The Best DNS Servers for Gaming in 2025

DNS serves as the backbone of modern online communications, acting as the critical bridge between domain names and their respective IP addresses. But can it also enhance your gaming experience? With online gaming becoming more competitive, even the smallest delay can impact performance. Can switching to a free DNS server reduce latency, improve connection stability, or even bypass geo-restrictions? Choosing the right DNS server might just give you the competitive edge you need. Don’t worry—this article has all the answers.

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a database that converts domain names into their respective IP addresses. Think of it as your phone’s contact list: you remember a website name, and DNS helps match it with the correct numerical address.

When you type "thebestgame.com" into your browser, your device doesn’t know its IP address. Instead, it queries a DNS server, which then responds with the correct IP, allowing your device to establish a connection.

Does DNS Affect Gaming?

DNS plays a role in certain aspects of gaming. Faster DNS servers can help load web pages (like gaming news sites) more quickly. Changing your DNS may also grant access to games, mods, or clans blocked by your old provider.

However, once you’re in-game, DNS stops being a major factor. The game client already knows where to connect, so switching DNS servers won’t introduce new multiplayer servers. Similarly, it won’t improve in-game latency (ping).

What Factors Impact Gaming Performance?

To optimize your gaming experience, consider these key factors:

Internet Connection: A fast, stable connection is crucial. Frequent drops or unstable service can get you kicked off a server or make you an easy target in competitive matches.
Distance to Game Servers: The farther away you are from a game server, the higher the latency. High ping can lead to rubberbanding or laggy gameplay.
Wi-Fi Strength: Weak signals cause connectivity issues. If possible, play near your router or use a wired Ethernet connection.
Network Congestion: Shared connections affect bandwidth. Playing during peak hours may result in slower speeds and increased lag.

The Best DNS Servers for Gaming

Most people use their ISP’s default DNS, but this may not be the optimal choice. ISP DNS servers can be slow, block certain content, or log your activity. Here are some top alternatives:

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1)
- Pros: Fast, reliable, privacy-focused, prevents DNS spoofing.
- Cons: Lacks extensive security filtering for malicious sites.
- Average Response Time: ~11ms
Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4)
- Pros: Fast resolution speeds, globally available, reliable.
- Cons: May log some user data, not as privacy-focused as Cloudflare.
- Average Response Time: ~13ms
Quad9 (9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112)
- Pros: Strong security, blocks access to dangerous websites.
- Cons: Slightly lower speed compared to Cloudflare and Google DNS.
- Average Response Time: ~18ms
NextDNS (45.90.28.190 / 45.90.30.190)
- Pros: Customizable, offers ad blocking and malware protection.
- Cons: Free plan has a query limit, requires setup for customization.
- Average Response Time: ~15ms

Which DNS Server is Best for Gaming?

The ideal DNS server varies based on location, security needs, and preferences. The services listed above are free, so testing them out can help you determine the best fit.

For a quick recommendation, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is an excellent choice for speed and reliability. While it lacks extensive security features, it’s a clear improvement over most ISP-provided DNS servers.

How to Change Your DNS

Switching DNS servers is straightforward—just enter the new DNS addresses in your device’s network settings. However, each operating system stores DNS settings in a different place.

If you need assistance, check our detailed guides on changing DNS settings for Windows, Android, PS4, PS5, and Xbox consoles.

Integrating Cryptocurrency Payments with Plisio

For gaming platforms looking to expand their payment options, Plisio offers a seamless solution for integrating cryptocurrency transactions. With Plisio, gaming sites can accept payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and multiple other cryptocurrencies, ensuring fast and secure transactions. The platform provides an easy-to-use API and plugins for major CMS and e-commerce platforms, making integration smooth for developers. Additionally, Plisio helps gaming websites reduce transaction fees, bypass banking restrictions, and attract a broader audience of crypto enthusiasts. By leveraging Plisio, gaming platforms can enhance their monetization strategy while staying ahead in the evolving digital economy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right DNS server can improve your overall browsing and gaming experience by offering better speed, security, and reliability. While DNS servers won’t directly reduce in-game latency, they can help optimize your connection to gaming-related services. Additionally, integrating cryptocurrency payments through platforms like Plisio can open new opportunities for gaming websites, making transactions faster and more accessible to a global audience. By staying informed and utilizing the best tools available, you can ensure a smoother, more efficient gaming experience.

Please note that Plisio also offers you:

Create Crypto Invoices in 2 Clicks and Accept Crypto Donations

14 integrations

10 libraries for the most popular programming languages

19 cryptocurrencies and 12 blockchains