Smart DNS Comparison
In case you want to look at shows or films you most likely understand that a few of the most effective stations are locked to users situated in a few states. Take among the very most famous streaming websites Hulu,, which is reachable only in usa.
There are lots of methods to circumvent these limitations, including DNS and VPN services. If you’re interested just in stations that are unlocking than go to get a DNS service (SmartDNS) as it offers the most effective rate, which is essential for appreciating the internet streaming.
This short article describes what SmartDNS is, if you want it and how you can install/uninstall it. Additionally, a useful list of SmartDNS suppliers is contained.
What’s Smart DNS
SmartDNS is a technology that enables the access to blocked streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, Hulu or Netflix. Essentially, it fools geo-limited sites as you were in the right place to see you.
To get technical, the term Smart DNS describes a DNS (Domain Name Server) that directs clients to your proxy server for a predefined set of services and sites. A connection between an apparatus (cellular or desktop) as well as the web site which includes the content that was blocked is created through the proxy server. The proxy server plays the function of the middle man as well as to be able in order to unlock the specified web site or station must be found inside the places that are authorized (for instance, so that you can unlock Netflix the proxy must be positioned in US).
What you really should run SmartDNS
SmartDNS could be run on both desktop computers and mobile devices on most operating systems. You do not need to install anything to be able to find a way to make use of a DNS service. Some of the providers are just not obligatory, although they offer little and user friendly programs that automatically configure you computer. The set up may be carried out in less than 5 minutes.
List of SmartDNS suppliers
There are lots of good suppliers of SmartDNS, a few of the providers offering additionally VPN. This could possibly be an excellent thing as VPN is an option to SmartDNS. So, if SmartDNS is down you may anytime change to VPN.
Essentially, all DNS services provide exactly the same service as well as the budget is not very dissimilar. So, how do you pick between anytime? You ought to look for stations or the station you want to know more about. Stations are unlocked by most from UK and US, however you will find some (like Overplay) that operates with stations from over 20 states.
You can find a list with several Smart DNS services that are recommended on this website.
The best way to install SmartDNS
You’re planning to make use of before beginning the setup of SmartDNS you must get the IP. It’s supplied at signup and could vary with respect to stations or the station you would like to get.
So that you can install SmartDNS you must change the DNS server address from “Adapter Settings”. For instance, in Windows 8 this is done as follows:
- In the beginning display, click the search spy glass and search for “Control Panel”.
- Click on “Network and Internet.”
- Click on Network and sharing Centre.
- Click on “Shift Adapter Placing” on the left.
- Right “Click your network adapter” (this is usually called Local Area Connection or similar), and select “Properties”.
- Double “Click Internet Protocol Version 4”.
- Select “Use these DNS server addresses”, and enter the DNS server supplied.
Tutorials that are more in-depth (including screenshots) may be discovered around the SmartDNS suppliers set up pages: Overplay, Unottely, Unlock-US.
The best way to uninstall SmartDNS
To be able to uninstall SmartDNS you must take away the DNS IP when you began to make use of the service you set up.
Can Smart DNS run on cellular devices (iPhone/Android)?
It’s true that can put it to use on a big number of apparatus including Android and iPad/iPhone apparatus. Every supplier offers in-depth tutorials to allow you to setup your cellular apparatus.
Am I able to use SmartDNS using a router?
Yes. You could setup SmartDNS in your router and unlock limited sites on all computers or devices that connect to the net through it for those who own a router in your house.
SmartDNS vs VPN
Essentially, Smart DNS is quicker that VPN, yet it doesn’t provide any encryption or protection. Look below into a more in-depth comparison:
Decision
SmartDNS is a fantastic alternative to unlock geo- sites that are limited and there are lots of services that offer it for viewing your favourite shows a reasonable sum.
The best Smart DNS service for you
Internet users who are not only interested in activating online video or TV channels are certainly well advised to use a VPN service. This is especially true for people who attach great importance to being safer and more anonymous on the Internet, because the connection is encrypted and made anonymous when using a VPN tunnel. Also for users living in countries like China, where geo-blockades are common, a VPN account is a good idea. The VPN connection ensures that the Internet Service Provider (ISP) is no longer able to track websites visited.
