Learn all about DNS Lookup and Reverse DNS with Top tools. Select the best Reverse DNS Lookup tool of your choice to maintain your DNS records perfectly:
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is used to convert a domain name into its IP address. For instance, for the domain www.xyz.com, the IP address could be 123.124.51.1.
These IP addresses are used by computers for communication. There are a number of DNS servers. These DNS servers need to be updated within the DNS records in order to work smoothly. Some common DNS records are A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc. These records carry the IP address, colonial name, email client information, and security-related information.
Table of Contents:
Top-Rated DNS and Reverse IP Address Lookup Tools
There are a million DNS servers that maintain your DNS records and ensure your website is findable to others.
There are two types of DNS IP lookup, that is, Forward DNS lookup or DNS lookup and reverse DNS lookup. Under forward DNS lookup, you will get the IP address by searching the domain and in reverse DNS lookup, you will get the domain name by typing the IP address. Reverse IP lookup is used by email servers to check whether the server is valid or not.
In this article, we have explained the meaning of DNS Lookup and reverse DNS Lookup with examples, DNS servers, DNS records, and types of DNS lookup. The market share of DNS services is mentioned along with expert advice on factors to be considered while selecting the DNS server and some FAQs.
A list of tools is provided with a detailed review and comparison of the top five among them. In the end, the conclusion and review process is mentioned.
Market Trends: According to the research by Verified Market Research, the DNS service market was estimated at $323 million in 2020 globally and is expected to rise to $710 million in 2028 with a CAGR of 11.8%.
Expert Advice: There are certain factors to consider while selecting the DNS and reverse DNS lookup tool that best fits your needs. You should see the features like whether they are providing DNS reports, IP blacklist status, information on domain health, HTTP headers information, location of the domain, and so on. You should also consider pricing as different tools come with different pricing plans.
List of the Best Reverse DNS Lookup Tools
Popular tools for Reverse IP Address lookup:
- MxToolbox
- Viewdns
- Iplocation
- WhatIsMyIP
- HackerTarget
- DNSQueries
- DomainTools
- intoDNS
- DNS Inspect
- Whatsmydns
Comparison of Top DNS IP Lookup Software
Tools | Best for | Pricing | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
MxToolbox | Broad Domains information in a bulk | Starts at $129 per month. Free plan is available. | 5/5 |
Viewdns | URL Decode and DNA record lookup. | Starts at $39.95 per month | 4.5/5 |
Iplocation | Locating IP address through geolocation database. | Free | 4/5 |
WhatIsMyIP | Finding someone online for free. | Starts at $10 per month. Free plan is available. | 4/5 |
HackerTarget | Scanners and DNS & IP address tools. | Starts at $10 per month | 3.5/5 |
Detailed reviews:
#1) MxToolbox
Best for broad domain information in a bulk.
MxToolbox is web-based software for DNS and reverses DNS lookup. It allows the users to get detailed information about the domain in a single report along with providing bulk IP information like ASN owner number, IP blacklist status, IP address, geolocation, and more.
It can be integrated with its professional UI and email delivery insight directly within its interface. It provides many other services along with the DNS lookup like blacklist solutions, mail flow monitoring, delivery center managed services, and so on.
How to perform a reverse DNS lookup on MxToolbox:
Step #1: First open the reverse DNS lookup toolbox in MxToolBox software.
Step #2: Enter the IP address that you want to search for.
Step #3: Here you will get the domain name and your reverse IP lookup is completed.
Features:
- Generates broad domain information including IP address, geolocation, AS number, and AS name in a single report.
- Automatically extract information regarding the IP addresses.
- Generates IP information in bulk.
- Enables to know blacklists through which your IP addresses are blacklisted.
- Generates information related to IP addresses including ASN owner name and number, IP geolocation and blacklist status, and reverse DNS.
- Other services include Parsing Traffic Logs, Performing Risk Analysis, integrating with professional UI, and more.
Pros:
- Easy to use interface.
- Walkthroughs and guides are provided regarding its setup, errors, and more.
- Automatically monitors domains.
Cons:
- Slow interface.
- A bit expensive.
Verdict: McToolbox is best for its bulk lookup feature wherein you can check multiple lookups at the same time in case of a security breach or network migration etc.
Pricing:
- A 30-day free trial is available.
- Free: $0 per month
- Delivery Centre: $129 per month
- Delivery Centre plus: $399 per month
#2) Viewdns
Best for URL decode and DNA record lookup.
Viewdns is a platform that offers various DNA tools that enable users to look for IP addresses, have a complete report on DNS settings, and record specific domains.
