Smart DNS is different from VPN. It provides users with access to content in other countries. For example users can get to Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, HBO GO and more online services in the US. Along with BBC in the UK. There are several others and most companies have a full list on their site. If it isn’t listed I would suggest you ask before signing up.
VPN also gives you access to online services outside your location. It does so by changing your IP address to the country of your choice. VPN also encrypts all your data. While Smart DNS doesn’t include any encryption. It’s also possible with DNS for your P address to be seen after making the connection. For that reason we still prefer VPN
Smart DNS has it’s advantages over VPN,. For starters you don’t need any software. No OpenVPN or custom client to set up. Instead you just change DNS settings to those provided and that’s it. You can also use it on devices like game consoles that might not otherwise support VPN.
VPN providers are starting to include smart DNS in additional to VPN. Giving you the best of both worlds. Use DNS for the fastest streaming and encrypted access when you want privacy.
Smart DNS Reviews:
1. Unblock Us – Unblock Us is a Canadian SmartDNS service. They help members unlock Netflix in 19 different regions. Along with hundreds of streaming, social media and music sites around the world. Simply change your DNS settings to point to Unblock Us and enjoy access to content. The service costs $4.99 a month and they offer a 7 day free trial.
2. OverPlay – OverPlay has two plans to choose from. The first is SmartDNS which is a DNS-only service from just $4.16 a month. It will help you access foreign content in countries like the United, States, United Kingdom and Canada. They have servers strategically located in eight countries. You won’t need any software. If you want encrypted VPN access they offer that as well with VPN servers across 48 countries.
3. UnoTelly – UnoTelly offers high quality SmartDNS access at a fair price. They’ve been around a long time and have built a great reputation. You will find channels that UnoTelly unblocks that other services struggle to support. You can register for their 8 day free trial. From there you just change your DNS settings to those provided by UnoTelly. The service will help you open geo-restricted sites like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds more. Premium memberships are available from just $3.94 a month.
4. Unlocator – Unlocator is a simple service to unblock geo restrictions. You can sign up for their one week free trial in order to test the service. Unlocator will help you unblock sites in twenty three regions around the world. You can enjoy access to streaming media sites and live sporting events around the world. Prices start from just $4.16 a month.
5. SmartyDNS – SmartyDNS launched their service in 2013. We tested their client prior to launch and were impressed with the ease of use. The service works exactly as advertised. Simply connect to one of their servers in the United States or Europe. Then enjoy access to streaming media sites around the world. Prices start from just $3.33 a month.
6. StrongDNS – StrongDNS is managed by the same team that operates StrongVPN. That gives a good indication of the quality of service you can expect. You can use StrongDNS to unblock sites in the United States and United Kingdom. They offer easy to follow set up guides. StrongDNS service starts at just $4.16 a month and includes a 7 day free trial.
7. CactusVPN – CactusVPN launched a Smart DNS service in July of 2013. You can purchase it by itself from $3.25 a month or with VPN from $4.58 a month. With term discounts available. CactusVPN is currently offering a free 7 day trial of Smart DNS. This is a good opportunity to test the service. We suggest the SmartDNS + VPN plan from $4.58 a month.
8. HideIPVPN – HideIPVPN is well known for quality VPN access. They now offer a SmartDNS service as well. Giving members access to US and UK streaming content by simply switching DNS entries. The service is free for all VPN members. New customers also have the option of purchasing it separately. The service is priced from $3.25 a month.
9. Smart DNS Proxy – As the name suggests Smart DNS Proxy will let you send traffic through their proxy servers to avoid geo resitrctions. Giving you access to sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Pandora and many more. You can set your DNS entries to point to one of their five regions for the best speeds. Prices start from $2.91 a month.
10. PureVPN – PureVPN offers SmartDNS as part of their VPN service. It’s more expensive that other monthly plans at $9.95/mo. but if you pay by the year you can enjoy VPN and SmartDNS from just $4.16 a month. Their SmartDNS will help you unlock channels in 7 regions. Access live events and services like Netflix. Use their custom Windows client for both VPN and Smart DNS. The service is priced from $4.16 a month.