Best DNS Servers for PS4 and How to Change Them

If you want the best DNS for your PS4, start by trying a fast and reliable public DNS such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8). After that, test a few others to see which one is fastest for your area. Changing DNS won’t increase your overall internet speed, but it can help your PS4 connect to game services, servers, and network features more quickly, especially if your current DNS from your internet provider is slow or unreliable.

This guide covers recommended DNS options, a note for PS5 users, tips on testing which DNS is fastest in your area, and simple steps to change your PS4 DNS settings.

 

Best DNS Servers for PS4

DNS performance depends on location and routing, so “best” can vary. That said, these are solid defaults because they’re widely available and generally stable:

1. Cloudflare DNS

• Primary: 1.1.1.1

• Secondary: 1.0.0.1

Why it’s recommended: Known for strong global performance and low latency in many regions. Often a good first choice if you want a fast, modern resolver.

 

2. Google Public DNS

• Primary: 8.8.8.8

• Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Why it’s recommended: Extremely reliable and widely used. A safe option if you want stability and predictable behavior.

 

3. Quad9 (Security-Focused)

• Primary: 9.9.9.9

• Secondary: 149.112.112.112

Why it’s recommended: Strong reliability with a security filtering angle (can block some known malicious domains). Useful if you want a more security-oriented DNS choice.

 

4. OpenDNS (Cisco)

• Primary: 208.67.222.222

• Secondary: 208.67.220.220

Why it’s recommended: Reliable and established. In some locations it performs well; in others, it may not beat Cloudflare/Google.

 

Quick reality check: DNS affects name lookups (finding the right server address), not your core in-game latency once connected. If your issue is high ping or packet loss, DNS is only one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a quick, low-risk change worth testing.

If you want a more detailed but easy-to-understand explanation of how DNS choices affect stability and speed, check out our guide.

 

PS5 Note (Same Idea, Similar Process)

The same DNS logic applies on PS5: you can manually set primary/secondary DNS values in your network settings. Menu names differ slightly, but you’re still choosing a network connection, switching to Custom/Advanced configuration, and setting DNS to Manual.

 

Finding the Fastest DNS Server for PS4

The fastest DNS server for your PS4 is usually the one that responds quickest from your home network. If you want to try more than the default options above, test a few different servers:

• Use a DNS benchmarking app on a computer connected to the same home network as your PS4.

• Tools like NameBench (older but still used by some) can compare DNS response times and suggest top performers.
  
  

How to use this insight: pick the two best-performing DNS servers as your:

• Primary DNS

• Secondary DNS

If you don’t want to run tests, just start with Cloudflare or Google DNS. They work well for most people.

 

Before You Change DNS: One Quick Improvement

If you’re playing on Wi-Fi and can switch to Ethernet, it’s a good idea. Wired connections are usually more stable than Wi-Fi and can help reduce random disconnects and interference, especially in busy homes or apartments.

 

How To Change DNS Settings On PS4

These steps will keep your setup simple and safe. You’re only changing the DNS settings; everything else can stay at the default values.

1. Go to the PS4 home screen

2. Open Settings

3. Select Network

4. Choose Set Up Internet Connection

5. Select your connection type:

• Use Wi-Fi (wireless), or

• Use a LAN Cable (Ethernet)

6. Choose Custom (this is the important part)

7. IP Address Settings: select Automatic

• (This is typically DHCP. You usually don’t need to change it.)

8. DHCP Host Name: select Do Not Specify

9. DNS Settings: select Manual
   Now enter your DNS values:
   Recommended starter option (Cloudflare):

• Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1

• Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

10. Alternative (Google DNS):

• Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8

• Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

11. Press Next

12. MTU Settings: select Automatic

13. Proxy Server: select Do Not Use

14. Confirm and Test Internet Connection (optional but helpful)

15. Restart your PS4 (recommended)

After your PS4 restarts, it will use the new DNS servers. If you notice better connections, faster sign-ins, or smoother matchmaking, keep those settings. If not, try another DNS pair from the list.

 

What To Expect After Changing PS4 DNS

Changing DNS can help with:

• Faster resolution when signing in and connecting to services

• Reduced “DNS timeout” style hiccups (if your ISP DNS is unreliable)

• Smoother connections to some game services (especially when the default DNS is slow)

It may not help with:

• High ping caused by distance to game servers

• Packet loss caused by Wi-Fi interference or ISP routing issues

• Congestion on your home network

If your goal is maximum stability, focus on Ethernet + reliable DNS + a clean home network setup.

 

Hosting Note (For Players Running Services Or Game Servers)

Most PS4 players won’t need this, but if you run game services, voice servers, or related tools where network stability matters, a reliable VPS environment can help. You can explore KVM VPS options.

(That’s separate from PS4 DNS settings, but relevant if you’re building anything server-side.)

 

FAQs

1. What is the best DNS for PS4?

For most players, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) are strong defaults. The best choice may differ by location, so testing a few options is the most reliable way to find your fastest DNS.

2. Does changing DNS reduce lag on PS4?

DNS mainly affects how quickly your PS4 finds server addresses (lookups), not your in-game ping after you’re connected. It can improve connection reliability and speed up sign-in/matchmaking if your ISP DNS is slow, but it won’t fix packet loss or poor routing.

3. What is a PS4 DNS server?

A PS4 DNS server is simply the DNS resolver your PS4 uses to translate website/service names into IP addresses. You can use your ISP’s DNS automatically or manually set a public DNS like Cloudflare or Google.

4. Can I use the same DNS settings on PS5?

Yes. The same DNS values work on PS5, and the setup is similar: choose your network connection, switch to Custom/Advanced settings, and set DNS to Manual.