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Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is the best first DNS server to test for gaming in 2025. After that, compare it with Google Public DNS and your ISP’s resolver from the same home network. The winner is the service that gives your location reliable, compatible lookups—not necessarily the provider that tops a global speed chart.
DNS can reduce the time needed to find a game, launcher, update or voice-service endpoint, and it can sometimes influence which CDN edge answers your request. It is not a guaranteed fix for high in-game ping, jitter, packet loss, bufferbloat or weak Wi-Fi.
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Quick comparison
| DNS service | Best for | IPv4 addresses | IPv6 addresses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 | First speed and privacy test | 1.1.1.11.0.0.1 |
2606:4700:4700::11112606:4700:4700::1001 |
| Google Public DNS | Neutral, broadly compatible resolution | 8.8.8.88.8.4.4 |
2001:4860:4860::88882001:4860:4860::8844 |
| Quad9 | Malware and threat blocking | 9.9.9.9149.112.112.112 |
Use Quad9’s documented encrypted hostname or IPv6 configuration |
| OpenDNS | Mature filtering and troubleshooting tools | 208.67.222.222208.67.220.220 |
Use the service’s documented configuration for IPv6 |
| AdGuard DNS | Blocking ads and trackers | 94.140.14.1494.140.15.15 |
Use the service’s documented configuration for IPv6 |
| CleanBrowsing Security Filter | Malware and phishing protection for a household | 185.228.168.9185.228.169.9 |
2a0d:2a00:1::22a0d:2a00:2::2 |
| Specialized alternatives | Family filtering or CDN-localization testing | Cloudflare Families or Quad9 ECS | Depends on the selected service |
What DNS actually changes in gaming
When you start a game, launcher, update, store, matchmaking service or voice service, your device may first need to turn a hostname into an IP address. DNS performs that lookup. A quicker or more reliable resolver can reduce the time before that connection begins.
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DNS can also influence the address returned by a CDN-backed service. Depending on the resolver, your ISP, the CDN and your region, the answer may point to a different edge location. A 2025 academic comparison of major public resolvers found meaningful differences in DNS-query latency and CDN client-to-edge mappings. Those differences varied by resolver, CDN, region and IP version, so a result that helps one household may not help another.
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Once a multiplayer session is established, however, the game normally communicates over the route selected by the game service and your ISP. Changing DNS does not normally fix sustained high ping, jitter, packet loss, bufferbloat, weak Wi-Fi or a poor ISP route. It also does not increase FPS. Think of DNS as a possible connection-setup and service-selection optimization, not a general-purpose lag cure.
1. Cloudflare 1.1.1.1: best first test for speed and privacy
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 is the best place for most players to begin testing. It is a free public resolver with a global network, conventional DNS support and encrypted DNS through DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS. Cloudflare says it does not sell resolver data to advertisers, making the service attractive if privacy matters alongside lookup speed.
Use these standard addresses:
- IPv4:
1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1 - IPv6:
2606:4700:4700::1111and2606:4700:4700::1001
Cloudflare publishes its speed positioning using broad public-resolver measurements, but that does not make it the fastest DNS for every gamer. Your ISP resolver may be closer to your home, and a different resolver may return a better CDN endpoint for a particular game or launcher. Test Cloudflare against your ISP DNS rather than assuming the change will lower your in-game ping.
2. Google Public DNS: best neutral and compatible baseline
Google Public DNS is a useful comparison point when you want a large, neutral resolver without default adult-content, advertising or malware filtering. It supports conventional DNS, DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS. Google documents its anycast design, which is intended to route clients toward a nearby advertised service location and return normal, non-redirected DNS answers.
- IPv4:
8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4 - IPv6:
2001:4860:4860::8888and2001:4860:4860::8844
Google is often the most useful second test after Cloudflare because it has a different network and routing profile. If Cloudflare produces inconsistent lookups, a launcher cannot connect, or a specific service behaves differently, compare Google and your ISP resolver under identical conditions.
3. Quad9: best security-first choice
Quad9 is the strongest pick when blocking known malicious domains is more important than chasing a small difference in lookup time. Its main secure service combines threat blocking with a privacy-focused recursive DNS service.
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- Standard secure IPv4:
9.9.9.9and149.112.112.112 - Encrypted service hostname:
dns.quad9.net
Quad9 also documents a separate ECS service at 9.9.9.11 and 149.112.112.11. ECS can help users who do not reach the closest Quad9 location and want potentially better CDN localization. Treat it as a separate test, not as an automatic upgrade for every connection.
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4. OpenDNS: best mature filtering and troubleshooting option
OpenDNS remains a practical choice for households that want established filtering controls and a familiar troubleshooting alternative. Its standard service is the better gaming default because it does not intentionally apply the broader adult-content restrictions associated with FamilyShield.
