Written by 
There are several Smart DNS service providers available in the market today, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Smart DNS services available in the market.
In recent years, Smart DNS has become increasingly popular as a way to bypass geographical restrictions and access blocked content. A Smart DNS service provider can help you achieve this by providing you with a new DNS server that can route your internet traffic through a different location, making it appear as though you’re accessing the content from a different country.
The Best Smart DNS Services In 2024?
In a hurry? SmartDNSProxy is our top pick with all the bells and whistles you will ever need to unblock your favourite show.
1. Smart DNS Proxy
Main features:
- Stream Media Content
- 400 Servers in 80 Locations
- Unblock Websites Fast
- Smart DNS Server IPs
- VPN Fighter feature
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Faster speeds
- Compatibility with multiple devices
- Multiple server locations
- No logging policy
Cons:
- Subscription-based model
- Limited encryption protocols
Smart DNS Proxy is a Smart DNS service provider that has been around for quite some time. It offers users the ability to bypass geographical restrictions and access blocked content. It supports over 400 channels, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. It also offers fast speeds, making it an ideal choice for streaming.
One of the things that set SmartDNSProxy apart from its competitors is its excellent customer support. The company offers 24/7 live chat support, and its support team is knowledgeable and helpful. Smart DNS Proxy also offers a 14-day free trial, allowing users to try out the service before committing to a subscription.
The VPN service offered by Smart DNS Proxy supports PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, IKEv2, and OpenVPN encryption protocols. If you wish to use OpenVPN on Mac or iOS, you will need to use a third-party client that supports IKEv2 and L2TP/IPSec natively.
OpenVPN encryption is available in both Windows and Android custom clients, and users can choose between UDP and TCP. To conceal VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, users can also switch to TCP over port 443.
Another advantage of Smart DNSProxy is its easy-to-use interface. The service is easy to set up and can be configured in a matter of minutes. It also offers detailed setup guides for various devices, including routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
Pricing is another area where Smart DNS Proxy excels. Its plans are affordable and offer excellent value for money. The company offers a monthly plan, which costs $5.90, a quarterly plan, which costs $15.58, and an annual plan, which costs $48.54. All plans offer unlimited data usage and access to all of the channels supported by the service.
2. Unlocator Smart DNS
Main features:
- Over 240 channels
- Smart VPN
- Unblocks Streaming Sites
- 7 days free trial
- 5 Devices per license
- Support torrenting
Pros:
- Smart VPN feature
- Over 200 channels supported
- Competitive Pricing
- Free trial
- AES-256 bit encryption
Cons:
- Limited server locations compared to some competitors
Unlocator is another Smart DNS service provider that offers users the ability to bypass geographical restrictions and access blocked content. It supports over 240 channels, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
One of the things that make Unlocator stand out is its Smart DNS VPN feature. This feature allows users to encrypt their internet traffic and protect their online privacy. Unlocator’s VPN service supports multiple encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP.
Unlocator also offers a 7-day free trial, allowing users to try out the service before committing to a subscription. The company’s customer support is also excellent, with a responsive and knowledgeable team available 24/7 to assist users.
As a user of Unlocator, I have found the service to be reliable and efficient in bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content that is otherwise unavailable in my region. One of the key features that attracted me to Unlocator was its smart DNS service, which allows me to access content from different locations without having to use a VPN.
One of the benefits of Unlocator’s encryption is that it helps to protect users’ sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, and other personal data, from being intercepted or accessed by unauthorized third parties. This is especially important when accessing sensitive information online, such as when making online purchases or accessing online banking services.
Another benefit of Unlocator’s encryption is that it helps to prevent users’ online activities from being tracked or monitored by their ISPs or other third-party organizations. This is particularly important in countries with strict internet censorship laws or where online surveillance is prevalent.
Overall, I have found Unlocator’s encryption standards to be adequate for my needs as a smart DNS user. While the service may not offer the same level of encryption as some other providers, such as StrongDNS, it still provides a reasonable level of security and privacy for most users. Additionally, Unlocator offers a range of other security features, such as two-factor authentication and DNS leak protection, which help to further enhance users’ online security and privacy.
There are two subscription plans offered by Unlocator: Smart DNS and Hybrid DNS (Smart DNS with VPN). Hybrid plans are recommended if you want to ensure the security of your connection since the basic plan only offers Smart DNS without VPN.
A monthly fee of $4.96 is charged at the beginning. The most cost-effective plan is its longest one.