VPN also makes it easy to unlock blocked websites by simply pretending to be in another country where the service is not blocked. This works by the user connecting to a VPN server from this country. For example, if an Internet user lives in China and would like to use the BBC iPlayer, all he has to do is connect to a server from the United Kingdom via VPN. This gives them an IP address with which the entire service can be activated. Afterwards the user can also use the BBC iPlayer from China as desired. Another advantage of using VPN is that mobile devices connected to the Internet can also be used more securely. WiFi hotspots are often more than unsafe, especially in Internet cafés, at airports and other public places. An active VPN allows the smartphone owner to access any website and even transfer personal data because the connection is completely encrypted.
However, if you compare VPN with Smart DNS, you can unfortunately say that the Internet connection is usually many times slower when the VPN connection is active. This is especially true if you create an account with a low-cost VPN provider that does not offer any qualitative services. Another disadvantage is that local services may no longer be available because the IP address now comes from another country from which access is not provided. This means that the Internet user may have to constantly switch between different VPN servers. Of course, the VPN service cannot be used on Smart TVs and other similar devices.
All in all, Internet users who only want to unlock a few services and also want to watch them on TV should best use a Smart DNS service. With such a service, geo-blockades can be avoided from all over the world. Smart DNS also enables streaming to the Smart TV or computer. However, a VPN service is always the better choice if a user wants more anonymity and security on the Internet, for example to protect himself from data thieves and hacker attacks.
On which devices can Smart DNS be used?
Smart DNS allows users to access websites that are normally blocked due to regional blocks. There are many services on the World Wide Web that only offer their services to Internet users from their own country. BBC iPlayer is just one of many websites that blocks its service for foreign users. A Smart DNS service manipulates a user’s Domain Name System (DNS) in such a way that the website providers assume that the user is accessing from a region for which access is permitted. The biggest advantage is that the connection speed is not reduced when using Smart DNS. Therefore, the full bandwidth of the Internet connection can be used for streaming. Another positive aspect is that Smart DNS can even be used on Smart TVs and devices such as Roku. In contrast, VPN services do not work on such devices.
Smart DNS works on all Internet-enabled devices
Internet users can therefore use Smart DNS services on all Internet-enabled devices, whether it is an Xbox, Playstation, Smart TV, computer or mobile device. The service does nothing more than modify the DNS in the Internet router so that access to blocked websites is no longer a problem. Alternatively, the customer can also manually adjust the DNS IP address on each individual device if only this device is to be used to activate blocked services. Once the associated software has been downloaded and configured on the router, all Internet-enabled devices on the network can enjoy the benefits of the service. Previously blocked websites and services can now also be accessed with Smart TV, Apple TV, laptops, Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, for example. It is even possible to use the Smart DNS service with multiple devices simultaneously if necessary.
Smart DNS is the best and fastest option for all users who only want to activate blocked websites to consume movies, TV shows or music. The service is easy to use and configure and is compatible with many different countries and regions. All you have to do is press a few buttons and then restart the router to change the location for a service like Netflix from the US to the UK. Even Internet users who travel a lot and are therefore often on the move will quickly learn to appreciate the Smart DNS service. They no longer have to give up their favourite series just because they can’t get access abroad, but can use all websites in other countries as they are used to from their home country. Smart DNS also offers its users the possibility to watch the series and movies in full size on the TV screen. The image quality is much better than most mobile Internet devices.
These websites can be activated with Smart DNS
Netflix, Hulu, Hulu Plus, ABC, Channel 5, BBC, Amazon Video, Bravo, Now TV, Comedy Central and LoveFilm are just some of the services and websites that can be easily unlocked using Smart DNS. All you have to do is create an account with a Smart DNS service. This gives you all the information and data you need to manipulate the DNS. Subsequently, the operators of the blocked websites can be put into the belief that they are actually in one of the countries in which access to the service is permitted.
