What are the best DNS servers for gaming?

What is a DNS server?

Although websites use easy-to-remember domain names, they’re actually identified by numerical IP (Internet Protocol) addresses behind the scenes. Think of a DNS (Domain Name System) server like your contacts list — it translates the website address you type into your browser into the numbers that computers use to talk to each other.

Primary vs. secondary DNS Servers

When setting up your DNS, you’ll likely see two options: primary and secondary DNS servers. Primary DNS is the first server your device will contact to resolve domain names. If it turns out to be unavailable or unresponsive, the secondary DNS server kicks in.

To maintain a stable internet connection, it’s essential to use both primary and secondary DNS servers. If one fails, the backup keeps things running smoothly, minimizing potential downtime.

How does DNS impact the gaming experience?

DNS servers can subtly impact your gaming experience by influencing latency and ping times.

Latency, measured in milliseconds, is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the game server and back. Lower latency means smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced online games where quick reactions are crucial. Ping is a measure of latency, where lower ping translates to less delay between your actions and the game’s response.

DNS servers can reduce latency by providing faster resolution of domain names, which speeds up the initial connection to a server. While internet speed and the physical distance to the game server play a more prominent role in gaming performance, the right DNS server can still help shave off a few milliseconds. In competitive scenarios, this could make a real difference.

What are the best DNS servers for gaming?

When it comes to choosing the best DNS servers for gaming, you want to look for options that are reliable, fast, and secure. Here are some top picks, along with their key features:

1. OpenDNS

• Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222 
• Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220

OpenDNS is known for its reliability and security features. It offers robust protection against traffic hijacking, which makes it a solid choice for safe gaming. It also comes with customizable filtering options, which can be helpful if you’re looking to manage content accessibility.

2. Google Public DNS

• Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
• Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

Google Public DNS is known for its speed and efficiency. With extensive infrastructure, it offers fast query resolution, which can help slightly reduce latency. Google Public DNS is also highly reliable, ensuring a stable connection during gaming sessions.

3. Surfshark DNS

• Primary DNS: 162.252.172.57
• Secondary DNS: 149.154.159.92

Using Surfshark DNS can be particularly advantageous if you’re already a Surfshark VPN user. It integrates seamlessly with the VPN service, providing an additional layer of privacy and security. While the performance improvement of changing DNS might be subtle, it ensures your data remains protected.

4. Cloudflare DNS

• Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

Cloudflare DNS is another option offering rapid query resolution. It ensures a stable and secure connection that helps prevent disruptions during gaming sessions. Its privacy features, such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), safeguard data from interception or misuse.

How do you choose between the best DNS servers for gaming?

Choosing the best DNS server for your gaming needs involves considering several factors to ensure the best performance and reliability. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. Speed and latency: one reason to switch DNS servers is to improve speed, even if the difference in gaming may be slight. Use tools like DNS Benchmark or namebench to test the response times of different DNS servers and see which one performs best in your location.
2. Reliability: a reliable DNS server will minimize downtime and ensure a stable internet connection. Established DNS services are known for their reliability. They have vast infrastructure supporting them, which translates to consistent performance.
3. Security: if you’re concerned about security, choose a DNS server with built-in protection against cyberthreats. OpenDNS offers robust security features, while Surfshark DNS integrates well with its VPN to provide enhanced privacy.
4. Privacy: privacy-conscious gamers should consider how DNS providers handle data. For instance, Google Public DNS is swift but logs some data. Surfshark DNS, used with a VPN, offers better privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and keeping your browsing habits private.
5. Ease of use: some DNS services offer additional features like customizable filtering and parental controls. If these are important to you, look for a DNS provider that offers an easy-to-use interface and settings.
6. Compatibility: ensure your DNS server is compatible with your devices and gaming setup. Most DNS servers work well with standard devices and routers, but it’s always good to check.

How do you change the DNS server address?

Changing your DNS server address is straightforward and can be done on various devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you modify the DNS settings on your computer:

On Windows

1. Right-click on the network icon in the system tray and select Open Network & Internet settings.
2. Click on Change adapter options in the settings window.
3. Right-click on your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
4. In the properties window, scroll down and double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses, and enter primary and secondary DNS addresses. 
6. Click OK to save your settings, then close all windows.

On macOS

1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Click on Network.
3. Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the left-hand menu.
4. Click Advanced in the lower right corner.
5. Go to the DNS tab.
6. Click the + button and enter primary and secondary DNS addresses.
7. Click OK, and then Apply to save your changes.

On a router

1. Open your web browser and enter your router’s IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Log in with your router’s admin username and password.
3. Look for the DNS settings. They might be under sections like Internet, Network, or Advanced.
4. Enter your preferred primary and secondary DNS server addresses.
5. Save your settings and restart your router if necessary.

Testing and verifying DNS changes

After changing your DNS server address, it’s essential to test and verify that the changes were applied correctly. Here’s how you go about it:

Verify DNS Settings

1. On Windows:
   • open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the search bar and hitting Enter;
   • type ipconfig /all and press Enter. Look for the DNS Servers entry to confirm your new DNS settings are listed.
2. On macOS:
   • open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities folder;
   • Type networksetup -getdnsservers Wi-Fi (replace Wi-Fi with Ethernet if using a wired connection) and press Enter. You should now see your new DNS server addresses.

Test DNS performance

1. Use online tools:
   • websites like DNSPerf and GRC’s DNS Benchmark can help you measure the response time of your DNS servers and compare them to others.
2. Perform a ping test:
   • open Command Prompt or Terminal and use the ping command to test latency. For example, type ping google.com and press Enter. Note the response times and repeat the test for a few websites to get an average result.

Conclusion — in gaming, every small improvement counts

If you’ve read this far, you’re hopefully ready to choose a DNS server that best suits your gaming habits and preferences. Your overall gaming experience will still heavily depend on your internet speed and the quality of your gaming setup, but even a millisecond gained with a better DNS can make a noticeable difference.

FAQ

Which is better for gaming, 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8?

Both 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) and 8.8.8.8 (Google Public DNS) are excellent choices for gaming, offering fast and reliable performance. However, the best option may vary based on your location, so it’s worth testing both to see which provides lower latency in your case.

Does 1.1.1.1 make gaming faster?

1.1.1.1 by Cloudflare can enhance your gaming experience by reducing latency and improving DNS resolution times. While the difference might be subtle, it can contribute to smoother and more responsive gameplay.

What is the best DNS server for Android gaming?

For Android gaming, Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, and Surfshark DNS are top choices due to their speed and reliability. These DNS servers are easy to set up and can help enhance your mobile gaming experience.

Can DNS servers lower ping in gaming?

A good DNS server can slightly lower your ping by speeding up the initial connection to the game server. However, other factors like your internet speed and server location have a more significant impact on overall ping.

What’s the best DNS server for low-ping gaming?

Due to their extensive infrastructure and fast response times, Cloudflare, Google, and Surfshark are the best DNS servers for low-ping gaming. Testing both can help you determine which provides the lowest ping in your specific location.

What’s the best DNS server for PS5 and PS4 gaming?

For PS5 and PS4 gaming, Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, and Surfshark DNS servers are highly recommended. They offer reliable performance and can help reduce latency for a better gaming experience.

What’s the best DNS server for Xbox One and Xbox Series X gaming?

Xbox gamers can benefit from using Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, and Surfshark DNS servers, which provide fast and stable connections. These servers are known for their excellent performance and can enhance online gaming sessions.