Through it, you can check the availability or accessibility of a particular site through a Firewall test. It allows you to check the latency, find the abusive contact address, convert a URL, and so on. You can also view the HTTP headers to determine the web server and its version.
How to perform a reverse DNS lookup on Viewdns:
Step #1: Go to the reverse IP Lookup toolbox in Viewdns site.
Step #2: Enter the IP address and command Go.
Step #3: Here you will get the domain name.
Features:
- Generates location along with the domain names of individuals or companies through features like IP location finder and Reverse Whois Lookup.
- Enable to check websites’ accessibility in Iran and China through the Iran Firewall test and Chinese Firewall Test.
- Through Reverse IP Lookup, you can search for sites on the server.
- Enable to trace servers and check for site connection through Traceroute and Is My Site Down.
- Provides DNS information on specific domains from its records under the DNS Record Lookup feature.
- A complete report on DNS settings is provided.
Pros:
- Free DNS-related tools.
- Safe and easy to use.
- Compatible with other devices.
Cons:
- It is not that popular to date.
Verdict: Viewdns is recommended for its simple and easy-to-use interface. Its best features are reverse IP Lookup and DNA report.
Pricing:
- Viewdns API pricing is as follows:-
- Sandbox: Free
- Developer: $39.95 per month
- Professional: $99.95 per month
- Business: $349.95 per month
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
#3) Iplocation
Best for locating IP addresses through a geolocation database.
Iplocation is a platform that provides information and services regarding IP including IP address or geolocation. It is provided through third-party websites and is free of cost.
Here you can see your IP by default. It offers a bundle of essential tools along with IP services like- email tools, cybersecurity tools, developer tools, productivity tools, etc. It includes both DNA and reverses DNS lookup features where you can find the domain or hostname by looking into IP addresses and vice versa.
How to perform a reverse IP lookup on Iplocation:
Step #1: Open the toolbox of reverse DNS lookup.
Step #2: Enter the IP address.
Step #3: Command Go and get the domain name.
Features:
- Enables to know whether the specific IP address has been blacklisted from DNSBL & RBLs.
- Provides information on email headers.
- Various IP tools are provided including IP to Decimals, reverse IP lookup, ASN whois lookup, and many more.
- DNS tools include MX, NS, and DNS lookup tools with DMARC validation.
- Shows all common records of any domain.
- Provides IP address as well as the domain name for given information like domain name and IP information respectively.
- It can attract IPs from the given text.
Pros:
- An email blacklist checker is available.
- Provides all headers of a web page.
- Checks for the SSL certificate and fingerprint hashes of a given domain.
Cons:
- Improvements in the online management system are suggested.
Verdict: Iplocation.io website is very popular to locate the approximate location of a given IP. It is recommended for its IP tools that provide services like a subnet calculator, ping IP online, and more.
Pricing: Free
#4) WhatIsMyIP
Best for finding someone online for free.
WhatIsMyIP is an industry-leading software founded in 1999 that provides IP address information used for various purposes like desktop connections, online gaming, and so on. It provides various tools categorized as location tools, research tools, privacy tools, and security tools.
It enables you to investigate Facebook users by their IP, user geolocation, fake emails, finding someone online, and so on. It ensures the user’s safety theory checking data breaches, password strength tests, etc.
Features:
- Enables finding the IP address and information related to the IP along with analyzing the headers of emails.
- Provide service for checking IP addresses whether it is blacklisted or not.
- DNS Lookup and reverse IP Lookup both services are both available.
- Allows you to check the internet speed and screen resolution.
- Provides all headers of a server like content type, date, cache control, and so on.
- Privacy tools include checking proxy and data breaches along with checking the user agent.
Pros:
- Make your identity secure.
- Free search for someone online.
- VPN is provided.
Cons:
- Advertisements are a hindrance.
Verdict: WhatIsMyIP has been trusted by various popular brands like LinkedIn, BBC, Amazon, Adobe, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, and more. It is best for its investigation, safety, and privacy tools.
Pricing:
- Pricing plans are as follows:-
- Bronze: Free
- Silver: $10 per year
- Gold: $25 per year.
- 30 days money-back guarantee.
#5) HackerTarget
Best for scanners and DNS & IP address tools.
HackerTarget is an interface with various DNS, network-related tools, and IP address lookup hackers can not attack. It also includes a Nmap port scanner that allows you to monitor firewalls, develop network visibility and detect human error.
