Have you ever faced lag and delays while playing PS4 games online, even when your internet works fine? It’s because you’ve chosen the wrong Domain Name System (DNS) server. But worry not. We’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best DNS servers for PS4 that you can use to get low pings, lightning-fast downloads, and a smoother browsing experience on your console.
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Best DNS Servers for PS4
A DNS server acts as a translator between domain names and IP addresses. So, when choosing the best DNS for PS4, you should consider factors like reliability, speed, security, and performance. Some of the best DNS servers for your PS4 are Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, OpenDNS, DNS.WATCH, and Quad9 DNS.
However, you should test different servers to find the one that offers optimal performance and enhances your PS4 gaming experience.
What Is a DNS?
The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as a directory for the internet, just like your phone book. It has a list of all website names and their corresponding IP addresses. So, whenever you enter a website URL or name into the browser, DNS converts it into a precise IP address and directs you to the correct website.
DNS servers eliminate the need to remember IP addresses for accessing each website. Without it, our internet experience would not be pleasant.
Every internet-connected device, including your beloved PS4, requires a DNS server to function. By default, you’ll be using your ISP’s assigned DNS server.
So, to elevate your gaming experience and avoid common issues like packet loss, jitter, and lag, you should use the most reliable and fastest PS4 DNS servers available.
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How Does DNS Work?
When you enter a website address like www.example.com, DNS converts it into a computer-friendly IP address like 192.168.1.1. Just like how a street address guides you to a specific home, an IP address guides you to the right device on the internet.
Think of it as a visit to the library. You want to find a book but don’t know its catalog number. So you turn to the librarian for help. The librarian provides the shelf number, which helps you locate the book effortlessly.
That’s exactly how DNS operates. It acts as your digital librarian, ensuring you reach the correct IP address associated with the website you want to visit.
What Makes a DNS Server Good for PS4?
A good DNS server for a PS4 should possess certain qualities to optimize your gaming experience. Here are the key factors that you must consider while choosing the best DNS server for PS4:
1. Speed
One of the primary considerations is speed. A DNS server with fast response times ensures that your PS4 can quickly translate domain names into IP addresses, reducing potential delays or lag during online gaming sessions.
2. Reliability
A reliable DNS server is essential to maintaining a stable connection. It should be available and responsive consistently, minimizing the chances of interruptions or downtime that can disrupt your gaming experience.
3. Security and Privacy
While gaming, protecting your PS4 and personal information from online threats is important. A good DNS server will have built-in security measures, such as blocking access to malicious websites, preventing phishing attacks, and prioritizing user privacy.
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How to Edit DNS Server Settings on PS4?
Follow these steps to edit the DNS settings on your PS4:
Note: Run a speed test on your PS4 console before editing the DNS settings to know the download and upload speeds. Remember the data, as you’ll use it to compare it with the updated one.
- On your PS4, go to the “Settings” menu.
- Select “Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Wi-Fi or LAN“.
- Choose “Custom” for the setup method.
- You’ll now see the IP Address Settings page. Select Automatic and click OK.
- Choose the “Do Not Specify” option on the DHCP Host Name page.
- When you reach the DNS settings, select “Manual“.
- Select the primary DNS option and enter the DNS server address of your chosen DNS provider (e.g., Google Public DNS, Cloudflare DNS).
- Click the Done button or press R2 on your controller to save the changes.
- Do the same for the secondary DNS option.
- Save the settings and click the Next option.
- You’ll now see the MTU Settings page. Select Automatic and proceed further.
- Choose the “Do Not Use” option on the Proxy Server page.
- Once you update the internet settings, you’ll see the Test Internet Connection option; click it.
- The internet speed test will begin and show you the impact of the changes you’ve made in the internet settings.
You’ll see the upload and download speeds and some other parameters. Compare the data with the previous internet speed test to know the impact of the DNS server.
If it’s positive, keep it. Otherwise, change the settings to the previous ones.
Note: Select PS4 DNS servers geographically close to your location for better performance. Test a few DNS servers to determine which works best for your PS4.
