Dynu
Free DNS hosting and dynamic DNS service with support for all record types, port forwarding, and web redirects. Founded in 1997 with a proven track record.
Best for home server administrators and hobbyists who need reliable dynamic DNS with full record control.
Use Cases
Free Tier
Unlimited domains, dynamic DNS, all record types, port 80 redirection, MX records
How to Maximize the Free Tier
Dynu shines for dynamic DNS — use DDClient or their update URL to automatically track your changing public IP. The 4 subdomain limit per domain is tight, so use top-level domains strategically (e.g., ssh.yourdomain.com, web.yourdomain.com). Email forwarding is a hidden gem — set up catch-all addresses without a mail server. If you need more than 4 subdomains or API access, you'll need to upgrade, but for single-domain home server use, the free tier is sufficient.
Getting Started
Sign up at dynu.com → verify email → add a domain (use your own or register a free subdomain on dynu.com) → configure DNS records in the dashboard → set up dynamic DNS client (DDClient, or use their update URL) → DNS propagates within minutes. For email forwarding: enable in control panel and set MX records.
Pros
- Dynamic DNS: Rock-solid DDNS with automatic IP updates — ideal for home servers, NAS, and IoT devices
- Full record types: Supports all standard DNS record types including MX, SRV, TXT, and CAA on the free tier
- Email forwarding: Free email forwarding for your custom domains — useful for catch-all addresses and alias management
Cons
- Dated UI: The dashboard interface looks like it hasn't been updated since 2010 — functional but not modern
- Subdomain limits: Free tier limited to 4 subdomains per domain — agencies or multi-site setups need the paid plan
- No API for records: No REST API for programmatic record management — all changes go through the web dashboard