Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Best DNS Servers for PS5: Settings, Testing, and What DNS Actually Changes

Cloudflare is the best DNS provider to try first on PS5, but local testing matters. Compare Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, and Quad9 without confusing DNS lookup speed with in-game ping, NAT, or download bandwidth.
Length8 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Cloudflare is the best DNS server to try first on PS5: use 1.1.1.1 as the primary DNS and 1.0.0.1 as the secondary DNS. However, no DNS provider is universally fastest. Your best result depends on your ISP, location, routing, and network conditions.

Changing DNS can improve hostname lookups and sometimes make online services connect more reliably. It usually will not lower in-game ping, increase download bandwidth, fix weak Wi-Fi, or change your NAT type. Test Cloudflare first, then Google Public DNS and Quad9 if necessary.

Best DNS servers for PS5 at a glance

Provider Primary DNS Secondary DNS Best for Main caveat
Cloudflare standard 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 General use and first testing choice Not guaranteed to be fastest on every ISP
Google Public DNS 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 Reliable fallback No built-in family filtering
Quad9 secure 9.9.9.9 149.112.112.112 Malware blocking and DNSSEC validation Filtering can block some domains
Cloudflare malware filter 1.1.1.2 1.0.0.2 Malware filtering Potential false positives
Cloudflare family filter 1.1.1.3 1.0.0.3 Malware and adult-content filtering May block legitimate gaming or chat services

These addresses are documented by Cloudflare, Google, and Quad9.

What DNS does on a PS5

DNS, or the Domain Name System, translates a hostname into an IP address. When the PS5 needs to contact an online service, DNS helps it find the address associated with that service. Your router or ISP normally supplies DNS automatically.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 6FT, High Speed Braided 40Gbps 2000Mhz Network Cord Cat8 RJ45 Shielded Indoor Heavy Duty LAN Cables Compatible with Gaming PC PS5 PS4 PS3 Xbox Modem Router 6FT
  • 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
  • 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

Entering a public DNS address replaces the resolver normally supplied by your ISP for the PS5 or, if configured on the router, for the entire household. PlayStation lists DNS under the console’s advanced internet settings and describes it as the system that translates names into IP addresses. See PlayStation’s internet connection guide.

DNS is only one part of the connection. It is not the same as:

  • Internet bandwidth or your broadband plan
  • Wi-Fi signal strength or interference
  • NAT type or port forwarding
  • A VPN or game-route optimizer
  • Packet latency after a game connection has been established

What changing DNS can improve

A different resolver may help when your ISP’s DNS service is slow, unreliable, or temporarily malfunctioning. Possible benefits include:

  • Faster initial hostname lookups
  • Quicker opening of services that require a fresh DNS lookup
  • More reliable resolution of PlayStation or game-service domains
  • Malware blocking with Quad9 or Cloudflare’s malware-filtering resolvers
  • Family filtering with Cloudflare’s family resolver

The improvement may be unnoticeable if your ISP already provides a fast, reliable resolver. A game that maintains a long-lived connection may also perform exactly the same after the initial lookup.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What DNS cannot reliably improve

Changing DNS does not increase the speed of your internet plan or make sustained PS5 downloads exceed your available bandwidth. It may affect the initial connection to a download service, but it does not create additional capacity.

It also does not reliably:

  • Lower your in-game ping
  • Fix packet loss, bufferbloat, ISP congestion, or Wi-Fi interference
  • Change your public IP address
  • Improve a distant or poorly routed game-server connection
  • Guarantee a better matchmaking region
  • Change NAT Type 3 into a more open NAT type
  • Open PlayStation Network ports
  • Bypass every school, workplace, parental-control, ISP, or regional restriction

DNS resolves the destination name. After that, game traffic follows the network route selected by your ISP and the service. Resolver latency should not be confused with game-server latency.