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Best Working DNS Servers for PS4
Here’s a table for the best DNS servers for PS4 in 2024.
| S.no. | DNS Server | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS |
| 01. | OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
| 02. | Cloudflare DNS | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| 03. | Google DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
| 04. | DNS.WATCH | 82.200.69.80 | 84.200.70.40 |
| 05. | Quad9 DNS | 9.9.9.9 | 114.112.112.112 |
| 06. | SafeDNS | 195.46.39.39 | 195.46.39.40 |
| 07. | CleanBrowsing DNS | 185.228.168.168 | 185.228.169.168 |
| 08. | OpenNIC DNS | 138.197.140.189 | 137.220.55.93 |
| 09. | Adguard Public DNS | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 |
| 10. | Comodo Secure DNS | 8.26.56.26 | 8.20.247.20 |
| 11. | Uncensored DNS | 91.239.100.100 | 89.233.43.71 |
| 12. | Verisign DNS | 64.6.64.6 | 64.6.65.6 |
| 13. | UltraDNS by Neustar | 64.6.64.6 | 64.6.65.6 |
| 14. | Level3 | 209.244.0.3 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.3 4.2.2.5 | 209.244.0.4 4.2.2.2 4.2.2.4 4.2.2.6 |
| 15. | Century Link | 205.171.3.66 | 205.171.202.166 |
| 16. | Xfinity DNS (Comcast) | 75.75.75.75 | 75.75.76.76 |
| 17. | Yandex | 77.88.8.8 | 77.88.8.1 |
| 18. | DNS Advantage | 156.154.70.1 | 156.154.71.1 |
| 19. | SmartViper | 208.76.50.50 | 208.76.51.51 |
| 20. | Dyn DNS | 216.146.35.35 | 216.146.36.36 |
| 21. | DNSPod Public DNS | 119.29.29.29 | N/A |
| 22. | Hurricane Electric DNS | 74.82.42.42 | N/A |
| 23. | puntCAT | 109.69.8.51 | N/A |
| 24. | DNSpai | 101.226.4.6 | 218.30.118.6 |
| 25. | Baidu DNS | 180.76.76.76 | N/A |
| 26. | FreeDNS | 37.235.1.174 | 37.235.1.177 |
| 27. | Alternate DNS | 76.76.19.19 | 76.223.122.150 |
| 28. | Fourth Estate | 45.77.165.194 | 45.32.36.36 |
| 29. | OneDNS | 117.50.11.11 | 117.50.22.22 |
| 30. | Sprintlink | 204.117.214.10 | 199.2.252.10 |
| 31. | NTT | 129.250.35.250 | 129.250.35.251 |
1. OpenDNS
OpenDNS is popular for its advanced security features and customizable filtering options. It provides a robust suite of features, including comprehensive content filtering with over 50 categories to cater to the needs of parents and guardians.
With OpenDNS, you’ll never have to worry about phishing websites or streaming on PS4. Apart from the free Home package, you can opt for premium plans like Umbrella Prosumer and Home VIP.
Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222
Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220
2. Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS is one of the best DNS servers for PS4 that emphasizes privacy, security, and fast response times. It offers DNS resolution through its vast network infrastructure, which helps improve website loading speeds.
Cloudflare could be the right choice if you often play multiplayer games with your friends online.
Moreover, it also focuses on encrypting DNS queries to enhance user privacy and comes with built-in DNSSEC to protect you against DNS spoofing.
Just like OpenDNS, it offers different plans to cater to your needs. The best part is that the basic plan is free, making it accessible to everyone.
Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
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3. Google DNS
Google DNS is a reliable and widely used DNS service for PS4. Many streamers use this DNS server, as it has data centers in all major countries.
It’s known for its fast response times and extensive infrastructure. Google DNS is the world’s largest and most secure public DNS service, handling a staggering trillion DNS queries daily.
The best part is that it’s reliable and completely free. If you face any issues while setting up Google DNS, you can take help from forums.
Google DNS also supports IPv6 through 2001:4860:4860::8844 or 2001:4860:4860::8888.
You can also check out Google Cloud DNS for more features.
Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
4. DNS.WATCH
DNS.WATCH is a privacy-focused DNS server that strongly emphasizes user privacy and data protection.
It doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and aims to provide fast and secure DNS resolution. DNS.WATCH offers encrypted DNS queries to enhance privacy and security.
Primary DNS: 82.200.69.80
Secondary DNS: 84.200.70.40
5. Quad9 DNS
If you’re looking for a DNS for PS4 with the utmost security, Quad9 DNS would be an excellent choice. It’s a security-focused DNS service that protects you against malware, phishing, and other online threats.
Quad9 DNS blocks access to known malicious websites and provides additional security for PS4 users. It utilizes threat intelligence from various sources to enhance protection.
Moreover, it lets you keep a tab on all blocked domains and malicious websites.
