11 Best DNS Servers for Gaming in 2024 [ Fastest ]

Are you looking for some of the “Best DNS Servers for Gaming” to enhance your gaming experience?

You came to the right place because here, in this article, we are providing you with the Fastest DNS Servers for Gaming.

The in-game ping while playing an online game is depended on the distance to your server’s location.

However, DNS servers can impact online gaming in terms of upload and download speeds, and lag, which directly relates to your game performance.

But before moving further we must be familiar with what DNS servers are


What is a DNS Server?

The term DNS stands for Domain Name System.

It’s basically known as the Phonebook of the Internet because humans can’t access information online through IP addresses, they have to remember the Domain names such as Google.com or Wikipedia.org.

On the other hand, Web browsers interact through IP (Internet Protocol) addresses only and the DNS Systems translates those Domain names to IP addresses so that browsers can load the content.


How does DNS work?

The DNS (Domain name system) server converts the Domain names (example – techworm.net ) to Equivalentย IP addresses (such as 192.168.1.1).

How DNS works

IP addresses are similar to our home addresses.

For example, if someone wants to visit us then they need to follow the right address in order to reach us.

Similarly, if someone wants to visit a particular website then they need to follow the right IP address of that server on which the website is stored.

Relatedย  ย  Best Public DNS Servers

Top 10 DNS Servers for Gaming

DNS Primary DNS Server Secondary DNS Server
Google DNS Server 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1
OpenDNS 208.67.220.220 208.67.222.222
Comodo DNS 8.26.56.26 8.20.247.20
Level3 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4
Quad9 9.9.9.9 149.112.112.112
OpenNIC 23.94.60.240 128.52.130.209
DYN 216.146.35.35 216.146.36.36
Safe DNS 195.46.39.39 195.46.39.40
DNS.Watch 82.200.69.80 84.200.70.40
Verisign Public DNS
64.6.64.6 64.6.65.6

1. Google DNS Server

google services down

The first on our list is Google DNS Server.

It’s the world’s leading and largest DNS Server available online.

Trusted by billions of people across the globe, “Google DNS Server” has become the most popular option, as the “best DNS for gaming”.

The biggest feature of Google DNS Server is that it boosts up the browsing experience with enhanced security and gaming experience with lag free and smooth gaming.

So if anyone wants to use it they just have to configure the DNS settings of their network just by simply following these IP addresses:

  • Preferred DNS Server:ย 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS Server:ย 8.8.4.4

2. Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare DNS for gaming

Second, on the list of fastest DNS servers for gaming is Cloudflare DNS which has a coverage spanning 250 cities around the world.

Cloudflare is used by 10% of websites as a reverse proxy for protection against attacks on the web servers and also provides extra load-bearing capacity.ย 

It comes with several features that make it a good choice as a DNS server for gaming, which also include:

  • Built-in DNSSEC that protects users from DNS spoofing, preventing the hijacking of records
  • DNS lookup speed of 11ms on average, being amongst the top in the world
  • Optional WARP app that creates a secure connection over your standard network tunnel for additional security

They also provide 24/7/365 support across the board for any issues regarding their servers or troubleshooting of any nature.

  • Preferred DNS Server:ย 1.1.1.1
  • Alternate DNS Server:ย 1.0.0.1

3. OpenDNS

OpenDNS Dns server for gaming

Our third recommendation in this list is Open DNS.

It’s a free cloud-delivered network security service that provides shielding against the dangerous attacks over network devices.

It also offers two free solutions for personal customers:

  • OpenDNS Family Shield
  • OpenDNS Home.

The main purpose of this is to provide the users withย faster and safer internet with almost downtime limited to zero.

And at last, it also offers a smooth gaming experience.

In order to use this Open DNS server, one should configure their Domain Name System settings to the following IP addresses.

  • Preferred DNS Server:ย 208.67.222.222
  • Alternate DNS Server:ย 208.67.220.220

4. Comodo Secure DNS

Comodo DNS for Gaming

Comodo Secure DNS service is the most reliable DNS Service available online.

It delivers the fastest and most dependable internet browsing experience to its users.

Speedier DNS means much faster gaming experience and it’s a fact.

So, In order to use Comodo secure DNS, you have to configure the DNS settings of your networks by using following DNS IP addresses.

