The best DNS servers for gaming in 2026 are Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) and Quad9 (9.9.9.9), with OpenDNS, AdGuard DNS and NextDNS as good picks if you want filtering. A fast DNS server speeds up lookups for game launchers, logins, downloads and websites, but it does not lower your in-game ping once you are connected to a game server. The fastest option depends on your location, so test two or three from the list below.

This guide explains what DNS does for gaming, lists the addresses from each provider’s official setup pages, and shows how to change DNS on PS5, Xbox, Windows, macOS and your router.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is the internet’s phonebook: it turns names like play.examplegame.com into the numerical IP addresses computers use to connect. When you launch a game or visit a gaming site, your device asks a DNS server for the IP address, then connects to it.

By default, your device uses your internet provider’s DNS server. That default DNS can be slower, less private or less reliable than a public DNS service. Many gamers also change browsers; see is Opera GX safe.

What is DNS

How DNS affects gaming performance

DNS helps gaming indirectly:

  • Faster lookups. A fast DNS server resolves names for launchers, stores, patch servers and matchmaking services quickly, so these load with less delay.
  • Fewer malicious domains. Some DNS services, such as Quad9, block malicious domains, which protects you from phishing and malware when you download mods or tools.
  • More reliable connections. Large public DNS services rarely fail, so you get fewer “server not found” errors.

What DNS does not do is lower your ping during a match. Once your game knows the server’s IP address, it talks to that server directly. Ping depends on the distance to the game server, your connection and your Wi-Fi. Online play can also suffer from a strict NAT, which you can fix by following how to change NAT type on Windows. If you game with a VPN on, see how much a VPN slows down your internet.

Best DNS servers for gaming in 2026

All addresses below are taken from each provider’s official setup pages.

ProviderIPv4IPv6Filtering
Cloudflare1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.12606:4700:4700::1111, 2606:4700:4700::1001None
Google Public DNS8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.42001:4860:4860::8888, 2001:4860:4860::8844None
Quad99.9.9.9, 149.112.112.1122620:fe::fe, 2620:fe::9Malicious domains
OpenDNS Home208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220Not listed on the setup pagePhishing, optional
AdGuard DNS94.140.14.14, 94.140.15.152a10:50c0::ad1:ff, 2a10:50c0::ad2:ffAds and trackers
NextDNSFrom your NextDNS setup pageFrom your NextDNS setup pageCustom

1. Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare’s resolver (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) is the usual first choice for gamers because it is fast in most regions and focuses on privacy. Cloudflare says it truncates your IP address, never writes it to disk, and deletes resolver logs within 25 hours. It supports encrypted DNS (DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS). The standard resolver does not filter anything; if you want filtering, Cloudflare offers 1.1.1.2 and 1.0.0.2 to block malware, and 1.1.1.3 and 1.0.0.3 to block malware and adult content.

2. Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) is fast and very reliable, with servers around the world. It does not filter content. Google says temporary logs with your full IP address are deleted within 24 to 48 hours, and its permanent logs do not include personal information.

3. Quad9

Quad9 (9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112) blocks domains known to host malware and phishing, and validates DNSSEC. That makes it a good choice if you often download mods, maps or tools. If a site you trust is blocked, Quad9 also offers an unfiltered service (9.9.9.10 and 149.112.112.10).

4. OpenDNS

OpenDNS, run by Cisco, offers OpenDNS Home (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) and FamilyShield (208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123), which blocks adult content automatically, a simple form of web filtering for a home network.

5. AdGuard DNS

AdGuard DNS’s default servers (94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15) block ads and trackers, which can make gaming sites and wikis cleaner. It also offers a non-filtering service (94.140.14.140 and 94.140.14.141) and a family service (94.140.14.15 and 94.140.15.16).

6. NextDNS

NextDNS lets you build your own filter list, with ad and tracker blocking, parental controls and logging options. NextDNS gives each configuration its own addresses, so copy them from the Setup tab in your NextDNS account rather than from a list online. The free plan includes 300,000 queries per month; after that, NextDNS keeps resolving queries but stops filtering until the next month.

Many guides agree that Cloudflare or Google is the best starting point for most gamers. You can also mix providers, for example Cloudflare as primary and Google or Quad9 as secondary.

To find the fastest option for you, test each one. On Windows, you can compare response times with a DNS benchmark tool, or simply try each provider for a few days.

Best DNS servers for gaming

Gaming DNS by device

Best DNS for PS5 and Xbox. There is no console-only DNS. Consoles use the same public DNS servers as PCs, so pick one from the table above. Cloudflare or Google is a good default.

Gaming DNS for PC. On a PC, set DNS on the network adapter, or on your router so it applies to every device at home.

