Is there a difference between a VPN and a Smart DNS?

Yes! A VPN assigns you an anonymous IP address on one of its numerous servers and encrypts your data traffic so that third parties and ISPs cannot monitor or trace your activities online. In contrast, Smart DNS only deceives a website or streaming service into believing that your DNS queries come from a region eligible to access geo-blocked content.

Is there a difference between a VPN and a proxy server?

Yes, the difference between a VPN and a proxy server is that while a VPN encrypts users' data and ensures they remain anonymous, a proxy server only assigns anonymous IP addresses to users and allows them access to geo-blocked content.

Which service is the best? VPN, Smart DNS, or proxy server?

When you consider each service's performance, security measures, internet speed, and unblocking ability, a VPN has the winning edge.

A VPN, also a virtual private network, is a tool that hides your internet traffic on public networks to protect your online identity and data and conceal your IP address.

Smart DNS is a technology that uses a domain name system (DNS) to unblock geo-restricted streaming services or websites.

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server is a technology that acts as an intermediary between clients and a server. It transmits a client's request and sends the server's response.

Proxy vs. Smart DNS vs. VPN: The Major Differences

Raji Oluwaniyi - Tech Expert

Last updated: November 17, 2023

Read time: 18 minutes

This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.

Read this comparison of a VPN vs proxy vs Smart DNS to learn the differences between them and determine which is best for you.

Sneak peek at VPN vs. Smart DNS vs. Proxy

Three powerful tools stand out in the digital realm of online privacy and unrestricted web access: VPN, Proxy, and Smart DNS. But what sets them apart? Although all three services have the same goal of enabling users to access blocked content worldwide, their methods vary greatly. Using one service over another may be preferable based on your privacy, security, and streaming speed requirements. We delve into their fundamental differences, uncovering the distinct purposes and functionalities they serve, in this article.

As technology advances, governments and companies develop new strategies and devices to enforce online restriction and censorship policies. They implement these technologies to ensure internet users can view only content and websites accessible to their location. In essence, they implement these technologies to limit users’ internet freedom.

In response to these strategies, three services have maintained an unrelenting stance in providing users unrestricted access and digital privacy online. VPNs, Smart DNS, and proxy servers break the barriers of geographical restriction and ensure that users’ interactions online are safe and secure. Although these technologies offer similar services – content unblocking, privacy, and security– they also have differences.

Continue reading this article to make an informed choice on which technology to incorporate into your interactions and activities online.

What’s the difference between a VPN, Smart DNS, and a proxy server?

Consider this scenario to understand the purpose of these services and their differences. You travel to a resort in another country with your family for the summer, and you want to watch your favorite movie or the latest episode of your favorite TV show.