Top DNS Servers for Gaming: Boost Your Connection & Lower Ping

If you play games online, you know how even a split-second delay can make the difference between winning and losing. Nothing is more frustrating than lag, high ping, or a sudden disconnect right when you’re about to make a crucial move. Most gamers try to fix these issues by upgrading their internet or changing router settings, but there’s one simple trick that often goes unnoticed: optimizing your DNS settings.

Switching to a better DNS server can lead to smoother gameplay and faster connections – especially for mobile gamers on iOS and Android. In this guide, we’ll break down what DNS actually does, highlight the top DNS servers for gaming, show you how to change your DNS on mobile devices, and explain how BearVPN can make your gaming more secure and reliable.

What Is DNS and Why Is It Important for Gamers?

Before we dive into the best DNS servers for gaming, it’s important to understand what DNS is and why it matters.

The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the internet’s phonebook. When you enter a website address or launch an online game, your device asks a DNS server to translate that human-readable domain (like playstation.com or fortnite.com) into the numeric IP address that servers and routers actually understand.

How Does DNS Impact Gaming?

• Faster Response Times: Every online action—whether logging in, joining a match, or accessing multiplayer features—can be delayed by slow DNS resolution. Choosing a faster DNS can reduce these delays.
• Lower Ping: Ping is the time it takes data to travel to a server and back. Slow DNS can add unnecessary milliseconds to this process.
• Greater Stability: Reliable DNS servers are less likely to experience outages or attacks, meaning you’re less likely to disconnect during a match.
• Increased Security: Some DNS providers offer built-in malware filtering or block malicious domains, helping to protect your accounts and devices from online threats.

For gamers—especially those who play competitively or on-the-go with mobile devices—optimizing DNS is a smart and often simple way to gain a performance edge.

Best Public DNS Servers for Gaming

Not all DNS servers are created equal. While your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns a default DNS, public alternatives can offer better speed, privacy, and reliability. Here are the most recommended DNS servers for gaming in 2025, whether you’re on iOS, Android, or any other platform.

1. Cloudflare DNS

• Why it’s great: Known for its blazing-fast speeds, privacy-first policies, and zero DNS query logging. Cloudflare’s global network ensures low latency worldwide, making it a favorite for gamers seeking the fastest DNS for gaming.
• IPs:
  • Primary: 1.1.1.1
  • Secondary: 1.0.0.1

2. Google Public DNS

• Why it’s great: Google’s infrastructure is globally distributed and extremely reliable. For many, it’s the best DNS for gaming on Android, iOS, or even consoles.
• IPs:
  • Primary: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary: 8.8.4.4

3. Quad9

• Why it’s great: Quad9 emphasizes security, automatically blocking known malicious domains. If you want a gaming DNS server that also keeps you safe from phishing and malware, Quad9 is a top contender.
• IPs:
  • Primary: 9.9.9.9
  • Secondary: 149.112.112.112

4. OpenDNS

• Why it’s great: OpenDNS offers content filtering and security features that are great for families and shared devices, along with solid speed and uptime.
• IPs:
  • Primary: 208.67.222.222
  • Secondary: 208.67.220.220

Comparison Table: Top Gaming DNS Servers

When searching for the “best DNS servers for gaming,” these options consistently rank high for both speed and reliability across independent benchmarks and user reports.

How to Change DNS Settings on iOS & Android Devices

Switching to a better DNS server on your mobile device can often reduce ping and help stabilize your gaming connection. Here’s how to set up the best gaming DNS servers on iOS and Android.

Changing DNS on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Step1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi

Step 2. Tap the (i) next to your connected Wi-Fi network

Step 3. Scroll to DNS and tap “Configure DNS”

Step 4. Select “Manual” and add your preferred DNS IPs (e.g., 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8)

Step 5. Tap “Save”

Note: iOS does not allow custom DNS for mobile (cellular) data out-of-the-box. You’ll need a VPN app with DNS customization, like BearVPN, for system-wide DNS protection.