Rank #2
DbillionDa Cat 8 Ethernet Cable, 6FT 40Gbps 2000MHz RJ45 LAN Cable
  • Designed for Outdoor & Direct Burial Installations – Heavy-duty double-shielded Cat8 Ethernet cable minimizes EMI/RFI interference and delivers stable long-distance performance. Waterproof, anti-corrosion PVC jacket allows safe direct burial and reliable use in outdoor or indoor environments.
  • 26AWG for Stable High-Load Networks – Thicker 26AWG conductors provide faster, more stable data transmission than standard 32AWG cables. Ideal for high-performance home networks, gaming setups, smart homes, and data-intensive applications.
  • F/FTP Shielding & Hyper-Speed Performance: Cat8 Ethernet cable constructed with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs and 26AWG OFC conductors; supports bandwidth up to 2000 MHz and data transmission speeds up to 40 Gbps, effectively reducing signal interference and ensuring stable connections. Ideal for low-latency gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and high-speed internet connections.
  • RJ45 Connectors & Wide Compatibility: Cat8 Ethernet cable with two shielded RJ45 connectors; compatible with networking switches, IP cameras, routers, Nintendo Switch, modems, PS3, PS4, Xbox, patch panels, servers, smart TVs, and more; works with Cat7, Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 devices
  • Weatherproof & UV Resistant: Outdoor-rated Cat8 Ethernet cable with UV-resistant PVC jacket; withstands direct sunlight, extreme cold, humidity, and hot weather; anti-aging and durable; Includes 18-month support.

Which DNS provider should you choose?

Cloudflare: best first choice for general use

Start with 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Cloudflare provides a widely deployed, standard unfiltered resolver and publishes dedicated setup guidance for gaming consoles. Its public documentation presents 1.1.1.1 as an alternative to an ISP resolver with a focus on speed and privacy. That makes it a sensible default, not a universal performance guarantee.

Google Public DNS: best fallback

Try 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 if Cloudflare is slower or less reliable on your connection. Google recommends configuring at least two different DNS addresses rather than entering the same address twice. Its resolver may perform better for a particular ISP or region.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quad9: best when malware blocking matters

Quad9’s recommended resolver uses 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112. Quad9 says this profile blocks known malicious domains and validates DNSSEC. It is free and does not require an account.

Quad9 is not antivirus, and it does not inspect or secure all game traffic. It blocks DNS lookups for domains identified as malicious. A legitimate game, authentication, voice-chat, or content-delivery domain could also be affected by filtering, so use an unfiltered provider when troubleshooting compatibility.

Cloudflare Families: best for deliberate filtering

Use 1.1.1.2 and 1.0.0.2 for malware filtering, or 1.1.1.3 and 1.0.0.3 for malware plus adult-content filtering. These profiles are useful for households that specifically want filtering, but they are not the best default for unrestricted gaming. If a service stops working, switch temporarily to standard Cloudflare or Google.

How to change DNS on PS5

PlayStation’s current setup path starts at Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Menu wording can vary slightly by system software and connection type.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 10FT, High Speed Braided 40Gbps 2000Mhz Network Cord Cat8 RJ45 Shielded Indoor Heavy Duty LAN Cables Compatible with Gaming PC PS5 PS4 PS3 Xbox Modem Router 10FT
  • 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
  • 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
  1. From the PS5 home screen, open Settings.
  2. Select Network.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
  5. Highlight your saved Wi-Fi network or wired LAN connection.
  6. Open its Options menu and choose Advanced Settings.
  7. Leave IP Address Settings set to Automatic.
  8. Leave DHCP Host Name set to Do Not Specify, if shown.
  9. Change DNS Settings to Manual.
  10. Enter one complete provider pair, such as Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
  11. Leave MTU Settings on Automatic.
  12. Set Proxy Server to Do Not Use, unless you deliberately use a proxy.
  13. Save the settings and select Test Internet Connection.

Use the primary and secondary addresses from the same provider while testing. Mixing Cloudflare and Google is not automatically better and makes comparisons harder because either resolver may be used depending on availability and implementation.

The IPv4 addresses above are the simplest entries for this guide. PS5 supports IPv6 connections but not IPv6-only connections, according to PlayStation’s support documentation. You do not need to configure IPv6 DNS for a basic PS5 test.