Private DNS on Android. Android’s Private DNS setting encrypts your lookups with DNS over TLS. Enter one.one.one.one for Cloudflare, dns.google for Google or dns.quad9.net for Quad9. This protects your DNS lookups on public Wi-Fi but does not change your ping. Many routers and PCs also support encrypted DNS (DoT and DoH).

How to change DNS (PS5, PC, and router)

On PS5: Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Highlight your network, press the Options button and select Advanced Settings. Set DNS Settings to Manual, enter the primary and secondary DNS (such as 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), and select OK.

On Xbox: Go to Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings > DNS settings > Manual, and enter your primary and secondary DNS.

On Windows 11: Go to Settings > Network & internet, select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then your connection’s hardware properties. Next to DNS server assignment, select Edit, choose Manual, turn on IPv4 (and IPv6 if you use it), and enter your DNS addresses. You can also turn on DNS over HTTPS here for supported providers.

On macOS: Go to System Settings > Network, select your connection and click Details. Open DNS, click the plus button, add your DNS addresses and click OK.

On your router: Sign in to your router’s admin page and find the DNS fields, usually under Internet, WAN or DHCP settings. Enter the primary and secondary DNS and save. Every device on your home network will use them.

After changing DNS, restart the device or flush the DNS cache. On Windows, open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns.

Pros and cons of using gaming DNS servers

Pros:

  • Speed. A public DNS server can resolve names faster than your internet provider’s default DNS, so launchers, stores and updates respond sooner.
  • Security. Quad9, AdGuard DNS, OpenDNS and NextDNS can block malicious domains. Encrypted DNS stops others on your network from seeing your lookups.
  • Getting past DNS blocks. If your internet provider blocks a game-related site through its own DNS, a public DNS server can get around it. It does not help with other kinds of blocks; see how to unblock games.
  • Reliability. Large providers have very high uptime.

Cons:

  • No change to in-game ping. DNS does not change the distance to the game server.
  • Privacy trade-offs. Your DNS provider can see which domains you look up. Read each provider’s privacy policy before you choose.
  • Over-blocking. Filtering DNS services can block a site you need by mistake. Allowlist it or switch to the provider’s unfiltered service.
  • Setup mistakes. A typo in a DNS address can stop your connection working. Double-check the addresses, and use our what is my IP tool to check your connection.

Best DNS settings for gaming

  • Set DNS manually. Enter a primary and a secondary DNS address instead of relying on automatic settings.
  • Add IPv6 if your network uses it. Use the provider’s IPv6 addresses too, so IPv6 lookups do not fall back to your internet provider’s DNS.
  • Use two addresses. The secondary is used if the primary is unreachable. You can mix providers.
  • Set it on your router if you want every device, including consoles, to use the same DNS.
  • Flush the cache after changing DNS, or restart the device.

Conclusion

For most gamers, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) is the best DNS for gaming in 2026, with Quad9, OpenDNS, AdGuard DNS and NextDNS as good choices if you want filtering. Set them on your console, PC or router and test which one feels fastest from your location. A better DNS makes launchers, downloads and online gaming sites more responsive, but it does not lower your in-game ping.

FAQs

Which DNS is the fastest for gaming?

It depends on your location. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.8.8) are fast in most regions and are the best places to start. Test both, and keep the one that responds quickest for you.

Does DNS improve ping?

No. Ping depends on the distance and route to the game server. DNS only affects how quickly your device finds the server’s IP address before it connects.

What DNS server should I use?

Start with Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8). If you want protection from malicious domains, use Quad9 (9.9.9.9). If you want to block ads or set parental controls, use AdGuard DNS, OpenDNS FamilyShield or NextDNS.

What is the best IPv6 DNS for gaming?

Use the IPv6 addresses of the same provider you use for IPv4, such as 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001 for Cloudflare, or 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844 for Google.

Is 4.2.2.1 a good DNS for gaming?

We don’t recommend it. 4.2.2.1 belongs to an IP range registered to Level 3 Parent, LLC, but we could not find an official provider page that documents it as a public DNS service, with a privacy policy or encrypted DNS support. The providers above document all of these.

What is 45.90.28.190?

The 45.90.28.0 range is registered to NextDNS. NextDNS addresses are tied to your own configuration, so copy yours from the Setup tab in your NextDNS account instead of using an address from a list.

Is smart DNS good for gaming?

Not for performance. Smart DNS services are built to change how some streaming sites see your location, not to speed up gaming. For gaming, use one of the public DNS servers above.

How do I find the best DNS for my area?

Try each provider for a while, or use a DNS benchmark tool to compare response times from your connection. Large providers route you to a nearby server automatically, so the closest one usually wins.