DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT). While both aim to encrypt DNS queries, providing enhanced privacy compared to traditional DNS, they differ in several crucial aspects. This article delves into these differences, drawing insights from common Reddit discussions to clarify the nuances and help you make an informed choice.

What are DoH and DoT?

Both DoH and DoT encrypt the communication between your device and a DNS resolver, preventing your ISP or other network eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you're trying to access. However, they use different protocols to achieve this:

DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Uses the HTTPS protocol (port 443), already widely used for secure web browsing. This leverages existing infrastructure and is generally easier to implement.
DNS over TLS (DoT): Uses the TLS protocol (typically port 853), the same protocol used for secure connections in many applications. It's slightly simpler in terms of protocol complexity but less widespread than HTTPS.

Key Differences: A Comparison Table

Feature	DoH	DoT
Protocol	HTTPS	TLS
Port	443	853 (typically)
Widespread Adoption	Higher	Lower
Integration with Browsers	Generally easier and more common	Often requires manual configuration
Firewall Compatibility	Usually better, as port 443 is rarely blocked	May encounter issues if port 853 is blocked
Performance	Can be slightly slower due to HTTPS overhead	Generally faster due to less overhead
Flexibility	Can be combined with other HTTP features	More focused solely on DNS

Reddit Discussions and Common Concerns

Reddit threads frequently highlight concerns like:

Privacy implications: While both offer privacy improvements, some users express concerns about the potential for DNS providers to collect and utilize data. This applies to both DoH and DoT equally. The choice of resolver is crucial.
Performance impact: Many users notice minimal or no performance difference. Some older discussions indicated potential slowdowns, but improvements in both protocols have minimized this.
Compatibility with firewalls and network devices: DoH’s use of port 443 generally leads to better compatibility, whereas DoT may run into issues with restrictive network setups.
Implementation complexities: Setting up DoT sometimes requires more technical expertise than DoH, especially on routers.

Choosing Between DoH and DoT

The best choice often depends on your individual circumstances and priorities:

Prioritize ease of use and wide compatibility: Choose DoH. It's often integrated directly into browsers and requires minimal configuration.
Need optimal performance and are comfortable with manual configuration: Consider DoT. Its lower overhead can lead to faster resolution times, but it might need manual setup.
Concerned about network restrictions: DoH's use of port 443 generally offers better firewall compatibility.

Conclusion

Both DoH and DoT significantly enhance DNS privacy compared to traditional methods. The ideal choice depends on your technical expertise, network configuration, and performance expectations. By understanding their key differences and weighing the considerations discussed above, you can select the best DNS privacy solution for your needs, informed by the insights from countless Reddit discussions on the topic.

Remember to choose a reputable DNS provider regardless of whether you use DoH or DoT. The privacy benefits are only as good as the privacy policies of the service you choose!