18 Best DNS Servers for Gaming

Let’s get to know the 18 most popular and best DNS servers with their IP addresses for gaming in 2024:

Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS	Primary Focus
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1	Speed & Privacy & Security
Google DNS Server	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4	Speed
OpenDNS	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220	Speed & Security
Quad9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112	Privacy & Security
Adguard DNS	94.140.14.14	94.140.15.15	Security & Internet Performance
OpenNIC	94.16.114.254	94.247.43.254	Speed & Security
Comodo Secure DNS	8.26. 56.26	8.20.247.20	Security & Performance
CleanBrowsing (security filter)	185.228.168.9	185.228.169.9	Privacy & limited tracking
Alternate DNS	76.76.19.19	76.223.122.150	Privacy & Security
SafeDNS	195.46.39.39	195.46.39.40	Security & inappropriate content filtering
Level3	209.244.0.3	209.244.0.4	Speed & Reliability
UncensoredDNS	91.239.100.100	89.233.43.71	Bypassing internet censorship & Securiy
DNS.WATCH	84.200.69.80	84.200.70.40	browsing speed & performance & privacy
Verisign	64.6.64.6	64.6.65.6	Security & Reliability & Stability
Norton ConnectSafe	199.85.126.10	199.85.127.10	Speed & Security & Privacy
Neustar	156.154.70.5	156.154.71.5	Security & ping steady
FreeDNS	45.33.97.5	37.235.1.177	Content filtering & Speed & Controlling DNS settings
Yandex.DNS	77.88.8.8	77.88.8.1	Speed & Security & Reliability

Using the best DNS server for gaming improves the gaming experience by reducing latency, faster downloads for game updates and patches, enhancing security, and ensuring uninterrupted connection.

Therefore, DNS servers are important for games and are employed as a lever to preserve Internet and ping speeds.

 What DNS server is best for gaming?

The best DNS for gaming are the ones that offer the fastest, most stable connection to the game because speed and minimum lag and ping are paramount for smooth gameplay.

Furthermore, the best DNS should improve your online security and privacy by providing additional features like DDoS protection or filtering malicious content.

Choosing a fast and reliable DNS server improves the initial connection to the game server, reducing wait time when launching the game.

Regardless of which DNS Server will be your choice, buy VPS must be your priority to start using your considered gaming DNS server.

The 18 best DNS servers for gaming are as follows:

1. Cloudflare

The Cloudflare DNS service offers one of the quickest public DNS options, which, by improving speed, optimizes the gaming experience.It is available for personal and commercial use.

The popularity of this DNS server is that customers receive an extra layer of privacy that does not let IP addresses be recorded.

Cloudflare optimizes your connection based on your IP address and location to route you to the most suitable server.

If you’re concerned about malware or phishing websites, you must be aware that Cloudflare provides no protections against them and no way to disable ads.

2. Google DNS Server

Google Public DNS is one of the best, fastest, and most reliable Google products announced in 2009 and is known as the largest public domain name system provider worldwide.

Since it supports the latest IPv6, it is the most suitable for gaming and accessing all modern sites. If you have read the IPv4 & IPv6 comparison article, you will understand the importance of DNS server support for IPv6 connections due to the modern sites’ need for IPv6 support.

As a free DNS for gaming, Google Public DNS is a good one for game players and video streamers worldwide.

Other brilliant features of Google Public DNS are fast resolution time, excellent security against phishing attacks, fast page loading time, free-to-use, the possibility of selecting DNS server location, and optimizing latency, which make it the best DNS for gaming.

Limited customer support, a complex UI, and privacy concerns are the disadvantages of Google Public DNS.

3. OpenDNS

OpenDNS (also known as Cisco Umbrella) is a free and well-known DNS server that was launched in 2005 for a smooth gaming experience. OpenDNS offers you two free solutions: OpenDNS Family Shield and OpenDNS Home.

Users choose it for private uses because of its features, like protecting against phishing and content filtering.

OpenDNS is also popular for parents since it provides filtering options and parental control and blocks adult content.

As a first DNSCrypt developer, OpenDNS works with IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. It supports the DNSCrypt protocol and supports DOH to provide fast and safe internet service.

OpenDNS is also considered the right option for controlling multiple DNS servers due to its highly customizable nature.

4. Quad9

Quad9 DNS Server is a free and secure DNS service for gaming that prevents access to harmful websites by generating an updated list of threats and malicious domains.

Using a filtering system blocks all malware of all nature from getting on the network tunnel and entering your device.

Users choose Quad9 because it also blocks access to phishing sites that try to steal their personal information and passwords.

To have the best DNS Server for gaming, security, privacy, and content filtering, Quad9 is a smart choice.