There is a 7-day free trial available for Unlocator. Signing up for a trial didn’t even require me to enter my credit card information. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also offered to all new subscribers.
In addition to credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal, this service accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and JCB.
3. StrongDNS (Previously known as OverPlay)
Main features:
- Easy setup
- Compatible with many devices
- Safe usage policy
- No logging policy
- Unlimited downloads
- No speed cap
Pros:
- High-speed DNS servers
- Easy setup and configuration
- Good customer support
- Three simultaneous connections
- AES-256 Encryption
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
StrongDNS is a Smart DNS service provider that supports over 150 channels, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. It also offers a SmartVPN feature that encrypts users’ internet traffic and protects their online privacy.
One of the things that set StrongDNS apart from its competitors is its high-speed DNS servers. This makes it an excellent choice for streaming, as users can enjoy faster speeds and fewer buffering issues.
StrongDNS also offers easy setup and configuration, with detailed guides available for various devices, including routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. The company’s customer support is also excellent, with a responsive team available 24/7 to assist users.
StrongDNS uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure its users’ data. This is a very strong encryption standard that is used by banks, government agencies, and other organizations that require high levels of security. It is virtually unbreakable, and it would take a supercomputer millions of years to crack the encryption key.
In addition to its strong encryption standard, StrongDNS also uses a range of other security measures to protect its users’ data. These include secure VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN and PPTP, as well as firewalls and other security features that help to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
One of the benefits of StrongDNS encryption is that it provides users with a high level of privacy and security, especially when accessing sensitive information online. For example, if you are accessing your online banking or shopping accounts, your sensitive information is protected from prying eyes, hackers, and other malicious actors.
Based on our StrongDNS VPN Review, StrongDNS is a pretty good VPN from a compatibility standpoint. There are apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Additionally, StrongDNS provides manual configuration files for BoxeeBox, AppleTV, PlayStation, Xbox, Roku, DrayTek Routers, DD-WRT Routers, and PlayStation 3. One subscription plan can also be used on three devices simultaneously with StrongDNS. The versatility of this VPN is one of my favourite features.
StrongDNS’s pricing is competitive, with a monthly plan costing $5 and an annual plan costing $50. All plans offer unlimited data usage and access to all of the channels supported by the service.
4. ExpressVPN
Main Features:
- DNS leak protection
- Compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and routers
- Unlimited bandwidth and server switches
- Ability to access blocked websites and services, such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Support for various protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- High level of security with advanced encryption methods
- A large number of servers in different countries
- Fast connection speeds
- User-friendly software with easy setup and intuitive interface
- 24/7 customer support
- No-log policy to protect user privacy
- AES-256 bit encryption
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some other VPN services
- Limited simultaneous connections on some plans
ExpressVPN is another excellent choice that should not be overlooked. Many experts consider ExpressVPN to be the best Smart DNS provider on the market today.
One of the things that sets ExpressVPN apart is its large network of servers. The company has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, giving users plenty of options when it comes to bypassing geographical restrictions and accessing blocked content. This large network also helps to ensure fast speeds, even when streaming high-quality video.
In addition to Smart DNS, ExpressVPN also offers a full VPN service, which encrypts your internet traffic and provides an additional layer of security. This can be particularly useful if you’re accessing the internet from a public Wi-Fi hotspot or want to keep your online activities private.
Another advantage of ExpressVPN is its user-friendly interface. The service is easy to set up and can be configured in a matter of minutes. It also offers detailed setup guides for various devices, including routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
Its Smart DNS service is designed to help users access geo-restricted content by spoofing their location. This service works by replacing your DNS server with one provided by ExpressVPN, which makes it appear as though you’re accessing the content from a different location. This allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that would otherwise be unavailable in your region.
In terms of encryption models, ExpressVPN uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption to protect its users’ online activities. This encryption method is considered to be one of the most secure encryption protocols available and is used by banks, government agencies, and military organizations to protect sensitive data.
In addition to AES-256 encryption, ExpressVPN also offers several other security features, including a kill switch, which automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection is lost, and DNS leak protection, which prevents your DNS queries from leaking outside the VPN tunnel.
Pricing is another area where ExpressVPN excels. While it is more expensive than its competitors, its plans are still affordable and offer excellent value for money. The company offers a monthly plan, which costs $12.95, a six-month plan, which costs $59.95, and an annual plan, which costs $99.95. All plans offer unlimited data usage and access to all of the servers supported by the service.