Register for a Smart DNS service – it’s that simple
It is no problem at all to log on to a Smart DNS service. All you have to do is find a suitable provider, authorize the customer’s IP address and then adjust the IP addresses of all the necessary devices. As a Smart DNS user you can still use local services. By comparison, VPN users often have problems accessing local websites because all homepage operators are faked to have a different location. With Smart DNS, only the respective blocked services are affected by the change. Internet users who choose Smart DNS can easily change their geographic location and use previously blocked websites from multiple devices simultaneously.
What are the differences between DNS and VPN?
Compared to VPN, Smart DNS has several advantages. Unlocking websites and services is faster and easier. Therefore, Smart DNS is definitely the best way if an Internet user only wants to unlock blocked web content such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer or Netflix. The biggest difference between VPN and Smart DNS is that Smart DNS intervenes only slightly in data traffic. Only a small manipulation is carried out so that the exact geographical position of the user can be changed. VPN, on the other hand, uses a securely encrypted tunnel that replaces the original IP address of the Internet user with a new address. It receives this IP address from the VPN server to which it connects. The origin of the IP address therefore depends on the country in which the VPN server is located.
Similar to Smart DNS services, the operator of the blocked website is deceived because he assumes that the user is in a country from which access is easily possible. However, since all data traffic must be redirected and encrypted with VPN, unlocking is often accompanied by a considerable reduction in the speed of the Internet connection. This is not the case with Smart DNS, so this is the better alternative for watching music and movies over the Internet without interruptions.
Smart DNS offers these advantages
A major advantage of Smart DNS is that the speed is not reduced in contrast to VPN services. The streaming of videos, music, games and other web content is realized in the usual bandwidth. Full-size movies can be played on any device, including large-screen televisions. Smart DNS therefore makes it possible to enjoy filming in high quality. The Smart DNS service can remain active without slowing down the speed of surfing. The situation is different with VPN: Here you can clearly feel whether you are connected to a VPN server or not, because with an active VPN connection there is always a loss of speed. Therefore it makes sense to switch off the VPN service as soon as it is not absolutely necessary.
If the Smart DNS service is configured directly on the router, all devices on the network can also access the blocked websites. This applies equally to smartphones, Apple TV, tablets and receivers. Unfortunately, this is not the case with VPN services. Especially on Smart TVs VPN is usually not supported. If you still want to use VPN on different devices, you will have to buy additional hardware that was developed especially for this purpose.
Another good idea: The combination of VPN and Smart DNS
There are packages that combine Smart DNS and VPN. Customers can only benefit from such offers because they get the best out of both services. If the user only wishes to activate websites, he uses the Smart DNS service without having to live with speed losses when surfing. However, as soon as he longs for more anonymity and security on the World Wide Web, he simply uses the VPN service, which offers him the desired protection against data thieves and hackers through encryption and anonymization.
There are many reasons to use Smart DNS
As described above, Smart DNS is perfect for unlocking websites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer or Hulu. When using the streaming services, there is no reduction in Internet speed if they are enabled with Smart DNS. However, there is also a disadvantage, especially for users of Smart DNS services, which come from countries where many websites are restricted and blocked. ISP is able to record the pages visited and can therefore also inform the respective authorities.
Here you are on the secure side with VPN, because while Smart DNS offers no encryption or anonymity, VPN users enjoy full security. Since the connection is completely closed off via a VPN tunnel and the user also receives an IP address from another country, the ISP cannot record website visits and inform authorities about them. In the countries concerned, the use of Smart DNS therefore represents a greater risk than the use of VPN services.
Unlocator Review:
The SmartDNS service called Unlocator is operated by Linkwork ApS. This is a Danish IT company based in Copenhagen. The official launch of the Unlocator service was in 2013 and shortly afterwards Unlocator became one of the most popular SmartDNS services.
Unlocator customers have the ability to unblock a variety of websites that are normally inaccessible from certain countries due to geo-blocks. This allows German Internet users to use US online streams, for example, or to access German video-on-demand offers abroad. Both would not be possible without SmartDNS or only through longer detours.
What exactly is Smart DNS?
A SmartDNS service can overcome the annoying geo-blockades by redirecting part of the data traffic, more precisely the DNS query, via a foreign DNS server. Thus, an Internet user receives an IP address from the country in which the server is located.