With domain profilers, you can widely identify endpoints through DNS data sets and shadow IT infrastructure that has been forgotten. It provides you with a review of security at a glance with weak points that may not be well managed. The tools are categorized as network tests, DNS queries, IP addresses, and web tools. IP address lookup hacker
Features:
- All DNS-related services are provided including DNS lookup, reverse DNS, etc.
- Helps in testing the connectivity across the internet through advanced traceroute tools.
- IP-related tools include IP geolocation lookup, reverse IP lookup, and more.
- Review the HTTP headers and extract page links.
- Scanners are available for the web and network.
- Other services include vulnerability assessment, attack surface assessment, and more.
Pros:
- Provides good customer support.
- Safe to use.
- Various security tools are also available along with DNA and IP tools.
Cons:
- A free trial is not available.
Verdict: HackerTarget hunts vulnerabilities and protects the endpoints through tests in bulk and research with simple forms of launch sets. It provides 28 vulnerability scanners & tools. It is best for its features like TCP & UDP port scan, IP geolocation lookup, and many more.
Pricing:
- Pricing plans are categorized as:-
- Starter: $10 per month
- Pro: $25 per month
- Business: $50 per month
- Enterprise:
- Enterprise 1- $100 per month
- Enterprise 2- $100 per month.
- 7 days money-back guarantee.
#6) DNSQueries
Best for network tools for every system admin.
DNSQueries is a platform for IP DNS lookup for finding information related to the IP or domain along with other tools related to network, DNS, SEO, and HTTP.
Under Network tools, it includes services like a domain health check, IP neighbors, checking IP on RBLs, reverse IP lookup, and more. DNS tools cover services including DNS traversal, Mx Lookup, whois lookup, etc. HTTP & SEO tools provide services like Googlebot simulator, HTTP headers, Gzip test, and so on.
Features:
- Performs DNS query and lets you know the IP address and other requested information.
- Enables finding other domains hosted on the same machine through its IP neighbors feature.
- The domain health check feature allows you to check for bugs on the domain if any.
- Reverse DNS Lookup is also provided along with checking IP on RBLs and DNA traversal.
- Provides geographical information of an IP like its country, city, etc.
- Executes a complete ping or traceroute on the target through a ping tool or traceroute utility respectively.
Pros:
- RBLs checking is available.
- A reverse lookup IP address is available.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
- Provides approximate location.
Verdict: DNSQueries is best for providing IP-related information of any domain for free. It is good for performing DNS queries, reversing DNS lookups, checking domain health, getting IP geolocation, and many more.
Pricing: Free
#7) DomainTools
Best for in-class security and threat-hunting programs.
DomainTools is a web-based platform that helps in application enrichment, brand protection, threat hunting, and more. It prevents phishing and fraud of malicious domains. It enables you to find all related information of any given domain like its IP address, hosting history, neighbors’ IP, and so on.
Various other products provided by them include predictive risk scoring, domain visibility feeds, domain discovery feeds, and more.
Features:
- Generates all information related to the IP profile like whose IP is this with history, domain search, etc.
- Search for all domains a person or company owns.
- Used for IP explorer and IP monitor.
- Generates a .csv for the records of a list of domains collectively.
- Enables you to get the hosting history like registrars, name servers, etc.
- Other solutions include threat intelligence, threat hunting, and more.
Pros:
- Faster response time.
- Monitors different parameters under the whois record.
- SIEM and SOAR general automation is available.
Cons:
- Prices are not disclosed.
Verdict: DomainTools offers a variety of products along with DNS and reverse DNS tools. It provides real-time risk scoring of domains. It also provides a dashboard wherein you can see changes.
Pricing: Contact for pricing.
#8) intoDNS
Best for providing DNS reports and mail servers reports.
intoDNS software is for website monitoring, diagnostics, DNS tools, and network & admin tools. It helps find bugs and other threats as it checks for domain health and its configuration. It is a very simple interface that provides its services free of cost.
It finds bugs and provides suggestions with references to protocols’ official documentation that you can do to fix and improve them. It includes DNA lookup as well as a reverse domain lookup feature.
Features:
- Generates reports on domain health and its configuration.
- Issues suggestions for changes in your DNS.
- Mail Server (MS) reports are also provided.
- Other services include custom nameservers, website audits, mail servers, etc.
Pros:
- Free of cost.
- Simple interface.
- Checks for bugs.
Cons:
- Features for checking domain expiration time and SPF/DKIM/DMARC records are suggested.
Verdict: intoDNS is a free platform that is best for providing reports on domain health, its configuration, and other things related. It is good in services related to nameservers, mail servers, website auditing, and more.
