One of the most common methods to bypass geo-restrictions and access geo-blocked content is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN not only unblocks geo-restricted sites, but it also adds to your privacy and security by transmitting all the communication over an encrypted tunnel. However, that said, it does have its share of problems — the chief of these being slow internet speeds, coupled with the need to manually connect/disconnect the service every time you use it.
To counter this, although there are a handful of different alternatives to VPNs, most of the time you either run into certain problems/or have to make some compromises in exchange for the service on a majority of them. However, one service that aims to make accessing geo-restricted content easier, without having to compromise on other aspects, that too at a relatively lower price, is Smart DNS Proxy.
But what exactly is Smart DNS Proxy, how is it different from a VPN, and why should one consider it over VPNs to unblock geo-restricted content? Let’s dive in to find out.
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What’s Smart DNS Proxy?
Smart DNS Proxy is a proxy service that allows you to unblock geo-restricted websites — entertainment or otherwise — from anywhere in the world. It comes from Global Stealth Inc., which is the company behind Getflix, uFlix, and a bunch of other internet security services.
Using Smart DNS Proxy, you can, for instance, access US websites like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora, among others, right from your home country. One of the key selling propositions of smart DNS is that it does not involve the need to connect/disconnect the service every time you want to access any website on the internet — you are always ready to unblock and view content. As a reason, it can be used on a multitude of devices that have/serve internet: phone (Android and iOS), computer, smartTV, gaming console, or even router. Furthermore, another thing that makes its way into the pros column for the service is quick and fast internet access — be it for streaming or downloading content.
Smart DNS Proxy: How it works?
Talking about working, Smart DNS Proxy relies on changing your DNS (Domain Name System) settings to spoof your location, which, in turn, allows you to access content in any region, just like a normal user. For the uninitiated, DNS is a key element in the internet infrastructure. It is responsible for translating (resolving) human-readable addresses (or domain names) like “www.google.com” into their associated IP (Internet Protocol) addresses that are computer-readable and look like “216.58.211.142”. So, when you enter www.google.com in the address bar of your browser, the DNS runs in the background to resolve the domain name into its IP address (216.58.211.142) and returns you the requested webpage. Thus, only requiring you to remember the domain name (and not the IP address), since it is comparatively easier to memorize and remember.
Coming back to Smart DNS Proxy, the service has a host of servers across different regions of the world. These servers have an IP address, which the service requires the user to use on their device to unblock geo-restricted websites/content. So, depending on where the service (you are trying to access) is located, you can use the IP address of a server in that location and enter the same on your device’s DNS settings. When you use an IP address from Smart DNS Proxy, all your DNS queries are routed through that server, and in turn, their network, in a secure manner.
DNS helps in making your search experience quick and personalized by determining your location and serving you the results accordingly. A Smart DNS Proxy leverages this, and instead of relying on your local DNS server, it connects to its own servers to make the request appear as if it is originating locally in the region where the service is based. By doing so, it manages to bypass restrictions and unblock websites located in other regions of the world.
Related Read: How to Fix “Your IP Has Been Temporarily Blocked”
Smart DNS Proxy vs VPN
When compared to VPNs, Smart DNS Proxy does not offer the same set of features and functionalities as a VPN. Even though both enable you to unblock geo-restricted content, they have different approaches to achieve the same.
You can think of a VPN as a complete solution for every activity you do on the internet, especially on public internet connections. It protects your data and adds to the security to protect your online activities from potential internet threats. On the other hand, Smart DNS Proxy only enables you to unblock geo-restricted content on the internet. It does not use encryption to tunnel your data like VPNs, nor does it hide your IP address. And that is exactly what the service suggests it offers: unblock geo-restricted content and enable users to view geo-blocked websites in any region from their home country.
Since Smart DNS Proxy only serves one functionality, it does not require you to install an app on the device you are planning to use it on. You just need to sign up for the service and activate your account. After which, you can use their DNS servers (IP address) to unblock the content/service you want. Moreover, since Smart DNS Proxy does not route the entire traffic over an encrypted tunnel, unlike VPNs, it CLAIMS to offer faster internet speeds. So, if you are only looking for a service that makes it easier for you to unblock and access websites in other regions, Smart DNS Proxy is a better option between the two.
Smart DNS Proxy + Smart VPN
In addition to offering DNS proxies, Smart DNS Proxy also bundles in a Smart VPN service with the subscription. So, not only can you unblock geo-blocked content, but you can also protect your data as it moves through the internet. Talking about what the VPN provides, you get support for PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN protocols, encrypted and secure channel for transmission of all the communication on the internet, five simultaneous VPN connections, and unlimited device access.
Smart DNS Proxy + Smart VPN: Privacy Concerns?
One of the biggest concerns that raise eyebrows for a lot of people — and for fairly obvious reasons — is that a lot of the services that offer DNS proxies or VPN, often log user data or monitor the traffic, which could then be used for illicit purposes. In the case of Smart DNS Proxy, the company suggests that it does not log DNS queries, traffic data, or even the browsing history of its users. The only information that it keeps track of includes the date (and not time) of connection, choice of VPN server location, and the total amount of data consumed in a day. All of which it says helps in optimizing the network and offering better support to the customers.
Smart DNS Proxy: Pricing
Smart DNS Proxy comes with a 14-day trial period, with no Credit Card required, which you can sign up for to test out the service for yourself before paying for the subscription. With the trial, you can only test out the DNS proxies, and the VPN service is restricted to (paid) subscribers only.
Talking about subscription, Smart DNS Proxy offers five different plans –
i. Monthly: $5.90
ii. 3 months: $15.58
iii. 12 months: $48.14
iv. 24 months: $59.47
v. Lifetime: $200
Except for the monthly plan, the prices listed for other plans are discounted prices available at the time of writing.
Besides, the service also offers a 30-day moneyback guarantee. So, in case you are not satisfied with their offering after paying for the subscription, you can apply for money back within 30 days.
Conclusion: Why (and who) should use Smart DNS Proxy?
As already mentioned, Smart DNS Proxy is a faster and better option when it comes to unblocking and accessing geo-blocked content on the internet. If you are someone who lives in a region where some of your favorite content streaming sites are restricted, you can use the service to unblock and enjoy the same. Not just that, you can also use it to access content on some of these sites showcased in other regions. And since it is only your DNS query that is routed via the services’ network, you do not run into speed issues that are otherwise seen on some VPN services, which hinder the streaming and downloading experience.
Furthermore, since you also get a smart VPN with the service, your VPN needs are also fulfilled by Smart DNS Proxy. Needless to say, the pricing — as you would have noticed yourself by now — is reasonably on the lower side compared to most of the popular VPN services, which also makes a strong case for Smart DNS Proxy as a better option for those looking for a service just to bypass geo-restrictions.
And, in case there is a need for a VPN, you also have the option to use the one offered with Smart DNS Proxy for all your other needs.