Most proxy services let you use a free trial without giving your credit card details first. Some are free but may have limited functionality and support ads. However, using a full-featured VPN is better because it offers better security and privacy. I tested 30+ VPNs and picked the best alternatives for Smart DNS Proxy. ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation because of its excellent unblocking abilities and its in-built smart DNS feature. You can buy ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Access geo-blocked content with ExpressVPN
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Smart DNS Proxy and VPN Review
400+ servers can access over 120+ channels across the globe no data caps for unlimited streaming VPN available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android supports unlimited device connections live chat support and an online knowledge base
I suggest pairing this proxy service with its in-built VPN to encrypt your internet traffic. In my tests, Smart DNS Proxy’s VPN slowed down my connection by up to 50% on a distant server in Japan. As a result, I had multiple instances of buffering while watching Rick and Morty on Netflix. In contrast, a standalone premium VPN didn’t give me such speed drops. Smart DNS Proxy has servers in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. You’ll have to manually change the server if you’re using the proxy service, but it’s much easier with its VPN. I noticed that the Android app had more server locations than the Windows app. While its proxy service doesn’t include any privacy and security features, the VPN comes with:
Kill switch — disconnects you from the internet if the VPN server becomes unsteady to prevent your IP address from being exposed. Leak protection — prevents your internet from leaking past the encrypted tunnel to maintain complete privacy while browsing the web.
You can use Smart DNS Proxy’s VPN on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It supports 5 simultaneous device connections. The proxy works on smart TVs, consoles, routers, and some media boxes. I found setting up the proxy a bit tedious but you can consult the detailed setup guides on the website.
Free Trial Usage Limitations
I signed up for the free trial and the first thing I noticed was that you can use most of the DNS proxy addresses, but Netflix access was only reserved for paid users. The free trial also gives you access to Smart DNS Proxy’s VPN service. It has 3 secure protocols — OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP, so you can choose the one that provides the best streaming quality.
The Best VPN Alternatives to Smart DNS Proxy
1. Express VPN — Fastest VPN With Excellent Security and an In-Built DNS Proxy Function
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the most well-rounded option for streaming restricted content. It provides ultra-fast speeds for lag-free streaming and has an extensive network of servers capable of accessing nearly any geo-blocked platform from anywhere. It also has advanced security features to ensure your streaming data remains completely anonymous. In my tests, ExpressVPN gave me speeds of 97Mbps on a nearby US server. This figure dropped to 94Mbps on a distant server in Singapore. Compared to Smart DNS Proxy, which reduced my speeds by almost 50%, ExpressVPN did so by just 6%. I streamed The Irishman on my Netflix on 3 different devices simultaneously without buffering. Unlike Smart DNS Proxy’s limited network, ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 94 countries. It continuously replaces blacklisted IP addresses with new ones to keep up with geo-blocks on multiple platforms. As a result, it can access region-locked content on streaming sites, such as: A proxy doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic, which means whatever you stream online will be visible to third parties. While Smart DNS Proxy’s VPN solves that problem, it keeps some of your data logs. In contrast, ExpressVPN includes state-of-the-art security and privacy features like:
Military-grade encryption — encrypts your data with a 256-bit cipher, which is also used by many government agencies to hide confidential data. Kill switch — cuts your device’s internet connectivity if the VPN connection is lost for some unforeseen reason, though none of the servers I tested got unstable. TrustedServer technology — uses RAM-only servers that are incapable of storing your data to ensure complete privacy. No-logs policy — ensures your data isn’t accessible to anyone even if requested by authorities.
The MediaStreamer feature lets you use the VPN on devices that don’t support its native apps like smart TVs and PS4. It’s a DNS service that spoofs your location just like Smart DNS Proxy. Note that it isn’t a VPN and won’t encrypt your data. You can use ExpressVPN on 5 devices at a time. All its apps were easy to use with a smart location button that connects you to the fastest server from your location. One small issue with ExpressVPN is that it’s slightly more expensive than Smart DNS Proxy and other VPNs. However, it’s worth the investment because it works as both a proxy and a VPN. ExpressVPN also provides the best speeds with its proprietary Lightway protocol. You can get ExpressVPN at a reduced monthly price of $6.67 with its 1-year plan. Although it doesn’t offer a free trial like Smart DNS Proxy, you can buy ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested its refund guarantee firsthand. The live chat agent immediately approved my refund request, and I got my money back after 4 days. Try ExpressVPN risk-free
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers Deliver Fast Speeds for Lag-Free Streaming
Key Features: CyberGhost’s optimized servers can seamlessly access geo-restricted sites. These special streaming servers are specifically designed to get past geo-blocks and provide fast speeds for lag-free streaming. You’ll find multiple US servers optimized for various streaming sites like Hulu, Sling TV, and Disney+ in the “For streaming tab.” I marked the Netflix US server as a favorite to make it accessible directly from the VPN main interface. I like having a range of options to switch to another connection if one server stops working. CyberGhost’s extensive roster of 9.500+ servers in 91 countries gives me that flexibility. It also means that CyberGhost is capable of unblocking nearly any geo-blocked streaming platform, such as: Besides its excellent unblocking abilities, CyberGhost offers the following security and privacy features to keep you anonymous on the web:
Military-grade encryption — encodes your internet traffic with an unhackable cipher to keep it hidden from third parties and prying eyes. Kill switch — disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection is unexpectedly lost, though none of the servers I tested got unstable in my tests. NoSpy servers — guarantee complete privacy as CyberGhost directly manages and maintains these servers in its state-of-the-art data center in Romania. 100% leak-proof — prevents DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks to hide your internet activities and real IP address.
