Looking for a way to unlock content on Netflix, HBO Now, Showtime, BBC iPlayer or other websites? A SmartDNS is a fast, practical, and versatile solution that works as a proxy server allowing you to access region restricted or blocked sites from all around the world. In this guide and other our articles, you can learn how Smart DNS service work, what you can use it for and which are the best Smart DNS services today. Furthermore, you can read top SmartDNS reviews and its use in different locations, sites, and devices.
- Servers in 105 countries
- Apps for all devices
- Great all in one service
- Unblocks 450+ channels
- Strong encryption
- Support smartphones
- Unblocks 300+ Sites
- Integrated VPN
- Supports Smartphones
Why do you need a SmartDNS service
Smart DNS is a tool that many people around the world use to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming sites and other websites. Without getting too technical, here’s a short explanation of what is geo-blocking and how to beat it.
When you browse the internet, your computer or mobile device is assigned an IP address. It works as your personal identification number online. One of the main things that IP does is it tells your physical location to any website that you try to access. Therefore, if you are in Canada, you get a Canadian IP address. If you are in New York, you get a United States IP address.
Different geographical areas are known as regions. For example, if you are in the United Kingdom, then you can access all of the UK websites, but in the other areas, they may be unavailable. One of the most common examples is BBC iPlayer, it is available in the UK, but outside of the country, it is under geographical restrictions.
If you try to access BBC iPlayer from Mexico or other countries outside of the UK, the website immediately gets an entry request by your IP, it determines your location and denies the access. Thus, SmartDNS service comes in handy. Smart DNS service can unblock just about any website and content including Spotify, Pandora, Hulu, Netflix, Fubo TV, Dazn and many more.
How Smart DNS works
A Smart DNS service lets you change your IP address to another region. Therefore, it allows you to access any websites that are unavailable in the area you are physically located. Moreover, you can stream videos or listen to music from any country in the world.
Most of the best SmartDNS service providers can unblock content from just about any website. However, some smaller Smart DNS providers don’t have that kind of capacity; therefore typically they indicate on their site the services that they can unblock.
Some providers offer more advanced features, like specific setting configurations for some individual streaming sites.
How to use SmartDNS
Although it might sound, Smart DNS isn’t a very technical solution. Moreover, most of the people find it very straightforward and simple to use. A Smart DNS typically allows changing the IP address to another region in two different ways:
- With a SmartDNS client
- Switching the DNS server address
Most of the top Smart DNS providers offer to select a region within its Smart DNS client software. All you need to do is to get a subscription, download the client on your device and look for the location you are interested in connecting to.
Also, switching the DNS server address isn’t that difficult as it may sound. Depending on your operating system, you can change your IP address within your computer’s network settings.
Can I use Smart DNS on different devices
SmartDNS service is compatible with most of the devices, and it includes computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, smart TVs, routers and other. Any device that you can connect the internet and allow streaming content is compatible with SmartDNS client. Furthermore, it will enable all your devices to change the IP and unlock sites and services from any part of the world.
Smart DNS advantages over other solutions
There are a few different tools available where it comes to unblocking sites and streaming content in regions where they aren’t available. Apart from Smart DNS, there are also Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Proxy services that do the same work. Unlike VPN service, SmartDNS doesn’t provide any encryption. Therefore, it cannot be considerate as an online privacy tool. It is more similar to the proxy. However, it doesn’t send all of the users’ information to the server. To better understand the benefits of the Smart DNS client, here we have compiled some of the most important pros and cons.
SmartDNS Pros
- Is a lot faster than the other alternative solutions. Unlike a proxy server, which transfers all of your information, the Smart DNS only sends the most necessary details. Therefore, it allows reducing the load time of the online stream.
- It is more affordable than VPNs. Due to specific service that SmartDNS offer it doesn’t have to provide any additional features. Thus, it is cheaper than the alternative services.
- Smart DNS setup is effortless and fast. Most of the Smart DNS doesn’t require users to download third-party applications. You only need to change some DNS settings on a device you intend using. Then you can access and unblock any geo-restricted sites, services, and content that you wish.
- Works on any device that can connect to the internet and stream content.
SmartDNS Cons
- It doesn’t offer online privacy. Therefore, there is a higher risk of other party attacks.
Is SmartDNS free
You can find some free Smart DNS services however free services won’t provide the connectivity, stability, and speeds that are necessary for content streaming. However, even the best Smart DNS services aren’t that expensive. Most of them offer several subscription plans where the cost begins at around $5 per month.
Furthermore, many services provide free trial or up to 30 days money back guarantee. That allows you to sign up and try it out without committing for a longer term.
Does Smart DNS provide online privacy
SmartDNS doesn’t offer any data encryption. Therefore it is not considerate as an online security tool. If you are looking for a tool that allows unblocking websites, ensure online privacy and is reliable then VPN service is what you should go for. However, it will significantly reduce your connection speed, and therefore you may experience some interruptions while streaming live videos or other content.
On that note, there are a few providers that offer a combination of SmartDNS and VPN within one tool. One of the most well-known services like that is OverPlay. However, there are many more VPNs that add Smart DNS to their feature list.
Which are the best Smart DNS services
Since there are many services available, it can be confusing and very tricky to find a right Smart DNS service for your needs. Therefore, we have created a list of the top SmartDNS services available today. All of our recommended SmartDNS are trustworthy and reliable services. They offer cheap subscription plans, easy setup, and fast speeds.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a tool that lets you unblock sites and stream content from all around the world, then SmartDNS is the best solution to have. It provides more stable connection and faster speed than a proxy server. However, it lacks the data encryption feature that VPN offers. Look at the list of the best Smart DNS services, read the reviews and sign up for a service that works on any device anywhere in the world.
