When it comes to gaming, every millisecond counts. Lag, slow connections, and high ping can ruin the most intense moments.
But can changing DNS (Domain Name System) servers help?
Let’s find out.
Summary: Best DNS Servers for Gaming 2025
| Rank | Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Best For | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🏆 Control D | 76.76.2.1 | 76.76.10.1 | Gamers who want speed, server reliability, and customization |
Premium features require subscription, but free options available |
| 2 | Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Reliable, free option | Logs IP address, ISP info, and location |
| 3 | Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Pure speed | Low malware blocking, lower uptime and server quality |
| 4 | Gcore | 95.85.95.85 | 2.56.220.2 | High uptime and server quality | Slow speed, nearly twice as slow as competitors |
| 5 | Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | High uptime | Low speed, uptime, and server quality |
Does DNS Help Gaming Performance?
DNS does not directly impact real-time gaming performance (ping), but it can affect certain aspects of your overall gaming experience, like faster game launches, better security, and fewer connection drops.
✅ What DNS CAN Improve:
- Faster game launches: Good DNS finds servers quicker
- Fewer connection drops: Reliable DNS prevents mid-game disconnects
- Better security: Blocks malicious sites that could compromise your connection
- Reduced lag spikes: Prevents DNS timeouts that cause brief freezes
❌ What DNS CANNOT Fix:
- Your internet speed: Once connected, DNS has zero impact on latency and ping
- ISP throttling: Only VPNs can bypass intentional speed limits
- Bad internet connection: DNS can't fix slow or unstable internet
- Server-side lag: Game server problems are out of DNS control
- Content filtering: Blocks malicious sites, ads, and trackers for safer, cleaner connections.
In the context of gaming, think of DNS like a GPS system. A better GPS route gets you to the destination faster, but it can't make your car go faster once you're on the road.
However, that doesn’t mean you should neglect DNS completely; it still plays a small role that can improve your overall gaming experience.
⚖️ How to Choose The Best DNS Server for Gaming
Selecting the best DNS server for gaming comes down to several key factors:
- Speed & Latency: Look for a DNS service with fast query resolution speeds for your DNS requests.
- High Uptime: If the DNS server fails and goes down, you could lose connection mid-game. Choose a DNS provider known for high availability and stability.
- Global Coverage: The best DNS servers will have a global network, allowing you to connect to the fastest server based on your location or the game’s server region.
- Security Features: A DNS server with strong malware, phishing, and DDoS protection, as well as full modern protocol support, is crucial for protecting yourself from cyber threats.
- Customizability: Some providers allow you to block ads and unwanted content. Choose one that lets you customize your DNS settings for an optimal gaming experience.
- Reputation & Privacy: Use a provider that doesn’t sell your browsing data and gives you the option for no logging.
Best DNS Servers for Gaming in 2025
We’ve ranked DNS providers against the abovementioned criteria. Let’s get into it.
🏆 1. Control D - Overall Best DNS Server for Gaming
Control D strikes the perfect balance between low latency, rock-solid reliability, and full privacy control, making it a top choice for gamers who want the option of free, public DNS servers or a paid subscription for more customization and security.
Key Benefits:
- Custom routing rules (route specific games through optimal servers)
- Ad and tracker blocking (reduces bandwidth usage)
- Malware protection (prevents connection-disrupting attacks)
- DoH/DoT encryption (ISPs can't see your DNS queries)
Free vs Paid:
- Free DNS resolvers: Fast DNS resolution (limited customization)
- Paid subscription: Full customization rules, advanced filtering, analytics, and more
- Primary DNS: 76.76.2.1
- Secondary DNS: 76.76.10.1
2. Google Public DNS
Google’s Public DNS has a network of global servers that often provide a reliable connection while also offering protection against DNS spoofing and DDoS attacks to enhance your security posture.
The main thing to consider with Google DNS is its privacy policy. They log data, including your IP address, and can also store information related to your ISP and location, which can be seen as an invasion of privacy for many users.
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
3. Cloudflare
Cloudflare DNS is a juggernaut. They often boast the fastest DNS server speeds on the market thanks to their extensive global server network.
It’s worth mentioning that its malware blocking, server uptime, and server quality are subpar, all of which can impact your connection; the last thing you want is a dropped connection when you’re mid-gameplay.
- Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
4. Gcore
Gcore has an extensive server network and ranks highly for server uptime and quality, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable DNS provider.
But, it should be noted that Gcore’s speed ranks among the lowest on this list. In fact, it’s almost twice as slow as its competitors, which means connecting to game servers and browsing the internet may be laboriously slow.
- Primary DNS: 95.85.95.85
- Secondary DNS: 2.56.220.2
5. Quad9
Quad9 offers solid security features, including protection against malicious domains and phishing attempts, making it a good choice for those prioritizing safety.
However, when it comes to speed, server quality, and uptime, Quad9 comes in among the lowest on this list.
- Primary DNS: 9.9.9.9
- Secondary DNS: 149.112.112.112
🛠️ How Can I Change My DNS Server?
To switch DNS servers, follow these steps:
- Navigate to your network or DNS settings
- Edit DNS entries – Replace your ISP’s default DNS with the primary and secondary DNS server addresses of your chosen provider.
- Save and test – Use a DNS benchmark tool to confirm improvements.
Note: If switching multiple devices, enter the following DNS server addresses on your router for network-wide coverage.
Common DNS Gaming Issues & Solutions
| ❌ Problem | ✅ Solution |
|---|---|
| DNS Changes Don’t Work | Clear your DNS cache |
| Some Games Still Slow | Some games use hard-coded IP addresses, bypassing DNS entirely. DNS won’t help these games. |
| Connection Drops Continue | DNS might not be the issue. Check: - Ethernet cable quality - Wi-Fi signal strength - ISP stability - Router age/firmware |
| DNS Changes Don’t Work on a Console (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch) |
Manually set DNS in the console’s network settings – consoles have their own DNS configs separate from your PC – or change DNS on your router. |
Final Thoughts
While your DNS server has little direct impact on your gaming ping and latency, it can enhance the overall gaming experience.
Control D is the server of choice for most gamers, offering the perfect balance of speed, security, customization, privacy, and gaming optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does DNS speed up gaming?
DNS can help connect to game servers faster, but once the game has loaded, it has little impact on your in-game ping and latency. However, it can affect your overall gaming experience.
What are the best gaming servers?
Gamers choose Control D as their DNS server due to its speed, reliability, and extensive security and customizability options, which are not offered by other services.
How do you find the best DNS server for gaming?
Compare services based on server speed, uptime, quality, and security. However, having a reliable DNS server that offers consistent uptimes over fast speeds is more important.
What is the best private DNS for gaming?
The best private DNS for gaming is Control D.
Is a VPN better than DNS for gaming?
A VPN can increase latency, thus slowing down your connection. In contrast, DNS primarily resolves domain names and has minimal impact on gaming speed. However, a VPN provides increased security, which can be beneficial.