Changing DNS on Android

Step 1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi

Step 2. Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS 

Step 3. Enter your chosen DNS IPs

Step 4. Save and reconnect

Note: Steps can vary depending on Android version and manufacturer.

Common Issues with Manual DNS Setup

• Works only for the current Wi-Fi network; if you switch networks, you must reconfigure.
• Doesn’t affect cellular data on many phones.
• Manual changes may not protect you from DNS leaks or privacy issues.
• Less convenient compared to a solution that routes all your traffic, like a VPN.

Enhancing Mobile Gaming Security & Privacy with BearVPN

While manual DNS configuration can improve performance, it often lacks the privacy, security, and simplicity that modern gamers expect. This is where VPN solutions like BearVPN step in.

What Makes BearVPN Unique for Mobile Gamers?

• Automatic Server Selection: With BearVPN, connecting is effortless. The app automatically picks the fastest and most secure VPN server, meaning less manual tweaking and more time gaming.
  
• DNS Leak Protection: BearVPN encrypts all your traffic, including DNS requests, ensuring that your queries stay private and protected from eavesdroppers, trackers, or hackers. This reduces the risk of DNS hijacking or interception, which can compromise your game accounts or sensitive information.
  
• System-wide Security: Unlike manual DNS changes that typically work only on Wi-Fi, BearVPN protects your entire device—Wi-Fi, cellular, and any app, including mobile games.
  
• No Complex Setup: Just install BearVPN on your iOS or Android device, tap to connect, and enjoy enhanced security and performance instantly.

BearVPN also features app-specific VPN controls, RAM-only servers, and advanced encryption to further protect your privacy.

Is BearVPN a DNS Server?

No, BearVPN is not a DNS service provider. Instead, it creates a secure encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, including DNS queries, to pass through trusted, protected servers. This helps prevent DNS leaks and provides consistent protection—something manual DNS configuration can’t guarantee, especially on mobile devices.

Why Combine VPN with Gaming DNS Optimization?

Using a VPN app with built-in DNS leak protection, like BearVPN, delivers a twofold benefit:

• Performance: It can help route your connection via the fastest available nodes.
• Security: All your traffic, including DNS, is encrypted, keeping you safe from prying eyes, especially on public Wi-Fi or unfamiliar networks—scenarios common for mobile gamers.
• Versatility: Many top VPNs, like those in our best VPN for gamers guide, provide features such as split tunneling and access to global servers, so you can easily customize your gaming experience across regions.

Manual DNS Change for PC & Console Gamers

For PC and console gamers, switching to the best DNS servers for gaming can still yield noticeable improvements in speed and stability. However, BearVPN currently supports only iOS and Android devices. For desktop and console play, manual DNS setup remains the way to go:

• For Windows:
  Go to Network & Internet settings > Change adapter options > Right-click your connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 > Use the following DNS server addresses.
  
• For PlayStation/Xbox:
  Network settings > Set up Internet connection > Custom > Manual DNS entry.

Always test multiple DNS providers—sometimes the fastest DNS server for gaming will depend on your geographic location and ISP.

FAQs: DNS, VPN, and Mobile Gaming

1: Can changing DNS servers lower ping in mobile games?

Often yes. Using a faster DNS can reduce initial connection times and sometimes lower overall latency, but the effect varies based on your network and game servers.

2: Is it safe to use a public DNS for gaming?

Top public DNS providers like Cloudflare, Google, and Quad9 are highly reputable and safe. Always avoid obscure or unverified DNS servers.

3: Can BearVPN help with DNS leaks on mobile?

Yes! BearVPN’s built-in DNS leak protection ensures your DNS queries are always routed securely, preventing common leaks and privacy issues that affect manual DNS setups.

Conclusion

Tweaking your DNS settings is a simple yet effective way to cut down lag and get more stable gaming, especially on mobile. Switching to a top DNS server can help you enjoy smoother, faster gameplay right away.

If you’re playing on iOS or Android, BearVPN adds extra security and makes it easy to stay protected with just a tap. No technical skills needed—just connect and play with confidence.

Try BearVPN today to see how much better mobile gaming can feel with the right setup.