Primary DNS: 9.9.9.9
Secondary DNS: 149.112.112.112
6. SafeDNS
SafeDNS is a cloud-based DNS service that focuses on security and content filtering. It offers customizable web filtering options to protect you from accessing inappropriate content or potentially harmful websites.
With this DNS, you’ll get an extra layer of security for PS4. You can subscribe to their premium plans to access advanced features like phishing detection and content filtering.
Primary DNS: 195.46.39.39
Secondary DNS: 195.46.39.40
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7. CleanBrowsing DNS
CleanBrowsing DNS is a family-friendly DNS service that blocks access to adult content and provides protection against malicious websites. It’s the perfect DNS for parents who want to protect their kids from online threats when gaming on PS4.
It offers three different filtering options: “Security,” “Adult,” and “Family“. You can choose any filter to prevent spammers from stealing information.
With CleanBrowsing DNS, you can use safe search mode on Google and Bing to ensure privacy and safety. It also helps prevent filter bypasses by VPNs and proxies, ensuring a secure online environment.
Primary DNS: 185.228.168.168
Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.168
8. OpenNIC DNS
If you’re concerned about your privacy and security on your PS4, choose the OpenNIC DNS server.
It provides access to a wide range of domain extensions such as libre, .geek, .chan, .bbs, etc. and focuses on user empowerment and open internet principles.
OpenNIC DNS supports alternate domain extensions and gives you more control over online browsing. It also blocks ads opening new tabs and ISP-served search engines.
Primary DNS: 138.197.140.189
Secondary DNS: 137.220.55.93
9. Adguard Public DNS
If you’re looking for a DNS server that optimizes your gaming and blocks ads while browsing, Adguard Public DNS would be a perfect choice.
It’s among the best PS4 DNS servers that focus on blocking ads and protecting your privacy. With this DNS server, your internet surfing becomes smoother and better.
Primary DNS: 94.140.14.14
Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.15
10. Comodo Secure DNS
Comodo Secure DNS is a security-focused DNS service that offers protection against malware, phishing, and other online threats.
The best part is that it’s free and uses advanced security measures to ensure a safe browsing experience.
Comodo DNS offers its own DNS servers for PS4 that are fast, secure, and reliable.
Primary DNS: 8.26.56.26
Secondary DNS: 8.20.247.20
11. Uncensored DNS
If you want an open and unrestricted online experience, Uncensored DNS might be the right choice for you. Thomas Steen Rasmussen developed uncensored DNS to prioritize servers free of filters.
It’s a DNS service that promotes freedom of information and provides access to websites that may be blocked or censored in certain regions.
Uncensored DNS bypasses content restrictions and allows you to access more online content. If you want to play a geographically restricted game, you can use this DNS server to get access to it.
Primary DNS: 91.239.100.100
Secondary DNS: 89.233.43.71
12. Verisign DNS
Verisign DNS is a reliable and globally recognized DNS service that offers stable performance and fast response times.
It’s an optimized DNS for PS4 that maintains a robust network infrastructure to handle high query volumes.
Verisign DNS offers various options to manage and secure domain names, including DNSSEC, DDoS Protection Service, and managed DNS service.
Primary DNS: 64.6.64.6
Secondary DNS: 64.6.65.6
13. UltraDNS by Neustar
UltraDNS by Neustar is a premium DNS service known for its exceptional performance and reliability.
It offers advanced features such as global server load balancing, a DNS firewall, and DNS-based DDoS protection. The best part is that this DNS server is highly available and easy to use.
UltraDNS has a global network of DNS servers close to all major gaming hubs. It helps to ensure that your gaming queries are resolved quickly, which results in an improved gaming experience.
You get three levels of protection with UltraDNS:
Unfiltered (First Level): Doesn’t block specific domains or sites.
Threat protection (Second Level): Protects users against spyware, ransomware, malware, and phishing.
Family protection (Third Level): Blocks adult content and gambling on PS4.
Primary DNS: 64.6.64.6
Secondary DNS: 64.6.65.6
14. Level 3
Level 3, now part of Lumen Technologies, is known for its strong network infrastructure and low latency. It offers fast and efficient DNS resolution, providing optimal connectivity to websites and online services.
The best part is that it’s completely free, and you can easily access it.
Level 3 servers are located all over the world. It means you can connect to them no matter where you are in the world. Using this DNS allows you to expect reliable and fast connections for your PS4 gaming sessions.