For example, if a user wants to use the US streaming service Netflix, the SmartDNS service redirects the DNS query via a US server so that it is assigned a new US IP address. Now the operators of Netflix assume it is a US Internet user and see no more reasons for a geo-blockade. Unlocator customers can unlock not only Netflix, but many other online streams.
Countries with Unlocator servers
Unlocator Prices
A monthly subscription is available at Unlocator for $4.95, which is similar to what most competitors charge for the service. However, you can also save money if you take out a long-term subscription. With the six-month package you pay seven percent less, while with the annual subscription you can even save 16 percent of the price. There are no differences between the individual packages in the functions and services provided. All subscriptions can be cancelled at any time.
Payment methods
Compared to other providers, the selection of payment methods at Unlocator is rather limited. Only PayPal and various credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are offered. Unfortunately, this also means that there is no anonymous payment option available.
On the positive side, Unlocator offers the opportunity to test the service free of charge for seven days. The trial version is not tied to obligations, so after one week you can decide for yourself whether you want to take out a paid subscription.
TV channels
Unlocator is one of the SmartDNS services that can already unlock nearly 150 streams and websites from around the world. New channels are added regularly. Currently, Unlocator customers have the ability to unlock via SmartDNS Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, NFL GamePass, Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, Zattoo, ITV Player, WWE Network and 4oD.
Operating Systems and Setup
SmartDNS is easy to set up and can be used with all Internet-enabled devices. Most modern devices such as computers running Windows, Linux and Mac OS X, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and game consoles are supported directly. It is also possible to configure the SmartDNS service in your router. This means that any device on the network is able to use the SmartDNS service.
Unlocator offers its customers assistance in setting up SmartDNS on the various devices, which is available in the form of detailed instructions on the website:
Windows 8: https://support.unlocator.com/customer/portal/articles/1094565-how-to-setup-windows-8
Belkin Router: https://support.unlocator.com/customer/portal/articles/1161161-how-to-setup-belkin-router
Playstation 4: https://support.unlocator.com/customer/portal/articles/1384712-how-to-set-up-playstation-4
Wii U: https://support.unlocator.com/customer/portal/articles/1094574-how-to-setup-wii-u
Setup Help Tutorials
If you have major problems with the setup that are not solved in the corresponding tutorial or elsewhere in the informative knowledgebase, you can also contact the Unlocator service team directly. There are several ways to contact us. For example, customers can write an e-mail or ask a question via social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. You can also contact the team via Skype or Live Chat. In addition, support via telephone hotline is even offered, which is a rarity compared to other SmartDNS services.
Smart DNS Proxy Review:
SmartDNS Proxy is a very young service company that only offers a SmartDNS service and does not provide any additional functions such as VPN. The service was launched by Global Stealth Inc. and quickly established itself as one of the most popular SmartDNS services worldwide. More than 90 different online streams can now be unlocked thanks to SmartDNS Proxy. The service stands out above all also by its fair price structuring from competitors, because with conclusion of the two-year subscription Internet users find here the most favorable prices for SmartDNS.
Advantages of SmartDNS Proxy
The SmartDNS Proxy service offers all kinds of advantages. For example, any number of devices can use the SmartDNS service simultaneously as long as the connection is established from the same network. Furthermore, the bandwidth is not limited, so that a very fast Internet connection is provided during streaming. The achievable connection speeds are significantly higher than when using a VPN. This means that even the transmission of HD videos runs without annoying dropouts. No additional software is required to set up SmartDNS Proxy, so configuration is very straightforward. In addition, the service operates worldwide and is completely secure.
Prices at SmartDNS Proxy
In principle, only a SmartDNS tariff is offered, but it can be concluded in different durations. The monthly amount to be paid depends on the term you choose. The longer the contract period, the cheaper the monthly fee will be. For example, you pay 4.90 US dollars for a monthly term, while you only have to pay 4.30 US dollars for a six-month term.
It becomes even cheaper with a one-year contract: Then the monthly costs amount to only 2.91 US dollars per month. A special feature that sets SmartDNS Proxy apart from other services of this type is that it can run for two years. If you choose, you get the SmartDNS rate at an unbeatable price of $2.08 per month.
payment methods
The monthly costs can be paid either by credit card or PayPal. For all tariffs there is a fortnightly test version, which can be used free of charge. The free trial version is not bound to any obligations and can be terminated at any time. In addition, a 30-day money-back guarantee is offered, which provides additional security for new customers.