- Standard OpenDNS:
208.67.222.222and208.67.220.220 - OpenDNS FamilyShield:
208.67.222.123and208.67.220.123
FamilyShield is designed to filter adult content, so it can interfere with some websites or service domains. Use it only when that filtering goal is deliberate. OpenDNS is a useful comparison resolver, but regional measurements have found that its DNS latency can vary materially and that Cloudflare was faster for some tested CDN workloads. That makes local testing more important than the provider’s reputation.
5. AdGuard DNS: best for blocking ads and trackers
AdGuard DNS is a good fit when you want network-level ad and tracker reduction while gaming, browsing or using a smart-TV and console household. Its default public service blocks ads and trackers:
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94.140.14.14and94.140.15.15 - Non-filtering IPv4:
94.140.14.140and94.140.14.141 - Family protection IPv4:
94.140.14.15and94.140.15.16 - DNS-over-HTTPS:
https://dns.adguard-dns.com/dns-query - DNS-over-TLS:
tls://dns.adguard-dns.com
For diagnosing a game, launcher, console store or voice service, start with the non-filtering endpoint. It removes filtering as a possible cause of a failed connection. Switch to the default endpoint when ad and tracker blocking is the priority, and use the family endpoint only when its additional restrictions are wanted.
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6. CleanBrowsing Security Filter: best security-filtered family-network option
CleanBrowsing’s Security Filter is intended to block malware and phishing without applying the broader adult-content and mixed-content restrictions of its Family Filter. That makes it more suitable for a gaming household than an aggressively restricted family profile when you want safety without unnecessarily changing normal web access.
- IPv4:
185.228.168.9and185.228.169.9 - IPv6:
2a0d:2a00:1::2and2a0d:2a00:2::2 - DNS-over-HTTPS:
https://doh.cleanbrowsing.org/doh/security-filter/ - DNS-over-TLS:
security-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org
CleanBrowsing is not a defensible universal fastest-DNS pick. Its reason for being on this list is household administration and security filtering. If a game or platform has trouble resolving a required domain, compare it with a non-filtering service such as Google or the non-filtering AdGuard endpoint.
7. Specialized alternatives: Cloudflare Families or Quad9 ECS
The seventh choice is a use-case slot rather than another claim that one resolver is globally faster.
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 for Families
Cloudflare’s Families variants add malware and adult-content protection to the 1.1.1.1 service. They make sense for a family console or home network where filtering is more important than unrestricted resolution. Because filtering can affect websites, launchers and service dependencies, do not use a family profile as your first performance diagnostic. Use Cloudflare’s current Families configuration rather than guessing at addresses or combining it with the standard 1.1.1.1 pair.
Quad9 ECS
Quad9’s ECS addresses, 9.9.9.11 and 149.112.112.11, are the more performance-oriented specialized alternative. They are intended for users who do not route to the closest Quad9 location and want potentially better CDN performance. ECS can change which CDN edge is selected, but it still cannot guarantee a lower ping to a game’s actual multiplayer server.
How to test DNS for gaming properly
A global ranking is only a starting point. DNSPerf tests public resolvers every minute from more than 200 locations and updates its public data hourly, which makes it useful for directional comparison. It does not measure the matchmaking route for your particular game from your home connection.
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- Record your current settings. Write down the ISP-provided DNS addresses before changing anything. This gives you a reliable rollback option.
- Use the same test conditions. Test every resolver from the same device, home connection, physical location and connection type. Do not compare a Wi-Fi result with a wired result.
- Test DNS queries, not just ICMP ping. On Windows, run
nslookup example.com 1.1.1.1. On macOS or Linux, rundig @1.1.1.1 example.com. Replace the resolver address and query the same several domains for each provider. A DNS benchmark tool can automate repeated queries from your location, but ordinaryping 1.1.1.1is not a DNS-speed test: it measures ICMP reachability to the resolver address instead. - Repeat the queries. Test several relevant domains, including domains used by your launcher, game platform, update system or voice service when you can identify them. Compare the median and slowest results across repeated queries instead of relying on one unusually fast lookup.
- Allow for caching. Your computer, router, console or game launcher may cache answers. After changing DNS, clear the local cache where practical or restart the device, then give the game or launcher a fresh test.
- Measure the game separately. Use the same game mode, server region and time-of-day conditions. Record actual in-game ping, packet loss and jitter. A faster DNS lookup that produces no change in those measurements is behaving normally, not failing.
- Keep the reliable compatible option. If one resolver is only a few milliseconds faster for DNS queries but another never blocks a required service, choose the dependable resolver. Reliability and compatibility matter more than a tiny benchmark win.
How to change DNS settings
Windows 11
- Open Settings and select Network & internet.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on the active connection.
- Open the connected network’s properties and find DNS server assignment.
