Gaming is more than just a pastime. It's a culture. Gamers take their craft seriously, and that means having the best equipment possible. You've got the latest graphics card, the fastest processor, and the most responsive mouse. But what about your DNS server? It may not be the most glamorous part of your gaming setup, but it can make a world of difference. In this review, we'll take a look at the best DNS servers for gaming, and how they can give you the competitive edge you need.
Before we delve into the specifics, let's first talk about what a DNS server is and why it's important for gaming. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it's like a phone book for the internet. When you type in a website's URL, the DNS server translates it into an IP address that your computer can understand. The DNS server you use can affect your internet speed, latency, and overall gaming experience. A slow or unreliable DNS server can cause lag, disconnects, and other frustrating issues. Now that we're on the same page, let's get into the nitty-gritty.
1. Google DNS
Google DNS is a popular choice for gamers because it's fast, reliable, and free. It's easy to set up, and you don't need to download any software. Google DNS has servers all over the world, so you can expect low latency no matter where you're located. It's also less likely to be affected by DDoS attacks than other DNS servers because of Google's robust infrastructure. The downside of Google DNS is that it doesn't have any advanced features, such as parental controls or ad-blocking. If you're looking for a simple and effective DNS server, Google DNS is a great choice.
2. Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS is another popular option for gamers. It's fast, secure, and has a range of features that can improve your gaming experience. One of the biggest advantages of Cloudflare DNS is its security. It uses DNS over HTTPS (DoH), which encrypts your DNS requests and makes them more difficult to intercept. This can be especially useful if you're gaming on public Wi-Fi. Cloudflare DNS also has a feature called 1.1.1.1 for Families, which blocks adult content and malware. The downside of Cloudflare DNS is that it can be more difficult to set up than other DNS servers, and it doesn't have as many servers as Google DNS.
3. OpenDNS
OpenDNS is a DNS server that's been around since 2005. It's owned by Cisco, so you can expect it to be reliable and secure. OpenDNS has a range of features that can improve your gaming experience, such as parental controls, malware protection, and ad-blocking. It also has a feature called DNSCrypt, which encrypts your DNS requests and makes them more secure. The downside of OpenDNS is that it's not as fast as some other DNS servers, and it can be more expensive if you want to access all of its features. However, if you're looking for a DNS server with advanced features, OpenDNS is a solid choice.
4. Comodo Secure DNS
Comodo Secure DNS is a lesser-known DNS server, but it's still worth considering for gamers. It's fast, secure, and has a range of features that can improve your gaming experience. Comodo Secure DNS uses DNS over TLS (DoT), which encrypts your DNS requests and makes them more secure. It also has a feature called Web Filtering, which blocks malicious websites and phishing scams. The downside of Comodo Secure DNS is that it doesn't have as many servers as other DNS servers, and it's not as well-known. However, if you're looking for a reliable and secure DNS server, Comodo Secure DNS is worth checking out.
5. Quad9
Quad9 is a DNS server that's focused on security. It's fast, reliable, and has a range of features that can protect you from online threats. Quad9 uses DNS over HTTPS (DoH), which encrypts your DNS requests and makes them more secure. It also has a feature called Threat Intelligence, which blocks access to known malicious websites. The downside of Quad9 is that it doesn't have as many servers as other DNS servers, and it can be more difficult to set up. However, if you're looking for a DNS server that prioritizes security, Quad9 is a great choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right DNS server can have a big impact on your gaming experience. The five DNS servers we've discussed in this review all have their strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose the one that's right for you. If you're looking for a fast and reliable DNS server, Google DNS is a great choice. If you're looking for a DNS server that prioritizes security, Cloudflare DNS or Quad9 are good options. If you're looking for a DNS server with advanced features, OpenDNS or Comodo Secure DNS are worth considering. Whatever your priorities are, there's a DNS server out there that can give you the competitive edge you need.
| DNS Server | Features | Pros | Cons |
| Google DNS | Fast, reliable, free | Easy to set up, has servers all over the world | No advanced features |
| Cloudflare DNS | Fast, secure, has parental controls and ad-blocking | Uses DNS over HTTPS, has a range of features | More difficult to set up, doesn't have as many servers as Google DNS |
| OpenDNS | Parental controls, malware protection, ad-blocking | Uses DNSCrypt, has advanced features | Not as fast as some other DNS servers, can be more expensive |
| Comodo Secure DNS | Fast, secure, has Web Filtering | Uses DNS over TLS, has a range of features | Not as many servers as other DNS servers, not as well-known |
| Quad9 | Fast, secure, has Threat Intelligence | Uses DNS over HTTPS, prioritizes security | Not as many servers as other DNS servers, can be more difficult to set up |