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.
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