5. AdGuard DNS

AdGuard DNS helps you experience smooth game performance by blocking annoying in-game ads by default.

In addition to getting rid of ads and malware, it also plays an important role in protecting your privacy by blocking analytics tools and trackers on the web, potentially improving security and ping.

In general, AdGuard DNS is a good option for a smoother and safer gaming experience.

6. OpenNIC

OpenNIC, a reliable and free DNS service, is a good choice for unrestricted internet access with no information filtering; so you are free to search for anything on the internet using OpenNIC DNS.

OpenNIC is one of the fastest DNS for gaming that can protect your machine from attackers and even the government.

If you play high-quality graphic games, OpenNIC guarantees a flawless experience.

One of the OpenNIC weaknesses is that it can not shield users from harmful web content and malware.

7. Comodo Secure DNS

Comodo Secure DNS service is a top-tier, reliable, fast DNS server that allows you to experience lag-free, smooth, and fast gaming because it responds quickly to requests.

Features of Comodo Secure DNS are strong protection, excellent security, control from any device, and free use.

Comodo Secure DNS is an excellent option for personal and business use, which helps to secure your family and yourself against risky and fraudulent websites for nothing.

Additionally, it offers offline and online content protection policy enforcement. Comodo Secure DNS is recommended for gaming because, along with providing speed, it can protect your device from malware attacks.

Comodo Secure DNS offers servers in multiple locations, allowing you to find nearby locations easily.

8. Clean Browsing

Clean Browsing primarily focuses on privacy and disabling trackers and advertisements while browsing the internet.

Clean Browsing by supporting DNSCrypt, DNSOverTor, and DNSOverTor and other security features safeguards users against dangerous websites infecting their devices or browsers with viruses or malware.

Free filters, fast connection, powerful encryption, and custom content filtering are the benefits of using This Clean Browsing DNS. However, to customize content filtering, you need to purchase premium plans.

Clean Browsing DNS is worth trying if you wish not to be tracked and monitored.

9. Alternate DNS

You will find Alternate DNS as an ideal choice for gaming because this DNS server is fast, reliable, and cheap.

Alternate DNS prevents viruses from infecting the user’s machine, removes ads, and enables a lightning-fast, secure internet connection. This service lets you surf the internet without interruption by ads. It also provides an extensive blacklist of dubious or fraudulent websites.

Alternate DNS by supporting IPv6 addresses prevents global connectivity issues. Also, Alternate DNS offers more flexibility in playing online games.

10. SafeDNS

SafeDNS is a reliable option for users who want to protect their laptop/PC from attacks. It can filter and secure the web for homes, schools, and businesses.

However, SafeDNS does not protect users’ privacy and records sensitive information such as IP addresses.

While you are using the free DNS plan, malware cannot infiltrate your system, but if you need to have ad and tracking blocking, you must upgrade to a paid subscription.

11. Level3

Level3 is one of the best DNS servers for gaming that provides a fast internet connection with no lags. It is the best DNS server after Google, Cloudflare, and OpenDNS.

Level3 is a free DNS that maintains your privacy by protecting your data.

To start using this DNS, you need to have excellent hardware to enjoy its high-quality function.

12. UncensoredDNS

UncensoredDNS is ideal for accessing the unfiltered web freely in Western Hemisphere countries.

Using UncensoredDNS allows you to send and store your data quickly and safely. Your data will be safe since DNS providers do not track or keep any information.

It also offers a variety of security measures, such as malware protection and ad filtering.

The UncensoredDNS service is speedy and gives all of your DNS requests the utmost privacy.

13. DNS.WATCH

DNS.WATCH is a free DNS server that provides an uncensored, fast, and stable web browsing experience. However, it also offers a number of security features, such as malware protection and ad filtering.

Using DSN.WATCH also gives you a lag-free gaming experience with no intrusions and interruptions on your online connection.

DSN.WATCH never sells your data to third parties.

PS4 and PS5 console players and PC, MAC, and Linux devices can choose this DNS and enjoy its features.

14. Verisign

Verisign is a lag-free, stable, secure, and reliable DNS server, ideal for gamers since it offers high uptime and reliability.

Most importantly, this DNS server handles heavy traffic loads due to its fast response time.

Verisign offers domains, security services, and protection against security threats.

Users on their computers and players on their consoles can benefit from its features like malware scanning, online backup, and other security measures.

15. Norton ConnectSafe

Norton ConnectSafe is also an ideal DNS for gaming. Using this DNS server reduces lag and latency to provide high speed and responsiveness. You can enjoy playing the game along with being safe since it also protects your device against malware, phishing scams, and other threats.

As one of the best DNS servers for a safe connection to the internet, it also offers real-time protection, background working, no slowdowns, and blocking unwanted content.