  • Preferred DNS Server:ย 8.26.56.26
  • Alternate DNS Server:ย 8.20.247.20

5. Level3

level3 dns for gamiing

The next very popular DNS Service on our list is “Level3”.

It is considered as the best after Google and Open DNS service provider.

In order toย use this level3 DNS server, one should configure their Domain Name System settings to the following IP addresses.

  • Favored DNS Server:ย 209.244.0.3
  • Exchange DNS Server:ย 209.244.0.4

6. Quad9 DNS

Quad9 DNS

Quad9 provides a DNS with an in-built filter and monitor that looks for malicious activities on the network.

This DNS blocks all malwares of all nature from getting on the network tunnel and entering your device. It looks up malicious names from a centralized name and matches against incoming packets for taking appropriate action.

The Swiss-based Quad9 foundation has 150 DNS resolve clusters across 90 countries that helps in reducing latency and offering maximum possible speed.

  • Preferred DNS Server – 9.9.9.9
  • Alternate DNS Server – 149.112.112.112

7. OpenNic

opennic dns

The next on the list of fastest DNS for gaming is “OpenNic” and like many other DNS Servers OpenNic is the best alternative of your default DNS Server.

However, the best part is it will protect your laptop/pc from attackers and even from the government.

Hence maintaining your privacy at a very high level.

So if you want to use itย set your preferred and alternate DNS servers to be:

  • Preferred DNS Server – 46.151.208.154
  • Alternative DNS Server – 128.199.248.105

8. DYN

Dync DNS server for gaming

Similar like other options mentioned above, DYN offers the same fast and secure web browsing experience to its users.

With smoother browsing, it also protects your information from most phishing attacks and hackers.

So in order to use it, all you need is to set yourย preferred and alternate DNS servers to:

  • Preferred DNS Server – 216.146.35.35
  • Alternate DNS Server – 216.146.36.36

9. SafeDNS

safedns dns for gaming

Another very known DNS Service called Safe DNS is the best option for those who like to protect their Laptop/PC from attacks.

In order to use it, one can set their preferred and alternate DNS servers to:

  • Preferred DNS Server – 195.46.39.39
  • Alternate DNS Server – 195.46.39.40

10.ย DNS.watch

Dns.watch for gaming

Next up, we have “DNS.watch” is the free DNS service in the list.

It provides an uncensored, fast and stable web browsing experience and that too for free of cost.

In order to use it, one shouldย set their preferred and alternate DNS servers to:

  • Preferred DNS Server – 84.200.69.80
  • Alternate DNS Server – 84.200.70.40

11. Verisign Public DNS

Verisign DNS

Verisign Public DNS is a free DNS by the telecom giant, offering a more secure and private way to access the internet.

This gaming DNS is said to be privacy-focused. It doesn’t store any personally identifiable information about its users, such as IP addresses or browsing history.

  • Preferred DNS Server –ย 64.6.64.6
  • Alternate DNS Server –ย 64.6.65.6

Also Read ย Best Discord Bots To Enhance Your Server

How To Change DNS Server On Windows 10

Changing the DNS server on your Windows 10 computer is easier than you think. It will take less than two minutes to change DNS, provided you follow every step.

1. Head straight to the taskbar where the network icon for your Internet is located. On a wired Internet connection, it will appear as we are displaying.

On the other hand, the icon for wireless looks similar to Wi-Fi.

Open Network Settings for DNS change

2. Right-click on the Network icon and select theย Open Network and Internet Settings.

Network Settings Menu

3. Look at the bottom in theย Advanced network settings section. Click on theย Network and Sharing Center. A network setting window of the Control Panel will open up.

Network and Sharing for Gaming DNS server

4. In theย View your active networks section, click on the option that saysย Ethernet. It will say WiFi (WiFiNetwork Name) for users connected to the Internet using a Wi-Fi network.

Ethernet Button on Windows 10

5. Theย Ethernet/Wi-Fi Status window will appear on the screen. Head straight to the properties located in the lowerย Activity section.

Ethernet Properties - Windows 10

6. Now, theย Ethernet/Wi-Fi properties wizard will open up. Selectย Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP) as denoted by A.
As soon as you select the option, theย propertiesย button will become accessible. Click on it to open its properties.
IPv4 Properties

7. Once inside the IPv4 properties, head straight to the second section and tickย Use the following DNS addresses,ย as denoted by A.

