Best Dns Servers Uk for Gaming
Best DNS Servers UK for Gaming (2026): Faster Matchmaking, More Stable Connections, Better Reliability
If you are searching for the Best DNS Servers UK for Gaming, your goal is usually simple: you want faster connections, fewer matchmaking issues, and a smoother online gaming experience. DNS is not the same thing as your in-game ping, but it can still make a real difference in how quickly your device connects to game services, loads multiplayer sessions, and resolves server addresses.
In this guide, you will learn what DNS is, why it matters for gaming, and the best DNS server settings in the UK for PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and gaming routers.
Table of Contents
- What Is DNS and Why It Matters for Gaming
- Does Changing DNS Reduce Ping?
- Best DNS Servers UK for Gaming (Top Picks)
- Best DNS Settings for Gaming: Speed vs Stability vs Security
- How to Change DNS on PC (Windows)
- How to Change DNS on PS5
- How to Change DNS on Xbox Series X|S
- Should You Change DNS on Your Router?
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) for Gaming
- How to Test the Fastest DNS in the UK
- Final Verdict: Best DNS Servers UK for Gaming
What Is DNS and Why It Matters for Gaming
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It works like the internet’s phonebook. When your console or PC tries to connect to an online service (like PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam, or a game server), it needs to translate a domain name into an IP address.
For gaming, DNS can affect:
- How quickly your game connects to servers
- Matchmaking speed and login times
- Stability when connecting to online services
- Loading of game content, store pages, and updates
- Reducing DNS-related errors such as failed connections
A fast DNS resolver can make online gaming feel smoother because it reduces the time it takes to locate and connect to services. In simple terms, your game gets to the “start line” faster.
Does Changing DNS Reduce Ping?
This is important to understand.
In most cases, changing DNS does NOT reduce your in-game ping.
Ping is mostly affected by:
- Distance to the game server
- Your ISP routing quality
- Network congestion
- Wi-Fi interference (if not using Ethernet)
DNS can help before the match starts by improving connection speed to services and server discovery. But once you are in a match, ping is controlled mostly by routing and physical distance.
That said, a better DNS can still improve your experience because it can reduce connection issues and speed up the steps before gameplay begins.
Best DNS Servers UK for Gaming (Top Picks)
Below are the best DNS servers UK gamers commonly use because they are fast, reliable, and widely supported across platforms.
1) Cloudflare DNS (Best Overall for Speed)
Cloudflare is one of the fastest public DNS resolvers in the world. It is designed for speed and performance, which makes it a top choice for gaming.
- Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
Best for: Most UK gamers, competitive gaming, and general performance.
2) Google Public DNS (Best for Consistency)
Google DNS is extremely reliable and works well across all devices and networks. Many gamers use it because it rarely fails and has strong global coverage.
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
Best for: Gamers who want stable results and maximum compatibility.
3) Quad9 DNS (Best for Security + Gaming)
Quad9 is known for blocking access to known malicious domains. If you download mods, click links in gaming communities, or want extra protection, Quad9 is a strong option.
- Primary DNS: 9.9.9.9
- Secondary DNS: 149.112.112.112
Best for: Gamers who want speed with added security.
4) OpenDNS (Best for Filtering and Parental Controls)
OpenDNS is reliable and offers filtering features. It is not always the fastest, but it performs well and gives control options for families.
- Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222
- Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220
Best for: Households that want basic filtering and dependable performance.
Best DNS Settings for Gaming: Speed vs Stability vs Security
Here are the best DNS settings depending on your goal.
Best DNS for Gaming Speed (Recommended)
- Primary: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary: 1.0.0.1
Best DNS for Gaming Stability and Compatibility
- Primary: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary: 8.8.4.4
Best DNS for Gaming + Security
- Primary: 9.9.9.9
- Secondary: 149.112.112.112
A great strategy is to start with Cloudflare, and if you notice no improvement or rare connection issues, switch to Google DNS.
How to Change DNS on PC (Windows)
Follow these steps to change DNS on Windows 10 or Windows 11:
- Open Settings
- Go to Network & Internet
- Select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
- Click Hardware properties or DNS server assignment
- Choose Edit and switch to Manual
- Enable IPv4
- Enter your DNS addresses (example: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)
- Save and restart your connection
Tip: If you want the best gaming performance, use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi whenever possible.
How to Change DNS on PS5
To change DNS on PlayStation 5:
- Go to Settings
- Select Network
- Go to Settings and choose Set Up Internet Connection
- Select your network and choose Advanced Settings
- Set DNS Settings to Manual
- Enter the DNS values
Example for Cloudflare:
- Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
How to Change DNS on Xbox Series X|S
To change DNS on Xbox:
- Press the Xbox button and go to Settings
- Go to General then Network settings
- Select Advanced settings
- Choose DNS settings
- Select Manual
- Enter your DNS values
Example for Google DNS:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
Should You Change DNS on Your Router?
Yes, changing DNS on your router is often the best option because it applies to:
- All consoles
- All gaming PCs
- All devices on your home network
However, some routers provided by UK ISPs (like BT, Virgin Media, Sky) can restrict DNS changes or require extra steps.
If you can change it, router-level DNS is cleaner and easier because you only set it once.
DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) for Gaming
Encrypted DNS options like DoH and DoT improve privacy and prevent DNS interception. But for gaming:
- Standard DNS is usually the fastest because it has the least overhead.
- DoH and DoT can be helpful if your ISP DNS causes issues or filters traffic.
If you are chasing the best possible competitive performance, keep it simple:
- Use standard DNS
- Use Ethernet
- Keep NAT open
- Disable background downloads
How to Test the Fastest DNS in the UK
DNS speed can vary depending on your ISP and location. The best approach is:
- Set Cloudflare DNS and test gaming for a few days
- Switch to Google DNS and test again
- Switch to Quad9 and test again
What to track:
- Matchmaking speed
- Login times
- Connection errors
- Overall consistency
If you want a technical benchmark, use a DNS testing tool to measure average response time. The fastest DNS for your home is the one with the lowest response time and best consistency.
Final Verdict: Best DNS Servers UK for Gaming
If you want a clear answer and the best starting point:
Best DNS Servers UK for Gaming (Recommended)
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Best Alternatives
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (great consistency)
- Quad9 DNS: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112 (great security)
If you want the fastest gaming experience, start with Cloudflare, and combine it with:
- Ethernet connection
- Open NAT type
- Strong Wi-Fi signal (if Ethernet is not possible)
- Minimal background downloads
CTA: If you tell me your platform (PC, PS5, Xbox) and your ISP in the UK (BT, Virgin, Sky, etc.), I can recommend the best DNS option for your setup and the best router settings for gaming.
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