How to find the fastest DNS for your own PS5

There is no permanent worldwide ranking that can identify the fastest resolver for every console. Anycast routing, ISP peering, geography, resolver availability, and time of day all affect the result. Treat speed as a local test result.

Use a controlled A/B comparison

  1. Record your current DNS setting, download speed, upload speed, NAT type, sign-in result, matchmaking result, voice-chat behavior, and any connection errors.
  2. Use Automatic DNS for several comparable tests. This gives you a baseline.
  3. Switch to Cloudflare and repeat the same tests.
  4. Switch to Google Public DNS and repeat them again.
  5. Test Quad9 if malware blocking is important to you.
  6. Keep the resolver that offers the best combination of successful connections, consistent service, and acceptable lookup performance.

Test at similar times and with the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet setup. Do not change DNS at the same time as your router, Wi-Fi band, VPN, MTU, port forwarding, or other settings. Otherwise, you will not know which change affected the result.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Do not treat one PS5 connection test or one ping to a DNS address as proof that a provider gives lower game latency. For a more technical comparison, a computer on the same network can run repeated DNS queries or a DNS benchmark. Compare median lookup time, 95th-percentile response time, failure rate, relevant game-service domains, and results at different times of day. A computer benchmark is useful but will not perfectly reproduce PS5 behavior.

Should you change DNS on the PS5 or router?

Change DNS on the PS5 when only the console needs testing, you do not have router-admin access, or you want a reversible experiment that will not affect other devices.

Rank #4
Smolink Cat 8 Ethernet Cable, 50ft 40Gbps 2000MHz RJ45 LAN Cable
  • Cat 8 Speed, Cat 5/5e Value Enjoy Cat 8 Ethernet cable performance at a Cat 5/5e-level value. With up to 40Gbps speed and 2000MHz bandwidth, this high speed internet cable delivers more bandwidth than standard Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables, helping support smooth gaming, streaming, video calls, large file transfers and everyday wired network use.
  • 40Gbps Speed, Wide Compatibility This Cat 8 Ethernet cable supports up to 40Gbps data transfer and 2000MHz bandwidth for fast, reliable internet performance. Standard RJ45 connectors are backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat5e devices, including routers, modems, switches, gaming PCs, PS5, PS4, Xbox, smart TVs, laptops and printers.
  • Stable U/FTP Shielding Each of the 4 twisted pairs is individually wrapped with aluminum foil to help reduce crosstalk, noise, and signal interference. Combined with RJ45 connectors on both ends, the U/FTP design helps maintain cleaner signal transmission for a stable and reliable wired network connection.
  • Nylon Braided Durability The nylon braided jacket adds everyday durability while keeping the cable flexible and easy to route. Reinforced construction helps the cord handle bending, pulling and frequent plugging, making it a reliable choice for desks, gaming rooms, home offices and long-term network setups.
  • 50ft Reach for More Setups The 50 ft length makes it easier to connect devices across rooms, along walls, under desks or around corners. Great for router-to-PC connections, modem-to-TV setups, gaming consoles, workstations, printers and other home network equipment that needs a longer Ethernet cable.

Change DNS on the router when you want the same resolver for the entire household and understand that filtering and resolver behavior will apply across the network. Router interfaces differ, and some ISP-provided equipment hard-codes or intercepts DNS. In that situation, per-device configuration may be necessary. Google documents these router and ISP-equipment variations in its Public DNS setup guidance.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Privacy and security considerations

Changing DNS changes which resolver receives your DNS queries. It does not make the rest of your internet connection anonymous, hide your public IP address, or act as a VPN.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Traditional DNS addresses entered into PS5’s manual IPv4 fields are not the same as DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS. Cloudflare documents encrypted DNS for compatible clients and routers, but entering 1.1.1.1 into the PS5 does not automatically configure DoH. See Cloudflare’s setup documentation for the distinction.

For security filtering, Quad9 blocks known malicious domains and supports DNSSEC validation. Cloudflare’s filtered profiles provide malware or malware-plus-adult-content blocking. Filtering is not guaranteed to catch every threat and can occasionally block legitimate services.

