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This NS1 review is for businesses that need advanced managed DNS and intelligent traffic steering. NS1, now an IBM company, is a US DNS and traffic management specialist founded in 2013, running a global anycast DNS network, offering managed authoritative DNS and traffic steering. IBM completed its acquisition in 2023. If you need enterprise DNS, this NS1 review will help.
Key takeaways
- NS1 is a managed DNS and traffic steering specialist founded in 2013, now part of IBM.
- It offers managed authoritative DNS on a global anycast network.
- Its traffic steering routes users intelligently for performance and reliability.
- Best for businesses that need advanced, reliable managed DNS.
What is NS1?
NS1 is a company that specializes in DNS, the system that directs domain names to servers. Rather than hosting your website, it provides managed authoritative DNS on a global anycast network, plus intelligent traffic steering that routes users to the best endpoint based on performance, location or other rules. IBM acquired NS1, completing the deal in 2023, folding it into its network and cloud offerings.
The appeal is advanced, reliable DNS. For businesses that run critical applications and want fast, resilient DNS with smart routing, NS1 offers more control and intelligence than a basic DNS provider, working alongside their hosting.
NS1 features
Key features include managed authoritative DNS on a fast global anycast network, traffic steering that directs users based on latency, geography, health checks or custom rules, and an API for automation. This lets businesses improve performance, balance load and route around failures at the DNS level.
For enterprises, that combination of reliable DNS and intelligent traffic management is the core draw. It gives control over how users reach your applications, which matters for performance and uptime.
NS1 pricing
NS1 uses custom, enterprise pricing based on your query volume, features and support needs. It is aimed at businesses rather than individuals, so you contact NS1 or IBM for a quote. Because pricing depends on scope, check directly for current figures.
When comparing DNS providers, weigh query performance, traffic steering capabilities and reliability, since those are the core of what you pay for at this level.
Pros and cons
On the plus side: fast, reliable managed DNS on a global anycast network, powerful traffic steering, an API for automation, and the backing of IBM. For businesses that need advanced DNS, it is a capable choice.
On the downside: it is a DNS and traffic management provider, not a web host, so you still need somewhere to host your site, pricing is custom and enterprise focused, and it is more than a small site needs. Small owners may prefer a simpler DNS service.
Who is NS1 best for?
NS1 is best for businesses and enterprises that need advanced managed DNS and intelligent traffic steering for critical applications. This NS1 review points to a capable DNS specialist. For actual hosting, you still need a web host, and small sites may want a simpler option.
Frequently asked questions
Is NS1 a web host?
No. NS1 is a managed DNS and traffic steering provider that works alongside your existing web host.
Who owns NS1?
NS1 is now an IBM company, following an acquisition that completed in 2023.
How much does NS1 cost?
Pricing is custom and enterprise based, depending on query volume, features and support. Contact NS1 or IBM for a quote.
What is traffic steering?
Traffic steering routes users to the best endpoint based on latency, location, health checks or custom rules, improving performance and reliability.
The bottom line
NS1 is a capable managed DNS and traffic steering provider for businesses that need advanced, reliable DNS, now backed by IBM. For actual hosting, choose a host in our hosting reviews. For background on DNS, see Wikipedia.