Then the two fields for Primary and Alternate DNS will become editable. We added the Google DNS’s both primary and alternate addresses.

Change DNS on Windows 10

Once DNS server addresses are filled, tick the box that saysย Validate settings upon exit, as denoted by B.

After that, click on the OK button, which is denoted by C.

Once you close the settings, a troubleshooter will open automatically to ensure that changes have not caused any new issues.


How To Change DNS Server On Windows 11

Changing DNS Server on Windows 11 is almost similar to Windows 10. Consequently, you can simply follow all of the steps shared above.

Windows 11 DNS

That said, the initial steps are a bit different. So first, Open the search bar and type control panel. Once you’re in the control panel select Network and Sharing Center.

You can now follow all of the steps shared in the Windows 10 section starting with step four.


How To Change DNS On Router

Suppose you have multiple devices requiring DNS for gaming, then there is no need to change them individually. You can just change the DNS on the router itself.

Irrespective of the router/modem model, the DNS settings are generally inย Network > WAN.

Change DNS on Router

How to Change DNS Server on Smartphoneย 

When gaming on a smartphone, it is imperative to change for optimal in-game performance with low ping and high upload/download speed.

Change DNS on your smartphones, both iOS, and Android.

A. Change DNS on Android

Changing the DNS server on your smartphone is easier than on Windows. You will have to make changes to the connected Wi-Fi network.

  1. Head to the quick settings bar and long-hold on the Wi-Fi to open the settings.
  2. Tap on the connected Wi-Fi network or the arrow next to it(depending on the Android phone). It will open the settings of the network.
    DNS settings on Android
  3. Scroll down in the menu and tap on theย IP Settingsย to selectย Static, as opposed to the default DHCP option.
    IP Static settings - DNS
  4. The DNS dialogue boxes will appear. DNS 1 is the primary server, while DNS 2 consists of the second server, as denoted by A.
    Change DNS on Android
  5. Save the DNS changes by clicking on the OK button, denoted by B.

You have successfully changed server on an Android smartphone.

B. Change DNS on iPhone

Just like Android, you can change the DNS server on iPhone as well. The process feels easier here but involves roughly the same number of steps.

1. Head to the settings and scroll down to tap on the Wi-Fi option.

Change DNS on iOS

2. The connected Wi-Fi network will appear at the top, along with available networks in the second section.

Tap on the blueย i buttonย to change to open the Wi-Fi settings for the connected network.

Wifi Option on iOS

3. Scroll down and tap on theย Configure DNS button from the DNS section.

configure DNS on iOS

4. Tap onย Manualย to add your own DNS server to your iPhone.
Manual DNS on iOS

5. Before the addition, we will delete the existing DNS by tapping on the red button that has a minus symbol.

remove DNS on iOS

6. Now we will add another one to replace the delete DNS here. For example, we added Cloudflare’s DNS here as 1.1.1.1 in the primary DNS field.
Add DNS on iOS

Then tap on the add button, with the green plus sign, to add a secondary DNS address. Here we added Google DNS address, as you can see with 8.8.8.8.

Save DNS on IOS

7. Once both fields, save the DNS change byย Save button, located at the top.

Also Read- Best DNS Servers for PS4 & PS5

FAQs

Is 1.1.1.1 still the fastest DNS?

One of the topmost independent DNS monitoring services DNSPerf has ranked 1.1.1.1 as the fastest DNS in the world.

Which is better 1.1.1.1 or 8.8 8.8 for gaming?

Cloudflare’s DNS 1.1.1.1 is obviously more secure and fast than Google’s 8.8.8.8. However, you should check and choose whichever is working better for you.

What DNS has the lowest ping?

Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1 is known to have the lowest ping as its server is located across the world.


Conclusion

So this was all regarding the Best DNS Servers for Gaming. You should test a few and choose whichever is giving better results for you.

Anchit Sharma
Anchit Sharma
Anchit Sharma covers evergreen explainers, how-to, tips-tricks, and lists, for Techworm. He previously wrote for GadgetsToUse and TheHackerNews.

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