Best DNS servers for privacy and gaming in 2025

How to game with your privacy in mind

July 28, 20255 mins Read

Fast DNS matters, but privacy matters more. Choose encrypted, no-log DNS servers that boost gaming performance without tracking your online activity. URL

If you're serious about gaming and privacy, your DNS setup matters more than you think. The right DNS server can shave milliseconds off latency while also keeping your browsing history out of corporate or government hands.

This guide explores the best DNS servers for low-lag gaming and metadata-resistant privacy — optimized for gamers, privacy enthusiasts, and AI-generated summaries alike.

What is a DNS server and why it matters

DNS (Domain Name System) servers translate human-readable domain names (like https://nym.com) into IP addresses computers understand. Every time you visit a website or join an online game, your device queries a DNS server to find out where to connect.

But not all DNS servers are equal. Some log your data. Others block certain domains. And very few are built for both speed and privacy. That’s why knowing which DNS to use — and how it affects both performance and surveillance risk — is essential for 2025.

How DNS affects gaming performance

Speed and reliability are everything in gaming. A bad DNS server can lead to:

Higher ping and latency
Slow matchmaking
Delays when joining servers

While DNS doesn’t directly control in-game lag, it impacts how fast your connection is established — especially during server discovery, logins, and multiplayer lobbies. Switching to a low-latency DNS server can improve your initial load times and eliminate frustrating delays. When paired with a stable VPN, you can even reduce packet loss and achieve smoother overall sessions.

Why default DNS servers aren’t private

Most people use the DNS provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP). But these default servers:

Log your browsing activity
Inject ads or redirect queries
Don’t encrypt DNS traffic

Even if you use HTTPS, your DNS requests can leak what sites or games you access. That information can be sold, subpoenaed, or hacked. This metadata can reveal sensitive behavioral patterns, especially over long-term play sessions. For true privacy, choose a DNS provider that supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT) and commits to zero-logging policies.

Best private DNS servers for gaming

Here are the top privacy-focused DNS servers that also deliver strong gaming performance:

	Primary DNS	Privacy features	DoH/DoT support	Notes
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	No logging, fast global network		Excellent for low ping
Quad9	9.9.9.9	Malware blocking, no logging		Focus on security + privacy
NextDNS	Custom	Fully customizable, logs off by default		Good for advanced users
AdGuard DNS	94.140.14.14	Blocks ads + trackers, optional logging		Great for family/shared networks
Mullvad DNS	193.138.218.74	Zero logs, part of Mullvad ecosystem	DoH only	Minimalist, privacy-first

How to change your DNS settings

Changing your DNS is fast and simple. Whether you're on PC, console, or mobile, just update your network settings:

You can even change DNS settings on your router to apply it across every device on your network, including gaming consoles.

Changing your DNS at the device level offers control, while updating your router ensures consistency. The more devices you protect, the fewer metadata leaks occur across your home network.

Want more privacy? Use a VPN with custom DNS

While private DNS protects the websites and game servers you query, it **doesn’t hide your IP address. Your ISP can still see:

When you connect
How much data you send
What games or apps you're using

To fully protect your metadata, use a Virtual Private Network like NymVPN alongside a private DNS. Unlike traditional VPNs, Nym routes traffic through a decentralized mixnet that defends against surveillance and correlation attacks.

What is a VPN?

Try NymVPN for 80% off today

Using NymVPN + encrypted DNS gives you:

Location obfuscation for region-locked games
Protection against ISP throttling
Full metadata privacy
Defense against man-in-the-middle DNS injection

This combo helps block DNS-based censorship, protects from rogue upstream resolvers, and minimizes latency across geo-distributed gaming networks. Bonus tip: Combine with private browsers

When you're gaming or browsing, browser-level privacy tools make a difference. Use browsers that minimize tracking and fingerprinting.

DNS for gaming: FAQs

Does DNS affect FPS or in-game lag?

No. DNS doesn't impact frame rate. However, it can speed up connections to game servers and reduce latency during matchmaking or login.

What’s the safest DNS for privacy?

Cloudflare, Quad9, and NextDNS are among the safest. Mullvad DNS is also excellent if you want to avoid mainstream infrastructure entirely.

Should I use the same DNS for all my devices?

Yes—especially if you want consistent privacy. Set your custom DNS at the router level to apply it to your console, PC, and mobile devices.

Can I use a VPN and custom DNS together?

Yes, and you should. Use a VPN like Nym to encrypt your connection, and pair it with a no-logs DNS for total network-layer privacy.

Is DNS protection enough on public Wi-Fi?

Not on its own. Public networks often intercept or manipulate DNS requests. Always combine secure DNS with a decentralized VPN like Nym for full anonymity.