Overall, ExpressVPN is a top-performing VPN service provider that offers a reliable Smart DNS service and uses advanced encryption methods to protect its users’ online activities. Whether you’re looking to bypass geo-restrictions or simply want to ensure that your online activities are secure and private, ExpressVPN is a solid choice.
5. NordVPN
Main Features:
- SmartPlay technology for seamless streaming
- High-level security and privacy features, including DNS leak protection and CyberSec
- Compatibility with a wide range of devices
- Access to over 400 streaming services
- Unlimited bandwidth and server switches
- 24/7 customer support
- 5000+ Servers
Pros:
- Fast and reliable streaming performance.
- Wide range of streaming services available.
- High-level security and privacy features are included.
- Compatible with a range of devices.
- Easy-to-use software and setup guides.
- 24/7 customer support is available.
- NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Must buy smart DNS as an add-on
NordVPN is a VPN service provider that offers a Smart DNS service to its users. The Smart DNS service is designed to provide fast and reliable streaming performance to its users. One of the standout features of NordVPN’s Smart DNS service is its SmartPlay technology, which automatically selects the best server for the user’s location, ensuring fast and reliable streaming. This feature makes it easy for users to access a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Another key feature of NordVPN’s Smart DNS service is its compatibility with a range of devices. The service is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and smart TVs, allowing users to stream their favourite content on their preferred devices. NordVPN’s Smart DNS service also includes high-level security features, such as DNS leak protection and CyberSec, to protect user privacy and security.
NordVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect user data and ensure privacy and security. The service uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys, which is considered one of the most secure encryption standards available. This encryption is used to protect all data traffic between the user’s device and the VPN server, ensuring that no one can intercept or view the data.
In addition to encryption, NordVPN also uses other security features to protect user privacy. The service includes a kill switch that disables the user’s internet connection if the VPN connection is lost. This prevents the user’s data from being exposed in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. NordVPN also offers leak-proof DNS, so that users’ DNS requests are routed through the VPN tunnel and not through the user’s ISP. This prevents any potential leaks of user data or browsing history.
NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect or store any information about its users’ online activities. This further ensures user privacy and security, as there is no data for anyone to access or exploit.
Overall, NordVPN’s encryption and security features are among the best in the industry. The service uses state-of-the-art encryption to protect user data and offers additional security features to prevent any potential leaks or exposure of user data. The no-logs policy further ensures user privacy, making NordVPN a reliable and secure choice for VPN users.
In terms of performance, NordVPN’s Smart DNS service offers fast and reliable streaming performance. The SmartPlay technology ensures that the user is always connected to the best server for their location, providing seamless streaming. The service also offers unlimited bandwidth and server switches, ensuring that users can stream as much content as they like without any restrictions.
NordVPN’s Smart DNS service is also easy to use, with user-friendly software and setup guides available. Additionally, the service offers 24/7 customer support to assist users with any issues they may encounter. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try out the service risk-free.
As far as pricing is concerned, you can get NordVPN for as low as $3.29 a month on a long term plan of 2 years, if you are only looking to buy for one month, it will cost you $15.69 per month.
There are some potential drawbacks to NordVPN’s Smart DNS service. For example, the service is only available as an add-on to NordVPN’s VPN service, which may be a drawback for users who only want to use the Smart DNS service.
Additionally, some servers may be slower than others, which could impact the streaming performance of some users. Finally, simultaneous connections are limited on some plans, which could be a concern for users who need to connect multiple devices at once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best Smart DNS services provider can greatly enhance your online streaming experience. SmartDNSProxy and ExpressVPN are two major competitors, and choosing one of them can fix most of your streaming problems. Whatever you choose, be sure to avail the benefit of a free trial to decide which one is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Smart DNS service is a technology that allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and access content that is restricted in certain regions. It works by redirecting your DNS requests through a proxy server, which tricks the content provider into thinking that you are located in a different region.
Smart DNS and VPNs are both used to bypass geographic restrictions, but they work in different ways. Smart DNS only redirects your DNS requests, while VPNs encrypt your entire internet connection and route it through a secure server. VPNs provide better security and privacy but can sometimes slow down your internet connection.
A Smart DNS service can improve your streaming experience by allowing you to access content that is blocked in your region. This means that you can watch your favourite TV shows and movies without any interruptions or buffering.
Yes, most Smart DNS services are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs. Some services also offer setup guides for routers, which can be used to protect all the devices on your home network.
Yes, using a Smart DNS service is legal in most countries. However, you should be aware that some streaming services may have terms of service that prohibit the use of Smart DNS services.