Pricing: Free
#9) DNS Inspect
Best for full IPv6 checks.
DNS Inspect is a free web-based software for DNS-related services. Here you can check for the domain’s server and mail errors to fix and improve them. It includes various tests and checks like IPv6, SOA, NS, MX, A, AAAA, name, and mail server checks. It comes with IDN support with no TLD restrictions. It includes more than 50 tests with a mobile-ready layout.
Features:
- Uses comprehensive tests to find errors in domains to fix them.
- Generates a nice report of findings of tests.
- Provides explanations or suggests measures to fix the errors.
- More than 50 tests are available.
- Checks for IPv6, MX, A, AAAA, name, mail server, and more.
- IDN support is available.
Pros:
- Nice and clean reports.
- Provides guides for support.
- Mobile-ready layouts are included.
Cons:
- Support for DNSSEC is missing.
Verdict: DNS Inspect is a free tool and is best for checking errors in a specific domain and generating reports with explanations and measures to improve and fix them.
Pricing: Free
#10) Whatsmydns
Best for Global DNS propagation check.
Whatsmydns is a global DNS propagation checker. It enables the users to check for the given domain’s IP address and name servers located at different locations and other related information.
It enables you to do the reverse DNS lookup through different commands like the nslookup command, host command, and dig command. For security, it has DNS firewalls, DNS content, and Spam & Malware Protection.
Features:
- Generates the IP information from the given domain name.
- Uses servers like recursive resolver, root name server, TLD name server, etc.
- Record types that can be checked include AAAA, CAA, PTR, SOA, TXT, NS, and many more.
- Includes DNS tools like DNS checker, DNS lookup, reverse IP lookup, and what’s my IP address.
- Uses a global DNS server on priority.
- Convert an IP address into its domain name through reverse DNS lookup.
Pros:
- Quick and easy DNS check.
- A bundle of tools is provided.
- Various record types are checked.
Cons:
- No cons have been found yet.
Verdict: Whatsmydns’s daily traffic has a market of 69,335 on average. It is hosted by CLOUDFLARENET – Cloudflare, Inc., the US in the United States.
Pricing: Free
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a DNS lookup tool?
DNS or Domain Name System lookup tool is a tool that enables you to check for your domain IP address by just typing the domain name. For example, if you put a domain name like www.example.com, you would get its IP address like 678.678.56.7.
2. What are the 3 types of DNS?
The three types of DNS are:
DNS Queries: These refer to the request sent to the servers asking for the IP address of the domain. It is of 3 types: Recursive, Iterative, and Non-recursive query.
DNS Servers: These change the domain name into the IP address. There are three types: DNS resolver, DNS root server, and Authoritative name server.
DNS Records: These are created by the DNA servers containing information related to the domain. Some common record types are A, AAAA, CNAME, MX and record, and more.
3. What is the best tool for testing DNS?
The best tool for testing DNS are as follows:
MxToolbox
Viewdns
Iplocation
WhatIsMyIP
HackerTarget
4. What are the two types of lookups in DNS?
The two types of lookup in DNS are:
Forward DNS Lookup: Under this type of lookup IP address is generated by searching the domain name.
Reverse DNS Lookup: Under this type of lookup domain name is generated by searching the IP address.
5. What is the difference between nslookup and DNS lookup?
Both nslookup and DNS lookup generates information related to the DNS but there is a slight difference between them. nslookup retrieves the IP address by giving input of the name of the domain and DNS lookup retrieves the domain owner details or domain registration data.
6. How to look up an IP address?
We can look up an IP address in two ways: by using the command prompt and via email.
To trace the IP address through the command prompt we need to first open the command prompt. Now we need to ping the website for tracing, after this we need to run the tracert command on the IP. Now to know the exact location, we need to put these IPs into an IP Lookup tool.
Conclusion
Through the research, we concluded how essential DNS and Reverse DNS lookup is. It is very essential to get the best DNS server to get your DNS information up to date so it could be found easily on the server otherwise it would get a ‘File Not Found error.
There are various tools in the market that provide brilliant DNS services, the best among them are mentioned above with their detailed review.
Some are specialized and just provide only DNS services and others provide various other related services all along. Some are free of cost, some are less expensive and some are more. To select the one you need to check for your needs and requirements. As if you need just DNS lookup tools you can go for free tools available.
Our Review Process:
- Time taken to research this article: We spent 26 hours researching and writing this article so you can get a useful summarised list of tools with a comparison of each for your quick review.
- Total tools researched online: 15
- Top Reverse DNS lookup tools shortlisted for review: 10