Grab your popcorn! We’re about to discuss streaming.

In this article, we will debate a hot topic that will clear things up – the differences between the Smart DNS and the VPN technologies.

Before starting to talk about Smart DNS vs. VPN, we feel the need to make sure you won’t make confusions between DNS and Smart DNS. So, let’s pretend we’re still in school and start with some basic definitions:

Here we go:

DNS (Domain Name System) is the way that Internet domain names are located and translated into IP addresses. The list of domain names and IP addresses are distributed through the Internet in a hierarchy of authority. A DNS server is located close to your access provider that maps the domain names in your Internet requests or forwards them to other servers on the Internet.

Smart DNS term is used by companies to describe a DNS server which directs users to a proxy server for an unknown list of websites and services. In most cases, users pay a fee to use the DNS server, advertised by companies as Smart DNS and they get access to websites and services that are usually geo-restricted and content is not available to be streamed or downloaded.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks, like WiFi Hotspots and the Internet. Users, set up a private VPN service, also known as a VPN tunnel, to protect their online activity and identity. By using an anonymous VPN service the Internet traffic and data remain encrypted.

Smart DNS vs. VPN

Compared to a VPN (Virtual Private Network), the Smart DNS does not provide encrypted connections, and it does not change the IP address of the device in use. Instead, it changes the device’s DNS providing access to blocked content.

Because the Smart DNS does not encrypt data, the connection between website and computer is much faster than the connection established through a VPN tunnel. A Smart DNS cannot be used for security and privacy reasons. For additional security and encryption, VPN services should be used.

Let’s take a closer look at all the aspects of the two technologies.

The VPN technology explained from scratch.

In an era where we are confronting lots of threats, the VPN technology came as an answer to people’s request to protect their online confidentiality and privacy.

A VPN service contributes to users’ internet connectivity, by redirecting all the web traffic through an encrypted tunnel.

The VPN encryption level is almost unbreakable, and even if your ISP might recognize that you’re using a VPN, it won’t be able to track your final destination on the web.

A VPN will come in handy not only when you want to encrypt your traffic but, for example, when you try to bypass restrictions and access geo-blocked content. By connecting to a VPN server, all your favorite social media websites, streaming websites or a brand-new IP are just a click away.

A VPN can be manually set up on different operating systems, routers, Smart TVs, and even on gaming consoles.

There are lots of VPN providers that provide customers with apps compatible with different devices and operating systems.

For a fast and easy understanding of how the VPN work, take a look at the picture below:

To sum things up, we can conclude that a VPN is a secure and easy-to-use solution that allows you to send and receive data via the internet while maintaining the confidentiality of your data because your traffic is encrypted. We can say that this is the most important advantage a VPN service brings, but if you’re curious to find out more details, check this out.

The Smart DNS Technology explained from scratch.

If you’re into streaming content and chill, then you probably know that some online streaming websites can be geo-blocked. For example, Streaming Netflix US is possible only from the US or BBC iPlayer can be accessed only from the UK. Also, these streaming websites can have completely different content based on the country you’re accessing them from.

This specific technique is called regional locking and is a huge problem for those who like to stream.

Compared to a VPN service, the Smart DNS technology doesn’t encrypt or hide your IP address.

However, the technology allows you to trick websites into seeing your location as an eligible one and, in this way, you’re able to bypass the regional restrictions.

Who’s winning the VPN vs. Smart DNS fight?

If we’re talking about regional restrictions applied to online streaming websites, the best option for you will always be Smart DNS. Compared to a VPN service, the Smart DNS will not affect your internet speed. Why? Because the Smart DNS will re-route or redirect only certain portions of your web traffic through the DNS servers, while the VPN will mask and encrypt all your traffic, due to security reasons.

So if your online purpose is to unblock geo-restricted streaming/social media websites, the best option for you is the Smart DNS.

When it comes to online security, encryption, and online freedom, the winner will always be the VPN.

ibVPN’s Smart DNS.

The past years at ibVPN were dedicated to developing the best solutions to help our customers gain (or regain) their online privacy and freedom.

Our over 500000+ satisfied customers are recommending us both for our VPN and Smart DNS services.

The VPN service we provide grants you access to super-useful features like Fastest Server, KillSwitch, hype protocols (Stealth VPN, SSTP, PPTP, etc.), lots of regular servers or Double VPN servers. Plus, we provide apps compatible with multiple operating systems.

Our VPN client for Windows known by our customers as the All-In-One Windows app comes with the Smart DNS option incorporated. Activating ibDNS (this is how we call it) is super easy and is done with just a simple click.

Let’s throw an eye on the image below:

As you can see we are not bragging. Activating ibDNS is super easy.

Note: As soon as the Smart DNS is ON, the VPN will be switched OFF, and your traffic will no longer be encrypted.

Our lite ibDNS app for iOS.

For those of you who like streaming directly from your phone or tablet, we have great news. We provide our customers with an easy-to-use and to configure app compatible with iOS.

As you can see below, after getting your app from App Store, you will have to configure it by following few easy steps described within the app.

We have an impressive “collection” of tutorials on our knowledgebase. So, if you’re curious to see how you can manually set up ibDNS on your Mac, check this out.

How can you have access to our ibDNS servers?

The things are pretty clear now. If you want to test our Smart DNS service, you can always sign up for a free trial – no credit card required.

The VPN free trial features our fully featured Ultimate VPN plan which grants you access to our Smart DNS servers too.

Test ibVPN

After the trial expires, if you want to keep enjoying our Smart DNS service, you can go premium and choose between Ultimate VPN or ibDNS plans.

Ultimate VPN plan grants you access to all of our VPN and DNS servers, while the ibDNS plan is specially created for those of you who love streaming. This plan grants you access only to Smart DNS servers and allows you to unblock 300+ channels.

Go Premium!

Want to try something else?

If you’re the curious kind of person and want to try something else, here’s what you should look after while choosing your future VPN / Smart DNS provider:

Free Trial. Before paying for a service, make sure it allows you to test if first. In this way, you can make sure that you’re about to make a good investment.

Privacy policy. Choose a provider with visible and transparent privacy policy.

Jurisdiction. Choose a company that operates under a reputable jurisdiction.

A stable infrastructure. In other words, your Internet should not become slow or unstable.

Great customer support. From time to time all of us need help. Keep in mind that your future provider should and must offer you great customer support and allows you to get in touch via multiple channels like e-mail, live chat or support ticket systems.

When it comes to choosing a provider for its VPN services the criteria are the same. You can check out the proper guidelines for selecting a VPN service here.

Conclusion.

Now that we know the differences between Smart DNS and VPN, we must highlight the conclusions.

A VPN service is a perfect solution for those who want to encrypt their traffic and to surf the web securely. Also, a VPN changes your IP address, while maintaining the confidentiality of your data.

Meanwhile, a Smart DNS solution allows you to bypass the regional restrictions and to unblock your favorite media content.

The Smart DNS does not encrypt your traffic, and your whole online activity is exposed.