Gaming · 4 min read · By WhatsMyIPv4 Team · Updated June 24, 2026

The Best DNS for Gaming

Let's set expectations: DNS doesn't change your ping inside a match, because that's decided by your route to the game server. What a fast DNS does help with is menus, store pages, matchmaking, and patch downloads.

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Top picks

  • Cloudflare, 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Fast and private.
  • Google, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Reliable everywhere.
  • Both are free and easy to set on a console or router.

How to set it on a console

  1. On PlayStation: Settings, Network, Set Up Internet Connection, Custom, then set DNS to Manual and enter 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
  2. On Xbox: Settings, Network, Advanced settings, DNS settings, Manual, then enter the same addresses.
  3. Or set it once on your router to cover every device in the house.

Frequently asked questions

Does changing DNS lower my ping?

Not your in-game ping. It speeds up name lookups, so menus and matchmaking feel quicker, but the route to the game server sets your actual latency.

What actually lowers gaming ping?

A wired connection, choosing the closest server, and cutting network congestion. See our guides on lowering ping and reducing lag.

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