However, you need to consider that Norton ConnectSafe can’t be a replacement for antivirus.

16.  Neustar

Neustar is known for its high security and can keep your ping steady, but in the geo-tested environment, compared to Cloudflare, it keeps your ping steady and reduces it from 5 to 10 ms; It can be a good option to use to reduce ping.

17. FreeDNS

FreeDNS is one of the best DNS servers for online gaming and is based in Austria. It provides an easy setup with no log DS queries. So you can make sure that your data and information are protected.

FreeDNS offers no lag and buffering during your online playing. Also, it is one of the fastest DNS servers, and a high-speed connection is guaranteed to be offered by the top DNS server.

We can point out that FreeDNS is country-based and not worldwide.

18. Yandex.DNS

Yandex. DNS is a suitable DNS for gaming due to its ability to reduce latency and enhance speeds, which are important for gaming.

Yandex.DNS server creates a smooth game experience by providing 99.95% uptime and is best for gaming because it lets you use many customization features to set up Yandex to best suit your workflow.

In addition to offering faster routes and lower ping, Yandex.DNS improves overall online safety during gaming sessions by blocking malicious sites, and it also has no cost to use.

Which is better 1.1.1.1 or 8.8 8.8 for gaming?

In comparison between 1.1.1.1  and 8.8 8.8, Cloudflare is the winner.

DNSPerf rates Cloudflare’s 1.1. 1.1 as a faster DNS server compared to Google’s 8.8. 8.8.

The best uptime for DNS service is Cloudflare, which is reliable for keeping your ping stable. You will not experience a sudden change of ping with Cloudflare.

Is 1.1.1.1 still the fastest DNS?

Yes, according to the DNSPerf, 1.1.1.1 has been introduced as the fastest and most private DNS service. Its average search speed is 11 ms, which is one of the best in the world.

Due to its fast speed, 1.1.1.1 (Provided by Cloudflare) is good for gaming.

Is 1.1.1.1 safe?

Yes, 1.1.1.1 (provided by Cloudflare) is generally considered safe due to its focus on security and privacy.

Cloudflare prioritizes user connection security by offering encrypted DNS services, DNS over TLS, and DNS over HTTPS. In this way, Cloudflare ensures user privacy from third-party entities manipulating your queries.

Can I use 1.1.1.1 and 8.8 8.8 together?

Yes, it is common practice to use 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) and 8.8.8.8 (Google) as DNS servers together on your device for improved reliability.

Is Google’s DNS safe?

Yes, Google Public DNS, by offering security features such as supporting DoT (DNS over TLS) & DoH(DNS over HTTPS) for encrypted communication and implementing measures to secure against cache poisoning attacks and using DNSSEC, is considered safe.

Is Google DNS faster?

Yes, you can use Google DNS if you want fast and reliable DNS resolution compared to default DNS servers offered by ISPs.

However, experiencing speed depends on factors like location and network conditions.

Is 1.1.1.1 IPv4 or IPv6?

1.1.1.1 is an IPv4 address. However, Cloudflare supports IPv6 addresses.

Is 1.0 0.1 Cloudflare?

Yes, 1.0 0.1 and 1.1.1.1 are DNS resolvers offered by Cloudflare.

Why is 1.1.1.1 blocked?

1.1.1.1 is not typically blocked, but some networks and ISPs may have blocked it because its simple address may have been used for testing and illegal purposes, forwarding massive volumes of useless data to Cloudflare servers.

Is 1.1.1.1 unlimited?

Yes, 1.1.1.1 is free and unlimited DNS. It means there are no limitations or caps on the number of queries you make and data usage.

Who uses 1.1.1.1 DNS?

A wide range of Internet users, including individuals, organizations, businesses, network operators, ISPs, and security scanning services, use 1.1.1.1 DNS for a fast and secure DNS resolution.

Is 1.1.1.1 like a VPN?

1.1.1.1 is a DNS resolver provided by Cloudflare that has different purposes with VPN, but both route user traffic through their servers.
DNS and VPN can improve your privacy online, but DNS, unlike VPN, does not encrypt your data or hide your IP address.

Is 1.1.1.1 better than VPN?

1.1.1.1 (provided by Cloudflare) as DNS resolution enhances internet connection speed, unlike VPN. But VPN, by encrypting internet traffic and hiding IP addresses, offers a higher level of security and privacy, while 1.1.1.1 can not.

Should I use 8.8.8.8 DNS?

8.8.8.8 (Google’s public DNS) is a good DNS resolver service for fast and reliable internet browsing.

Does Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 make internet faster?

Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is known as the fastest DNS service, responding in about 10-20 milliseconds, and performs more efficiently than other DNS servers.

So, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 can make your internet browsing faster by translating domain names into IP addresses quicker.

Is Level 3 DNS good for gaming?

Based on reviews, Level 3 is also considered one of the good DNS servers for gaming due to providing low latency, fast, and reliable DNS services for internet browsing, and it is worth trying for gaming.

Is Quad9 DNS good?

Quad9 is generally considered a good option, especially in terms of privacy and security and Malware blocking because it uses a filtering system to block malicious websites from infecting the device.
So, it is a good choice for users looking to improve online safety on internet connections for free.

Which DNS is fast?

Based on the DNSPerf ranking and user testing, Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) is often considered as the fastest DNS service for gaming.

Which DNS is safe?

Cloudflare DNS, Google DNS, and Quad9 can be considered safe DNS services due to their security and privacy features.

Does DNS Server affect ping?

DNS does not affect ping, and DNS can not reduce ping.

However, DNS technically affects various gaming issues and the speed of accessing a game’s complex domain name each time you log in.

Once you search for a gaming domain name for the first time, your PC stores the address and doesn’t need DNS to connect to the game next time. So, your PC must only request DNS to translate the difficult-to-read domain once.

Moreover, changing to the new and fast DNS improves gaming’s online page load but can not improve ping.

What is DNSSEC, and How is it Different from DNS?

DNSsec is a security mechanism to prevent DNS Spoofing and DNS poisoning via authenticating DNS queries and responses using cryptographic digital signatures.

DNSSec assures the DNS Server to deliver the client with the response from another DNS server, assuring its correctness and that the answer does not change during the transfer and routes the client to the correct destination.

Moreover, DNSSec establishes Identity and Integrity between the main DNS server and our client-facing DNS server.

How to Choose the Fastest DNS Server?

Depending on your geographical location and internet service provider, the fastest DNS Server will be different. We can not recommend a specific DNS server as the fastest DNS server for everyone.
DNS servers can impact your gaming experience; speed and accurate results that impact on game’s performance are important in choosing a DNS server.

There are some DNS speed tools that help you find the Fastest DNS. You can use NameBench and the GRC DNS Benchmark to find your connection’s best DNS settings.

How to Change the DNS in the System?

To change the DNS in Windows or change DNS settings in Linux, the basic steps are as follows:

• Open the Settings app.
• Get access to the available network connection that you are currently using.
• Find the IP settings and set the DNS server based on IPv4.
• Enter preferred and alternate DNS addresses in related fields.
• Click the “Save” or “Apply” button to save changes.

What DNS server should I use?

You should use the best option for your location and needs for speed and privacy. For general purposes, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, and Google DNS are good DNS services that offer fast speed, enhanced security, and maximum uptime.

What are the best ipv6 DNS servers for gaming?

Google Public DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844

Cloudflare: 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001

Quad9: 2620:fe::fe and 2620:fe::9

Best DNS for low ping gaming

As we mentioned previously, DNS can not affect ping directly, but Cloudflare DNS or Google DNS, known for their reliability and speed, can improve the gaming experience by reducing latency.

What are the free DNS servers for gaming?

There are several DNS services that offer free and suitable DNS services for gaming, including Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, and OpenDNS.

Best DNS servers for gaming PS4 & PS5

1. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)
2. Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)
3. Quad9 DNS (9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112)
4. OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220)
5. Comodo Secure DNS (8.26. 56.26 and 8.20.247.20)

Best DNS servers for gaming Xbox

Similar to PS4 and PS5, to choose the best DNS server for Xbox gaming, you can use Google Public DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS due to their fast response time, low latency, reliability, and security features.

Best DNS for PUBG mobile ping

Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), known as speed and global network, is the best way to lower PUBG ping and improve overall performance compared to other DNS services like Google DNS.

Best DNS for gaming Android

Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS are popular options for gaming on Android.

What is the best DNS for Roblox?

The optimal choice for Roblox is a DNS server, such as Cloudflare, that provides a consistent and low-latency gaming experience.

What is the best DNS for a call of duty?

Cloudflare and Google Public DNS are recommended for experiencing smooth and good performance for Call of Duty.

Conclusion

Choosing an ideal DNS Server for gaming impacts your game’s time to establish a connection with the server or download the patches, updates, and other content.

The best DNS server for you is one that meets your needs perfectly; you must find a suitable one, depending on your needs and equipment.

We suggest the below DNS servers as the top 3 winners of the DNS servers list in 2024:

1. Cloudflare: It’s faster and more reliable than Google Public DNS and VeriSign DNS, according to DNSPerf.
2. Quad9: It is best for security, privacy, content filtering, and blocking malicious websites.
3. Google Public DNS: It redirects the user to the nearest data center even if there are issues with data centers and offers more security.