Primary DNS: 209.244.0.3
Secondary DNS: 209.244.0.4
15. Century Link
Century Link is also a part of Lumen Technologies. It offers stable and secure DNS services, ensuring smooth communication between your PS4 and gaming servers.
This DNS server is known for its reliability and performance. Moreover, it’s backed by a robust network infrastructure, which provides consistent performance throughout your PS4 gaming session.
Primary DNS: 205.171.3.66
Secondary DNS: 205.171.202.166
16. Xfinity DNS (Comcast)
If you’re looking for a DNS server located in the United States that is fast, reliable, secure, and easy to set up, Xfinity DNS is an excellent option for you.
The DNS service provided by Comcast offers reliable DNS resolution and ensures seamless connectivity when playing games on the PS4.
They offer premium plans with features like phishing detection, advanced usage insight, and content filtering.
Xfinity DNS prioritizes performance and speed to enhance your browsing experience. Along with that, it has multiple DNS addresses and data centers located throughout the country.
First Preference
Primary DNS: 75.75.75.75
Secondary DNS: 75.75.76.76
Second Preference
Primary DNS: 68.87.64.146
Secondary DNS: 68.87.75.194
17. Yandex
Yandex DNS is a Russian-based public DNS service that offers fast and secure DNS resolution. With Yandex, you get smooth browsing and reliable connectivity to websites and online services.
It focuses on privacy and doesn’t store personally identifiable information in its logs. That makes it one of the best DNS servers for PS4. Yandex offers three free modes:
Basic
The Basic mode offers 99.99% uptime along with top-notch speed.
Primary DNS: 77.88.8.8
Secondary DNS: 77.88.8.1
Safe
The Safe mode has all the features available in the basic mode, along with protection from unsafe malicious websites and botnets.
Primary DNS: 77.88.8.88
Secondary DNS: 77.88.8.2
Family
The Family mode delivers safe search results and blocks unwanted ads and adult websites.
Primary DNS: 77.88.8.7
Secondary DNS: 77.88.8.3
18. DNS Advantage
DNS Advantage is a public DNS service operated by Neustar. It offers fast and reliable DNS resolution to enhance your internet browsing experience.
This DNS server leverages advanced technology to minimize latency and make gaming smoother.
Primary DNS: 156.154.70.1
Secondary DNS: 156.154.71.1
19. SmartViper
SmartViper (MarkosWeb Public DNS) is a DNS server known for its global network and fast response times.
It provides efficient communication between your PS4 and gaming servers. So, there’s no need to worry about lags, as you’ll always get lower pings while gaming.
Primary DNS: 208.76.50.50
Secondary DNS: 208.76.51.51
20. Dyn DNS
Dyn DNS, now part of Oracle, is a DNS service known for its global network infrastructure and performance.
You’ll get low ping and high speed when playing online games on your PS4.
Moreover, its advanced features like dynamic DNS, traffic management, and DNS-based load balancing make it one of the best DNS servers for PS4.
Primary DNS: 216.146.35.35
Secondary DNS: 216.146.36.36
21. DNSPod Public DNS
If you’re seeking a server with a Chinese presence or located in China, DNSPod Public DNS is an excellent option.
It offers fast and reliable connections to optimize your gaming on the PS4. Along with that, you don’t have to worry about high pings and slow downloads.
Primary DNS: 119.29.29.29
Secondary DNS: Not Available
22. Hurricane Electric DNS
Hurricane Electric is an American-based internet service provider that offers global DNS services. The service is known for its reliable performance and network infrastructure. Its data centers are located across several countries in North America and Europe.
With Hurricane Electric DNS, you’ll not have any issues related to online gaming.
Primary DNS: 74.82.42.42
Secondary DNS: Not available
23. puntCAT
puntCAT is a DNS service offered by a non-profit organization with servers in Barcelona, Spain.
It’s dedicated to supporting the Catalan language and culture. puntCAT provides access to websites with the .cat domain extension.
This DNS server is an ideal option for gamers in Europe or surrounding areas.
Primary DNS: 109.69.8.51
Secondary DNS: Not available
24. DNSpai
DNSpai is another great DNS server from China that offers reliable connections and fast query resolution.
If you live in Asia, DNSpai could be a great option, as it offers protection from phishing websites and helps optimize internet connectivity.
DNSpai focuses on serving the Chinese market. So, there are chances to get better download speeds and lower pings within the region.