Streaming services and TV channels
The still very young SmartDNS service already supports more than 90 popular streaming services, which can be easily shared with the service. New online streams affected by the geo-blockade are constantly being added. SmartDNS Proxy unlocks not only video-on-demand offerings, but also popular music streaming services. For example, Pandora, NBC, ABC, Hulu, US-Netflix and UK-Netflix, Turntable, Rdio, MOG, Sony Music Unlimited, Oprah, Amazon Prime Instant Video and many other streaming services are supported.
Operating Systems and Setup
According to the operator, SmartDNS Proxy can be set up on any Internet-enabled device. This applies to computers running Windows, Linux, Mac OS as well as smartphones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and routers. The configuration of SmartDNS Proxy is easy to manage without technical know-how.
For this purpose, the service at the URL https://www.smartdnsproxy.com/setup offers step-by-step tutorials for numerous devices, which help to configure the respective device correctly. This page also explains how to set up your router so that all Internet-enabled devices on the network can immediately have full access to all online streams without any further settings.
Support
If you have general questions or problems concerning SmartDNS, you can use the support pages of SmartDNS Proxy. There you will find a lot of information about setting up the service in the knowledgebase, but also many other useful hints.
If the knowledgebase is not sufficient to solve the problem, you can contact the support team directly. For this purpose, online support via e-mail is offered around the clock. However, knowledge of English is absolutely necessary for this, as all communication takes place exclusively in English.
CactusVPN Smart DNS Review:
As the name suggests, the provider CactusVPN provides not only SmartDNS services, but also VPN services. So far CactusVPN is a rather small provider in this sector, which differs from competitors by an interesting pricing and a free trial account.
CactusVPN SmartDNS Prices
If you are interested in the SmartDNS service of CactusVPN, you can choose between two packages. On the one hand, a pure SmartDNS package is offered. This rate, which does not include VPN access, costs $4.99 per month. It is advisable to conclude the contract for a longer period of time in order to save money, as you only pay USD 3.25 per month if you sign an annual contract, for example.
However, the operators of CactusVPN recommend the double package of VPN and SmartDNS to their customers. For $6.99 per month you get full access to the VPN and SmartDNS services. If you immediately decide on a longer contract, the monthly price is correspondingly lower: For a one-year term, for example, it costs only USD 4.58 per month. Although almost all SmartDNS providers offer such discounts for longer periods, the savings with CactusVPN are particularly large.
Payment Methods
Payment options include PayPal, credit card, Alipay, Webmoney, Boleto Bancario, Qiwi, Yandex Money and debit card, providing a convenient payment method for every customer. CactusVPN also offers a money-back guarantee, which is granted for a period of 30 days.
But be careful, because you only get your money back if the service does not work, for example if the streaming services do not work properly and the malfunction is caused by CactusVPN.
If the customer is dissatisfied, the money will not be refunded. Interested parties should therefore use the trial account that is offered additionally. For this trial version, which is available for more than 24 hours, you don’t even have to enter your credit card information, as is usual with many other providers.
Streaming services and TV channels
A variety of streaming services are already supported by CactusVPN SmartDNS. These include, for example, Hulu, Pandora, BBC, Netflix and iTV as well as many other websites that are normally closed to users who are not located in the United States, the United Kingdom or Poland.
Operating Systems and Setup
CactusVPN’s SmartDNS service gives many different devices access to blocked streaming services. For example, AppleTV, PlayStation 3, Windows 8, iPhones and XBOX are supported. At the following addresses you will find tutorials that will help you to set up the system on the respective devices:
AppleTV: https://www.cactusvpn.com/setup/apple-tv-smart-dns-setup-tutorial
XBOX: https://www.cactusvpn.com/setup/xbox-smart-dns-setup-tutorial/
iPhone and iPod: https://www.cactusvpn.com/setup/iphone-ipod-smart-dns-setup-tutorial/
Windows 8: https://www.cactusvpn.com/setup/windows-8-smart-dns-setup-tutorial/
PlayStation 3: https://www.cactusvpn.com/setup/play-station-3-smart-dns-setup-tutorial/
In principle, however, the SmartDNS service can be used on all devices. To do this, simply set up the DNS server in the router settings so that any device connecting through this router can access the streaming services that are normally blocked.