- Select Edit, choose Manual, enable IPv4, and enter the matched primary and secondary addresses.
- Enter IPv6 addresses only if IPv6 is active and you are testing it intentionally. Save the change.
Windows 10 also supports the setting through Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click the active adapter, choose Properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), choose Use the following DNS server addresses, and enter the pair.
PlayStation 5
Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Highlight the connected network, press the controller’s options button, choose Advanced Settings, set DNS Settings to Manual, and enter the primary and secondary IPv4 addresses. Menu names can change slightly with system software updates.
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Open Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings > DNS settings > Manual. Enter the matched primary and secondary addresses, then return to the network screen and run Test network connection.
Nintendo Switch
Open System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings, select the current network, choose Change Settings, set DNS Settings to Manual, and enter the primary and secondary addresses.
Router
Change DNS on the router when you want the setting to cover the whole home. The exact label varies by manufacturer and firmware; look under Internet, WAN, DHCP or LAN settings. Some ISP gateways hide custom DNS controls or force their own resolver. A router change may also affect phones, streaming devices, smart-home equipment and other players, so changing DNS on one console or PC is safer for a controlled comparison.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not mix DNS providers while testing
Use a matched pair from the same service during each test—for example, both Cloudflare addresses or both Google addresses. Do not use Cloudflare as primary and Google as secondary merely because both addresses are familiar.
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- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
Operating systems and routers may use either configured server, or switch to the secondary if the primary is slow or unavailable. Mixing providers can therefore make results inconsistent and can produce different filtering behavior. Restore the ISP pair if compatibility worsens, then test one complete provider pair at a time.
What to troubleshoot when DNS does not fix lag
| Symptom | More likely explanation | Next test |
|---|---|---|
| Game starts or signs in slowly, but in-game ping is normal | DNS lookup or service startup delay | Compare repeated DNS queries and launcher domains |
| DNS queries are fast, but ping is high throughout a match | ISP route, distant game server or network congestion | Compare server regions and run a route or latency test |
| Ping jumps when someone streams or downloads | Bufferbloat or overloaded upload/download queue | Test with other traffic paused and inspect router queue-management options |
| Packet loss or jitter appears mainly on Wi-Fi | Wireless interference, signal quality or local congestion | Test the same game over Ethernet or close to the access point |
| Launcher, voice chat or store breaks after changing DNS | Filtering or an incompatible DNS response | Restore ISP DNS or test Google and a non-filtering AdGuard endpoint |
A wired connection is a useful diagnostic control because it separates DNS selection from Wi-Fi problems. If the wired result is stable and the wireless result is not, changing resolvers is unlikely to solve the underlying issue. Likewise, a network driver problem on a Windows PC is a separate troubleshooting matter; updating a driver should be based on a missing, outdated or corrupted adapter driver, not on a promise of faster DNS.
Which DNS should you choose?
- Start with Cloudflare if you want the simplest speed-and-privacy comparison.
- Compare Google and your ISP resolver when Cloudflare is inconsistent or you want a neutral baseline.
- Choose Quad9 when blocking known malicious domains is the priority.
- Choose standard OpenDNS or CleanBrowsing Security when household filtering and administration matter.
- Choose AdGuard when blocking ads and trackers is the main goal; use its non-filtering endpoint while diagnosing compatibility.
- Try Cloudflare Families for deliberate family-content filtering, or Quad9 ECS when you specifically want to test CDN localization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing DNS lower my in-game ping?
Usually not. DNS can speed up hostname lookups when a game, launcher or voice service connects, and it can sometimes influence the CDN endpoint selected. It does not normally control the sustained route used by an established multiplayer session, so it cannot be promised to lower Fortnite, Call of Duty, Valorant or any other game’s ping.
What DNS should I try first for gaming?
Start with Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, then compare Google Public DNS and your ISP resolver from the same device and connection. Choose Quad9 for threat blocking, AdGuard for ad and tracker blocking, or OpenDNS and CleanBrowsing for household filtering.
Should my primary and secondary DNS servers be from different providers?
No. Use a matched primary and secondary pair from one provider during each test. Mixing services can make the operating system switch between different resolvers and filtering policies, which makes the comparison unreliable.
Is encrypted DNS faster for gaming?
DoH and DoT encrypt DNS traffic between the device or router and the resolver when supported. They can be preferable on untrusted networks, but encryption does not automatically make game connections faster and does not change the route of the established game session.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Bottom Line
Bottom line: Begin with Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, then compare Google Public DNS and your ISP resolver from the same network. Keep the provider that gives you reliable lookups and compatible game, launcher and voice-service access. If your actual in-game ping, jitter or packet loss remains poor, investigate Wi-Fi, bufferbloat and the ISP route instead of repeatedly changing DNS.
Quick Recap
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