Troubleshooting DNS problems on PS5

The connection test fails

  1. Recheck every digit in both addresses.
  2. Confirm that the primary and secondary addresses belong to the same provider.
  3. Restore DNS Settings to Automatic.
  4. Restart the PS5 and router.
  5. Test the ISP-provided DNS again.
  6. Check PlayStation Status for outages or maintenance.

If Automatic DNS works but one public provider does not, the issue may be a temporary resolver problem, DNS interception by the ISP or router, or incompatibility with that network.

A game or online service stops working

Restore Automatic DNS or try standard Cloudflare or Google. Filtered resolvers can block a required domain, while a mistyped address or service outage can cause similar symptoms. Check PlayStation Status before changing unrelated settings.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Vabogu Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 6FT, 40Gbps 2000MHz High Speed Network Cable
  • 【Ultra Internet speed】Cat 8 ethernet cable support bandwidth up to 2000MHz and boosts the speed of data transmission up to 40Gbps,26AWG Cables suitable Indoor/Outdoor at hyper speed without worrying about cable mess, Cat8 can reduce any signal interference to the full extent. Allow you to stream HD videos, music, surf the net, play games at Hyper Speed
  • 【RJ45 Connectors & Wide Compatibility】With two shielded RJ45 connectors at both ends, the Cat8 Ethernet cable works perfectly Compatible with all the previous(cat5, cat5e, cat6, cat6a and cat7), And with IP Cam, routers, Nintendo switch, ADSL, Adapters, Modem, PS3, PS4, X-box, Patch panel, Servers, Networking Printers, Netgear, NAS, VoIP phones, laptop, Coupler, Hubs, Keystone jack, Smart TV, Imac and other device with RJ45 connectors
  • 【Durable & Weatherproof & UV Resistant】Cat8 lan cable is uses 100% oxygen-free copper inside, 4 Pairs 100% 26WAG pure & thick shielded twisted pair (STP) of copper wires, Aluminium foil shield, Woven mesh shield, Shielded with high quality UV-resistant PVC jacket, the outdoor rated Cat8 Ethernet cable is anti-aging, It can withstand direct sunlight and extreme cold & humid & hot weather yet still working efficiently. Can be buried directly . Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use
  • 【26AWG & Superior Performance】Comparing with other 32AWG Ethernet cable, 26AWG Cat8 is thicker, a lot faster and stable in data transferring, which is perfectly suitable for AI smart products, like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Home, It is suitable for small or middle enterprise LANs, especially for data center switch-to-server interconnections.With sturdy high speed network cable, you will not experience a lag or stop on transferring data
  • 【Customer Care 24-7】You can contact us: we're here for you and we will reply as soon as possible. We believe in our clients' satisfaction and we always do our best to help

Nothing improves

No improvement is a normal result. Your ISP resolver may already be fast, or the real problem may be Wi-Fi interference, packet loss, bufferbloat, ISP congestion, an overloaded game server, or the distance and route to the game server. DNS rotation will not solve those problems.

NAT remains Type 3

DNS is not a NAT configuration tool. NAT behavior is controlled mainly by the router, ISP topology, and how PlayStation services communicate. Investigate router UPnP, carrier-grade NAT, port requirements, or ISP restrictions separately. Do not expect a DNS change to open ports or guarantee a different NAT type.

Your ISP appears to force its own DNS

Some ISP routers prevent custom DNS settings or redirect DNS requests. Try configuring the PS5 individually, check the router’s DNS options, or contact the ISP. Replacing router settings can affect every device, so record the original values before making network-wide changes.

Do you need a VPN or paid gaming DNS?

No. A public DNS resolver is free, and a paid DNS subscription is not automatically a gaming- latency service. A VPN may change your route or public IP, but it can also add latency and is a separate troubleshooting decision. DNS, VPNs, port forwarding, Ethernet, Wi-Fi upgrades, and bufferbloat controls address different problems.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For most PS5 owners, the sensible process is simple: try Cloudflare, compare it locally with Google or Quad9, and restore Automatic DNS if the change offers no benefit or causes compatibility problems.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.