Primary DNS: 101.226.4.6
Secondary DNS: 218.30.118.6
25. Baidu DNS
Baidu DNS is a free and public DNS service offered by the leading search engine in China. It uses cloud protection to protect against DNS attacks and recursive DNS resolution for better speed and accuracy.
It’s an excellent option for PS4 gamers living in China and its surrounding regions.
Primary DNS: 180.76.76.76
Secondary DNS: Not available
26. FreeDNS
FreeDNS, as the name suggests, is a free DNS service that focuses on providing reliable and fast DNS resolution for PS4.
It features dynamic DNS that safeguards your DNS hosting and ensures connectivity to websites and online services on your PS4.
Primary DNS: 37.235.1.174
Secondary DNS: 37.235.1.177
27. Alternate DNS
If you’re looking for a free and reliable DNS for PS4 that can enhance your gaming experience, Alternate DNS is the right choice. Along with that, it blocks ads and protects your device against malware.
It offers fast and secure DNS resolution, focusing on blocking malicious domains and protecting against online threats.
Primary DNS: 76.76.19.19
Secondary DNS: 76.223.122.150
28. Fourth Estate
Fourth Estate DNS can be a good choice for PS4 and online gaming as it improves connection speed and reduces lag. It’s because it uses a global network of servers, which means that your requests are routed to the fastest server.
Fourth Estate DNS doesn’t block gaming websites or ports, which can help improve your gaming experience. It also aims to provide protection against malware, phishing, and other online threats.
Primary DNS: 45.77.165.194
Secondary DNS: 45.32.36.36
29. OneDNS
OneDNS is a private DNS service that offers security, speed, and reliability. To improve your overall PS4 gaming experience, consider testing this DNS server.
It offers multiple features, including ad-blocking, parental controls, and privacy protection.
Primary DNS: 117.50.11.11
Secondary DNS: 117.50.22.22
30. Sprintlink
If you’re looking for a way to improve the speed and reliability of your PS4 gaming experience, consider using Sprintlink DNS. It’s a free and easy-to-use service with ample benefits.
Sprintlink has servers worldwide, so it can quickly route requests to the faster server. As a result, you’ll get faster loading times for your games.
Primary DNS: 204.117.214.10
Secondary DNS: 199.2.252.10
31. NTT DNS
NTT is a global telecommunications company that offers DNS services. It provides reliable DNS resolution and aims to ensure fast and efficient communication between devices and servers.
NTT is among the top PS4 DNS servers that improve the speed and reliability of your console’s internet connection. Additionally, it offers multiple features like faster website loading and accurate site resolution that can improve gaming on PS4.
Primary DNS: 129.250.35.250
Secondary DNS: 129.250.35.251
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Frequently Asked Questions
To get better DNS on your PS4, manually configure the DNS settings on your console. First, identify the DNS service provider you want to use. Then, access the network settings on your PS4, select “Set Up Internet Connection,” and choose “Custom“. Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses to improve your DNS performance.
DNS doesn’t directly affect gaming, but it can indirectly affect latency, security, and accuracy. A faster DNS can help reduce latency, whereas a secure DNS can help you protect your gaming devices from malicious attacks. And a more accurate DNS can help prevent errors and improve the gaming experience.
DNS is theoretically faster than VPN as it doesn’t encrypt your traffic, whereas VPN adds a layer of protection while browsing. It’s because factors like distance between your device and DNS or VPN servers, load on those servers, and the type of servers all determine the speed you get on your device.
The Bottom Line
It could be confusing when choosing among the best DNS servers for PS4. To select the perfect one, try testing different servers and sticking to the one that enhances your gaming. Here’s a list of DNS servers you can try:
- OpenDNS
- Cloudflare DNS
- Google DNS
- DNS.WATCH
- Quad9 DNS
- SafeDNS
- CleanBrowsing DNS
- OpenNIC DNS
- Adguard Public DNS
- Comodo Secure DNS
- Uncensored DNS
- Verisign DNS
- UltraDNS by Neustar
- Level 3
- Century Link
- Xfinity DNS (Comcast)
- Yandex
- DNS Advantage
- SmartViper
- Dyn DNS
- DNSPod Public DNS
- Hurricane Electric DNS
- puntCAT
- DNSpai
- Baidu DNS
- FreeDNS
- Alternate DNS
- Fourth Estate
- OneDNS
- Sprintlink
- NTT DNS
Try out these DNS servers for PS4 and choose the perfect one for your device. Were you able to find the best DNS server for PS4? If so, let us know what worked for you in the comments below!