One small issue with CyberGhost is that it only supports Smart DNS locations in the US, UK, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, you can set up CyberGhost on your router instead. This will encrypt all devices connected to the WiFi without using up your 7-device limit. To get the best deal, I recommend CyberGhost’s 2-year + 3 months plan. It offers a 84% discount and a monthly price of just $2.11. You can try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days with its money-back guarantee and claim a refund if you’re unsatisfied. I got my refund 5 days after submitting my request to the live chat agent, which took less than 2 minutes to get approved. Try CyberGhost risk-free
3. Private Internet Access — Extensive Server Network With an In-Built Smart DNS Function
Key Features: PIA’s 35,000+ servers in 84 countries make it excellent for unblocking content. While other VPNs have 100 servers per country on average, PIA has 400. As a result, it can bypass geo-blocks to access region-locked content. I could access all my US streaming accounts with PIA, including: I tested 40+ servers in the US, UK, Turkey, and Japan and got average speeds of 82Mbps. That’s not bad for streaming UHD content on multiple devices at once. PIA’s proprietary Next Gen network provides fast and reliable connections with low-latency network routes and optimized server configurations. I streamed Game of Thrones in HD on HBO Max and didn’t get a single instance of buffering. Like the other contenders on this list, PIA offers Smart DNS functionality. You can add a new device from the dropdown menu, including Apple TV, Chromebook, Chromecast, PlayStation, and more. It can protect up to Unlimited devices, which is enough for a single user. I really liked that I could sort servers by latency and find the fastest one. Throughout my tests, PIA kept my data from leaking outside the encrypted tunnel and passed my comprehensive leak tests. Besides that, it offers top-shelf security and privacy features like:
Kill switch — prevents accidental data leaks by disconnecting you from the internet if the VPN connection is lost for any reason. Military-grade encryption — uses a state-of-the-art cipher to encrypt your data, making it nearly impossible for anyone to know what you’re doing online.
A small issue with PIA is that it’s located in the US, a core member of the 5 Eyes alliance of surveil countries. However, I was reassured to learn that PIA uses RAM-only servers like ExpressVPN and has a verified no-logs policy. In the event that authorities request PIA your data, it won’t have anything to hand over. You can get PIA at a discounted price of just $2.11 per month with its 2-year + 3 months plan. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it risk-free before committing. If you change your mind, simply ask for a refund via the live chat. The agent asked me the reason for the cancelation and processed my request — the money came into my account after a week. Try PIA risk-free
4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans
Key Features: NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly. I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it worked and unblocked some streaming services, it sometimes had issues unblocking Netflix US and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:
AES 256-bit encryptionkill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenlybuilt-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blockerfully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN
In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server. With plans that cost as little as $3.49 per month, it’s easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days. Get NordVPN today NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV
5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds
Key Features: Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out. I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality. When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised. Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:
AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android usersWireguard VPN protocol enabled by defaultdiskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)IP and DNS leak protection
Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account. While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming Netflix in UHD, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet. You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $2.39. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!). Get Surfshark today Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers Access blocked content with ExpressVPN However, Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic as a VPN does. Therefore, third parties like ISPs or government agencies can intercept or monitor your data. From a security standpoint, a VPN is much better as it hides your online activities from everyone, especially hackers. The Smart DNS proxy intercepts this request and changes the DNS server used to resolve the domain name so that the request is redirected to a different server. This server then retrieves the requested content and sends it back to your device, allowing you to access geo-restricted content that would normally be unavailable due to your physical location. In contrast, using a reliable VPN like those on this list is better for your security. Unlike a proxy, it encrypts your data to hide it from third parties. Although a VPN typically reduces your speeds, a top option like ExpressVPN won’t give you such problems.
Try Smart DNS With a 14-Day Free Trial Today!
Overall, Smart DNS Proxy is good for accessing geo-blocked content from anywhere. The 14-day free trial lets you use both the proxy and the VPN service, but you can’t access Netflix unless you upgrade to the paid plan. Smart DNS VPN service isn’t as good as the standalone VPNs on my list. Therefore, it’s better to use a top VPN with an in-built Smart DNS proxy function. After thoroughly testing 30+ renowned VPNs, I picked the best ones that offer excellent performance and security. ExpressVPN is the best alternative to Smart DNS Proxy as it has excellent unblocking capabilities and delivers ultra-fast speeds for streaming while maintaining your online privacy. You can buy ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee — if you think it’s not right for you, you can get a refund.
