SmartDNS vs VPN – What’s the Difference?

If you are not living under the rock for past few years, chances are you already knowwhat VPN is. But chances are this is the first time you have heard about SmartDNS and wondering how is it different from a VPN. Well, in this quick guide, Iwill give you a clear idea about SmartDNS and how it differs from a VPN aka Virtual Private network.

How VPN and SmartDNS work?

In Usual Internet connection

Say you’re in India and you want to access Netflix. So open up a browser and type netflix.com,In a regular internet connection (with no VPN or proxy setup) it would redirect you to your regional catalog which in this case is Netflix India.

But say I wanted to watch the catalog from Netflix US.Well, the first thing I’d think of is using VPN to overcome Geo-restrictions.

VPNs and SmartDNS: What’s the real difference?

With a VPN Connection

So, to watch Netflix US, I’d use a US based VPN. And this, for the most part, works and is bog standard.

But, because you’re using a VPN all of your data is encrypted making your streaming real slow

So a VPN is not the ideal choice whilst streaming videos

With a SmartDNS Connection

When it comes to unblocking geo-restriction on videos sites like Netflix, HBO NOW etc, Smart DNS is the better option. Why? Well, unlike a VPN, SmartDNSdon’t change my IP addressorencrypt the data. So every connection that you make is high speed just like a regular connection.

The way SmartDNS works is, well, really smart. While you are doing a normal browsing, it doesn’t interfere with your connection. But when you make a connection to video streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon prime video etc. SmartDNSwill change the DNS server from your country to the US. So instead of using DNS server provided by your ISP, it would redirect the case specific website to the DNS server in the US. And since Netflix (or any Geo block website) see the traffic coming from US DNS server, they think you are based in the US and thus let you bypass the Geo restrictions without slowing the stream down, unlike a VPN.

Smart DNS is similar to something like switching the license plate on a car.The car is still in India but Smart DNS will change its license plate to the US and when Netflix US sees this it would think of it like any other.

SmartDNS vs VPN – The difference

If you’re using aVPNit wouldchange your IP addressand push all the traffic through anencrypted tunnel. This encryptionprovides privacy and security. But since all the traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel yourvideo streaming would be slower. Not to forget that VPN’s are abit expensiveand ratherhard to setupon routers and media streaming devices like PS4, Apple TV

Smart DNS, on the other hand,doesn’t change your IP addressorneither does it encryptyour traffic. Now, since there is no encryption, you alsodon’t get any privacy or securitybenefits but on a flip side yourvideo streaming will be a lot fasterand it’s cheaper to set up on every device including routers and media streaming devices.

VPN or SmartDNS – Which’s one better?

Well, that isn’t the right question, it would rather be which one’s better for what situation. If you need privacy and security then go with a VPN, but if you are using VPN mainly to overcome geo-restriction on video sites then go with a SmartDNS.

Imagine I’m at an airport and using the free Wi-Fi. then it would be more secure and private to use a VPN for browsing, but if I wanna kick back and stream some HBO/Netflix outside my country Smart DNS would be a safer bet.

Which SmartDNS or VPN should I go for?

There are lot of things to consider before picking up a VPN or SmartDNS, like – where are server located, their privacy policy, do they keep log of your data etc etc. We have adetailed guide on selecting a good VPNhere, but in general, I suggestTunnelBearfor VPN andSmartDNSProxyfor SmartDNS. The former one give 500 MB of free data every month and then it’s $10 per month, while Smart DNS Proxy comes with 14 free trials and after which it’s $5 per month.I use both of this service and so far I’m a satisfied customer.

I use both of this service and so far I’m a satisfied customer.

Here is a quickvideoon VPNs and SmartDNS: What’s the real difference?

Mrinal Saha

Mrinal is a tech geek who spends half of his day reading and writing about tech. While the nights are spent on shooting or editing YouTube videos. Feel free to geek out with him on-

SmartDNS vs VPN – What’s the Difference?