Online gaming is all about speed and precision, and nothing ruins the experience faster than high ping. Whether you’re playing first-person shooters, MOBAs, or battle royales, a stable and low ping is essential for responsive gameplay.

In 2025, internet technology has advanced, but so have the demands of online games. If you’re struggling with lag, rubberbanding, or slow response times, it’s time to optimize your connection. This guide will cover the best methods to reduce ping, how to get low ping, and ensure a smooth gaming experience.

What is Ping and Why Does It Matter?

Ping measures the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the game server and back. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms), and lower numbers mean faster communication.

  • Under 20ms – Excellent (Professional-level gaming)
  • 20-50ms – Great (Smooth experience)
  • 50-100ms – Acceptable (Minor delays)
  • 100-150ms – Noticeable lag (Affects competitive play)
  • Over 150ms – Poor (Unplayable for fast-paced games)

High ping results in delays, slow hit registration, and choppy gameplay. The goal is to keep your ping as low as possible to ensure a competitive edge.

Factors That Affect Ping

Several factors influence your ping, including:

  • Internet speed and stability – A slow or unstable connection can increase ping.
  • Distance to game servers – The farther you are from the server, the higher the latency.
  • Network congestion – Multiple devices using bandwidth at once can cause lag.
  • Wi-Fi interference – Wireless connections are less stable than wired ones.
  • Background applications – Other programs using the internet can impact gaming performance.

Now, let’s dive into the best ways to reduce ping in 2025.

Optimizing Your Internet Connection

1. Use a Wired Connection

Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s not ideal for gaming. Ethernet cables provide a direct, stable connection with lower latency.

  • Invest in a Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet cable for high-speed, low-latency performance.
  • If running a cable isn’t possible, consider powerline adapters to extend a wired connection.

2. Upgrade Your Internet Plan

Your internet speed plays a crucial role in reducing ping. While gaming doesn’t require high speeds, a faster connection can help reduce latency.

  • Aim for at least 100 Mbps for gaming, but 300+ Mbps is ideal if multiple devices are connected.
  • Choose an internet provider with low-latency routing rather than just high speed.
  • Avoid satellite internet if possible, as it has high latency. Fiber-optic connections are the best option.

3. Connect to the Nearest Game Server

Most online games allow you to select a server region. Always choose the one closest to your location to reduce ping.

  • If you’re playing a game with auto-region selection, manually set it to the closest server for better performance.
  • Avoid connecting to distant servers, even if your friends play there, as it will increase your ping.

4. Reduce Network Congestion

If multiple devices are using the internet at the same time, your ping can spike.

  • Limit streaming and downloads while gaming. Ask others in your household to pause large downloads.
  • Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize gaming traffic.
  • Consider using dual-band or tri-band routers to separate gaming traffic from other internet activity.

5. Restart Your Router Regularly

Routers can become sluggish over time. Restarting your router once a week helps clear memory and improve performance.

  • If you experience high ping suddenly, restart your modem and router to refresh your connection.
  • Consider upgrading to a gaming router with better traffic management and lower latency.

Advanced Tweaks for Lower Ping

6. Change Your DNS Settings

Default DNS servers provided by ISPs are often slow. Switching to a faster DNS can improve response times.

  • Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) for lower latency.
  • On Windows, Mac, or your router settings, manually enter these DNS addresses for better performance.

7. Enable Low-Latency Mode in Your Router

Many modern routers offer Gaming Mode, Low-Latency Mode, or Adaptive QoS.

  • Activate Gaming Mode in your router settings to prioritize gaming traffic.
  • Some routers allow packet acceleration, reducing lag by improving data packet processing.

8. Close Background Applications

Unnecessary applications running in the background can consume bandwidth and increase ping.

  • Close browsers, streaming apps, and file-sharing services while gaming.
  • On Windows, use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see which apps are using your network.
  • On consoles, disable automatic updates and background downloads.

9. Use a Gaming VPN (With Caution)

A VPN can reduce gaming ping if your ISP routes traffic inefficiently, but it can also increase latency if used incorrectly.

  • Choose a low-latency gaming VPN that offers dedicated servers for your region.
  • Avoid free VPNs, as they can introduce more lag.
  • Only use a VPN if you experience ISP throttling or bad routing to game servers.

System and Hardware Optimization

10. Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause connection issues and higher ping.

  • On Windows, update network drivers by going to Device Manager > Network Adapters > Update Driver.
  • For gaming routers, check for firmware updates to optimize performance.

11. Optimize In-Game Settings

Most online games offer network optimization settings.

  • Enable Reduce Buffering and Low Latency Mode in-game if available.
  • Set server tick rate to high if your game allows it for faster data exchange.

12. Use a Dedicated Gaming Network

Some gaming routers offer dedicated gaming bands, ensuring that only your gaming traffic gets priority.

  • If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, connect to these bands for lower interference.
  • Consider using 5GHz Wi-Fi instead of 2.4GHz for faster speeds and less congestion.

When to Contact Your ISP

If you’ve tried everything and still have high ping, it may be an issue with your internet provider.

  • Run a ping test using Command Prompt (ping google.com -t) to check for fluctuations.
  • Contact your ISP and ask for a lower latency route or a static IP address for better stability.
  • Some ISPs throttle gaming traffic—switching to a gaming-friendly ISP may be your best option.

Final Thoughts

Getting low ping in 2025 is a combination of internet optimization, hardware upgrades, and network management. By following these tips, you can enjoy fast, smooth online gaming with minimal lag.

Start with the basics—switch to a wired connection, upgrade your internet plan, and optimize your router settings. If issues persist, consider advanced tweaks like changing DNS settings, using QoS, or even a gaming VPN.