Support
CactusVPN’s friendly customer service team is always happy to help with setting up the SmartDNS and VPN services and with any other individual questions and problems that cannot be solved using the support pages provided. A contact form is available for this purpose. However, support can only be contacted in English.
SmartyDNS Review:
SmartyDNS is a relatively new SmartDNS service that was not launched until 2013. The company’s primary goal is to provide a SmartDNS service that can be used to share media content that is blocked to a large number of Internet users due to geo-blocking.
Currently only services located in the UK, the United States and Poland are supported. In the future, however, more DNS servers will be added so that the online streams can also be unblocked in other areas. DNS works in a similar way to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which they also provide now. This means that the SmartDNS service hides the actual location of an Internet user by redirecting DNS requests through a DNS server located exactly where the respective online services are shared. The operators of the respective service assume that the Internet user is also in a region in which the stream may be shown, as a result of which the geo-blockade no longer applies.
SmartyDNS Prices
SmartyDNS offers a one-month subscription that costs only $6.95 per month. However, it is also possible to conclude the contract over a longer period of time in order to receive a discount on the monthly fee. With a 3-month term, for example, you pay only USD 16.95 (Save 19%) and with an annual contract only USD 49.95 (Save 40%).
Payment options and guarantee
The SmartyDNS service accepts various payment methods. Customers can choose whether they want to pay via PayPal, Web Money, Alipay or Qiwi. Payment by credit card is also possible and Visa, American Express and MasterCard are accepted. Unfortunately, no anonymous payment method such as Bitcoin is yet offered. SmartyDNS offers a free trial account, which allows interested parties to put the SmartyDNS service through its paces before they take out a paid subscription.
Access is limited to 14 days and is not subject to any special conditions or obligations. Many competing providers also require a credit card for a test account, which is not the case with SmartyDNS. Additional security is provided by the 30-day money-back guarantee. If, despite extensive testing, you only realize after signing a contract that the service does not meet your expectations, you can cancel within 30 days and get your money back in full.
Streaming services and TV channels
Currently, many streaming services are already supported by SmartyDNS, so that they can be activated using the service. These include Netflix US, Hulu, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime Instant Video, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, HBO Go, Pandora, ESPN Player, Fox Soccer 2Go and WWE Network. In addition, the SmartyDNS team is constantly working to ensure that many more streaming services can be unlocked in the future.
Operating Systems and Setup
SmartyDNS SmartDNS service can be easily set up on all devices that are Internet-enabled. This applies, for example, to computers running Windows, Linux or Mac OS. But smartphones with Android, iOS and Windows are also supported. In addition, SmartDNS technology can also be easily installed on current game consoles such as the Playstation and the XBOX. There are some useful tutorials on the website of the operators of SmartyDNS, which explain in detail how exactly the setup should be done on the respective devices:
Windows 8: https://www.smartydns.com/support/setup/smart-dns-windows-8/
Mac OS X: https://www.smartydns.com/support/setup/smart-dns-mac-os/
AppleTV: https://www.smartydns.com/support/setup/smart-dns-apple-tv/
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Android: https://www.smartydns.com/support/setup/smart-dns-android/
Support
If you have questions or problems, no matter if they concern the setup or another topic around SmartDNS, you can contact the support team directly, if the SmartyDNS knowledgebase does not help. Contact can be made via support ticket, e-mail or live chat on working hours.
Support
The tutorials are also available as part of the six-hour trial version. Registered customers also benefit from friendly customer support. Contact can be established via live chat on the website, for example. Customers receive immediate answers to their questions from an experienced member of the team who will be happy to help with technical and general questions. The so-called Help Center on the InvisibleBrowsing website contains tutorials, answers to the most frequently asked questions, a support ticket system and numerous e-mail addresses that can also be used to contact us.