Accessing your home network while on the go is easy thanks to remote desktop connections. Sometimes access fails because your internet provider is responsible for regularly updating your IP address. DynDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) helps to establish a stable connection to your server irrespective of a changing IP address.
DynDNS services transmit a changing IP address to a static domain name to enable remote access. We’ll show you which DynDNS providers exists and how free services compare to premium DynDNS alternatives.
Find out exactly how the Dynamic Domain Name system works in our basics article on DynDNS.
The German provider DynDNS Service is a widely used DynDNS service and is available as a free and premium version. The free DynDNS version allows users to generate up to three DynDNS domains. The premium version can generate up to 100 URLs for private or commercial use. Users are required to register for a free account in just a few clicks. Once registered, users simply create a DynDNS domain, and enter their account data into the router.
DynDNS Service provides real-time tracking of a user’s IP address renewal.
Another advantage of DynDNS Service is its reliable customer support. You can contact the Dynamic DNS provider via email or fill in a contact form. Additionally, various help settings and tutorials are available on its website.
Premium users gain access to a range of interesting additional features including automated input of router details. The DynDNS Updater tool letspremium subscribers make use of 100 DynDNS URLs at the same time (e.g. to use multiple different webcams). Other advantages include:
Disadvantages:
The DynDNS Updater Tool incurs a one-off activation fee. This will change your account (ddclient) to premium status that lets you to create up to 100 DynDNS URLs.
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100 % SSD storageReady in 55 sec.SSL certificateDynamic DNS provider dynv6 provides a free service for private users. A public hostname can be quickly registered via the service provider’s website – for IPv4 as well as IPv6. Users can select their preferred name and there is no restriction as to the number of domains.
In addition, one can make use of interfaces to update zones. For REST and SSH, public keys are in use. To use the DNS Update, dynv6 employs a so-called TSIG key which can be created via its website.
However, dynv6 is not designed for professional use. The service lacks expanded security features to safeguard against DDoS attacks and does not provide extensive customer support.
No-IP appears to provide a highly professional service. The US-based DynDNS service offers three different packages:
| Free Dynamic DNS | Enhanced Dynamic DNS (paid $) | Plus-Managed DNS (paid $$) |
| 3 host names | 25+ host names | 50+ host names |
| Limited number of domains | 80+ domain options | Includes domain registration option at reduced cost ($) |
| Account confirmed required every 30 days | No expiry | No expiry, phone support |
Although the freeware version provides several good options, users have voiced their frustrations with the account expiry date. Those who register for a free account are required to confirm their account every 30 days. Otherwise, it is deleted immediately. To avoid expiry and ads, the premium packages are a better solution. They also come with extended telephone support.
Securepoint DynDNS is a free German DynDNS service provider. Users get five hosts and 100 domains. One of its advantages is that it can be neatly integrated into the firewall and other Securepoint devices. However, the free DynDNS provider can be used outside of Securepoint devices.
Other features include IPv6 protocol support and the update token, which essentially acts like an additional password for enhanced security. Customer support and help is available via the contact form or you can search for answers to your queries in the dedicated user forum.
German DynDNS provider ClickIP is geared toward beginners. The service is available for free and installation is particularly easy. Administrators simply create a user account, select a DNS address, and enter their details on the company’s router. Although ClickIP is free, a premium version is available which does not include advertising.
Another prominent DynDNS service provider is Dyn by US computer technology company Oracle. Dyn lets users select unique hostnames and can be linked to any IP-compatible device such as webcams or routers. IP addresses are regularly updated by Oracle.
Users can choose up to 30 unique host names which can be updated within 20 seconds when a user’s IP address changes. Dynamic DNS makes it easy to set your own domain name.
Advantages include extended customer support and good device connectivity. However, Dyn is only free for the first seven days. Thereafter, users are charged $55 per year.
| Number of hosts, domains | Requirements | Features | Customer support | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DynDNS Service (free) | 3 hosts, restricted number of domains | Easy to use | - | Email, help for settings and tutorials available | |
| DynDNS Service ($) | 100 hosts, restricted number of domains | Simple registration process | Premium DynDNS Updater tool available | Email, help for settings and tutorials available | |
| dynv6 (free) | Unlimited hosts, choice of unique host names | Quick registration | Multiple APIs | Community | |
| No-IP (free) | 3 hosts, restricted number of domains | Account requires confirmation every 30 days | - | Only email | |
| No-IP Enhanced Dynamic DNS ($) | 25+ host names, 80+ domain options | Account, no expiry | No advertising, 100 % uptime guarantee | Email and phone support | |
| No-IP PlusManaged DNS ($) | 50+ host names, domain registration | Account, no expiry | Supports email upgrade, SSL upgrade | Email and phone support | |
| Securepoint DynDNS (free) | 5 hosts, 100 domains | Registration | Supports IPv6, Update token | Contact form, tutorials, forum | |
| ClickIP (free) | 1 sub domain | Free registration | - | FAQ, Tutorials | |
| ClickIP ($) | 1 sub domain | Free registration | No advertising | FAQ, Tutorials | |
| Dyn (Oracle) ($) | 30 unique host names | Only free for 7 days | No advertising | Extended support |
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